In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind does. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).
For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Calgary Flames standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck. Pyotr Kochetkov, one of the top young netminders in the NHL was also one.
Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds; Ilya Nabokov, Jesse Pulkkinen, Ondrej Becher, Pavel Moysevich, Trevor Hoskin, Chase Pietila, Dmitri Gamzin, and Blake Montgomery. Nabokov and Pulkkinen were taken in the second round. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about six of those eight. In total there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 25 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.
In 2025, we have some very interesting candidates. Tanner Adams, a player we have ranked and written about previously, continues to improve at the NCAA level with Providence and has emerged as one of the better players in Hockey East. Jamiro Reber and David Granberg look like great picks out of Sweden. Reber has been fantastic in the SHL this year, while Granberg was one of Sweden’s top players at the WJC’s. Magomed Sharakanov has emerged as one of the top young defenders in the KHL. Kristian Epperson has paired with Michael Misa in Saginaw to become one of the OHL’s elite play drivers. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.
This is part two of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues in the United States.
NCAA
Charlie Cerrato - Center - Penn State University
Cerrato played for the USNTDP U18 team in his draft year, putting up unspectacular metrics. After a strong season with the Chicago Steel in the USHL the following year, he has found his stride this season with Penn State at the college hockey level. While not the flashiest player, Cerrato’s game is built on reliability, intelligence, and an exceptional work ethic, traits that have allowed him to become an integral part of one his teams. Cerrato has the size and physicality to compete effectively at both ends of the ice. His skating has taken significant steps forward, particularly his first-step quickness and ability to close gaps defensively. Offensively, Cerrato has shown flashes of creativity, using his vision and hockey IQ to make smart plays in the offensive zone. Leans playmaker over sniper. Cerrato’s biggest strengths lie in his defensive game and versatility. On the penalty kill, his anticipation and active stick make him a constant threat to disrupt passing lanes. While his ceiling may not be as high as some other prospects, Cerrato’s floor is exceptionally solid. He projects as a reliable bottom-six forward at the NHL level. As one of the more polished re-entry candidates in this draft, Cerrato is an appealing option for teams seeking a mature, two-way player with a proven ability to adapt and improve. (Josh Klicka)
Brian Nicholas - Center - Brown University
Brian Nicholas, a 19-year-old forward from Scarsdale, New York, has demonstrated significant development over recent seasons. His first season of junior hockey was in his first potential draft year of 2023, playing in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers only playing in 37 games and registering just seven points. The following year he made significant improvements at Sioux City with 18 goals and 57 points over 62 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities at the junior level. Now we see him at Brown University, where he has posted 17 points, seven of those being goals, in 18 games. Nicholas is recognized for his speed, vision, and passing abilities. His skating allows him to effectively alter pace, keeping defenders uncertain and enabling him to find open teammates. His edge work facilitates strong puck protection in open ice, and his high compete level makes him a valuable asset in all three zones. Additionally, Nicholas has demonstrated toughness, contributing to his effectiveness on both the forecheck and backcheck. His combination of skating ability, playmaking, and overall compete skills project him as a potential bottom-six forward at the professional level. Continued development, particularly in consistency and defensive play, will be crucial as he transitions to higher levels of competition. We can see he has made the jump from each level of hockey and is projecting to follow through at the NCAA level. (Josh Klicka)
Francesco Dell’Elce - Defenseman - University Massachusetts
Francesco Dell’Elce’s draft year has been a story of growth and adaptation. While his offensive skills were well-documented during his time with the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, his transition to NCAA hockey with UMass has provided a new proving ground for his abilities. After an impressive junior season where he was a BCHL Second Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team member, Dell’Elce has shown flashes of his potential at the collegiate level. Dell’Elce is best described as an offensive-minded, mobile defenseman. His skating ability is the foundation of his game; he’s a smooth, fluid skater with excellent edge work and mobility. His strength lies in transitioning the puck up the ice—whether through crisp outlet passes or by carrying the puck himself. Dell’Elce’s ability to alter pace and find passing lanes under pressure is one of his standout traits, enabling him to exploit gaps in opposing defenses. He also possesses a solid shot that can create more chances when he’s on the ice in the offensive zone. With average height and size, his offensive game must continue to improve and produce at a high rate at the developmental level of play due to his lack of overall defensive game. His defense needs significant improvement to become a reliable regular NHL defenseman in the future. Too overly passive on defense, relies on skating too much. For now, he is projected as a puck-moving 6th/7th defenseman. (Josh Klicka)
Elias Jansson - Winger - Michigan Tech University
Elias Jansson is a Finnish forward, currently playing as a freshman for Michigan Tech University in the 2024-25 season. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, Jansson played for Kärpät in Finland's U20 SM-sarja, where he tallied 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 46 games during the 2023-24 season. His performance earned him a spot on the U20 SM-sarja Second All-Star Team. In his initial draft eligible season of 2022-23, he made the jump early in the season from U18 play to U20. Playing against higher level of competition while recording 19 points in 39 games. Currently as a freshman at Michigan Tech, Jansson has been given opportunities to contribute to the team's offense, including time on the power play. While he possesses solid playmaking abilities, there are areas for improvement in his skating and physical development, which we will keep a close eye on during his adjustment period to the collegiate level. Despite this, he has the potential to become a solid offensive contributor in pro hockey. Jansson is recognized for his offensive prowess, demonstrating creative playmaking abilities and composure with the puck, especially during rushes where he has the ability to slow the game down to find the difficult pass and make it look easy. He effectively positions himself near the net to capitalize on scoring opportunities. While his game is predominantly offensive, he maintains some decent defensive foundations with his positioning and stick. His skillset doesn’t wow you enough to be considered for a regular NHL lineup, so he’s projected as a depth forward / minor league recall. (Josh Klicka)
Alexander Zetterberg - Center - Boston University
Alexander Zetterberg is a Swedish-born forward currently playing for Boston University in the NCAA. He stands at 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 164 pounds. Zetterberg shoots right-handed and primarily plays as a center. Prior to joining Boston University, Zetterberg played for Örebro HK in Sweden's J20 Nationell league. In the 2023-24 season as a draft eligible, he recorded 21 goals and 37 assists, totaling 58 points in 45 games. He also represented Sweden internationally, including participation in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. As a freshman at Boston University, Zetterberg has begun adapting to the collegiate level. His offensive skills are solid and overall hockey sense and awareness is very good. His size has been a topic of discussion. Displays solid two-way play with his hockey sense and positioning off the puck. Even with his solid skating, puck skills, and hockey IQ, it’s still in question if he will be drafted this year due to his size and those traits not overpowering other areas of his game that need work. Overall, Alexander Zetterberg is a promising young forward with a strong offensive skill set and high hockey IQ. As he continues to adapt to the collegiate level and further develop his game, he has the potential to become a significant contributor for Boston University in the following years where his stock could rise. If not drafted, he could become a top college free agent to watch out for. (Josh Klicka)
Blake Steenerson - Winger - University of Vermont
Blake Steenerson’s draft year was back in 2023, though playing Minnesota High School Hockey and not putting up elite numbers led him to being undrafted. The following season, he joined the Sioux Falls Stampede, which was a tale of consistency and growth for his development that also led to him going undrafted as he put up 15 points in 47 games. While he may not have lit up the scoreboard, Steenerson proved himself as a reliable two-way forward with an impressive work ethic and strong defensive instincts. His offensive numbers may not have been eye-popping, but his ability to contribute in all areas of the ice made him a valued asset on both special teams and at even strength. This season, Steenerson has slowly transitioned to college hockey, playing at the University of Vermont, currently sitting at nine points in 20 games. Steenerson’s skating is one of his best assets. He’s an explosive skater with a quick first step, which allows him to separate from defenders and create space in transition while making a good first pass. Though not the flashiest player, he’s proficient at using his speed and vision to find open teammates and create offensive chances. Steenerson’s plays with a high compete level in all three zones, frequently engaging in battles along the boards, disrupting passing lanes, and finishing checks. His strong defensive play and willingness to block shots make him a valuable penalty killer, and his physicality on the forecheck ensures he’s always in the thick of the action. Though his offensive ceiling might be limited, Steenerson’s all-around game and compete qualities make a strong case for him to become a bottom-six player in the NHL. With continued development in his playmaking and offensive instincts, he has the potential to become a reliable depth forward. (Josh Klicka)
Rylan Brown - Defenseman - Michigan Tech University
Rylan Brown is an offensive defenseman currently playing for Michigan Tech University in the NCAA. He stands 6-foot-0 and 161 pounds. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, Brown played for the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL during the 2023-24 season. He tallied 59 points (10 goals, 49 assists) over 58 games, showcasing his consistency and offensive talent. His junior career also included a stint with the Drayton Valley Thunder, before being traded to the Okotoks Oilers in the 2022-23 season, where he recorded 29 points in 54 games throughout the season. Brown is recognized for his offensive prowess as a defenseman, demonstrating solid puck-handling skills and the ability to contribute to his team's scoring. Much of this comes from him joining the rush and making impactful plays in this situation. His ability to contribute to the power play and generate scoring opportunities from the defense position will soon become a valuable asset for the Huskies as he continues to progress in college hockey. While adjusting to the increased pace and physicality of college hockey, his previous performances suggest a promising transition. Overall, Rylan Brown is a promising young defenseman with notable offensive upside. As he continues to develop at Michigan Tech, he has the potential to become an offensive, puck moving defenseman. This projects him as a depth piece and minor league recall. (Josh Klicka)
Kaden Shahan - Winger - University of Connecticut
Kaden Shahan is an undersized winger currently playing for the University of Connecticut. Before joining UConn, Shahan spent two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 20 goals and 11 assists over 55 games. The following season, he elevated his performance, with 39 goals and 57 points in 56 games. As a freshman at UConn in the 2024-25 season, Shahan has appeared in 22 games, contributing six goals and two assists for a total of eight points. He is still inching his way into NCAA hockey. Shahan is recognized for his high-energy play and goal-scoring ability. This happens by staying near the play of the puck. He excels in hard battle areas, demonstrating a willingness to engage physically despite average size. His skating is average but flourishes with high pace and intensity in each game. His offensive skills and compete suggest potential for future NHL opportunities as he continues to develop at the collegiate level. Can play as a dynamic forward with a proven scoring touch and relentless energy, however the lack of consistency is worrying for him in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. As he continues to display his high-end compete, gains experience, and hones in on his skills at UConn, he has the potential to become a bottom-six forward in the NHL. (Josh Klicka)
Philippe Blais-Savoie - Defenseman - Colorado College
Philippe Blais-Savoie is a defensive defenseman currently playing for Colorado College in the NCAA. Before joining Colorado College, Blais-Savoie played two seasons with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 11 points in 61 games. The following season, he improved to 15 points in 55 games. As a freshman at Colorado College in the 2024-25 season, Blais-Savoie has appeared in 15 games, contributing three goals and five assists for a total of eight points. His early performance indicates a smooth transition to collegiate hockey, with the potential to develop further as he gains experience with his steady defensive impact. Blais-Savoie is recognized for his mobility and steady defensive presence. At 6-foot-0185 pounds, he skates well and, while his offensive skills are not considered anything special or NHL average, he has the ability to move the puck quickly out of his zone for quick transitions to offense for his team. As mentioned defensively, he is reliable and could serve effectively in penalty-killing situations. He is excellent on his gap control, closing off forwards vs rush attacks and transition. This stems from his good decision making on these plays, giving low-event chances against. Philippe Blais-Savoie possesses a solid defensive game with good puck movement. As he continues to develop at Colorado College, he has the potential to become a solid bottom pair defenseman in the NHL due to his low chances against on defense. (Josh Klicka)
Tanner Adams - Wing - Providence College
Adams is a hard-nosed, reliable scorer at every level. He was passed over in 2023 as one of the youngest players in the draft, two weeks off being eligible for 2024. He outperformed the large majority of his draft peers in the NCAA last season, boasting 21 points in 35 games and finished second in team scoring despite middle-six minutes. Nonetheless, he was passed over once again this past June. This season, he came out of the gates flying, leading the team in goals, assists, and points until Providence moved him down to a bottom-six role, where he has continued his production albeit slightly slowed. Despite his limited ice-time, he currently leads the team in goals and is one point shy of leading in points as well. Adams ties a grinder’s forechecking mentality with a pure goalscorer’s offensive instincts. He anticipates plays well offensively and defensively which allows him to be a PP and PK specialist. He projects as the type of player teams trade first round picks for at the deadline, a depth scoring piece who can be relied on in all scenarios. He’s debatably the best double overager of the entire draft. (Sean Boyd)
Will Felicio - Defensemen - Univ. of Michigan
Felicio is a puck-moving, smart two-way defenseman who has been playing well as a freshman this season. After a strong showing at the Hlinka-Gretzky the summer before last, he was stuffed into a third pairing role with Madison of the USHL before being moved to Waterloo, where he would once again struggle to produce given his limited ice time. He was passed over in the 2024 draft and has since joined the University of Michigan, where he’s not only climbed his way into a roster spot as a freshman, but into a top four role while being the highest producing U19 NCAA defenseman besides Cole Hutson. His consistency offensively has greatly improved and with smarter linemates, he’s now able to execute more complex plays than he could in a bottom of the lineup role in the USHL. His strong offensive instincts and defensive tendencies lend him to be a reliable defenseman for Michigan despite his age. He projects to be a third pairing defenseman with offensive upside in the NHL. (Sean Boyd)
Daniel Jencko - Wing - UMass
Jencko has been ticking the draft radar the last couple years, performing well internationally, in Sweden, and at the USHL level. However, this year could finally be the year he gets selected after a strong performance for Slovakia at the World Juniors and a solid freshman year for UMass. Jencko excels as a high energy guy thanks to his speed and physicality. He can be very successful working the net front on the powerplay and he has soft enough hands to finish off second chance opportunities in tight. Jencko is also an effective forechecker because of his speed and the consistency of his physicality. NHL scouts will probably wish he were bigger (6’0) given the kind of role he projects to play, but he’s shown enough progression playing at higher levels to be worthy of a draft pick. (Brock Otten)
USHL
Bruno Idzan - Wing - Lincoln Stars
Idzan started last year on the draft radar. Partially because it was a great story, as a Croatian born potential NHL selection, and partially because he had previously shown promise in the Swedish junior leagues. However, he had a poor year in Sweden and ended up falling off the radar. This year, he returned home to Croatia to play in the AlpsHL, where he was dominant. However, an opportunity to join Lincoln of the USHL arose around the new year and Idzan hasn’t looked back. As of writing this, he has the best point per game average in the entire league and has been a revelation for the Stars. He’s really pushing pace with his ability to build to a solid top speed; I wouldn’t call his first few steps explosive, but he builds well to create separation. He has shown a real nose for the net and an ability to find soft spots in coverage, getting open to utilize his quick release. Idzan has also shown great work ethic in the offensive end, helping to force turnovers with a quick stick and tenacity, although that same effort isn’t really replicated in the defensive end. Overall, Idzan has shown himself to be highly skilled and intelligent off the puck, two things that could make him a potential pro in North America. He recently committed to Wisconsin, and he has, unquestionably, put himself back on the map with his second half performance in the USHL. (Brock Otten)
Aidan Park - Center - Green Bay Gamblers
After an impressive season playing alongside Will Zellers (COL - 76th Overall, 2024) and Ryker Lee (2025 Draft Eligible) at Shattuck St. Mary’s last season, in addition to a strong showing at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with four points in five games, Park was passed over in the draft, despite being ranked in the late rounds by a number of outlets. This season he’s shown off his skillset and a number of translatable qualities with Green Bay. Although still overshadowed offensively by teammate Will Zellers, he has displayed a strong combination of awareness at both ends of the ice and the vision to consistently generate offense off the rush. The University of Michigan commit has found himself among the league scoring leaders in the USHL all season. With a Jett Luchanko style of play, he projects as a third line center providing secondary scoring if he pans out. He’s a tempting option in the later rounds of the draft for a team needing more certainty in a late round prospect. (Sean Boyd)
Jack Kernan - Center - Des Moines Buccaneers
Kernan started last season in a bottom-six role with Des Moines and the year prior was passed over since he was still playing prep hockey in Minnesota. This season he has climbed his way into the top six and taken the reins of the Buccaneers as their leading scorer. Kernan makes expert use of his size for impressive puck protection and displays exemplary awareness and speed control offensively. He’s strong in every aspect of the game but his only truly high-level skill is his work ethic. He’s the hardest worker every shift on the ice, allowing him to make quite a smooth transition to Minnesota State next season. He projects as a bottom-six workhorse with strong instincts in the NHL. Although it is difficult to project second year eligibles still playing in the USHL, a team may take a swing on his robust skillset as early as the 4th or 5th round, and he could very well make it worth their risk. (Sean Boyd)
Nolan Roed - Center - Tri-City Storm
One of our highest ranked players (105th) to go unselected last year, we loved Roed based on what we saw at the USHL level and in the Minnesota high school loop. Playing in the USHL full time this season, Roed has consistently been one of the league’s best players and highest scorers. The St. Cloud State commit plays a mature game tailored to being a top end NCAA player, and perhaps a pro. He consistently looks to get to the middle of the ice, driving the middle and getting to the net. He’s under six feet, but he plays a power game and protects the puck well through traffic to help funnel pucks to the home plate area. His vision and playmaking ability have improved this year, with Roed showing an ability to alter his pace and be more poised with the puck, fighting to prolong possession along the wall. He’s also improved his defensive game to be a more consistent two-way player at the USHL level. While we aren’t likely to have him ranked as high as last year, we still like him enough to have him ranked again this year. (Brock Otten)
Jack Pechar - Center - Lincoln Stars
One of the USHL’s most improved players from a year ago, Pechar has consistently been among the league leaders in points per game. The big pivot is an intelligent and poised two-way player who also excels on the puck thanks to soft hands. He’s not the most dynamic skater, but he covers ground with big sweeping strides and protects the puck well using his size and hands. Pechar has proven this year to be one of those players who elevates the play of those around him thanks to how well rounded his game is and how poised with the puck he is. The Northeastern commit is also playing in his first year at center and given his pro frame and massive development leap, NHL teams have surely taken notice (look no further than his appearance on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list). Depending on how his NCAA development goes, Pechar could easily be a future third line candidate for an NHL team down the road if he can continue to improve his skating. (Brock Otten)
Sam Laurila - Defense - Fargo Force
Not only was Laurila one of the youngest players eligible for the draft last year, but he was also relegated to a lesser role with the U.S. U18 team as part of the NTDP. As such, he really failed to stand out and was not suggested as a draft candidate by our U.S. scouts. This year, completely different story. Laurila has blossomed with a larger role in the USHL, emerging as one of the USHL’s top defenders as a 19-year-old. His overall profile is solid, making him an all situations, Swiss army knife on the back end. He skates well. He can move the puck. He can quarterback the powerplay with a good shot and vision. He initiates the breakout well and is poised with the puck. He competes in the defensive end. The University of North Dakota commit has really emerged as a top flight draft candidate; it would not be shocking to see his name called in the top 100, as one of the highest ranked re-entry candidates. (Brock Otten)
Finn McLaughlin - Defense - Muskegon Lumberjacks
While the offensive production that was prominent early in the season has dried up a bit, McLaughlin remains an interesting draft prospect in his second year of eligibility. He combines solid size (6-foot-2, 200+lbs) with excellent mobility. McLaughlin’s edgework is really strong, and this helps him evade pressure to start the breakout and with transitional defense. He can join or lead the rush, but that’s been less prevalent as the season has gone on. He has slipped into playing a bit of a safer game and it’s helped cut down on some offensive zone and neutral zone turnovers because his hands and creativity are not standout traits. Defensively, McLaughlin has the potential to be a real asset at higher levels because forwards have a difficult time shaking his coverage; again the mobility is impressive. A recent trade to Muskegon in the USHL will give McLaughlin a chance to repeat as Clark Cup champion, something scouts will have their eye on. It’s also worth noting that he captained Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge and was one of the more effective defenders at the event. McLaughlin isn’t likely to be more than a bottom pairing guy, but he could develop into excellent defensive depth after a few years at the University of Denver. (Brock Otten)
Artemi Nizameyev - Wing - Tri-City Storm
Nizameyev, a late born 2005 winger, was passed over last year in his first year of eligibility despite nearly operating at a point per game clip. The reason? He’s not big and he’s not a strong skater. The bad news? That’s still the case, making Nizameyev a long shot to be selected this time around. The good news, he’s upped his consistency, becoming a more physically engaged player to pair with his dynamic play creation ability. He has among the best hands in the entire USHL, allowing him to create space for himself without breakaway speed or explosiveness. If Nizameyev were to manage to improve his skating to be, even just average, he could possess significant offensive potential at the pro level. He’ll be attending Miami (Ohio) University and should be a three- or four-year guy before turning pro, unless his game translates quicker than expected. (Brock Otten)
Lukas Peterson - Defense - Green Bay Gamblers
One of the highest scoring defenders in the USHL this year, Peterson is a dynamic puck mover and powerplay quarterback. He’s not incredibly quick or explosive in straight lines, but he’s extremely agile thanks to his ability to execute c-cuts and work on his edges. He can really keep the puck on a string too, weaving through and around defenders to keep plays alive in the offensive end. However, his game will need refinement if he wants to be a successful pro defender. The University of Maine commit is your classic high risk, high reward kind of player. He’s confident as a puckhandler, but needs to pick his spots better to take liberties/chances. This is in all three zones too, as he can skate himself into trouble. Defensively, he tries to play bigger than his frame (5-foot-10, 170 pounds), but he can have a hard time consistently winning battles near the crease and along the wall to tie or pin attackers. Even with his tremendous production and his significant upside as an offensive defender, I would guess that NHL teams will want to see how his game translates to the NCAA level first before using a draft pick on him. (Brock Otten)
Matthew Desiderio - Defense - Dubuque Fighting Saints
One of the most improved players in the USHL this year, Desiderio has emerged as one of the league’s top two-way defenders. He moves impressively well for a 6-foot-3, 210-pound blueliner and he’s really gained confidence in his ability to carry the puck and get to the inside using his size/speed combination. He surprises defenders with creative moves to escape pressure and his vision with the puck is solid. For a guy among the league defenseman goal scoring leaders, he doesn’t have the kind of heavy point shot that you might expect; it’s more about well-timed pinches to get into the slot and quick wristers from the point. Defensively, his mobility and reach give him a real advantage. He’s physical when he needs to be and minds his gaps well. Basically, Desiderio has improved to the point where an NHL team could see enough upside in him to select him this year in his final year of eligibility. There’s a really solid foundation here. (Brock Otten)
Bobby Cowan - Wing - Madison Capitals
In his first full year in the USHL, Cowan has been a revelation for Madison, who acquired his rights from Omaha in the summer. He may not have elite physical tools; he’s not a truly dynamic skater and he’s not blessed with terrific size, but he’s been highly effective and consistent thanks to high end skill, high end processing ability, and an excellent compete level. Equal parts goal scorer and playmaker, it is the playmaking side of his game that has grown a ton this year. Previously known as more of a “sniper,” thanks to a deadly release, Cowan’s vision and passing ability has stood out equally with Madison. He is excellent at spinning off checks or using delays to help him survey the ice, where he often threads the needle to slot or cross ice. Cowan also works hard off the puck, as a forechecker, as a boards player, and as a crease crasher. This is a young player that wants the puck on his stick; he wants to drive play. Previously committed to St. Thomas, Cowan has altered his plans in hopes of catching on with a more prestigious program. He’ll be a catch for whoever secures his rights. This is also the kind of player NHL teams could take a chance on in the later rounds in hopes that he continues to blossom and mature physically to give him a better chance of being a solid pro. (Brock Otten)
Giovanni DiGiulian - Center/Wing - Lincoln Stars
One of our highest ranked Tier 2 players for the draft last year (142nd), we loved DiGiulian’s speed and scoring ability, but had concerns about his ability to play through contact and complete game. We felt those issues would get ironed out at higher levels, but obviously NHL scouts were concerned enough to bypass him. This year, playing his first year in the USHL, DiGiulian got off to a slow start, but since November, he has been one of the highest scoring and most consistent players in the league. This is especially true in the last few months, since the arrival of Bruno Izdan, as the two have formed excellent chemistry. He is now using his speed more effectively without the puck, developing into an excellent forechecker. He’s also playing through contact to get to the net and to find soft spots in the home plate area to use his shot. The middle six scoring line upside is still very much present, even if we don’t see him as a center at the higher levels. Cornell is going to be a great program for him given how well they develop defensive tendencies. The coaching staff with the Big Red will really help him harness his talents to make him a better pro prospect. (Brock Otten)
Giacomo Martino - Wing - Sioux City Musketeers
A formerly hyped prospect out of Ontario, (and younger brother of NCAA standout Ayrton Martino), the light bulb has finally gone on for Giacomo this season in the USHL, making him one of the highest scoring players in the league. In his last year of draft eligibility, the Northeastern commit has improved his strength and conditioning to make him better at playing through contact and thus, more consistent offensively. He’s also become more of a dual threat offensively by improving his shot and ability to work to the inside. He’s always been a great playmaker and the kind of player who can increase the pace with quick decisions, but the improved confidence in his shot has done wonders for his game. The real issue is that Martino is not the dynamic skater that his brother Ayrton is. Giacomo still needs to upgrade his first step quickness to improve his transitional play for the higher levels. Even with the production improvements, he’s probably a draft long shot, with teams preferring to see how his time at Northeastern goes before committing to him. (Brock Otten)
Brendan McMorrow - Center - Waterloo Blackhawks
After being relegated to the fourth line on last year’s U.S. NTDP U18 team, McMorrow’s draft stock really took a hit. He showed some positives as a high energy, two-way winger, but his offensive production and contribution were nearly non-existent. This year with Waterloo, he shifted back to center and has played a key role for the Blackhawks, allowing McMorrow to shine in other ways. He’s shown that he can handle playing center and is demonstrating greater vision and off puck anticipation than he had during his two years with the NTDP. He’s still finding success as a forechecker, as a tough defensive player, and as a north/south crease crasher, but the improved on-puck play and finishing ability have really altered his projection, putting him back on the draft radar. He’s still not going to win any skills competitions. He’s not going to be a high scoring player at the higher levels. He’s also not a truly dynamic skater; he builds speed well North/South but can lose it when he needs to alter his path. However, there is a path for him to make the NHL in a checking line role, especially if he can continue to blossom as a center. (Brock Otten)
John Stout - Defense - Madison Capitals
We had Stout ranked 190th for the draft last year after a standout performance in the Minnesota high school loop, however, we did also have concerns over his lack of a true standout or projectable skill. This year, playing in the USHL full time with Madison, Stout has been a standout in the defensive end. The offensive production hasn’t been quite at the level we might have expected, but he’s playing exceptionally well defensively, which earned him a place on the U.S. team for the World Junior A Challenge. Stout has a pro frame at 6-foot-2, 200+lbs, he’s fairly mobile, and he’s quite intelligent. He’ll probably make a great three- or four-year NCAA player at Wisconsin, with his versatility. Stout does show enough flashes running the point on the backend to suggest that his offensive game could have more upside. As is, the improvements made to his defensive consistency could make him an attractive option for NHL teams late in the draft. (Brock Otten)
Kam Hendrickson - Goaltender - Waterloo Blackhawks
Hendrickson shredded the Minnesota high school loop last year, rarely allowing goals, leading him to be named the Frank Brimsek award winner. He even had a cup of coffee in the USHL and performed well. Yet, because of his lack of size, he was not selected by an NHL team last year. This year, he’s played the entire season in the USHL and has been one of the league’s top netminders. He consistently competes to make saves. Simply put, Hendrickson never gives up on a play and he plays aggressively in his crease to try to fight for sight lines; a necessity given his lack of size. He also is an excellent play tracker whose technique is already advanced; it’s rare to see him caught out of position. Yet, one of my biggest concerns last year when I wrote this piece remains an area that needs further growth. And that is that Hendrickson still isn’t as quick or agile as you’d like to see for a smaller netminder. His pushes still lack significant power, and he can struggle to get to where he needs to quickly. As he moves up the levels and the pace increases, this could hinder his performance. That said, Hendrickson will head to UConn next year and he’s going to have several years to improve his strength to improve his quickness. The other things he possesses are more natural; instinctual. Whether he’s drafted now or not, at some point he likely lands on the NHL radar in the future.
Caleb Heil - Goaltender - Madison Capitals
Last season, Heil entered the year as not only an expected draft selection, but the potential to be one of the top goaltenders selected. However, his draft year was a tough one for him. It started with a weak performance at the Hlinka/Gretzky and then spiraled into an even weaker one with a rebuilding Sioux Falls team. He’s lightning quick in the crease, but he really struggled with his play tracking and positioning, consistently letting in softer goals. This year, he’s been considerably better playing for a good Madison team. He also rebounded with a strong international performance for the United States at the World Junior A Challenge, ending the tournament on the all-star team. Perhaps what was most impressive about that performance is that Heil was a consistently strong presence, making the saves he needed to for a US team that prevented a lot of high-quality chances against. This has been the case for Heil in the USHL too; he’s really cleaned things up and been able to limit those weaker goals by improving his positioning. He’s still ultra quick, but he’s controlling his pushes and body more effectively. The real test for Heil, a UND commit, will be in this year’s USHL playoffs. NHL scouts will have a close eye on him there to see how he performs under greater pressure. A good Clark Cup performance could easily help him get drafted this time around. (Brock Otten)
Caeden Herrington - Defense - Lincoln Stars
Similar to John Stout, we had Herrington ranked as a late round selection last year thanks to his pro frame, good mobility, and standout year in Tier 2. Herrington starred for the Holderness School in New Hampshire, as part of the New England prep loop. But like Stout, we had concerns that his game was a bit too vanilla; that he lacked a standout trait that would carry him to the pros. This season, playing for Lincoln, Herrington has emerged as one of the USHL’s top two-way defenders and it is altering his pro projection. As of writing this, Herrington leads the USHL in goal scoring; his point shot and off puck instincts in the offensive zone are excellent. He’s also showing well in the defensive end, combining his good mobility with improved physicality to close gaps quickly and shut down rush attackers. With an improving two-way skill set from the right side, Herrington has to be considered one of the better defenders in their second year of draft eligibility. At this point, he will be a lock for our final draft rankings. (Brock Otten)
US High School
Brooks Cullen - Center - Moorhead HS (MN)
It’s pretty rare for a high schooler to be on the radar as a re-entry, which makes Cullen unique. However, he was one of the youngest eligible players last year (with a September 13th birthday) and comes from a terrific hockey family (the son of Matt Cullen). This has given his breakout campaign as the captain of Moorhead more clout. The Michigan State commit is a well-rounded pivot not unlike his father. He’s a high IQ guy who takes care of the puck and makes plays in all three zones. Cullen finishes off plays well with a heavy wrister but also excels as a playmaker in transition with soft hands and good vision. While assessing skating is always difficult at the high school level, Cullen looks to have a quick burst at this level, giving him the ability to break away and create separation from defenders. The Mr. Hockey candidate is bound to draw a lot of NHL draft attention this year given his pedigree and improvement, even if he remains a long-term project (like any high school player). (Brock Otten)