Everything College Hockey's NHL Draft Preview
BY Alex Berger & ARIANA OTTRANDO - June 27, 2023College hockey fans are patiently waiting for October and the beginning of the 2023-24 season, but this year's NHL Draft should make fans across the country excited. Whether your team has a future player picked or not, the draft is a great determinant of the talent choosing to play in college instead of major juniors. Current NHL stars Cale Makar, Jack Eichel, Matt Boldy, Jake Oettinger, and hundreds more were all once sitting here like these prospects, waiting for their name to be called before moving on to play college hockey.
Everything College Hockey has partnered with EliteProspects.com to bring you the top-25 college hockey prospects in this year's NHL Entry Draft. Hungry for more NHL Analysis for college hockey players and beyond? For a limited time, EP is offering a 50% membership discount to all ECH members: Use Coupon Code PUCK50 to get a 50% OFF an annual Elite Prospects Premium subscription today.
#1 - Adam Fantilli, C
Birthday/Hometown: 10/12/2004; Toronto, Ontario
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 187 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: University of Michigan; 30 G - 35 A - 65 P, +31 in 36 GP
Junior Team: Chicago Steel, USHL (2020-'22)
Future College Team: University of Michigan
Projected Draft Position: 2nd Overall
"One thing we could count on at every game in Yost this season is Adam would give us a reason to cheer. It didn’t matter if it was a goal, assist, set up, takeaway, or other display of his incredible skill set, he contributed to the talent of UMich hockey every single time he stepped on the ice. It’s been a privilege to watch him play this past season and we’d love to do it again! Obviously we’ve got our fingers crossed Chicago takes him first, he deserves it, but we’re predicting he’ll go second overall and join the Ducks in July." - Children of Yost
Analysis: If it weren't for a generational talent in this year's draft (Connor Bedard), Adam Fantilli would be the #1 overall pick in this year's class. At just 18 years old, the Michigan center has acquired more accolades than some of the best college prospects did throughout their entire careers. In his freshman year he led the NCAA in points (65), won the 2023 Hobey Baker Award, helped get Michigan to the Frozen Four, and won two gold medals with Canada (U20 WJC, IIHF World Championship).
Although Fantilli's high-end skill is on display every time he touches the puck, it's his power and speed through the neutral zone that truly elevate him and players around him. He's not afraid to throw his body around in the corners in either zone, and he's nearly untouchable in the transition game. When he doesn't have the puck he knows exactly how to find space in the offensive zone, and he's not afraid to make the extra pass when he gets it.
One of the big unknowns with Fantilli is if he will return to college hockey next season. According to NHL.com, he says he'll make that decision with whatever team drafts him. If he does choose to stay, he'd be able to develop with some other high-end talent on next year's Michigan team and have a great chance to be the first ever back-to-back Hobey Baker Award winner. Either way, he's set to continue the pipeline of college hockey talent to the NHL.
#2 - Will Smith, C
Birthday/Hometown: 03/17/2005; Lexington, Massachusetts
Height/Weight: 6'0"; 172 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U18; 51 G - 76 A - 127 P, +71 in 60 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston College
Projected Draft Position: Top-10
Analysis: As the draft's highest anticipated American player, it's no surprise that Will Smith is projected in the top-10 — maybe even top-3. A textbook "human highlight-reel" as described by Elite Prospects, the 18-year-old from Massachusetts is bound to make a play when the puck's on his stick.
And he has the stats to back it up, falling five points short of the best U.S. Under-18 Team season ever (trailing only to his line mate and future Boston College teammate, Gabe Perreault). Smith posted 127 points (51 G, 76 A) in 60 GP in 2022-23, and also led the U.S. World Juniors team with 20 points (9 G, 11 A) in 7 GP and finished as the tournament's MVP by leading the U.S. to their first Gold medal since 2017.
Smith's puck handling, hockey IQ and speed make him one of the most dangerous offensive players in this year's draft class. However, Smith's defensive game does not match that caliber — a necessary component of being a well-rounded, NHL-level center one day. Smith's freshman season at Boston College will be crucial in his development to round out his defensive skills.
#3 - Ryan Leonard, RW/C
Birthday/Hometown: 01/21/2005; Amherst, Massachusetts
Height/Weight: 5'11"; 181 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U18; 51 G - 43 A - 94 P, +77 in 57 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston College
Projected Draft Position: Top-10
Analysis: Another incoming BC Eagle from Massachusetts that is projected in the top-10, is Ryan Leonard. Compared to NHL-star Matthew Tkachuk, Leonard is an all-around reliable player, multidimensional both offensively and defensively, and not afraid to throw his body around.
With the third best season with the U.S. National U18 Team in 2022-23, Leonard tallied 94 points (51 G, 43 A) in 57 GP. He also finished third in the USA U18 WJC with 17 points (8 G, 9 A) in 7 GP — both under future BC teammates Will Smith and Gabe Perreault.
The power forward's standout skill is his superb skating, allowing Leonard to cleanly deceive opponents and get to the net off the rush — making him the dangerous player that he is. While Leonard's playmaking served more as a weakness opposed to a strength at the start of 2022-23, it significantly improved through the latter half and will continue to grow more consistent in Leonard's upcoming freshman season. As for the draft, whichever team lands Leonard will certainly not regret it.
#4 - Matthew Wood, LW/C
Birthday/Hometown: 02/06/2005; Lethbridge, Alberta
Height/Weight: 6'3"; 190 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: University of Connecticut; 11 G - 23 A - 34 P, +7 in 35 GP
Junior Team: Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL (2020-'22)
Future College Team: University of Connecticut
Projected Draft Position: Top-20
Analysis: As the youngest player in college hockey in 2022-23, Matthew Wood put up 34 points in his first 35 GP as a freshman for UConn last season — just a glimpse into the resume that has been on scouts' radars for awhile now. In his last season of juniors (2021-22), the Canadian-native posted 85 points (45 G, 40 A) in 46 GP with the Victoria Grizzlies.
Quite the opposite of "small but mighty," Wood stands at 6'3" 190 lbs., and plays more conservatively opposed to aggressively. While Wood's strengths lie in his hockey sense and offensive abilities like scoring and passing, his weaknesses in skating and physicality also stand out. The potential for Wood to be a top-6 forward isn't unrealistic, but he'll need his sophomore season at UConn to work on improving his skating and using his large frame to his advantage.
#5 - Oliver Moore, C
Birthday/Hometown: 01/22/2005; Mounds View, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 5'11"; 176 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U18; 31 G - 44 A - 75 P, +42 in 61 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of Minnesota
Projected Draft Position: Top-10
Analysis: Outside of the "Big Four" in this year's draft (Bedard, Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Smith), Oliver Moore is one of the most skilled two-way forwards, and someone to keep your eye on. The 18-year-old from Minnesota is projected to go top-10 overall, rightfully so. Moore's 75 points (31 G, 44 A) in 61 GP was good enough for fourth among the U.S. Under-18 Team last season.
You can't analyze Moore’s game without highlighting his explosive skating ability. Moore's agility and speed as a 200-ft straight-line skater gives him an extreme advantage in this regard. The centerman also covers his bases well with attention to detail, winning loose pucks and a perfect transition score on Elite Prospects.
The only feasible con to Moore's play is being too flashy or too speedy where the results may not stay the same at higher levels. The future Golden Gopher will have time to work on his pace and hockey sense in his freshman season with the University of Minnesota come this fall. But for now, his elite skating and transitional play will rank him high among draftees.
#6 - Gabe Perreault, RW
Birthday/Hometown: 05/07/2005; Sherbrooke, Quebec City
Height/Weight: 5'11"; 165 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U18; 53 G - 79 A - 132 P, +79 in 63 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston College
Projected Draft Position: Top-20
Analysis: Joining Smith and Leonard at BC in the fall is former-NHL center Yanic Perreault's youngest son, Gabe Perreault. With a hockey sense of 7.5 graded by Elite Prospects, the 18-year-old from Quebec ranks as one of the smartest players in this year's draft class.
While a high hockey IQ has aided Perreault's playmaking, it's also contributed to his scoring abilities — coming away from last year on the U.S. Under-18 Team with 132 points for the best season ever (53 G, 79 A in 63 GP). Perreault also racked up 18 points (5 G, 13 A) in 7 GP in the USA U18 WJC this year for second best under Smith.
So why the top-20 projection? At the moment, Perreault isn't quick enough for a player his size and level. However, don't count him out on becoming a middle or even top-6 NHL forward down the line. Perreault will bring his exceptional vision, hands and adaptability to the 2023-24 BC squad, with time on his side to improve his stride and pace.
#7 - Gavin Brindley, RW
Birthday/Hometown: 10/05/2004; Estero, Florida
Height/Weight: 5'9"; 157 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: University of Michigan; 12 G - 26 A - 38P, +21 in 41 GP
Junior Team: Tri-City Storm, USHL (2020-'22)
Future College Team: University of Michigan
Projected Draft Position: Late 1st Round
Analysis: With a similar playing style to NHL's Chandler Stephenson, Gavin Brindley is a reliable player you want in your lineup. Brindley finished his freshman season on a powerhouse Michigan team 2nd in minutes played behind Fantilli, along with 5th in points (38 TP in 41 GP). The 18-year-old also went 5th in TP in his last season of juniors with the Tri-City Storm (42 TP in 51 GP).
As a two-way forward, Brindley is no stranger to scoring and equally effective in the D-zone. His tenacity and high-motor explains the significantly high grades in transition and defense, 80 and 93 respectively, according to Elite Prospects.
The reason Brindley is projected later than you might expect is mainly due to his 5'9" frame. As speed has grown more and more crucial in today's game, there have been plenty of players that have exceeded expectations beyond their small stature — and Brindley sure could be one of them.
#8 - Tom Willander, D
Birthday/Hometown: 02/09/2005; Stockholm, Sweden
Height/Weight: 6'1"; 179 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Rögle BK J20; 4 G - 21 A - 25 P, +7 in 39 GP
Junior Team: Rögle BK J20, SHL (2022-23)
Future College Team: Boston University
Projected Draft Position: Late 1st Round
Analysis: Tom Willander is the first D-man on the list, making him the highest projectable college hockey defenseman in the draft. At the J20 level this season, the 18-year-old broke 25 points in 39 GP for 8th on the team and 1st for defensemen.
Willander has everything you could want in a defender: size, speed, motor, physicality, etc. With similar game to NHL's Mikey Anderson and Dmitry Orlov, the Swede is a shutdown defenseman who can read plays off the boards and in the neutral zone one step ahead of his opponents. He's an evasive play-killer who utilizes his build and quickness to his advantage.
While Willander's defensive skills are top-tier, his offensive game is lacking. This isn't uncommon for defensemen and doesn't take away from the strength of his defensive reads. However, Willander will have the opportunity to work on his offense playing with the likes of Lane Hutson and a high scoring BU team in 2023-24, and if he can elevate his offensive instincts to his defensive ones, he will be a force to reckon with.
#9 - Jayden Perron, F
Birthday/Hometown: 01/11/2005; Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height/Weight: 5'8"; 157 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Chicago Steel; 24 G - 48 A - 72 P, +15 in 61 GP
Junior Team: Chicago Steel, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of North Dakota
Projected Draft Position: Late 1st Round
Analysis: Yet another standout forward coming out of the USHL is Winnipeg's Jayden Perron. A quick peak at Elite Prospects may not be convincing enough for some, but scouts across the board have claimed time and time again that Perron's the best player on the ice.
Elite Prospects agrees, drawing comparisons in Perron's playing style to this year's Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault. The strengths of Perron's game are strong, with gradings of 7.5 in puck handling and 6.5 in passing according to EP. His patience and pristine vision are the keys to always giving his teammates or himself the best possible scoring chances.
It's hard for some to overlook Perron's size at 5'8", 157 lbs., but his skill speaks for itself. It doesn't help that his speed is a weaker component to his game, but that should come for Perron with time. He will be staying in the midwest at the University of North Dakota this fall and in the meantime, be a steal in the draft for whoever picks him up.
#10 - Bradly Nadeau, C
Birthday/Hometown: 05/05/2005; St- François-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick
Height/Weight: 5'11"; 179 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Penticton Vees; 45 G - 68 A - 113 P, 54 GP
Junior Team: Penticton Vees, BCHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of Maine
Projected Draft Position: Early 2nd Round
Analysis: Aside from the renowned offensive talent that anticipated #1 overall pick Connor Bedard possesses, Bradly Nadeau's weapon of a shot has minimal to no other competition. A finisher through and through, Nadeau always knows when and where to attack the net or find his teammates in the slot for a tally on the score sheet.
And his stats show it: Nadeau let the BCHL in 2022-23 with an astonishing 113 points in 54 GP (45 G, 68 A). He also won the league's award for Playoff MVP after drawing 35 points in 17 games (17 G, 18 A).
As powerful of a shot as Nadeau has, there is a clear discrepancy between his offensive and defensive tactics — hence the 2nd round draft projection. Nadeau's skating mechanics lack agility and his relaxed play in the D-zone poses as a concern going into the NCAA and eventually the NHL. Nadeau will join his brother Josh at the University of Maine this upcoming season, looking to uphold his resume as a lethal shooter and round out the weaknesses in his current game.
#11 - Danny Nelson, C
Birthday/Hometown: 08/03/2005; Maple Grove, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6'3"; 203 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U-18; 21 G - 26 A - 47 P, +24 in 62 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Notre Dame
Projected Draft Position: Early 2nd Round
Analysis: A great two-way player, Nelson is one of the best defensive forwards in this draft class. He's great at containing offensive chances and has an elite advantage in the transition game. He's not a flashy player, but the kind who every team desperately misses when they don't have one on their roster.
With the U.S. National Development Team last season, Nelson posted 47 points and +24 in 62 games played. His +/- ranked 5th amongst forwards on that team. During the season he swapped between 2nd-line winger and 3rd-line center, a role that he could replicate next season and beyond.
This fall Nelson will travel to South Bend and play for Notre Dame, where he will join his brother Henry. His biggest room for growth is in his offensive game, although he will still be an every-game contributor for the Fighting Irish with his defensive play alone. He'll be a much-needed addition for a Notre Dame squad who failed to make it past the Big Ten quarterfinals last year.
#12 - Trey Augustine, G
Birthday/Hometown: 02/03/2005; South Lyon, Michigan
Height/Weight: 6'1"; 179 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U-18; 29-1-2, 2.34 GAA, .926 SV% in 33 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Michigan State University
Projected Draft Position: 2nd Round
Analysis: Elite Prospect's top-ranked goalie in this draft class, Trey Augustine led U.S. National Development Team last season in games played, wins, saves (773), goals against average, and save percentage among qualified starters. Although he only posted two shutouts in 59 games across all competitions last season, he's a solid starter with excellent positional skills who gives the team in front of him confidence.
Augustine is a traditionally solid goaltender, but his size is what's keeping him from a round-one grade in this year's draft. At just 6'1", 179 lbs., his save percentage with shots up high (.841%) is a drastic difference compared to shots down low (.961%).
This April, Augustine put together an incredible run in the IIHF U-18 Tournament. He went 6-0-0 with a 1.61 GAA and .934 SV%, including wins in both the semifinal and final. The 18-year-old made 29 saves in the gold medal game. It's an exciting stretch that should give him great momentum heading to Michigan State this fall, just 50 minutes from his hometown of South Lyon. Augustine should be make an immediate impact for the Spartans in a loaded Big Ten.
#13 - Charlie Stramel, C
Birthday/Hometown: 10/15/2004; Rosemount, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6’3"; 216 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: University of Wisconsin; 5 G - 12 A - 17 P, -10 in 33 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2020-'22)
Future College Team: University of Wisconsin
Projected Draft Position: 2nd Round
Analysis: Charlie Stramel ranked seventh in points on an objectively bad Wisconsin team last season, slotting in as the second-line center most nights. With Mike Hastings and an influx of talent coming in this fall, Stramel has an exciting opportunity to return to form following a disappointing freshman season.
At just 17 years old, Stramel put together a better-than-average stint with the U.S. Under-18 Team in 2021-22. However, that momentum would not carry over to the NCAAs. Again, a lot of that was because of the game plan/talent around him, but he did disappear for long stretches of the season (he scored one goal in 15 games the second half of the year).
In terms of talent, Stramel is a big, physical power forward who has surprising offensive upside. His passing is above average, especially in the slot or in tight spaces. However, he has trouble in breakouts and in the transition game, making it tough to rely on him as a lockdown defensive center.
As alluded to above, this is a very important season for Stramel's development. He should be a key piece in the Mike Hastings scheme, and would pair well on a line with a high-end offensive talent, like Cruz Lucius or David Silye. An NHL team may get a steal of a player if he takes a leap this season.
#14 - William Whitelaw, C
Birthday/Hometown: 02/05/2005; Rosemount, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 5'9"; 172 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Youngstown Phantoms; 36 G - 25 A - 62 P, +11 in 62 GP
Junior Team: Youngstown Phantoms, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of Wisconsin
Projected Draft Position: 2nd Round
Analysis: We've got back-to-back Wisconsin Badger centers from Rosemount, Minnesota. William Whitelaw will give a massive offensive boost to a Wisconsin teamed who ranked below-average in scoring last season (2.6 goals/game). Whitelaw ranked 3rd in goals scored in the USHL last season, and led the Youngstown Phantoms to their first championship in team history. The 18-year-old tied for the team lead in postseason goals and scored the overtime winner in the Eastern Conference finals.
Whitelaw is an elite shooter, a speed threat, and a shifty puck handler, combining hockey IQ with raw talent. One of the only things holding him back from being a first-round pick in this year's draft is his size. NHL teams may be scared of his 5'9", 172 lbs. frame, but shouldn't be completely turned off. A good NHL comp of his, Jonathan Marchessault, is nearly identical in size (5'9", 174 lbs.) and just lit it up in the Stanley Cup Finals. Don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round.
Expect big things from Whitelaw in his college career. A lot of "undersized" players with elite offensive talent have become fan-favorites in the past few years, including Cole Caufield, Johnny Gaudreau, Logan Cooley, Riese Gaber, and many more. He'll be another great addition for this season's Wisconsin squad.
#15 - Aram Minnetian, D
Birthday/Hometown: 03/19/2005; Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
Height/Weight: 6'0"; 170 lbs.
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U-18; 7 G - 24 A - 31 P, +48 in 62 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston College
Projected Draft Position: 2nd Round
Analysis: Boston College fans who were jealous of what Lane Hutson did for BU last season, get excited, Aram Minnetian is slightly-bigger version of the Hobey Baker finalist. Elite edges, leading the rush through the neutral zone, jumping into the offensive play, great vision, the list goes on.
Although he was just a 0.5 point/game player last season, Minnetian led U.S. Under-18 defenseman in +/- on the top-paring with Wisconsin commit Zach Schulz. In this year's World Junior tournament he posted four points and a +16 rating in just seven games, winning a gold medal with Team USA.
Minnetian's offensive tendencies are clear, especially when his team is set up in the zone. Most times when he gets the puck at the point, he will shift to the center of the ice or down the half-wall instead of just firing a shot through traffic. Once he creates a lane, he can split defenders with a pass or well-place shot on goal.
#16 - Michael Hrabal, G
Birthday/Hometown: 01/20/2005; Praha, Czech Republic
Height/Weight: 6'6"; 209 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: Omaha Lancers; 9-13-4, 2.86 GAA, .908 SV% in 31 GP
Junior Team: Omaha Lancers, USHL (2022-'23)
Future College Team: University of Massachusetts
Projected Draft Position: Late 2nd Round
Analysis: Michael Hrabal is almost an inverse of another top goalie prospect in this year's draft, Trey Augustine. The Czech Republic native has lower-than-average stats but incredible size. At 6'6", 209, Hrabal he's able to fill the net, but still has fantastic mobility to slide from post to post or recover during an odd-man-rush.
Last season Hrabal split time with Swiss goaltender Kevin Pasche. Despite playing on an Omaha team that won just 17 games all season, Hrabal led the Lancers in wins, save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts (3). He posted better personal stats at this year's World Junior's tournament, with 173 saves (.936 SV%) in five games.
Goaltender wasn't the biggest issue for UMass last season, but Hrabel should be an immediate improvement for the Minutemen this fall. After a string of NCAA tournament appearances and a National Championship, UMass fell into a bit of a slump, finishing 9th in the Hockey East last season. Hrabel has a great chance to become the next great shutdown goalie in college hockey.
#17 - Beckett Hendrickson, LW
Birthday/Hometown: 06/24/2005; Minnetonka, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 175 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: USNTDP U-18; 13 G - 21 A - 34 P, +12 in 52 GP
Junior Team: USNTDP Juniors, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of Minnesota
Projected Draft Position: Late 2nd Round
Analysis: The son of former Minnesota Wild player and current assistant coach Darby Hendrickson will continue the family legacy in Minnesota. Beckett Hendrickson, a left winger who played on the U.S. Under-18 Team this past season, will be playing at Mariucci this year (or next). Hendrickson is one of the best pure passers in this year's draft. Elite Prospects tracks his slot passes, plays from along the boards, and advantages created as all elite.
Hendrickson is young, and it's clear that he has plenty of raw skill. He's dangerous behind the net, either to cut out in front of the net or to feather a pass through the slot. In transition he can However, with that youth comes inexperience. As a potential third or fourth line forward with the Gophers right away, his defensive and forechecking skills need some improvement. He'd do well to play a year in the USHL before transitioning to college hockey.
Regardless of whether or not he joins Minnesota this season, the pipeline of talent to the Gophers continues. Any team that drafts Hendrickson this season will get a steal. The projected second round pick is already uber-talented, and has plenty of potential to grow into a star.
#18 - Aydar Suniev, LW
Birthday/Hometown: 11/16/2004; Kazan, Russia
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 205lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: Penticton Vees; 45 G - 45 A - 90 A, +44 in 50 GP
Junior Team: Penticton Vees, BCHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: University of Massachusetts
Projected Draft Position: Late 2nd Round
Analysis: Alongside Maine commits Bradley (113 points) and Josh Nadeau (110), Russian-born Aydar Suniev somehow posted an "under-the-radar" 90 point season for the Penticton Vees this season. 90 points(!!!) from a winger who's 6'2", 205 lbs, ranking third in the BCHL and on the championship-winning Vee's team. It wasn't just a product of playing with the Nadeaus either. Suniev was on a separate line, and used his vison, elite passing, and blistering shot to put up nearly two points a game.
Although there are some obvious physicality pros that come along with his size, his frame is what's holding him back from a higher draft grade.
You can expect some regression from Suniev as he heads to Massachusetts this fall. Two seasons ago, now-Connecticut winger Matthew Wood (6'3", 190 lbs.) posted 85 points in the BCHL before a 34-point freshman season last year. For Suniev, that may mean a correlated dip in the stat sheet, but he should still be a key factor in UMass' bounce back throughout his college career.
#19 - Gavin McCarthy, D
Birthday/Hometown: 06/02/2005; Clarence Center, New York
Height/Weight: 6'1"; 181 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Muskegon Lumberjacks; 8 G - 19 A - 27 A, -4 in 42 GP
Junior Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston University
Projected Draft Position: 3rd Round
Analysis: McCarthy suffered a major knee injury halfway through last season in international play, which sidelined him for eight weeks after a great start to the USHL season. However, he showed flashes of development before and after that injury. Gavin showcased huge hits, great positioning out front in the defensive zone, elite transitional play, and a wicked wrist shot from the circles.
From a purely defensive standpoint, McCarthy has some work to improve on. Staying active on his feet, not reaching for pucks, etc. Simple things, which Elite Prospects believes that it's more a product of experimentation than anything else. That's a habit that he will (hopefully) get rid of as he gets older.
At BU, McCarthy will be a defenseman you can trust in all factors of the game. 5-on-5, special teams, close games, you name it. You need a lineup full of those players to trust game-in and game-out if you want to make deep playoff runs every year. He'll be a great compliment to an already loaded Terrier defensive core.
#20 - Jacob Fowler, G
Birthday/Hometown: 11/24/2004; Melbourne, Florida
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 201 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: Youngstown Phantoms; 27-9-3, 2.28 GAA, .921 SV% in 40 GP
Junior Team: Youngstown Phantoms, USHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Boston College
Projected Draft Position: 3rd Round
Analysis: Jacob Fowler was named the USHL Clark Cup MVP and Goaltender of the Year this season, after helping lead the Youngstown Phantoms to their first ever championship. In the finals, Fowler made 81 out of 83 saves (.976 SV%) in three games, including a shutout in the championship-clinching game. Last season he led the USHL in wins and goals against average among qualified goaltenders. His biggest strengths in net are his size and mobility in the crease. However, despite his 6'2" frame, he struggles with some shots up high.
Last season, Boston College got decent goaltending play from graduate senior Mitch Benson. That should improve next year. Fowler should immediately be the starter this fall, and have plenty of room to develop before making a potential leap to the NHL. Like other top goalie prospects Augustine and Hrabel, Fowler should make a splash in his first season of college hockey.
#21 - Andrew Strathmann, D
Birthday/Hometown: 02/27/2005; Beach Park, Illinois
Height/Weight: 5'11"; 174 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: Youngstown Phantoms; 3 G - 35 A - 38 P, +13 in 61 GP
Junior Team: Youngstown Phantoms, USHL (2022-'23)
Future College Team: University of North Dakota
Projected Draft Position: 3rd Round
Analysis: After making the USHL All-Rookie team two years ago, Andrew Strathmann was traded to Youngstown and helped the Phantoms win their first ever Clark Cup. The Illinois native was the team's assistant captain and led the USHL champions in assists last season with 35 tallies. Strathmann was in the starting lineup most nights and averaged over 19 minutes of time-on-ice per game.
Right now, Strathmann is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. He ranks better than average across the board in all areas of the game. However, he was inconsistent at times last season. From a bad turnover on one shift to a highlight-reel deke the next. Any team that drafts him will need to be patient before he takes the leap to the NHL.
It's a shame Strathmann likely won't join North Dakota this fall. The Fighting Hawks are turning over their entire defensive core, and he'd have a great opportunity for playing time right away in his freshman season. However, that means he gets another year in the juniors, which should help his development in the long run.
#22 - Maxim Štrbák, D
Birthday/Hometown: 04/13/2005; Kosice, Slovakia
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 198 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Sioux Falls Stampede; 5 G -13 A - 18 P, -20 in 46 GP
Junior Team: Sioux Falls Stampede, USHL (2022-'23)
Future College Team: Michigan State University
Projected Draft Position: Late 3rd Round
Analysis: Štrbák played his first professional hockey in the United States last season after a few years in Finnish and Slovakian leagues. Although he didn't light up the stat sheet (his -20 ranked T-11th worst in the USHL last year), Štrbák showed that he has the raw talent to improve his game at Michigan State and potentially the NHL.
Štrbák was the captain of Slovakia's U-18 team in the World Junior's this season and led his team to a 4th place finish. He also played on their U-20 team, which made it to the quarterfinals. He posted nine assists with a -5 plus/minus in 12 total international games this past year.
Heading to Michigan State this fall, it's unclear if the Spartans will utilize Štrbák more as a shutdown defenseman or have him continue to focus on his developing offensive game. At 6'2", 200 lbs., he could easily be relied upon on the top pairing and penalty kill. Whatever choice is made will have ripple effects on his potential NHL career.
#23 - Hoyt Stanley, D
Birthday/Hometown: 02/04/2005; West Vancouver, British Columbia
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 196 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Victoria Grizzlies; 4 G - 34 A - 38 P in 53 GP
Junior Team: Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Cornell
Projected Draft Position: Late 3rd Round
Analysis: 6'2", right-handed defensemen with mobility are always going to be on the radar during draft season, and Hoyt Stanley is just that. The British Columbia native has shown some raw talent so far in the BCHL, and he'll look to define his game as he moves to Cornell this upcoming fall.
Once Stanley starts moving from end-to-end, watch out. He's elite in the transition game either by carrying the puck himself or finding an open man in the neutral zone. Stanley's biggest drawback at the moment is how he uses his size, as in he's still working on how to fully utilize his large frame. That'll be something he can focus on at the NCAA-level next season.
#24 - Jake Fisher, C
Birthday/Hometown: 03/27/2005; Woodbury, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6'2"; 187 lbs.
Handedness: Left
2022 Team/Stats: Cretin-Derham Hall
Junior Team: Fargo Force, USHL (2023)
Future College Team: Denver
Projected Draft Position: Late 3rd Round
Analysis: It is so tough to evaluate Jake Fisher in this year's draft class. The captain of Cretin-Derham Hall High School scored 34 goals and 63 points in 29 games, and led his team to the Minnesota State AA Semifinals. That's alongside 44 points in 20 games in the Upper Midwest HS Elite Hockey League. Fisher is Elite Prospects' highest rated high school hockey player in this year's draft class.
The issue that critics point to is that after his high school season finished, Fisher only posted one point across his first 14 games with the Fargo Force in the USHL. Those transition issues could be concerning, but he has another season in the juniors to change the narrative.
There's no doubting that Fisher has skill. He has an elite shot and great awareness in the offensive zone. He's not just offensive minded either. At 6'2", 190 lbs., he has the size and skill to crash the boards, be active on the forecheck, and even help out defensively.
Fisher plans to join Denver for the 2024-25 season, which is good for all parties involved: DU, the Fargo Force, whichever team drafts him, and for Fisher himself. An NHL team has a chance to get a steal in this year's class.
#25 - Aiden Fink, RW
Birthday/Hometown: 11/24/2004; Calgary, Alberta
Height/Weight: 5'9"; 152 lbs.
Handedness: Right
2022 Team/Stats: Brooks Bandits; 41 G - 56 A - 97 P in 54 GP
Junior Team: Brooks Bandits, AJHL (2021-'23)
Future College Team: Penn State
Projected Draft Position: Early 4th Round
Analysis: Last seasons AJHL points leader and MVP, Aiden Fink has a chance to be a future star at Penn State. Last season, Fink scored nearly two points per game while doing nearly everything asked of him in the offensive zone. Forechecking, making the extra pass, leading the rush, finding a soft spot in the zone, etc. Pair that with a high-level shot, and you can see why he put up the numbers he did.
The reason why he isn't higher up on NHL draft boards is because of his size. But as discussed about above with Will Whitelaw, that means nothing in terms of collegiate success. Fink has a chance to be a household name by the end of his NCAA career, something that Nittany Lions fans haven't had a whole lot of in their 11 year history.
