We’re finally in the stretch run. One month to go.

The 2024 NHL Draft is almost upon us, and now the real work begins. The U-18 World Championship was a success in Finland, and the men’s World Championship in Czechia saw a few prospects making noise against pro competition. We’re in the middle of the Memorial Cup, the last real hockey action before the NHL Draft combine in Buffalo next week.

NHL scouting departments have been immersed in draft discussions for a while now. The pressure of picking the young men who will lead your franchise in the future is a multi-year challenge for every draft class. Some teams will be quite busy, while others will be more focused on downtown Las Vegas’s bustling nightlife.

We’ll have one more draft ranking a week before the real thing happens, but here’s an updated list with a month to go until teams make franchise-altering selections:

1. Macklin Celebrini, C (Boston University, NCAA)

The San Jose Sharks already said they’re taking him first overall, as if there’s any other doubt. Celebrini became the first 17-year-old to win the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top male hockey player, and it was so well deserved. He’s a tremendous two-way threat who can score, hit, defend and bring the energy, even late in a game. There’s a reason he has dominated at every level and why some scouts consider him to be more rounded than Connor Bedard last year.

2. Ivan Demidov, RW (St. Peterburg, MHL)

Demidov finished the MHL regular season second in league scoring despite missing 24 games due to injury. At a 2.00 point-per-game average, no U-19 player has ever had a more productive season in MHL history, including Nikita Kucherov back in 2011-12. Demidov then dominated in the playoffs before getting injured, which was a shame. From a pure talent perspective, we’re seeing one of the most creative, speedy and offensively dominant forwards out of Russia we’ve seen in years – up around the Matvei Michkov echelon.

3. Artyom Levshunov, RHD (Michigan State, NCAA)

It feels like Levshunov as the top defenseman is almost the consensus now. He’s just got everything scouts want in a high-end defender – size, mobility and puck-moving skills, just to name a few quality traits. He led the Spartans in scoring after putting up one of the most impressive Draft+1 seasons by a defenseman in recent USHL history. I think the ceiling for Levshunov to become a team’s No. 1 defenseman is very, very high at this point because there aren’t many notable deficiencies in his game.

4. Sam Dickinson, LHD (London, OHL)

I’m staying strong here. I love Dickinson, and I think he’s thoroughly underrated by the average fan. I hope the Memorial Cup proves why. A minute-muncher with the Knights, Dickinson can do a bit of everything. He’s calm with the puck, makes smart, quick decisions, and plays so well in transition. He’s 6-foot-3, moves really well and had one of the most productive seasons of any CHL defenseman. There are times he’ll get caught trying to do too much with the puck, but his versatility will make him an attractive option this year.

5. Zayne Parekh, RHD (Saginaw, OHL)

If any defender in this draft can hit the 70-point marker in the NHL, it’s Parekh. He finished the OHL regular season with 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games to lead all U-18 OHLers. It was the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender, and he’s one of just two that age to crack 80 points in the 21st Century – the other being Ryan Ellis, who delivered an 89-point season in 2008-09. Parekh was far and away the best offensive defenseman in junior hockey this year, and he’s looking great early at the Memorial Cup. I considered Zeev Buium for this position but I think the upside of Parekh being a devastatingly good point producer gives him the edge.

6. Zeev Buium, LHD (University of Denver, NCAA)

Buium became just the second U-19 defenseman to break the 50-point barrier in NCAA history. That alone is exciting. Buium is a great skater who loves the puck on his stick, and he never seems to get frazzled, no matter the situation. In the NHL, look for Buium to become a high-output puck distributor who can score, hit, block shots and play on both special team units.

7. Berkly Catton, C (Spokane, WHL)

Catton, like the rest of Spokane, had a quiet playoff playoff exit, losing in four straight games to Prince George. Catton failed to score and had just four assists, but it can’t be understated just how good he was down the stretch. Over his last 15 games – regular season and playoffs – Catton had 11 goals and 27 points to help him finish with 116 on the season. No NHL Draft prospect outscored him this year at any level, with his 54 goals trailing just Anthony Romani out of the OHL. Catton is so skilled, and I’ll always bet high on guys like that.

8. Cayden Lindstrom, C (Medicine Hat, WHL)

Teams love his size, and it’s hard not to when he moves so well at 6-foot-5. An upper-body injury took him out of action for about three months, and while the results were limited against Red Deer in the first round, he had six shots in his first game back. He’s an absolute monster out there, and scouts love the potential for him to be a high-scoring wrecking ball. Scouts see him as a No. 1 center down the line.

9. Konsta Helenius, C (Jukurit, Liiga)

With 36 points in 51 games, Helenius finished with the fourth most productive Liiga regular season by a U-18 player in league history. The responsible two-way forward isn’t big, but that didn’t stop him from being one of Jukurit’s most valuable forwards in all scenarios this year. That’s why people were excited to see him at the U-18s and World Championship, only for him to just not play as well as people hoped. Still, he has top-six potential and can play both center and the wing.

10. Cole Eiserman, LW (USNTDP)

There isn’t a prospect with a better shot in the draft, and he’s now the all-time leading goal-scorer in USA Hockey National Team Development history. I thought he had an up and down U-18 World Championship, but he really showed how much energy and violence he can bring at times. Defensively, Eiserman can be invisible, though. I think the upside is still huge but at this point, you’re going to need a more defensively responsible center to take the pressure off him. The right usage will allow Eiserman to be a star, and I truly believe in him.

11. Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL)

Score, score and score some more. That’s what he does best. Iginla is a solid distributor, don’t get me wrong. But with the puck on his stick, he’s a dangerous generator. He plays with good pace, and while he isn’t big, he’s physically strong. There’s top-six potential here for a guy who loves controlling the pace of play. It doesn’t hurt having his family’s pedigree, either. I know some really think he could go in the top five of the NHL Draft, but I don’t know if I see as much true star upside as some others. Regardless, he’ll be one heck of a player.

12. Anton Silayev, LHD (Torpedo, KHL)

Silayev dropped a few spots here, largely due to just being more interested in the long-term potential in Levshunov and Dickinson. I truly believe Silayev is the best at actually playing defense, but he lacks the offensive stylings the others do. But the 6-foot-7 blueliner averaged just under 20 minutes a night while blocking shots, landing hits and showing off great skating for his size. There aren’t a whole lot of big defenders that can skate as well as Silayev does and the upside can’t be ignored.

13. Carter Yakemchuk, RHD (Calgary, WHL)

With 30 goals, 71 points and 120 penalty minutes in 66 games, it was hard not to notice Yakemchuk this year. That’s the type of stat line you’d expect from a power forward – instead, it’s a third-year defenseman that exceeded all expectations this year. Defensively, though, I still need to see more improvement. His decision-making under pressure leaves a bit to be desired, but the potential is high here. With some seasoning, Yakemchuk could be a high-output defender in the NHL.

14. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)

Sennecke ended the OHL regular season on one of the best runs of any prospect, with many considering him a potential top-15 pick. Sennecke had 42 points in his last 34 regular season games, making him one of the most productive draft prospects across any league down the stretch. He isn’t afraid to rough it up and get into the dirty areas to win puck battles and is a very underrated passer, too. Sure, he got to play with one of the OHL’s top players in Cal Ritchie, but Sennecke is not getting carried – he is a powerhouse himself.

15. Trevor Connelly, LW (Tri-City, USHL)

From an on-ice perspective, Connelly has so much going for him. He’s been the best player on the ice in both tournaments he represented the United States in and lit up the USHL all season long. He almost cracked 80 points this year, making him one of the most productive wingers in the draft class. It’s too bad his U-18s ended with a bad penalty because he looked like a star out there on USA’s third line. Off the ice, though, is what teams are concerned about. It just depends on which teams you talk to, really.

16. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW (Mora, Allsvenskan)

If you’re looking for a safe prospect who can play in the middle six and not get himself into trouble, MBN’s your guy. Brandsegg-Nygard looked great at the World Junior Championship for the lowly Norwegians and then finished the year off with a couple of great final games with the men’s national team. MBN plays at a high pace and has a great shot release to boot while playing significant time in the second-tier Swedish league. I expect him to be a solid two-way player in the NHL.

17. EJ Emery, RHD (USNTDP)

The son of former CFL linebacker Eric Emery, EJ has the size and strength to make himself useful in the NHL one day. I thought his performance at the U-18s only helped his stock in a big way – by all accounts, I thought he was the best defenseman. He skates well for a 6-foot-3 defender and does a tremendous job of cutting off angles, even on the bigger ice in international tournaments. The North Dakota commit isn’t too active on the scoresheet, but you can pair him with someone who is and he’ll be the rock that keeps things calm.

18. Liam Greentree, LW (Windsor, OHL)

Greentree did a lot of heavy lifting for the Spitfires this year, but he was a bit too quiet at the U-18s for my liking. He makes himself difficult to play against, thanks to his frame, giving him a chance to make the NHL as a power forward. He mixes power and skill as well as anyone in the top half of the draft, and I feel like he won’t have an issue adjusting to the pro game.

19. Michael Hage, C (Chicago, USHL)

After starting the year as a projected late first-rounder, could Hage put himself in the top 20 come draft day? It’s been well-documented how he missed most of 2022-23 with an injury, but he’s been among the USHL’s top scorers all season long. He can shoot, get feisty and strip you of the puck with ease. Hage had to play some catch-up, but he’s ahead of most of the pack right now.

20. Igor Chernyshov, LW (Dynamo, KHL)

At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Chernyshov has good size and isn’t afraid to use it. He played more than half the season in the KHL but was also a stout offensive threat in the MHL thanks to his slick stickhandling. For the most part, I like how he has matured this year. He doesn’t make as many poor decisions with and without the puck as he did last year. Chernyshov does a great job of working his tail off without the puck, something that’ll excite NHL coaches.

21. Stian Solberg, LHD (Valerenga, Norway)

Yeah, I slept on him too much this year. You don’t find a ton of Norweigan talents in the NHL Draft, but scouts really have come around on Solberg. He’s 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, something that has helped him play against men for the better part of the past three years. His best play, though, was at the IIHF World Championship, where he was Norway’s best defenseman by a longshot. He took some dumb penalties, but Solberg isn’t afraid to play on the edge and I Like him for that. You can see the raw talent and the real defensive zone smarts that could allow him to thrive in North America.

22. Andrew Basha, LW (Medicine Hat, WHL)

Basha had a tremendous year with Medicine Hat, picking up the slack while Lindstrom was injured. He finished the regular season with 30 goals and 85 points in 63 games, building upon a season that saw him post one of the best goal totals of any Draft-1 players in the CHL last year. He’s not going to blow you away in the NHL with his skill, but he brings good energy and is strong defensively. Between his 5-on-5 play, his experience on the power play and the playmaking he brings to the table, Basha could be a solid top-six contributor for an NHL team one day.

23. Nikita Artamonov, RW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)

A lot of the underlying numbers make Artamonov look really good, and he ultimately finished at around half a point per game as an 18-year-old in the KHL. He has quickly become one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and how he gets into scoring position. He only had a handful of goals in the KHL, but the more he plays, the better he plays. He was excellent in the MHL playoffs, too.

24. Adam Jiricek, RHD (Plzen, Czechia)

Jiricek was injured at the world juniors and missed the rest of the year after suffering a knee injury in Czechia’s opening game. His draft stock is going to take a huge blow, especially after just a so-so run with HC Plzen. The 6-foot-2 defender has one assist in 19 games but was a key part of the Czechs’ national junior program, playing nearly 20 games between the U-18 and U-20 teams. It’s shame we didn’t get to see him have a second-half push.

25. Sacha Boisvert, C (Muskegon, USHL)

The University of North Dakota commit was one of the top goal-scoring forwards in the USHL this year. Boisvert was relied on heavily at both ends of the ice as a two-way center, so scoring like he did is remarkable. He’s not a huge kid, but he’s a good skater with an excellent shot release and good competitiveness. I fully expect the Trois-Rivieres native to excel in college because he’s got the brains and the work ethic to make it work.

26. Aron Kiviharju, LHD (HIFK, Liiga)

After missing most of the season due to an injury, Kiviharju returned in time for the U-18s and had a fine, yet unspectacular tournament. That’s to be expected, given his significant time off, so it’s hard to say if he hurt or helped his stock. Once considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, he fell even before his injury, but I still think there’s top-pairing potential there. Kiviharju had some bumps in the road a year ago against men. His upside as a minute-munching, puck-moving defender will have many teams interested, though.

27. Teddy Stiga, LW (USNTDP)

Stiga brings boundless energy to every shift, buzzing through the ice like his life depends on it. After putting him as a mid-second rounder last time, I feel confident pushing him up because he has been my favorite draft-eligible USNTDPer way too often this year not to. I think he’s a middle-six player in the NHL, but he can play with anyone and in just about any role. That type of versatility makes him very useful.

28. Terik Parascak, RW (Prince George, WHL)

From playing prep hockey a year ago to finishing eighth in WHL scoring this year, Parascak was a revelation this season. He finished with 43 goals and 105 points while producing a two-point per-game pace throughout large portions of the season. Parascak kicked off the postseason with a hat trick in Game 1 – his second of the year after scoring four in just his third game of the season – and ended up with 14 points in 12 playoff games. Some scouts are worried his game isn’t rounded enough and that playing on an offensively dominant team has helped him significantly, but he’s a first-round candidate that, with the right system around him, could make him a top-six scorer sooner rather than later.

29. Charlie Elick, RHD (Brandon, WHL)

The team that drafts Elick is getting someone with size, physicality and good defensive zone awareness. Offense? Nope, although he’s got better abilities with the puck than some might give him credit for. Elick moves well for a 6-foot-3 defenseman just shy of 200 pounds and many WHL players consider him one of the toughest defensemen to beat in 1-on-1 situations.

30. Dean Letourneau, C (St. Andrew’s, PHC)

I’m a big fan of Letourneau, even if he fell in my rankings. The 6-foot-7 forward moves so well for his size, and he has a net-front presence teams will die for. His numbers have been tremendous, scoring at more than a goal-per-game pace and lifting St. Andrew’s up more often than not. Letourneau can dominate puck possession with his frame, and he has quick hands, too. The next Tage Thompson? We’ll see.

31. Emil Hemming, RW (TPS, Liiga)

Despite not producing much at the World Juniors, I liked what I saw from Hemming. He’s capable of getting creative offensively, but I feel like he’s a future bottom-six forward who can outmuscle players while staying disciplined and grinding it out all game long. His defensive game is nice, too. If he improves his skating, I can see Hemming playing a more prominent role in the NHL, but at a minimum, I think he works hard enough to earn himself a spot deeper down.

32. Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie Colts)

Beaudoin was excellent at the U-18 World Championship, looking great as a bottom-six threat that did just about everything He just missed out on a point per game with Barrie this year, but between the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the U-18s and his strong play throughout the season, we’re looking at a multi-faceted scoring threat with size and a nice shot.

33. Egor Surin, C (Yaroslavl, MHL)

Surin was a man on a mission throughout the MHL playoffs, only getting outpaced by Ivan Demidov. He played great during the second half, where it seemed like he was more in control of his own body and not trying to hit guys for the sake of throwing a hit. Discipline can still be an issue at points, but he’s so skilled with a great shot and quick hands. If Surin can put everything together consistently without trying to get too cute with the puck, he’ll be a steal. The upside is real here.

34. Ryder Ritchie, RW (Prince Albert, WHL)

An injury kept him out of play for about two months, really dampening what was just a fine first half of the year. He was Prince Albert’s best player in the playoffs, ending the year off strong after putting up some great numbers at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The raw talent is there, but he just has to put it together on a nightly basis if he’s going to be effective in the NHL.

35. Alfons Freij, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)

I said it before, and I’ll say it again – Freij has some sleeper potential. He’s good in so many elements but not exceptional in anything. With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been great internationally and he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the Swedish U-20 league.

36. Cole Hutson, LHD (USNTDP)

I know the concerns here. He’s defensively flawed, can get too fancy with the puck at the wrong times and isn’t particularly big. But the upside here is still huge. Like his older brother Lane, Cole has tremendous hockey IQ and can elude attackers as well as anyone. I feel like his shot has improved over the past 18 months, mostly in terms of accuracy and overall power, but it’s still a work in progress. A team looking to strike gold later in the first round could benefit here.

37. Harrison Brunicke, RHD (Kamloops, KHL)

Brunicke could become the second South African-born player drafted in the first round. While I have him farther down, I do know there’s been some interest from teams looking for a big, right-handed defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He’s quite smart with the puck, and I feel like his offensive abilities are better than his numbers suggest. With a 6-foot-3 frame, projectable traits and some budding offensive potential, there’s a lot to like here – and a decent showing at the U-18s doesn’t hurt.

38. Maxim Masse, RW (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)

There aren’t many draft-eligible goal-scorers out of the QMJHL, but the 6-foot-2 winger led Chicoutimi with 36 goals and 75 points. He was a shot generation machine, registering five or more quite often this year. Masse is a good two-way player with good energy. His skating is lacking compared to others this high in the draft, but there’s been an improvement over the past 12 months.

39. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)

LSW is a skilled defenseman who plays at a high pace – but, sometimes, he outpaces himself. The offensive instincts are there, and he’s been able to rip apart opponents at the U-20 level. But you can catch him making unforced errors with the puck that put him in a bad spot. I liked him at the U-18s a bit more than some others but I feel like he still gets caught making dumb mistakes too often. That can be worked on, though.

40. Jesse Pulkkinen, LHD, 19 (JYP, Liiga)

The top overage player in the draft this year, Pulkkinen played around 18 minutes a night with JYP, which isn’t always easy for a 19-year-old. Against U-20 kids, he played more than 25 minutes most nights, including a whopping 31:29 on March 17. Nothing tops his 38:09 in Mestis play back in November, though. Pulkkinen can handle significant pressure well and has the offensive and physical chops to battle older, stronger competition. Don’t be surprised if a team reaches for him late in the first.

41. Jett Luchanko, C (Guelph, OHL)

For a while, I was worried he was too small – 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. And, yeah, I’d like to see more muscle here. But after he put up more than 50 assists this year, his vision and hockey IQ are worth getting excited about. Luchanko does an excellent job in extra space on the power play, working mainly as a distributor. He has a great shot, too, although I wish he’d use it more. The thing that helps him here is a non-stop motor that works at both ends of the ice. There’s some middle-six potential here.

42. Lucas Pettersson, C (Modo, Sweden U-20)

Pettersson has nothing to show for with MoDo’s men’s team, but he’s been downright tremendous with the U-20 team – and one of the best Swedish national team players, too. As a centerman, Pettersson plays a stout two-way game and has really shown more confidence as the season has worn on. The U-18 World Championship will be an excellent opportunity for Pettersson to step up as one of the top players in the tournament, as David Edstrom did last year – and that was a huge boost to his draft stock.

43. Tanner Howe, LW (Regina, WHL)

I don’t know what to think here anymore. Howe can clearly produce, with and without Connor Bedard, his most common linemate over the first two years of his junior career. Howe was a high-end scorer again this year, and he loves to compete, but his skating and smaller frame don’t help. Despite that, Howe battles for pucks and has the energy that can make him more valuable if he isn’t cast into a scoring role.

44. Marek Vanacker, LW (Brantford, OHL)

There’s a lot to like about Vanacker’s game. He’s not great defensively, for sure, but he moves so well with the puck and creates quality scoring chances on a consistent basis. He was just a depth forward a year ago, but now he’s the one doing so much of the heavy lifting for Brantford. While I’m projecting him as a second-rounder, some teams like him as a top-32 pick. If there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s working until he’s got nothing left in the tank.

45. Dominik Badinka, RHD (Malmo, SHL)

Badinka has a great frame and solid hockey sense, and he doesn’t crumble under pressure. A defenseman who moves well and doesn’t get flustered with the puck when getting chased will have a good career. If he can add some extra top speed, he’ll be golden because he’s got the own-zone play figured out.

46. Henry Mews, RHD (Ottawa, OHL)

I love Mews’ offensive abilities, and he put them on full display at the U-18s. Defensively, I feel like he was physical, cut off angles well and did a good job of keeping the puck in the zone in all situations. Mews made some smart decisions with the puck and was the team’s top power-play quarterback, a role I expect him to thrive in once he’s an NHLer. The decision-making with the puck still needs to work, even if I felt it was a bit more refined here.

47. John Mustard, C (Waterloo, USHL)

Man, Mustard can scoot. I wish we could have seen him at the U-18 World Championship because he would have excelled on the bigger ice. He’s really smart, plays with pace and has a great shot. Mustard isn’t flashy, but I could see Mustard’s work ethic allowing him to get the job done in a team’s bottom six. His speed should help him, too, although it feels like he’s still figuring out how to use it to his advantage.

48. Justin Poirier, RW (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)

With 69 goals between the regular season and playoffs, Poirier was unstoppable with the puck. He’s always been a goal-scorer dating back to his minor hockey days, although he’s becoming a better heads-up passer. At 5-foot-8, he clearly lacks size, but not skill. I think a team will be willing to take a chance on him in the top 60 as one of the guys who breaks through despite a his smaller stature.

49. Max Plante, LW (USNTDP)

Plante is one of the better playmakers in this class. He has skated alongside some of the USNTDP’s top talent and has excellent hand-eye coordination. Plante isn’t big, but he’s always looking to make a smart pass, and it pays off. He has put up good numbers, although I feel like he can get caught trying to make passes when he should just shoot the puck.

50. Sam O’Reilly, C (London, OHL)

O’Reilly has been one of the biggest movers in the draft rankings due to his play as a smart, two-way center. He had a solid playoff run, too, playing a great secondary role. O’Reilly was playing Jr. B with the London Nationals last year, but it didn’t take him long to get acquainted to the speed and tenacity of the OHL. He put up better numbers than Easton Cowan did last year and just below Denver Barkey, so that’s a good sign. O’Reilly is toolsy, which is important for a player his age.

51. Matvei Gridin, LW (Muskegon, USHL)

Gridin captured the USHL scoring crown for 2023-24. The University of Michigan product had the most multi-point efforts in the league this season, too. His two-way game needs some work, but he’s been more engaged without the puck the past few viewings I’ve had compared to, say, the Fall Showcase. His offensive upside could allow him to go much earlier, though.

52. Matvei Shuravin, LHD (Krasnaya Armiya, MHL)

Scouts are really mixed here. Some have Shuravin as a first-rounder, others outside the second round. At 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, he’s got the size scouts are looking for. He does play with an edge, but there are some questions about his decision-making. I liked him in his spot on KHL duty, perhaps a bit more than some of his games in the MHL. Injuries limited his overall playing time this year, but I think he has good late-bloomer potential if he keeps playing at his pace.

53. Tomas Galvas, LHD (Olomouc, Czechia)

Czech evaluators really like Galvas. He’s undersized, but he’s great with the puck, and his confidence has continued to grow throughout the season with Liberec’s men’s team. Given that he had to essentially fill in for Adam Jiricek, I felt like he had a solid showing at the World Juniors. I didn’t love him at the U-18s, though. It just felt like I’ve seen more from him. He needs to add more muscle to complement his skating and overall solid puck work.

54. Veeti Vaisanen, LHD (KooKoo, Liiga)

A lot of the early season hype has started to slow on Vaisanen. I know some scouts still think there’s first-round potential, but that crowd’s getting smaller. The good news is he has spent most of the year playing against men and has only seemingly gotten better with more experience. If he’d just move the puck quicker, I’d have fewer concerns.

55. Ben Danford, RHD (Oshawa, OHL)

For a defenseman with Danford’s offensive abilities, it’s crazy he had just one goal during the regular season with Oshawa. But he’s a guy his teammates like to rely on because he’s rarely caught making a mistake distributing the puck. I’ve seen Danford play both sides on the blueline this year but I think he’s got something going on the left side – it fits his shot better.

56. Kamil Bednarik, C (USNTDP)

Bednarik isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s consistent. He puts in a great effort every single night, can play with anyone and does a lot of small things well. His skating isn’t great, which knocks him down a bit but he’ll work hard at both ends and will get active in trying to regain control of the puck.

57. Leon Muggli, LHD (Zug, NL)

Muggli had a solid year in the top Swiss league. There were points at the World Juniors where Muggli was outmatched by drafted competition, but I felt like he got better as the tournament wore on and he wasn’t worried about making mistakes – allowing him to play to his strengths. I think he’s got the brains to have a good NHL career, but mostly as a bottom-pairing defender.

58. Simon Zether, C (Rogle, SHL)

Zether caught my eye as a late 2005-born player last year, especially internationally. He’s got significant SHL experience, and he didn’t lack confidence against the tougher competition. Zether stands at 6-foot-2 and seems to play bigger than his size. He’s a good play-reader, moves the puck well and is great in small-area situations. A few scouts think he’s better than his numbers suggest and that he could become a great pickup.

59. Adam Jecho, C (Edmonton, WHL)

Jecho is big at 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds, but he’s more than just a hulking body. He’s got a great shot, is hard to beat along the boards and is defensively responsible, too. Some scouts like him as a potential late first-rounder at the high end but I don’t think he’s a good enough skater for that. But right now, after his first year in the WHL, I think there’s a solid base to work around here for Jecho to become a third-liner.

60. Miguel Marques, RW (Lethbridge, WHL)

If one thing stands out here, it’s Marques’ confidence. He’s just 5-foot-11, but he’s not afraid of bigger players, and it shows in how feisty he gets. Marques’ numbers have been excellent this season and he’s got enough skill in bursts to beat just about anyone in the QMJHL in 1-on-1 situations. I just wish he’d shoot the puck more because he has too many quiet games.

61. Adam Kleber, RHD (Lincoln, USHL)

A University of Minnesota-Duluth commit, Kleber is a big 6-foot-5, 209-pound defenseman who doesn’t put a ton of points on the board, but will punish you with his strength and work ethic. Teams like right-shot defenders with his type of profile, especially since he can skate, too.

62. Will Skahan, LHD (USNTDP)

There’s so much to like about Skahan, a 6-foot-4, 212-pound defenseman. He can get nasty out there, playing an aggressive, in-your-face style that few have figured out how to contain. The Boston College commit lacks in the offensive department, which is why he’s down here. But you’re drafting him for physicality and defensive-zone play – two things he excels at.

63. Jacob Battaglia, LW (Kingston, OHL)

After a decent rookie season, Battaglia saw his offense bounce up to 31 goals and 65 points in 67 games with Kingston this year. A producer at all levels, he’s not huge at six-foot but he’s strong and creative. If he can carry his offense up to higher level, he could be a decent middle-six scoring thread.

64. Colin Ralph, LHD (Shattuck’s St. Mary’s, Prep)

Ralph produced at more than a point-per-game with SSM this year, which, mixed with his big 6-foot-4, 227-pound frame, is intriguing. The St. Cloud State University commit hasn’t played in the USHL yet, but he’s a projectable defender who’s hard to beat due to how mobile he is with his big frame. He’s got all the tools to become a physically strong offensive defenseman with good hockey IQ.

65. Luke Misa, C (Mississauga, OHL)

Misa has speed that kills and creates his own breakaways as often as anyone. When he uses his speed to create chances, he’s so difficult to beat – but it’s about consistently using that to his advantage. He’s a breakaway machine – got at least one in all of my live viewings this year. From an overall standpoint, Misa has performed much better than I expected this year after watching him closely over the past few years. I expect him to transform into a Ryan McLeod-style player.

66. Alex Zetterberg, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)

Some scouts love him. Some think he won’t even get drafted. Myself? All he does is score. You could see how less dynamic the Swedes were at the U-18 World Championship once Zetterberg suffered his concussion. At 5-foot-8, there are legitimate concerns about his small frame. And producing against U-20 kids is different than playing against men, something he hasn’t done yet. But playing in his own age group, few players can produce offense at both 5-on-5 and with the man advantage like Zetterberg.

67. Julius Miettinen, C (Everett, WHL)

I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star plugged away at a point-per-game pace all season long, his first in North America. He’s big at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, and he’s not afraid to use his frame any time he can. His season started slowly, but once he got more comfortable in his new environment, he started to really look good.

68. Tarin Smith, LHD (Everett, WHL)

There’s no consensus for Smith this year, with some liking him as a second-rounder while others are thinking third or fourth. The intelligent defenseman missed nearly all of 2022-23, scoring just one goal in eight games. This year, he had 44 points in 67 games, wasting no time making up for lost time – especially on the power play. His shoulder looks to be in good shape, and if he can stay healthy, there’s a chance he’ll become one of the better value picks in the draft.

69. Raoul Boilard, C (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)

If Boilard doesn’t make it as a point producer, and I don’t think he will, he should have a good career as a bottom-six player with good hockey sense. He’s a solid playmaker who can do a lot with the puck, and his defensive game is strong at this age. I envision Boilard becoming a bottom-six defensive center who can win a lot of faceoffs.

70. Luca Marrelli, LHD (Oshawa, OHL)

Marrelli fascinated me this season as Oshawa’s top puck-moving defenseman. He’s a good skater who has elevated his offensive production in a big way as a third-year OHLer, and he has a solid 6-foot-2 frame to boot. Even in his quiet games, his hockey IQ shines through, even if his overall work ethic sometimes lacks.

71. Carter George, G (Owen Sound, OHL)

George’s game is built around just keeping things steady and relaxed in the crease. At 6-foot-1, George is also on the smaller side, but he’s as confident as they come in this year’s class. Let in a bad goal? He’s going to rob you on your next chance. Nothing seems to bother him, and he also sees through traffic well for a smaller keeper. I thought George was great at the U-18s, especially in the medal round, even if the stats might not fully reflect it. From a skill perspective, he’s clean, but can scouts look past the smaller frame?

72. Daniil Ustinkov, LHD (Zurich, NL)

I was really high on Ustinkov last year but it seemed like he kept falling all year long. He often struggled with the pace needed in Switzerland, but I felt like he was solid during the playoffs, despite having just one point to show for. I think he knows he’s skilled and tries to do too much, but doesn’t have the ability to make up for mistakes. Ustinkov has shown often he can be one of Switzerland’s best defenders, but consistency is an issue. High-risk, high-reward.

73. Eriks Mateiko, LW (Saint John, QMJHL)

I’m a big fan of the big man. The 6-foot-5, 209-pound winger just commands space and he doesn’t give you much to work, either. Offensively, he had a decent year, but he has a great shot and works hard in his own zone. I think he projects as a defensively reliable two-way forward whom you can stick in your bottom six and be happy about.

74. Clarke Caswell, LW (Swift Current, WHL)

Caswell had a quiet first half but finished the year by registering a point in all but one game after mid-February. He really started to come alive in the postseason, showing a level of energy and tenacity that you love to see from someone trying to prove themselves. It’s hard to get a good read on what his future’s like – he’s not big, needs to improve his skating and could up his defensive game, but with the puck, there’s a lot to like.

75. Brodie Ziemer, C (USNTDP)

I like Ziemer. The University of Minnesota commit isn’t high on anyone’s list, but from talking to his teammates, he’s always the guy they mention who is a natural-born leader. He’s the captain, so it makes sense, but he’s a solid goal-scorer who is smart enough to get him out of sticky situations. I’m not sure about his skating, but I think there’s a chance for him to be a decent depth scorer at the next level.

76. Christian Humphreys, C (USNTDP)

I considered putting Humphreys in my first-round rankings early on, but he never really got close for me in the end. I think he’s got good puck work that should make him effective as a complementary forward in the NHL, and he seems to be much stronger now than he was at the same time last year. I felt like he especially looked good in some showings against college teams this year, most notably Cornell, early in the season.

77. Riley Patterson, C (Barrie, OHL)

From producing one of the best Draft+1 seasons in recent OJHL memory to just missing out on the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie, Patterson had an excellent season with the Colts. I especially liked him against Oshawa in the first round, when he found creative ways to make scoring chances happen while also playing a solid physical game. Patterson is a good skater who plays with skill and strength, and I think he should get picked higher than the No. 116 spot NHL Central Scouting placed him in.

78. Ryerson Leenders, G (Mississauga, OHL)

I still think Leenders is one of the best goaltenders in the draft class, even if he fell off a bit in the second half. He proved countless times this year that he was capable of stealing games and had the best save percentage of any draft-eligible OHL goaltender this year at .909. Keep in mind that defensive play can be quite wonky at this age. He rarely got out-goalie’d in tight matchups, something scouts appreciate.

79. Carson Wetsch, RW (Calgary, WHL)

Wetsch was a surprising addition to Canada’s U-18 team, but I thought he was a good, energetic winger. He competes hard and skates well enough to make up for a lack of pure skill. Wetsch’s playmaking was solid in the WHL and I think he has a better shot release than some realize.

80. Marcus Gidlöf, G (Leksands, Sweden U-20)

Gidlöf is so fascinating – and I think NHL Central Scouting put him way too low as the No. 10 European goalie. At 6-foot-6 with solid numbers in the Swedish U-20 league, Gidlöf is aggressive in his crease and takes up so much space. He tracks pucks well, is extremely competitive and has good rebound control. In a year with very few starter-caliber options, Gidlöf could end up being a steal. I just feel it.

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