3rd – Logan Cooley, C, USNTDP
Logan Cooley is considered an elite prospect capable of producing offense whenever he is on the ice. He is a bit smaller (5’11 – 180 Lbs.) than the two guys ahead of him, but he could grow to be over six feet. Cooley recorded 27 goals and 48 assists for 75 points in 51 games. He is excellent on the power play, so he could help in that department on any team that picks him.
4th – Simon Nemec, RHD, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Simon Nemec spent the last two seasons playing for HK Nitra in the top men’s league in Slovakia. The 6’0, 200 Lbs defenseman has also played in eight games at the World Championship and seven games at the 2022 Olympics. Last season Nemec recorded one goal and 25 assists for 26 points in 39 games.
5th – David Jiricek, RHD, HC Plzen (Extraliiga)
David Jiricek is a tall yet lean defenseman with a good hockey IQ and the ability to lead a quick break out. . Jiricek only played 29 games this season due to injuries. He still managed to record five goals and six assists for 11 points in those 29 games.
6th – Cutter Gauthier, LW, USNTDP
Cutter Gauthier is a big forward with a great shot and a quick release. He is 6’3, 200 Lbs, and he uses his size to his advantage. Gauthier creates space for his linemates and is hard to move in puck battles. He recorded 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 54 games.
7th – Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Matthew Savoie is one of the smaller players (5’9, 170 Lbs.) in this draft, but he has elite skill and speed. He is gifted offensively, but he will need to work on his defensive play. Savoie recorded 35 goals and 55 assists for 90 points in 65 games.
8th – Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Liiga)
Joakim Kemell is a good skater that can play in any situation. He is more of a shooter than a passer but can drive a power play. Kemell recorded 15 goals and eight assists for 23 points in 39 games. The good news is that he ended the year on a positive note with eight points in five games at the U18 Worlds.
9th – Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djurgarden (SWE U20)
Jonathan Lekkerimaki is an elite shooter with a hard and accurate shot. He does lack consistency in his overall effort sometimes. The right-winger will shoot from anywhere because he seems to score from anywhere. He recorded seven goals and two assists for nine points in 26 games.
10th – Marco Kasper, C, Rogle (SHL)
Marco Kasper plays a well-rounded game and can ramp up his play when a game intensifies. He is a natural center but has been playing the wing in Sweden. Kasper recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points in 46 games.