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The 20 best prospects of the 2022 NHL draft

All Buzznews

2022-05-31 12:31:17

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)

Credit: Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP

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)

Credit: Moose Jaw Warriors

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)

Credit: Brian Liesse/T-Birds

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)

Credit: Thomas Lovelock/OIS Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

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)

Credit: Rena Laverty / U.S. NTDP

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)

Credit: HHOF-iIIHF Images

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)

Credit: Joe Toth/OIS Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

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)

Credit: Andreas Ljunggren / Rögle BK

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)

Credit: Cover Images

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

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

Credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

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)

Credit: Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen

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)

Credit: Metallurg Magnitogorsk

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)

Credit: Cover Images

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

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

Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

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

Credit: HHOF-IIHF Images

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)

Credit: Candice Ward / Calgary Hitmen

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

Credit: Cover Images

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

Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

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)

Credit: Terry Wilson / OHL Images

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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