Scouting is subjective.

You can talk to one scout or GM, and they’ll tell you how they love how a player skates or shoots the puck. Ask another, and you’ll get a wildly different answer.

That’s what makes this all so fun. And the teams that extract the most out of their resources are the ones that benefit the most.

So that’s why, depending on who you talk to, Cole Eiserman is either the second-best prospect in the draft or barely holding on to a top-10 spot. That’s why some love Ivan Demidov, and others don’t want to fall for the hype. That’s why some scouts call Anton Silayev the best defensive prospect in the draft, and others have Zayne Parekh, Sam Dickinson, Artyom Levshunov or Zeev Buium in the top spot. Even the NHL’s Central Scouting Service disagrees with what teams and other public sources believe. In reality, a lot of success is driven by luck. It’s just the nature of the business.

It’s an interesting time of year in the sport. The World Junior Championship has come and gone, with a handful of draft prospects making an impact on the global stage. The All-American Game also showed off the nation’s top talent earlier this week, highlighted by Eiserman and Cole Hutson, among others. Next up: the CHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 24.

None of those events will drastically change how I feel about a player. They’re just one part of a busy draft season for everyone. So with that, here’s a look at 50 of the top prospects as we’ve passed the midway point of the 2023-24 season:

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

Celebrini is going first overall. Open and shut. Celebrini has been leaned upon by former NHLer Jay Pandolofo in college, getting played in all situations on the Terriers despite being the only 17-year-old on the team. Celebrini was miles ahead of everyone on Canada’s world junior team too, blocking shots, throwing hits, blasting by players and dominating offensively. Celebrini is the complete package.

2. Ivan Demidov, RW (SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, MHL)

I know Demidov can be polarizing at points. But he’s been on an absolute tear the past bit, producing at a 1.5 point-per-game rate in the MHL. Demidov has what scouts call “hero mode,” allowing him to turn on a dime and take a game over. But it can come at a detriment at points, especially defensively. But 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. Cole Eiserman, LW (USNTDP)

Eiserman wasn’t invited to USA’s world junior camp and then ended up nursing a minor injury. Neither should impact his draft status, but I did push him down one spot because I truly just get amazed each time I watch Demidov touch the puck – more so than Eiserman. The USNTDP’s star is still playing at more than a goal per game, and no one can dominate the open space of a power play like him. The issue? While Eiserman’s shot is as elite as it gets at this level, he can look disengaged too often and doesn’t pass enough, either. Put it this way: whoever lands Eiserman is getting a 40-50 goal-scorer in the NHL, but you need to pair him with someone with a bit more two-way acumen. But if you’re going to be good at anything, it might as well be at goal-scoring, right?

4. Konsta Helenius, C (Jukurit, Liiga)

The WJC wasn’t always easy for Finland, nor Helenius. He struggled to get on the board for most of the tournament, but his play reads and overall hockey IQ were a step ahead of most. We’ve seen enough of Helenius looking dominant internationally to know that he can take over when Finland is flying on all cylinders. Given what we’ve seen from him in Liiga, I have no doubt he’ll be an impact NHLer because he’s rarely not one of the best players in his own age group. Helenius has serious top-six potential.

5. Anton Silayev, LHD (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)

Most of the early season shine has worn off, but Silayev now has the highest-scoring output by a U-18 skater in KHL history (Michkov was a U-19 player last year) after passing Vladimir Tarasenko with his 11th point late last month. The 6-foot-7 blueliner is averaging just under 20 minutes a night while blocking shots, landing hits and showing off great skating for his size. From talking to scouts recently, they think he’s the next Victor Hedman. That’s quite the praise and a reason why many have him as the first defenseman taken this year.

*Artyon Levshunov (MSU Athletic Communications)*

6. Artyon Levshunov, RHD (Michigan State University, NCAA)

The MSU standout has fallen in the eyes of many, including myself. It’s not due to a lack of production, given he’s been humming along at a point-per-game as a freshman. He’s a great triple threat as a physical, two-way defenseman and is as competitive as it gets. But then you’ll find his spatial awareness seems to lack in his own zone from time to time. It’s a bit nitpicky because the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, but Levshunov won’t last long on draft day.

7. Sam Dickinson, LHD (London, OHL)

No defenseman is on more of a heater than Dickinson, a standout with the Knights. He has been playing at an average of around two points per game since December. The offense is a nice touch, but Dickinson’s game goes far beyond that, with the 6-foot-3, 194-pound defenseman not afraid to use his frame. He’s mobile, has great speed, and makes smart decisions with the puck. Dickinson’s all-around play will make him a workhorse in the NHL.

8. Berkly Catton, C (Spokane, WHL)

I’m often looking for reasons to discount Catton, but they’re few and far between. The Spokane superstar is on pace for 110 points this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if at least 50 of them are goals. He’s had three four-point games this season, including two in December, and he can play some unstoppable hockey when everything is going right. The team that takes Catton is getting a play-driver that can do much with the puck, and you won’t be disappointed. Don’t make the same mistake teams did by passing over Zach Benson last year.

9. Zayne Parekh, RHD (Saginaw, OHL)

When scouts compare Parekh’s style to the likes of Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, you can see why I get excited about him. He’s likely going to eclipse the 30-goal, 100-point barrier as a sophomore defenseman, which is incredible. He loves to shoot the puck, which at times comes as a detriment to his own-zone play. But I think Parekh’s ceiling is enormous as long as you pair him up with a defensively responsible partner.

*Zayne Parekh (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)*

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

Lindstrom hasn’t played in about a month due to an upper-body injury, but he’s been great when in the lineup for the Tigers. He’s on pace for more than 50 goals and nearly 90 points while also using his body to hit just about everyone in sight. I think the ceiling to become a physically dominant forward in the NHL is interesting, especially with experience at both center and the wing. Multi-point games seem to be his specialty this year.

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

I’m going all-in on Buium. He was one of USA’s top blueliners at the WJC despite being the youngest option, generating chances, skating well and playing all situations. Buium isn’t overly physical, but he’ll outsmart you and beat you with skill instead. The way he pinched in to help generate chances at the world juniors was impressive, and it explains why he’s the highest-scoring defenseman in the NCAA this year despite being a freshman.

12. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW (Mora IK, Allsvenskan)

Nobody works as hard as MBN. He’s got an unbelievable shot, a great work ethic, can play the penalty kill and land hits. Norway had a rough go at the WJC, but Brandsegg-Nygård was consistently one of Norway’s best players, registering a three-point effort against Slovakia in their third game of the tournament. Talking to scouts throughout the event, many think he has top 10 potential.

13. Tij Iginla, LW (Kelowna, WHL)

Iginla is a speedy winger who can get under the nose of players with how he battles along the boards. If he doesn’t beat you in a simple race to the puck, he’ll outwork you to the death. He can shoot from anywhere, and it’s why he’s on pace for close to 50 goals as a second-year WHLer. Plus, the pedigree helps.

14. Carter Yakemchuk, D (Calgary, WHL)

I’m a sucker for defensemen who score in high volumes, and Yakemchuk is looking like a 30-goal scorer for the Hitmen. Skilled, offensive right-handed defensemen are coveted, especially those with a reasonable 6-foot-2 frame and solid mobility. But like any offensive defenders, his defensive game lacks often. The upside, though, is huge, and that’s what teams will be banking on.

*Trevor Connelly (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

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

As expected, Connelly has been one of the USHL’s top players, showcasing his high-end playmaking abilities. While goals haven’t seemed to be his strong suit with Tri-City, he did show what happens when you give him too much space at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Connelly was humming around at a near 80-point pace before Christmas, but he used some of that time to put up a whopping six goals and 11 points in six games at the World Junior A Challenge. Seriously, when the spotlight’s on him, he shines.

16. Liam Greentree, LW (Windsor, OHL)

Greentree has done a lot of heavy lifting for a poor Windsor Spitfires team. While he’s prone to disappear at points, the 6-foot-2, 198-pound forward must have listened to detractors and that’s why he’s playing some of his best junior hockey to date as of late. Greentree makes himself difficult to play against thanks to his frame, giving him a chance to make the NHL as a power forward.

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

An upper-body injury has kept him out of action for a month, putting a pause on what was some of his best hockey of the season. Ritchie can take over shifts with his high energy and workhorse attitude. And his shot – good luck blocking that. I’m hoping to see a big second half out of a guy I really believe in, even though he has fallen a bit in my rankings – but that’s more because of the abundance of high-quality defenders.

18. Emil Hemming, RW (TPS, Liiga)

Hemming had a nice start to the world juniors, making himself difficult to play against as Finland’s fourth line looked like its best early on. But he started to look lost as the pace of the tournament improved and the Finns started winning. His ice time fell into single-digit territory in the medal round and he never saw the ice against Czechia. Still, I was impressed with his Five Nations play in early November and he played some good hockey with TPS’ men’s team before heading off to Sweden.

19. Adam Jiricek, RHD (Plzen, Czechia)

Man, what a bummer. Jiricek was injured at the world juniors and is out for 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 Czech’s national junior program, playing nearly 20 games between the U-18 and U-20 teams. It’s a shame we won’t get to see him have a second-half push.

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

A lot of the underlying numbers make Artamonov look really good, and he’s playing at a near 30-point pace 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 has a handful of goals in the KHL, but the more he plays, the better he plays.

21. Igor Chernyshov, LW (Dynamo Moskva, KHL)

No matter how many shots he puts on net, Chernyshov just can’t seem to buy a goal right now. His ice time has increased and his high-quality chances have improved, but he still has just one goal in the KHL to show for it. Against his own age group, though, Chernyshov’s near the top of his class thanks to his slick stickhandling and big 6-foot-2 frame.

22. Sacha Boisvert, C (Muskegon, USHL)

Boisvert has scored in every game I’ve watched him play, so maybe I’m a good luck charm, Muskegon Lumberjacks fans? Boisvert has played at a consistent point-per-game rate since the start of the year, but his backchecking efforts, speed and hockey IQ help define him well beyond his offensive capabilities.

23. Aron Kiviharju, LHD (TPS, Liiga)

Kiviharju has been out long-term with an injury, so we haven’t seen much of him this year. He started off slowly, but Kiviharju had points in his final two games as his ice time improved. Kiviharju had some bumps in the road a year ago against men, but he’s a dynamic passer who can skate like the wind. Kiviharju will need to show a lot when he returns if he is to go high in the draft. I still think there’s top-pairing potential here.

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

Basha continues to make his mark on the scoresheet, sitting at nearly a 95-point pace in his third year with Medicine Hat. Multi-point efforts are a common occurrence, no matter whom he plays with. 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.

25. Maxim Masse, RW (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)

Sometimes, I love how involved he is with the puck. Other times, he’s more of a defensive stalwart. 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. And once he gets older, I feel like his overall physical play will get better as he adds muscle.

26. EJ Emery, RHD (USNTDP)

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the 6-foot-3 Emery skates well for his size. While Hutson is more of the point producer, Emery helps get the play started by retrieving the puck and then playing a more passive game. And he does it quickly, with one scout comparing him to the Road Runner in how he gets where he needs to be so swiftly. A lot of Emery’s value doesn’t tend to get rewarded on the scoresheet, given he finally scored his first goal of any kind at the All-American Game. But I really think the potential for him to become a mobile, top-four defenseman is there.

27. Michael Hage, C (Chicago, USHL)

Hage was one of my favorite prospects out of the 2022 OHL Draft class, and I was excited to see what he could do in junior with the Chicago Steel. But the University of Michigan commit missed almost all of 2022-23 with an injury and didn’t look that comfortable during the playoffs. So this year was all about getting back on track, and now we’re looking at a two-way forward with some high potential. He has good speed, defensive awareness and should factor into a team’s middle-six one day.

28. Cole Hutson, LHD (USNTDP)

Like his brother Lane’s, Cole’s understanding of how to use open space to his advantage is top-notch. He’s a good skater, is bigger (5-foot-10) than his brother at the same age (5-foot-8), and has good numbers. Defensively, though, Hutson lacks, and I’m concerned that’ll get him burned in the NHL.

*Cole Hutson (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

29. Henry Mews, RHD (Ottawa, OHL)

I’m just not sure how to feel about Mews. The points are there. The upside is, too. But the decision-making and the defensive mistakes get me concerned. I fully believe Mews can overcome that with the right coaching, but he’s just not there… yet. On the plus side, he’s a great puck-moving defenseman who most often gets the puck where he wants it to be. So the base for him to become an effective point-producing defenseman is definitely there.

30. Luke Misa, C (Mississauga, OHL)

Misa started the season hot with Mississauga and hasn’t relented, putting him on pace for just under 100 points as a third-year player. He’s the older brother of top 2025 prospect Michael Misa, and it seems like scouts are all over the place in terms of Luke’s NHL potential. He plays at such a quick pace and uses his speed to generate chances while playing a bit feisty. That being said, his shot is just fine, and he’s on the smaller side of things at 5-foot-10. It isn’t a huge issue now, but it could become one once he turns pro.

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

The Cougars scoring star was unstoppable in November and was on quite the role to close out 2023. He’s gifted offensively, but he’s also surrounded by quality talent in Prince George, including the league’s top forward in Riley Heidt. I think the biggest issue that could make him fall out of the top round is his weak skating, which is a shame because he generates scoring chances from anywhere that could allow him to be a top-six threat.

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

Letourneau is quickly becoming one of my favorite prospects. The 6-foot-6 forward overpowers opponents, maybe in a more dominant way than Lindstrom. He’s putting up incredible numbers in the Prep Hockey Conference and recently got into some USHL action with Sioux Falls. He can skate, hit and score – the potential for him to become a huge piece of a team’s middle-six is tantalizing.

*Dean Letourneau (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

33. Kamil Bendarik, C (USNTDP)

Bednarik knows a thing or two about producing, which is why we’ve seen him put up the numbers he has with the USNTDP. His skating, though, takes him down a notch. He has a good hockey IQ and competes hard, but he gets beaten quite easily often in straight-line scenarios. Him playing with Eiserman might mask some of the issues in his game, but it’s good to see how he can hang with the best of the best no matter who is on his line.

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

Sahlin Wallenius is an outstanding skater – maybe the best among defenders in the class. That helps make up for the fact that he’s just 5-foot-11, something that does get exploited at points. Still, he looked great at the Hlinka Gretzky, showing solid two-way ability and quick hands. There are some modern-day qualities that’ll make him an interesting option at the draft table.

35. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)

For a 6-foot-2 winger, I wish Sennecke filled into his size more. He’s got a great frame, but he’s not overly physical and is prone to getting beaten by smaller, quicker skaters. That being said, he’s on pace for about 25 goals this year and should break the 55-point barrier again with an excellent shot. His speed needs work too, and could be what knocks him out of the first round.

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

Shuravin earned a surprise “A” rating in the NHL Central Scouting’s initial watch list, and I’m starting to see why. Compared to many of the more high-output defenders we’ve seen as potential first-rounders, Shuravin prioritizes positioning in his own zone and developing strong defensive habits. He’s still a work in progress with the puck, but he doesn’t shy away from it, either. At 6-foot-3, he has size, mobility and high hockey IQ.

37. Miguel Marques, RW (Lethbridge, WHL)

If there’s one thing that 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 all season long for Lethbridge after a quiet rookie season, although I feel like, despite a 30-goal pace, he needs to shoot the puck more.

38. Veeti Vaisanen, LHD (KooKoo, Liiga)

I was hoping Vaisanen would make the final Finnish WJC roster, but he was a late cut. And that’s partly because his ice time seems to just bounce around all over the place in the Liiga. He’s had some standout performances, including a nice two-point effort against HPK earlier this month, but he’s been underutilized against men. In his own age group, though, he tends to look more confident and balanced as a two-way defender.

*Veeti Vaisanen (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

39. Tanner Howe, C (Regina, WHL)

Howe continues to put up points up with the Pats, putting him on pace for 83 this year. Howe has a good release and good speed to make things happen, although his overall puck skills need work. Howe’s the type of guy you can get in any draft to give you solid offense down the line but who might not be well-rounded enough to take another step forward.

40. Julius Miettinen, C (Everett, WHL)

I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star has been plugging away at nearly a point per game in his first season in North America and should surpass the 30-goal mark. 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 the comfort has started to sink in.

41. Charlie Elick, RHD (Brandon, WHL)

I think I might be higher on Elick than others, and that’s because I think there’s more here than just physicality. At 6-foot-3, Elick’s speed makes him fun to watch. He brings a competitive spirit to every game and he leaves nothing on the table when going for a hit. At his core, Elick has the makings of a shutdown defenseman that, as long as he keeps his offensive game simple, should have no issue adjusting to the pro game. Elick’s decision-making with the puck needs work, but he’s not far off.

42. Tomas Galvas, LHD (Olomouc, Czechia)

Galvas is a skilled, two-way defender with good speed and overall skating. He’s a strong puck-rusher who has only improved with more confidence over time. The younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Jakub Galvas, Tomas doesn’t make many mistakes under pressure and skates as well as any defenseman his age. He was thrust into the WJC after Adam Jiricek’s injury and had a quiet showing, but that’ll change next year.

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

If there’s one thing I can say, it’s that Freij has some sleeper potential. He’s good in so many elements, but not great 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. But will that be enough?

44. Adam Jecho, RW (Edmonton, WHL)

Jecho has been on draft radars for a few years now, having played in a whopping three Hlinka Gretzky Cups, mixing speed and size together to form an interesting package. At 6-foot-5, Jecho is a pure power forward who makes his size known. It’s great to see him producing at around a point per game this season in his first campaign in North America.

45. Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie, OHL)

The son of former NHLer Eric Beaudoin, Cole plays a rounded two-way game that could interest teams. He put up good numbers at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but I’m more interested in how he commits himself to continuously getting better around his own net. He’s scoring at a good rate thanks to a nice release, too.

46. Luca Marrelli, LHD (Oshawa, OHL)

Marrelli has fascinated me 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 lacks at times.

*Matvei Gridin (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

47. Matvei Gridin, RW (Muskegon, USHL)

A lot of the early season hype around Gridin’s offensive prowess has quieted down, but he’s still second in USHL scoring. I was a bit worried when watching him at the All-American Game earlier this week because it felt like he spent way too much time following around and not enough time trying to make things happen. Still, you can’t help but love the numbers this season.

48. Leon Muggli, LHD (Zug, NL)

Muggli has had a solid year in the top Swiss league. He was suspended for a game at the World Junior Championship, but the maturity the mobile defender showed all tournament long was impressive. There were points 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.

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

I don’t think there’s a standout quality to Boilard’s game, and his skating is just fine. But he does a little bit of everything, including shot generation, penalty killing and shutting players down. compared to watching him in the BCHL last year, Boilard has figured out how to use his pure strength to his advantage. When he hits, he hits hard.

50. Simon Zether, C (Rogle, SHL)

Zether’s skating has improved throughout the season, and I thought he especially looked good in late-August Five Nations action. He’s a fluid skater with great hockey IQ and an above-average wrist shot. Zether has pro-level attributes with a nice 6-foot-3 frame, although I definitely want to see more engagement from him in SHL action.

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