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The 20 best prospects of the 2022 NHL draft

2022-05-31 12:31:17 Updated on 2022-05-31 21:25:38

He should be the first QMJHL player claimed. An offensive defenseman who can become a good quarterback on the power play."

19 - Jimmy Snuggerud, left wing, (USA)

A U.S. National Development Team offensive player with excellent pitching. One of his strengths, by the way, is that he uses it frequently."

18- Denton Mateychuk, defenseman, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Another offensive defenseman who can score goals, without being flamboyant. Had a great season with 13 goals and 51 assists in 65 games in the WHL.

17- Kevin Korchinski, defenseman, Seattle (WHL)

An offensive defenseman of good stature. An excellent passer as evidenced by his 61 assists this season. Has been steadily moving up the ranks among top prospects."

16- Cutter Gauthier, left wing (USA)

Another member of the U.S. National Development Team having a good season. A 6-foot-3 big guy who perfectly exemplifies the definition of a power winger."

15- Isaac Howard, left wing, (USA)

This US National Development Team product is good in all facets of the game. Creates a lot of scoring chances."

14- Brad Lambert, center, Pelicans (Finland)

Some scouts see him higher, but his lack of consistency on offense may cause him to slide."

13- Frank Nazar III, center, right wing (USA)

Having a great season with the U.S. National Development Team, he's earning points. Very good hands and a great shot."

12- Marco Kasper, center, Rogle (Sweden)

Another Swede with an excellent skating stroke. He often creates scoring opportunities when you least expect it."

11- Jonathan Lekkerimaki, right wing, Djurgarden U20 (Sweden)

He should be the first Swede selected. He's more of a natural scorer than a playmaker."

10- Pavel Mintyukov, defenseman, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

He is very reminiscent of Mikhail Sergachev, a Russian defenseman who has adapted very well to the North American style. Excels especially on the power play."

9- Conor Geekie, center or winger, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

With 70 points this season, the man compared to Brock Nelson has a great shot and power forward skills to work with. A complete player who can be used in any capacity."

8- Danila Yurov, right wing, Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Right winger with a great skating stroke and standout skills. At 17 years old, he is more difficult to evaluate, as he is used sporadically in the KHL."

7- David Jiricek, defenseman, HC Plzen (Extraliiga)

A complete defender capable of contributing in attack and also known for his excellent defensive play."

6 - Simon Nemec, defenseman, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

Good defensively and moves the puck well on offense. Should be the first defenseman claimed. He did very well with the pros at the Olympics.

5- Logan Cooley, center, USA National Development Team

Compared to Mitch Marner, the small center is a great play maker and dynamic skater with explosive acceleration."

4- Matthew Savoie, center, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

A quick center with excellent game vision. He has been compared a lot to Matthew Barzal. His passion for the game and his intelligence increase his chances of success in the best league in the world."

3- Joakim Kemell, left wing, HT Jyvaskyla, Finland

He has been compared to David Pastrnak. This natural scorer was having a great start to the season and was dominating the Liiga scoring charts at just 17 years old until a major shoulder injury sidelined him and fueled concerns."

2- Juraj Slafkovsky, left wing, TPS Turku, Finland

The Slovakian had many eyes wide open at the Olympics. At just 17 years old, he managed to score a goal a game while playing against top professional athletes."

1- Shane Wright, center, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Compared to Patrice Bergeron, the 6-foot, 185-pound center excels in all facets of the game. With a 93-point season in 63 games, he is the favorite all season to hear his name called first in the draft."

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