It’s time for some major junior hockey.

The Canadian Hockey League’s three member organizations – the OHL, WHL and QMJHL – are set to begin their new campaigns in the next few days. Both the WHL and QMJHL kick off action on Friday, Sept. 20, while the Windsor Spitfires and Saginaw Spirit will begin the OHL calendar on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

As always, it’s one of the premier development paths for NHL prospects, both drafted and undrafted. All 60 teams are chasing a shot at the Memorial Cup, with the 2025 edition being held in Rimouski, Quebec. But, in the end, the goal for every player is to become the best they possibly can in hopes of becoming future NHLers.

Today, we’re looking at 30 of the best NHL-drafted prospects across the three leagues. There are a few caveats, though. European players don’t need to wait until they’re 20 to play in the AHL, so someone like Sudbury’s Dalibor Dvorsky could start the season with St. Louis’ minor league affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Easton Cowan was also left off this list, too. He was the OHL’s MVP last year and would challenge for that again if he returns to London this year. But there seems to be a belief that he’ll get a decent shot with the Toronto Maple Leafs out of training camp. If he goes back to London (and he probably should, even if he gets a few NHL games in first), he’ll obviously be one of the most notable players to watch in the OHL.

So, here’s a look at some of the top players major junior has to offer:

OHL

Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (Calgary Flames)

Parekh is coming off the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender. So what’s he capable of as a third-year OHLer? There’s no reason to doubt that he won’t become the fourth defender in OHL history to break the 120-point barrier and become just the second behind Paul Reinhart in 1978-79 to hit 50 goals. He’s got the toolkit to make everything work at both ends, starting with his skating. Parekh isn’t an explosive skater, but he moves well side-to-side and can start and stop on a dime. He’s a manipulator offensively in how he makes you think he’s doing one thing before doing another, and he’s figured out how to use that to his advantage going the other way, too. After winning the Memorial Cup last spring, look for Parekh to bring the Spirit far again this year, too.

Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (San Jose Sharks)

Dickinson looked like a seasoned veteran with London last year, and now he’s ready to chase another OHL title. 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 last year with 18 goals and 70 points. You have to think 30 goals is on the horizon this year, especially if Cowan returns up front for the Knights to give Dickinson even more help. There are times he’ll get caught trying to do too much with the puck, but after showing how versatile he was last year, I expect him to work on refining his game a bit more in 2024-25.

Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (Colorado Avalanche)

Ritchie’s ability to keep adapting and learning makes him so effective – and now he’s ready for a starring role in the OHL. Ritchie missed time in his third OHL campaign last year but set a new career high with 52 assists and 80 points in 50 games played. He was also a serious contender for OHL playoff MVP with 30 points in 21 games, only for the Generals to fall in four games. Ritchie is a strong, smart, two-way center who can play against anyone and come out on top, and I fully believe he’ll be an impact player for the Avs. He’s riding a five-assist run in prospect tournament action this past weekend, and assuming he returns to the Generals after camp, he’ll have a chance to be one of the best players in the OHL.

Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury Wolves (San Jose Sharks)

Will Musty start the season in the NHL? It’s quite possible if he’s able to build upon an excellent showing at the 2024 NHL Rookie Faceoff this past weekend. Musty is one of the best offensive threats in the OHL, showing he can play with just about everyone. He’s strong, skilled and has an excellent shot release, allowing him to be effective from just about anywhere on the ice. Musty had 43 goals and 102 points in 53 games while looking especially dominant in the second half of the season. After getting passed over last year, expect Musty to play a top-six role with USA’s World Junior Championship team this winter. If he’s back with the Wolves this year, look for him to break the 50-goal barrier.

Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts (Edmonton Oilers)

If anyone needs a big bounce-back season this year, it’s Akey. His season was cut short after 14 games, just as he was starting to really show what he was capable of. Still, he’s been great in the OHL so far and I think he’s a good enough two-way threat to be a long-term option for the Oilers. He’s a right-handed defender, something the team really needs, too. This year will be about Akey finding his mojo again and being an impact player on a team many expect to go deep into the playoffs – and then we’ll see if he can push his way into the Oilers’ lineup in 2025-26.

Carson Rehkopf, LW, Brampton Steelheads (Seattle Kraken)

Rehkopf was one of the best players in the OHL last season, scoring 52 goals and 95 points for the Kitchener Rangers. He also had four points with Canada’s World Junior team as a power-play specialist, giving the team some nice scoring depth down when they needed it. Now he’s off to play for Brampton, which is set to be a serious contender this coming year. Could Rehkopf finish with 60 goals while playing alongside top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone? I’d bet on it. He should also make Canada’s roster again on home ice in December, so it’s shaping up to be a potentially huge season for the scoring forward.

Oliver Bonk, RHD, London Knights (Philadelphia Flyers)

Besides the unfortunate moment that saw the puck bounce off him and in to eliminate Canada from the World Juniors, last year was a near-perfect season for the 2023 first-rounder. He played a major role with London, scoring 24 goals and 67 points in the regular season en route to an OHL championship. I also thought he looked good at the Memorial Cup, registering points in all four games – including two in the final against Saginaw. The 6-foot-2 defender commands attention on the ice, and while he can clearly score, he grew up projecting as more of a shutdown defender. The fact he’s as rounded as he is right now is such an incredible sign of his development and of the Flyers’ belief in him.

Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound Attack (Winnipeg Jets)

It looks all but certain that Barlow will not play for the Attack in 2024-25, with reports linking him to the Oshawa Generals. And, hey, with Cal Ritchie passing him the puck, that sounds incredibly dangerous. Barlow missed some time last season, but he still managed to put up 40 goals and 58 points in 50 games with the Attack. His stat line might look funny with how lopsided his goals and assists are, but few players strike fear in CHL goaltenders like Barlow does, and that counts for something. What separates him from other goal-scorers is just how engaged physically he is. Even if he ends up as a third-liner, the fact he’s willing to lay the body on just about anyone shows that he means business. You won’t mistake him for a two-way dynamo, but in the areas he’s best at – hitting and scoring – few players are as good.

Nick Lardis, LW, Brantford Bulldogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Lardis’ regular season with Brantford last year was limited to just 37 games due to injury, but he made it count with 29 goals and 50 points before putting up another eight in the playoffs. Lardis even made his pro debut, skating in Rockford’s final regular season game against Chicago. Lardis was one of the 2023 NHL Draft’s biggest surprises with how he shot up the scoring charts after his trade from Peterborough, but it still feels like he’s a bit of a boom-bust player. This year will be a big opportunity for Lardis to push himself up Chicago’s depth chart, while helping Brantford go far in the process – especially with Marek Vanacker out to start the season.

Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (Los Angeles Kings)

Greentree had 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points in 64 games with the Spitfires last year, easily making his mark as the team’s top player. Windsor posted just 18 wins in 68 games and allowed 360 goals against, the highest in the OHL. Greentree’s 36 goals led the Spitfires, with the winger quickly becoming the team’s top player. He plays a power forward game, using his 6-foot-2, 198-pound frame to push past opponents and winning puck battles on a consistent basis. He saw a nice scoring uptick this year, and he knows how to put pucks in the net. There’s an argument that he’s an even better playmaker, but we’ll see if that comes to fruition with better linemates.

Other notables: Carter George, G, Owen Sound Attack (Los Angeles Kings), Emil Hemming, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL), Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (Utah HC), Denver Barkey, C, London Knights (Philadelphia Flyers), Eduard Sale, RW, Kitchener Rangers (Seattle Kraken)

WHL

*Berkly Catton (Photo from the Spokane Chiefs)*

Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (Seattle Kraken)

Catton isn’t built physically strong, which could cause him issues as a center. But you can’t deny the pure talent, scoring 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games in his second full year in the WHL. The Chiefs’ alternate captain is so good with the puck, often taking control of the game when Spokane is down and out. Few draft eligibles are as good at producing high-quality chances as Catton, and he works hard enough at both ends to earn the benefit of the doubt as a future NHL center. In the WHL, though, he’s easily one of the best players in the league, and that’s what matters the most this season.

Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Lindstrom didn’t join the Blue Jackets at the recent prospect tournament in Buffalo, which isn’t a great start after coming off a back injury last year. He missed about three months last year, but that wasn’t enough to prevent Columbus from taking him fourth overall in 2024. He’s an absolute monster out there, and scouts love the potential for him to be a high-scoring wrecking ball, somewhat like a Nathan MacKinnon or Roope Hintz. Lindstrom’s combination of speed, size and skill makes him so fascinating. Assuming his back is truly good to go, I expect him to play a dominant role on a Medicine Hat team that means business.

Tij Iginla, C/LW, Kelowna Rockets (Utah HC)

Iginla loves controlling the pace of play, something he did after moving to the wing with Kelowna last year. His work ethic is among the best I saw from anyone in the 2024 NHL Draft and he was easily one of Canada’s most impressive players at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Iginla said at the NHL Draft Combine back in June that he wants to play more center, which I think he could be positioned well to exceed in as he looks to lead Kelowna as far as possible this year. There are high expectations for Iginla moving forward, but he’s got excellent mentors to lean on to get him where he needs to be.

Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (Ottawa Senators)

With 30 goals, 71 points and 120 penalty minutes in 66 games, Yakemchuk was an absolute menace with Calgary last year. At the NHL Draft Combine, many players still considered him the most underrated player in this draft class. He’s such a pain for players to deal with because he’s nearly the entire package – offense, size and skating, mainly. Defensively, though, I still need to see more improvement – and that was definitely the case still when he played with Ottawa at the Buffalo Prospect Challenge. Yakemchuk should focus on his own-zone play this year, and if he improves it by even 20 percent, he’ll be an absolute force.

Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (Winnipeg Jets)

Yager had a wonderful 35-goal, 95-point season with Moose Jaw and was one of just a few Canadian World Junior players who seemed to do anything last winter. The dynamic, goal-scoring forward has one of the better shots in the WHL, and he fights for the puck on every shift as if his career depended on it. I loved Yager in my live viewings at the Buffalo Prospect Challenge last summer, and I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of as one of the WHL’s most dominant players this year. Yager is also quite good in the faceoff dot, too, which doesn’t hurt. With Matthew Savoie out of the picture, look for Yager to be leaned on even more this year with the Warriors.

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars (Minnesota Wild)

Heidt finished with 80 assists and 117 points, good for third in scoring while boasting an impressive 1.77 point-per-game average. Heidt was taken 64th overall in 2023, which, frankly, was bogus because his talent was way too good to end up there. One concern a year ago from some scouts was that it looked like he was playing on easy mode, and that he wouldn’t be able to do that in the NHL. We’re still at least another year away from finding out if that’s really true, but concerns are starting to slip away given how in control he looks at all times.

Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon Blades (Nashville Predators)

An injury limited Molendyk to just 50 regular season games, and he missed out on representing Canada at the World Juniors. But he still came away with a 56-point regular season, while boasting another 10 points as a key piece of the competitive Saskatoon Blades. Molendyk is probably the best pure skater from the 2023 draft class, and he also has the confidence you love to see with the puck. Molendyk isn’t big, but I’m not sure that’s going to cause him too many issues in the pro ranks. I expect Molendyk to play a big part with Canada this winter before pushing for a full-time NHL roster spot the following year. But for now, look for him to shine in Saskatoon.

Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (Washington Capitals)

When Cristall is on his game, he’s the best player on the ice, no matter the competition. His offensive game is equally dynamic as a shooter and a set-up man. He puts his teammates in spots to score and always talks with them to get them on the right page. There’s a reason he had 71 assists last year: he knows where he wants the puck, and can slow the game down to a pace that lets him take over. Cristall’s hands are as close to “elite” as you’ll find outside of the NHL, too. He’s not big at 5-foot-10, and he’s not a great skater, but if he can fix that part specifically, he might be fine in the NHL. There’s a very good chance Cristall challenges for WHL MVP honors this year, too.

Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (Washington Capitals)

From playing prep hockey in his Draft+1 year to finishing eighth in WHL scoring as a rookie in 2023-24, Parascak was a revelation last 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. Taken 17th overall in 2024, many thought the Caps reached a bit to get Parascak. But if he can show a bit more two-way effort and add some speed to his step, it could come out looking like a steal – just like with Cristall.

Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (Philadelphia Flyers)

The 6-foot-3 goalie has ideal size, and he’s had two solid seasons for a Wheat Kings team that doesn’t always give him quality defending to work with. Bjarnason is set for a big year in which he’ll hope to push Brandon far in the playoffs and might be the frontrunner for Canada’s starting gig at the World Juniors. It’s all about taking things one step at a time, but with his frame, athleticism and general good play over the past two years, Flyers fans are excited about Bjarnason’s potential. Let’s see if he can finish his WHL career on a high note.

Scott Ratzlaff, G, Seattle Thunderbirds (Buffalo Sabres)

I like Ratzlaff. He’s not big, but he tracks pucks well and has shown time and time again he can handle pressure. Ratzlaff’s play at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup was a good start, but then he followed it up with two solid years with the Seattle Thunderbirds. After playing 52 games last year, Ratzlaff will likely get a similar workload as he looks to contend for top goaltender honors. Seattle should hopefully be a bit better this year after a rebuilding year last season. But if not, Ratzlaff could be a decent trade chip to a contender sometime midway through the year – maybe after the World Juniors, where he looks to join Team Canada again?

Other notables: Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (Calgary Flames), Tanner Howe, LW, Regina Pats (Pittsburgh Penguins), Gracyn Sawchyn, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (Florida Panthers), Evan Gardner, G, Saskatoon Blades (Columbus Blue Jackets), Noah Chadwick, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (Toronto Maple Leafs)

QMJHL

*Tyler Peddle (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Etienne Morin, D, Moncton Wildcats (Calgary Flames)

Many people considered Morin to be one of the best defensemen in the CHL in 2022-23. He had 21 goals and 72 points in his draft year before falling to 49 this season but he still showed how competitive and defensively responsible he is. Morin is more than just a point-producer; while he’s not big, he’s physical, and he uses that to win battles consistently. I fully expect him to make it to the NHL, but I’m not sure in what role just yet. This year, let’s see if he can combine his offensive exploits with his improved defensive play to become a much more valuable option for a pipeline that could use a bit of a boost.

Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Gauthier was one of the only QMJHL forwards who was worth keeping a super close eye on last year. He saw a modest increase of just two points in Drummondville, but he set a new personal best with 36 goals and continued his trademark aggressive play. You see a player with a real pro hockey future; he loves to hit, score, and get in your face. He might play deeper in a lineup in the NHL one day, but he’ll be excellent at that because he’s got the energy and scoring touch you love to see from guys who might not be near the top of the skill spectrum.

Tyler Peddle, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Peddle is fascinating to me. Once seen as a potential first-rounder in 2023, two years after Drummondville took him second overall in the QMJHL Draft, Peddle fell all the way to the last pick at No. 224. Peddle struggled last year between the Voltigeurs and Sea Dogs, but he had a solid showing with Columbus during the Buffalo Prospect Challenge earlier this month. Hopefully, at 19, Peddle is set for a breakout season and could emerge as a late-round steal for the organization. He looks stronger than ever before, and his speed hasn’t wavered over the years.

Mathieu Cataford, RW, Rimouski Oceaic (Vegas Golden Knights)

After three years of being a leader on the Halifax Mooseheads, Cataford is ready to break the 100-point barrier with Rimouski. He had 40 goals and 90 points a year ago and registered two assists in four games with Henderson to close out the year. The energetic, smart winger isn’t tall, but he’s physically strong and isn’t afraid to throw the body if he can’t beat you with a quick move. He’s been a play-driver for the past two years with Halifax, and his pure offense has made him one of the most effective players in the QMJHL. He’s not a two-way player, though, so he’s going to have to rely on generating scoring chances to have a realistic shot at being an NHL player. But that’s a problem for another day.

Justin Poirier, RW, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (Carolina Hurricanes)

Poirier is on the sidelines for now and won’t take part in Carolina’s camp, but that shouldn’t change his status as one of the top players to watch in the QMJHL this year. He had a nice season with Baie-Comeau, scoring 69 goals between the regular season and playoffs. He’s always been a goal-scorer dating back to his minor hockey days, although he’s becoming a better heads-up passer. He clearly lacks size at 5-foot-8, but not skill. And QMJHL goaltenders are about to feel his wrath again.

Raoul Boilard, C, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (New York Rangers)

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. But on BCD this season, the 18-year-old should eclipse the 50-assist, 70-point barrier for the first time. Boilard had a great rookie season with the Drakkar and even was named MVP at the CHL Top Prospects Game after showing his skill with the puck. I hope he can score a bit more, too, because I like his shot.

Maxim Massé, RW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (Anaheim Ducks)

Massé led Chicoutimi with 36 goals and 75 points last year, using his 6-foot-2 frame to his advantage out there. 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. This season, it’s all about making sure he can get add some more speed, agility and improve his defensive game.

Dylan MacKinnon, D, Moncton Wildcats (Nashville Predators)

MacKinnon joined Canada’s roster for the World Junior Summer Showcase, which was quite intriguing. Seen as more of a shutdown defender, MacKinnon can be an absolute jerk on the ice (in the most flattering way possible). He doesn’t shoot the puck often, and his playmaking skills are just fine, but he’s good at simply being a defenseman. I still would like to see him get more engaged with the puck, but you still need players who can keep the puck away from the net, and he does that quite well.

Spencer Gill, D, Rimouski Oceanic (Philadelphia Flyers)

The 6-foot-3 defenseman didn’t produce much at the U-18s in a year that saw him put in 12 goals and 46 points with Rimouski this year, but he showed good competition and defensive awareness. Still, you could see some raw potential, something that was evident with Rimouski last year. Gill is a physical defenseman who showed how good he could be with the puck last year, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t break the 50-point mark this year. I hope he can add a bit more speed, though.

Other notables: Loke Johansson, D, Moncton Wildcats (Boston Bruins), Simon-Pier Brunet, D (Drummondville Voltigeurs (Buffalo Sabres), Eriks Mateiko, LW, Saint John Sea Dogs (Washington Capitals), Quentin Miller, G, Rimouski Oceanic (Montreal Canadiens)

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OHL