2020 CHL IMPORT DRAFT PROSPECTS

[cvandenberg22]

Here are the top prospects for the 2020 CHL Import Draft in June. It seems like North Bay is nailing down the top pick as the gap widens by the week. Wouldn't it be amazing if they were to get both Brad Lambert and Adam Fantilli?

The consensus top 3 picks will be Aatu Raty, Jesper Wallstedt and Brad Lambert if they decide to come over. Here are the top 16 in no particular order. Please list any others you believe will be impact players next year and top picks in the 2021 0r 2022 NHL DRAFT.

Nikita Chibrikov 2/16/2003 5-10 161 LW MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Simon Edvinsson 2/5/2003 6-4 185 LD Frolunda HC J20 (SWE)
William Eklund 12/10/2002 5-10 172 C Djurgardens IF (SHL)
Simon Forsmark 10/17/2003 6-1 190 LD Orebko HK J20 (SWE)
Alex Geci 8/23/2003 6-2 176 C HC Slovan Bratislava U20 (SVK)
Artyom Grushnikov 3/20/2003 6-2 174 LD Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
Niko Huuhtanen 6/26/2003 6-1 185 RW Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN)
Brad Lambert 12/19/2003 5-11 172 C HIFK U20 (FIN)
Fabian Lysell 1/19/2003 5-10 176 LW Frolunda HC J20 (SWE)
Aatu Raty 11/14/2002 6-1 181 C Karpat (Liiga)
Simon Robertsson 2/5/2003 6-0 181 RW Skelleftea AIK J20 (SWE)
Isak Rosen 3/5/2003 5-10 154 LW Leksands IF J20 (SWE)
Samu Salminen 4/9/2003 6-2 176 C Jokerit U20 (FIN)
Elias Stenman 12/23/2002 5-10 165 C Skelleftea AIK J20 (SWE)
Stanislav Svozil 1/7/2003 6-0 172 LD HC Kometa Brno (CZE)
Jesper Wallstedt 11/14/2002 6-3 209 G Lulea HF J20 (SHL)

Click to read more...

 

[cvandenberg22]

If the draft was today here is the order:

1. North Bay (OHL)
2. Acadie Bathurst (QMJHL)
3. Swift Current (WHL)
4. Kingston (OHL)
5. Halifax (QMJHL)
6. Moose Jaw (WHL)
7. Sarnia (OHL)
8. Gatineau (QMJHL)
9. Tri-City (WHL)
10. Niagara (OHL)
11. Quebec (QMJHL)
12. Regina (WHL)

 

[alko]

Lubomir Kupco - lot of offensive potential. He showed it in Czech U16, a little bid in Czech U19 and also in Slovakia U17 national team. Im sure, he will go to CHL.

Juraj Slafkovsky - i dont know, how it is with age rule in his case. He is 2004 class (Maerch 30). Can he play in CHL next season? If yes, then i see it to 50 %, he will go. He is now in SM-18, but for him it would be best go to CHL.

Samuel Knazko - He will be drafted to NHL, so here im 90 % sure, their will push him to CHL. For better developement.

Simon Nemec - another high prospect of 2004 class, this time in Defense. Also lot of offensive potential. Played already in Slovakia top senior league, played also on last Hlinka Gretzky cup. He must go.

Rastislav Elias - G, 2004 class. Very good in SKV U20 league. But still dont so good to play regularly in SVK senior league. CHL would be very good for him.

Roman Faith - Forward, 2002 class. Was in SM U18 league, but returned to Slovakia. Has some games in our top senior league, but only minor minutes. Also a sure pick IMO.

Rayen Petrovický - D, 2002 class. His dad Robert Petrovicky is a junior national team head coach. Also played in NHL for some time. I think, he will push him to CHL. Has some potential.

Jakub Kolenic - possible, but not so high possible as others. Why? Because he is playing in our top senior league and has also a good ice time. Next season it could be even more. But still open. If someone will tell him, that he will be a star in CHL and therefore NHL scouts will see him better in Canada, why not?

Others possible: Samuel Rehak (f, 2002), Simon Opatovský (g, 2002), Maxim Mastic (f, 2002)

And there will be for sure others, that are out of my radar now.

Overall it could be a massive exodus. Because of growing talent from class 2002 and 2003 and even 2004 comparing to 2000 and 2001 and because they young guys dont see, that our top teams in senior league want to give them chance to play. They are focused to ECHL guys and some russian, czech guys, but hesitate to give time to our young guys.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Here are the top prospects for the 2020 CHL Import Draft in June. It seems like North Bay is nailing down the top pick as the gap widens by the week. Wouldn't it be amazing if they were to get both Brad Lambert and Adam Fantilli?

The consensus top 3 picks will be Aatu Raty, Jesper Wallstedt and Brad Lambert if they decide to come over. Here are the top 16 in no particular order. Please list any others you believe will be impact players next year and top picks in the 2021 0r 2022 NHL DRAFT.

Nikita Chibrikov 2/16/2003 5-10 161 LW MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Simon Edvinsson 2/5/2003 6-4 185 LD Frolunda HC J20 (SWE)
William Eklund 12/10/2002 5-10 172 C Djurgardens IF (SHL)
Simon Forsmark 10/17/2003 6-1 190 LD Orebko HK J20 (SWE)
Alex Geci 8/23/2003 6-2 176 C HC Slovan Bratislava U20 (SVK)
Artyom Grushnikov 3/20/2003 6-2 174 LD Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
Niko Huuhtanen 6/26/2003 6-1 185 RW Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN)
Brad Lambert 12/19/2003 5-11 172 C HIFK U20 (FIN)
Fabian Lysell 1/19/2003 5-10 176 LW Frolunda HC J20 (SWE)
Aatu Raty 11/14/2002 6-1 181 C Karpat (Liiga)
Simon Robertsson 2/5/2003 6-0 181 RW Skelleftea AIK J20 (SWE)
Isak Rosen 3/5/2003 5-10 154 LW Leksands IF J20 (SWE)
Samu Salminen 4/9/2003 6-2 176 C Jokerit U20 (FIN)
Elias Stenman 12/23/2002 5-10 165 C Skelleftea AIK J20 (SWE)
Stanislav Svozil 1/7/2003 6-0 172 LD HC Kometa Brno (CZE)
Jesper Wallstedt 11/14/2002 6-3 209 G Lulea HF J20 (SHL)

It's absolute zero chance Aatu Räty comes to CHL next season.
Räty will get TOP6 / TOP9 role in Oulun Kärpät next season so you can remove Räty's name on that list.
He's not coming to CHL

Also Lambert is highly questionable.
HIFK's head coach Jarno Pikkarainen said earlier last week ( after last Wednesday's HIFK vs Ilves game ) Lambert will be huge player to HIFK in the future.

If Lambert would have been interested to come CHL he would have done that last summer.
Yes Lambert's contract is expires with HIFK this spring.
And those 2 option years are Lambert's not HIFK's.

But don't be surprised if / when Lambert decides to stay to HIFK next season.

 

[cvandenberg22]

It's abosolute zero chance Aatu Räty comes to CHL next season.
Räty will get TOP6 / TOP9 role in Oulun Kärpät next season so you can remove Räty's name on that list.
He's not coming to CHL

Also Lambert is highly questionable.
HIFK's head coach Jarno Pikkarainen said earlier last week ( after last Wednesday's HIFK vs Ilves game ) Lambert will be huge player to HIFK in the future.

If Lambert would have been interested to come CHL he would have done that last summer.
Yes Lambert's contract is expires with HIFK this spring.
And those 2 option years are Lambert's not HIFK's.

But don't be surprised if / when Lambert decides to stay to HIFK next season.

Lambert was not eligible for the CHL Import Draft last year-only 2002 and later born players were eligible. It would make it interesting if Saskatoon drafted Lambert.

I agree that there is not much chance that Raty comes over next year

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Lambert was not eligible for the CHL Import Draft last year-only 2002 and later born players were eligible. It would make it interesting if Saskatoon drafted Lambert.

I agree that there is not much chance that Raty comes over next year

That Lambert's contract ends with HIFK this spring
doesn't automatically mean that he's coming to CHL.

HIFK can resing Lambert any moment if they already aren't.
And what i know HIFK's GM Tobias Salmelainen he's self said that
HIFK needs to produce elite Finnish talent every year.

And if it's up on Salmelainen i can make bet on that he's already making plans
of that what-kind of role Lambert will get HIFK's SM liiga roster next season.

PS
If you want Lambert to CHL because he should represent Canada you can forget whole damn thing.

 

[pgfan66]

No U18 World Championship happening this year, which I'm sure was going to be the No. 1 scouting opportunity for CHL clubs for the Import Draft and also the time when players would decide if they wanted to go play in North America. Any thoughts on new names that could come over even without the tournament?

 

[Dayne97]

Stanislav Svozil,D 03 CZECH
Martin Rysavy,F 03 CZECH
Jakub Kos, F 03 CZECH
Gabriel Szturc,F 03 CZECH
Simon Marha,F 03 CZECH
Jakub Altrichter,F 03 CZECH
Marek Brada,F 03 CZECH
Libor Nemec,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Antonio Ozvald,D 03 SLOVAKIA
Patrik Sokoli,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Marcel Stefancik,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Lorenzo Canonica,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Attilio Biasca,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Louis Robin,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Brian Zanetti,D 03 SWITZERLAND
Alexander Palchik,F 02 BELARUS
Dmitri Kuzmin,D 03 BELARUS
Marcus Almquist,F 03 DENMARK
Fyodor Svechkov,F 03 RUSSIA
Daniil Lazutin,F 03 RUSSIA
Nikita Chibrikov,F 03 RUSSIA
Alexei Prokopenko,F 03 RUSSIA

 

[Chompskiii]

Marcus Almquist from Denmark might come to the CHL.
Best player from Denmark since Ehlers in my opinion.
Already played in SuperElit, if he stays in Sweden I think he will get some minutes in the SHL.

 

[Chompskiii]

Marcus Almquist, 2003 from Denmark playing in Sweden, might come over.
Best Dane since Ehlers in my opinion.
I am not so sure about him because he might get some time in the SHL if he stays in Sweden.

 

[pgfan66]

Stanislav Svozil,D 03 CZECH
Martin Rysavy,F 03 CZECH
Jakub Kos, F 03 CZECH
Gabriel Szturc,F 03 CZECH
Simon Marha,F 03 CZECH
Jakub Altrichter,F 03 CZECH
Marek Brada,F 03 CZECH
Libor Nemec,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Antonio Ozvald,D 03 SLOVAKIA
Patrik Sokoli,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Marcel Stefancik,F 03 SLOVAKIA
Lorenzo Canonica,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Attilio Biasca,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Louis Robin,F 03 SWITZERLAND
Brian Zanetti,D 03 SWITZERLAND
Alexander Palchik,F 02 BELARUS
Dmitri Kuzmin,D 03 BELARUS
Marcus Almquist,F 03 DENMARK
Fyodor Svechkov,F 03 RUSSIA
Daniil Lazutin,F 03 RUSSIA
Nikita Chibrikov,F 03 RUSSIA
Alexei Prokopenko,F 03 RUSSIA

Are these all players you know would report or just ones that would be good enough and might get picked?

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

It's official Brad Lambert projected TOP3 pick in 2022 NHL draft stays to HIFK Helsinki next 2 years.
HIFK announced using Lambert's 2 years player option yesterday ( Monday 6th April 2020 ).

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

Does anybody take a shot at Aito Iguchi this year? or did he just not develop enough for his height to not be a factor?

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

double post.

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

.

 

[wings5]

Lubomir Kupco - lot of offensive potential. He showed it in Czech U16, a little bid in Czech U19 and also in Slovakia U17 national team. Im sure, he will go to CHL.

Juraj Slafkovsky - i dont know, how it is with age rule in his case. He is 2004 class (Maerch 30). Can he play in CHL next season? If yes, then i see it to 50 %, he will go. He is now in SM-18, but for him it would be best go to CHL.

Samuel Knazko - He will be drafted to NHL, so here im 90 % sure, their will push him to CHL. For better developement.

Simon Nemec - another high prospect of 2004 class, this time in Defense. Also lot of offensive potential. Played already in Slovakia top senior league, played also on last Hlinka Gretzky cup. He must go.

Rastislav Elias - G, 2004 class. Very good in SKV U20 league. But still dont so good to play regularly in SVK senior league. CHL would be very good for him.

Roman Faith - Forward, 2002 class. Was in SM U18 league, but returned to Slovakia. Has some games in our top senior league, but only minor minutes. Also a sure pick IMO.

Rayen Petrovický - D, 2002 class. His dad Robert Petrovicky is a junior national team head coach. Also played in NHL for some time. I think, he will push him to CHL. Has some potential.

Jakub Kolenic - possible, but not so high possible as others. Why? Because he is playing in our top senior league and has also a good ice time. Next season it could be even more. But still open. If someone will tell him, that he will be a star in CHL and therefore NHL scouts will see him better in Canada, why not?

Others possible: Samuel Rehak (f, 2002), Simon Opatovský (g, 2002), Maxim Mastic (f, 2002)

And there will be for sure others, that are out of my radar now.

Overall it could be a massive exodus. Because of growing talent from class 2002 and 2003 and even 2004 comparing to 2000 and 2001 and because they young guys dont see, that our top teams in senior league want to give them chance to play. They are focused to ECHL guys and some russian, czech guys, but hesitate to give time to our young guys.

Slafkovsky at the the very least should stay in Finland and continue with that development path imo.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Belarus
RW Alexander Palchik - Belarus - 2002
LW Sergei Kuznetsov - Belarus2 - 2002
F Alexander Suvorov - Belarus2 - 2002
F Mark Yaruta - Belarus2 - 2002
LD Dmitri Kuzmin - Belarus2 - 2003
F Danila Klimovich - Belarus2 - 2003
F Miroslav Mikhalyov - Belarus2 - 2003

Czechia
RW Tomas Chlubna - Czech2 - 2002
RD Michael Krutil - Czech2 - 2002
G Jan Bednar - Czech - 2002
LD Ondrej Balaz - DHL SuperCup - 2002
LD Tadeas Talafa - USHL - 2002
LD Vladimir Kremlacek - DHL SuperCup - 2002
F Martin Rysavy - DHL SuperCup - 2003
F Gabriel Szturc - DHL SuperCup - 2003
F Petr Moravec - DHL SuperCup - 2003
LD Stanislav Svozil - Czech - 2003
RD David Jiricek - DHL SuperCup - 2003

Denmark
C/RW Marcus Almquist - J18 Elit - 2003
LD Kasper Larsen - Denmark - 2002

England
C Alex Graham - NIHL - 2003

Finland
C Joel Maatta - USHL - 2002
F Samu Tuomaala - Jr. A SM-liiga - 2003
LD Viljami Juusola - Jr. A SM-liiga - 2003
F Viljami Marjala - Jr. A SM-liiga - 2003
F Ville Koivunen - Jr. B SM-liiga - 2003
RD Kalle Ervasti - Jr. B SM-liiga - 2003
LD Tomi Leppanen - Jr. B SM-liiga - 2003

Germany
C Florian Elias - DNL U20 - 2002
RW Kevin Niedenz - DNL U20 - 2003
F Sebastian Cimmerman - DHL SuperCup - 2003

Hungary
LW Levente Keresztes - NCDC - 2002

Japan
F Yusaku Ando - USHL - 2003

Latvia
F Raimonds Vitolins - USHL - 2002
G Bruno Bruveris - MHL - 2002
F Martins Lavins - Latvia - 2003

Norway
RW Philip Granath - SuperElit - 2002

Poland
RW Jakub Lewandowski - USHL - 2001

Russia
RW Daniil Gushchin - USHL - 2002
C Marat Khusnutdinov - MHL - 2002
LD Kirill Kirsanov - MHL - 2002
F Vsevolod Gaidamak - Russia U17 - 2003
F Ivan Mekhovov - Russia U18 - 2003
RD Mikhail Berezovsky - Russia U18 - 2003
F Matvei Nadvorny - Russia U18 - 2003
F Matvei Petrov - MHL - 2003
F Alexei Prokopenko - MHL - 2003
F Yevgeni Gorfinyak - Russia U18 - 2003

Slovakia
LD Samuel Knazko - Jr. A SM-liiga - 2002
C Samuel Rehac - Slovakia2 - 2002
C/LW Roman Faith - Slovakia - 2002
C Matej Kaslik - SuperElit - 2002
LD Rayen Petrovicky - Slovakia2 - 2002
RW Jan Lasak - USHL - 2002
C Alex Geci - Jr. B SM-liiga - 2003
RW Robert Baco - DHL SuperCup - 2003
LW Libor Nemec - SuperElit - 2003

Sweden
LW/RW Isak Walther - SuperElit - 2001
LD Samuel Sjolund - SuperElit - 2001
G Hugo Ollas - SuperElit - 2002

Switzerland
C Dario Allenspach - U20-Elit - 2002
LD Noah Meier - NLB - 2002
LD Brian Zanetti - U20-Elit - 2003
C/LW Lorenzo Canonica - U20-Elit - 2003
C/LW Attilio Biasca - U20-Elit - 2003

These are the guys I think teams will select with the hope that they will commit to them and be able to have some kind of quality impact in the CHL. I fully expect there will be some additional selections of players who are complete long shots and will likely never commit (especially out of Sweden, Russia and Finland).

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

It seems like Lambert will be joining the CHL next year so he'll likely be the first pick. Which team has the first pick?

 

[belair]

It seems like Lambert will be joining the CHL next year so he'll likely be the first pick. Which team has the first pick?

The North Bay Battalion.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

The North Bay Battalion.

When CHL import draft should happen or is it cancelled due to corona pandemic.
And what teams could be those where Brad Lambert could get drafted.

His father is Saskatchewan ( is that correct pronounce ) so which WHL / QMJHL / OHL teams
Has best chances to get Lambert in their team and is trading up allowed in CHL import draft
if some other CHL team ( not TOP10 or TOP15 ) really wants Lambert

 

[LarrysMustache]

When CHL import draft should happen or is it cancelled due to corona pandemic.
And what teams could be those where Brad Lambert could get drafted.

His father is Saskatchewan ( is that correct pronounce ) so which WHL / QMJHL / OHL teams
Has best chances to get Lambert in their team and is trading up allowed in CHL import draft
if some other CHL team ( not TOP10 or TOP15 ) really wants Lambert

Probably in June. Doubt it is cancelled.

Not a draft in the traditional sense of the word. Deals are placed before the draft between clubs and players and those players usually say no to other teams (so that they don't waste the pick). No trades.

Big names tend to go to big clubs, so you have to think that the big clubs with early picks (with late picks, someone else may try to draft and sign him if they have no alternatives) like Kingston or Halifax have the edge in signing a big name this summer.

There is also some dark money in there but you never know how much exactly...

 

[AstrophysicalJet]

Don’t think Almquist will be coming, says he has comitted one more year to HV71.

Besides,he is not the talent we all first thought him to be.
Has, imo, had a dissapointing season.

 

[cvandenberg22]

Top CHL Import Draft Prospects
1. Brad Lambert FIN 2022 12/19/03 RW 5-11 172 HIFK U20 (FIN) (Liiga 4-0-2-2-0) 42-18-20-38-28
Lambert is a future superstar. He could be one of the best players to ever come out of Finland. He has tremendous skills, hands and a pro-release already. Is fast, but will needs to add some speed and should as he gets stronger. Son of Ross Lambert, a pro hockey player who was a WHL star with the Saskatoon Blades, Lambert has connections still out west and has a dual citizen. He recently signed a contract with HIFK and his dad is a skills coach in Finland, so the likelihood of him coming over to the CHL is not high. He wqill be a top 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
WU17: CANR 7 – FIN 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)




2. Aatu Raty FIN 2021 11/14/02 C 6-1 181 Karpat U20 (FIN) (Liiga 12-2-2-4-2) 30-2-19-21-28
Raty is the potential #1 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He has already played half a season in the Finnish LIIGA scoring 4 points in a limited role. He has good size and all the tools to be an excellent NHL player. Hde would be dominant in the CHL as a late birthdate, but the chances of him coming over are slim as he will play the entire season for Karpat next year and has already signed a pro contract with them. Had 2 goals and 3 points for Finland in the World Juniors this year.
Aatu Raty - top prospect eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft
Aatu Räty 2021 NHL Draft Prospect - Liiga Highlights! (Early 2019)

3. Fabian Lysell SWE 2021 01/19/03 LW 5-10 176 Frolunda HC J20 (Superelit) 11-1-5-6-6
Lysell is a tremendously skilled player who has racked up points at every level he has played at as he has risen up the ranks in Sweden. An exceptional skater with fantastic edgework, he was dominant at the World U17s with 5 goals and 7 points in 5 games. Frolunda has been fairly conservative with Lysell’s promotions even though his stats have been eye opening along the way, which may open the door for him to come over. He is only signed to a junior contract and has yet to play a game in the SEL. He is generally seen as a top 15 potential selection in the 2021 NHL draft because of his combination of skill and speed. Would have been one of the top players had the u18 Worlds been held this spring. He needs to gain strength to continue to progress.
Fabian Lysell 3G 1A vs Borås HC | J18 Elit | Oct 20 2019
Fabian Lysell 1G 1A vs Växjö Lakers | J18 Allsvenskan | Feb 13 2019
Steven Ellis on Twitter
WU17: SWE 4 – CANR 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
Lysell had hat trick in Swe-Fin game

4. Simon Edvinsson SWE 2021 02/05/03 LD 6-4 185 Frolunda HC J20 (Superelit) 8-0-6-6-10
Edvinsson opened a lot of eyes at the U17 challenge with 5 pts in 5 games. A strong, 2-way defenseman who is 6-4, Swedish and mobile always gets the scouts’ attention. Frolunda has also been fairly conservative with Edvinsson’s promotions, but he still is considered a top 15 prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft. The combination of the fact that he is signed to a junior contract, along with the fact that he could elevate his drfat stock in the CHL, may lead to him coming across the pond.
WU17: SWE 4 – CANR 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)

5. Danil Lazutin RUS 2021 07/25/03 C 6-2 174 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 32-4-7-11-6
Lazutin is one of my favourite prospects for the 2021 NHL draft and one of the most intriguing. First of all, he comes from tremendously athletic bloodlines as his mother, Larisa Lazutina was the top athlete at the 1998 Winter Olympics and won 5 medals (3 golds) in those games. Second, 6-2 centres with his size and skill level and tough to come across. His skating needs some work, but is fine and will improve as he gets stronger and grows into his lanky frame. A look at some of his games online and highlights on youtube show a player who has a high hockey IQ and a lot of skill. He led Russia to the Gold Medal at the U17 Challenge with 4 goals and 9 points and was named to the tournament all-star team. If he comes over, he will be a star in the CHL and a sure-fire pick in the NHL Draft in 2021.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

6. Samu Tuomaala FIN 2021 01/08/03 RW 5-10 165 Karpat U20 (FIN) 40-15-8-23-12
Tuomaala exploded onto the scene at the U17 Challenge as he electrified the crowds there with his speed and skill throughout the tournament, ended up with 5 points in 5 games. He has an elite release both on the move via a wrist shot or a one timer, which is evident in his goal totals. He is fast, makes unbelievable moves at high speeds and controls the puck well entering the offensive zone. In my opinion, he would be a top draft eligible player in the CHL and is a sure-fire 1st round pick in this year’s draft if he can continue to get stronger and add some weight to his slight frame.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

7. Ludvig Persson SWE 2022 10/08/03 C 5-11 161 Frolunda HC J18 (SWE) (SHL 1-0-0-0-0) 15-7-7-14-2
Persson is a fast, skilled player who again has been promoted slowly by Frolunda, although he did get a chance to debut in the SHL this season. Persson is not the largest skater on the ice, but is elusive and shifty and uses his speed to create opportunities for his teammates. In the U17s he was a zone entry machine, making some D-men look silly with his moves at high speed. He had 4 points in 5 games in the U17 Challenge and was one of Sweden’s youngest players there. He would have been fun to watch at the World U18s and is generally considered a first round prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://twitter.com/eliteprospects/status/1059161992035008512?lang=en

8. Isak Rosen SWE 2021 03/15/03 LW 5-10 154 Leksands J20 (SWE) (SHL 1-0-0-0-0) 38-21-14-35-8
Rosen is a very skilled player who has had an unbelievable J20 year for Leksands. This culminated in a 1 game promotion to the SHL, which is rare for someone so young. Rosen is quite small, and is going to have to get stronger to be successful at the next level. He reads the game well and has excellent hockey sense. His skill would make him a great asset at the next level.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

9. Danila Yurov RUS 2022 12/22/03 LW 6-1 170 Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) 18-6-7-13-6
Yurov was a key played for Russia in their gold medal run in the U17 Challenge despite being once of the youngest players there, scoring 8 points in 6 games. He has grown several inches since the challenge, now standing 6-1. Because of his late birthdate, he is an under the radar prospect who when all is said and done will be one of the top prospects for the 2022 draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

10. Prokhor Poltapov RUS 2021 02/01/03 RW 5-10 161 Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 23-8-4-12-10
Poltapov has been on the radar for years, but stood out in the u17 challenge as a leader. His high hockey IQ and skill made him an invaluable member of the Gold medal winning Russian team and he finished with 7 points in 6 games. He is small, but shifty and skates with a wide base so he is hard to knock off the puck. Unfortunately, reports were that he had not gotten a lot of ice time for his MHL team, although it did increase as the season went on. This makes him an excellent candidate to come over so he can play an important role for his team in preparation for the 2021 NHL Draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

11. Artyom Grushnikov RUS 2021 03/20/03 LD 6-2 174 Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 29-1-4-5-4
Grushnikov is a solid defenseman who at this point plays more of a stay at home role for his teams, although he did put up 4 points in 6 games at the U17 Challenge. He anchors the blueline, which is evident from his impressive resume which includes playing in the Ivan Hlinka a year early at 16 for Russia, as well as playing for the Russian entry at the World Jr. A Challenge, which is almost unheard of for a 2003. If he was to come over, he would be instantly a top 4 D-man on a CHL team.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

12. Stanislav Svozil CZE 2021 01/17/03 LD 6-0 172 HC Kometa Brno (CZE) 41-2-3-5-8
Svozil is one of the best Defense prospects to come around in a decade. He is a new age defenseman who skates well and has a lot of skill. He makes good D-zone exit passes and has a high hockey IQ, which has allowed him to play a role playing against men. Against his peers, he had 4 points in 6 games at the U17s and would have been one of the players to watch at the World U18s this spring. He comes from a hockey family and is a 3rd generation pro hockey player. Svozil may come across the pond and is a sure fire 1st rounder in the 2021 NHL draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canb-5-cze-4-so-preliminary.103998
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-czech-republic-vs-canada-white.104016
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntsBuwuIaIU
This features Svozil (#17) and Balaz (#22)

13. William Eklund SWE 2021 10/12/02 C/LW 5-10 172 Djurgardens J20 (SHL 20-0-2-2-4) 31-12-24-36-22
Eklund has been an excellent scorer at the junior level and played 20 games this year in the SHL. He played a lead role for Sweden at the Ivan Hlinka in August despite being one of the youngest players on the team, scoring 5 pts in 5 games. He has a high hockey IQ and is fast and elusive. He has signed a pro contract through 2021/22 so there is little chance of him coming over, although he would be dominant at the CHL level if he did.

14. Fyodor Svechkov RUS 2021 04/05/03 LW 6-0 179 Lada Togliatti (MHL) 24-4-2-6-6
Svechkov was one of the leading scorers in the U17 Challenge with 6 goals and 8 points in 6 games. This earned him a spot on the tournament all star team for the gold medal winning Russians. He did not get a premium role with his MHL team and speculation is that he would jump to the CHL for an opportunity to have a more prominent role in his draft year. He is a goal scorer with an excellent release, who uses his size well.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

15. Simon Robertsson SWE 2021 02/05/03 RW 6-0 181 Skelleftea J20 (SWE) (SHL 8-1-0-1-0) 41-13-17-30-36
Robertsson is a hard working responsible player who is a 2nd generation pro in the Swedish hockey ranks. His father, Bert is head coach of Linkoping, a rival team and was the assistant coach for Skelleftea last year. He needs to improve his skating, but he is a hard nosed player who has an extremely hard shot with a quick release. He had 3 points in 5 games in the U17 Challenge He has played 8 games in the SHL this season and has signed a pro contract through 2021-22 which means it is doubtful that he will come over and play in the SHL.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

16. Marcus Almquist DEN 2021 09/13/03 LW 5-5 154 HV-71 J18 (SWE) 18-10-14-24-10
Almquist has been referred to as the best Danish hockey player to come along since Nikolaj Ehlers. He is fast, elusive and is a natural goal scorer who has produced at every level that he has played. He swutched to the Swedish junior league for increased competition this season, but has played in the 2nd division U18 championships as a 15 year old and as a 16 year old competed in the WJC-20 2nd division for Denmark. He is every small and will need to grow to play at the NHL level, but his skills would be electric in the CHL.

17. Simon Forsmark SWE 2022 10/17/03 LD 6-1 190 Orebro HK J20 (SWE) 31-1-10-11-8
Forsmark has emerged as an intriguing prospect with excellent size (6-1 190) for his young age and good skills and decision making for a D-man. He played very well in the World U17 Challenge producing 3 pts in 5 games despite being a late 2003 born player. Played some preseason exhibition games for Orebro this year in the SHL, but has yet to make his regular season debut. Is your prototypical Swedish defenseman-smart, good mobility, puckmover, two-way ability. Will challenge for the top D-man in the 2022 NHL draft, and may come over due to his affiliation with Orebro. Could be a 2nd round CHL Import late birthdate steal along the same lines of Pytlik (2018) and Myklukha (2019).
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

18. Alex Geci SVK 2021 08/23/03 C 6-2 176 Lukko U18 (FIN) 13-6-8-14-4
Geci has been on the scouts’ radar for years. He has been playing at the U20 level in Slovakia for several years now and decided to move to the Finnish system to help him continue to develop his game. He was once thought of as a potential top 10 pick in the 2021 NHL draft because he grew early, which allowed him to use his size and reach to his advantage. He has excellent size for a centre (6-2), but needs to develop his skating in order to regain his early draft status, which has taken a bit of a hit. Would probably come over if selected in the CHL Import Draft and would benefit from the North American game, which he is better suited for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DitxO-Fc66s

19. Anton Olsson SWE 2021 01/26/03 LD 6-1 183 Malmo J20 (SWE) (SHL 5-0-0-0-0) 26-6-11-17-18
Olsson is a mobile 2-way defenseman who is a rising star in Swedish hockey. He burst onto the scene in the U17 Challenge with 2 goals and 3 points in 5 games and carried that momentum throughout the year. He put up great numbers for a defenseman at the U20 level and his strong season earned him a 5 game look in the SHL. He plays in all situations including the power play and penalty killing and with another strong year is a candidate to break into the 1st round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

20. Samu Salminen FIN 2021 04/09/03 C 6-2 176 Jokerit U20 (FIN) 23-7-13-20-10
Salminen is a big, long winger who is going to be huge once he fills out. His two older brothers are 6-4 and 6-5 respectively. Salminen had a great U17 challenge with 5 points in 5 games and used his size and skill to great effectiveness throughout the competition. Salminen is a good skater for his size, who should become even better as he gets stronger and more powerful. He has a good release and an excellent hockey IQ, which has allowed him to excel above his age group. He is a sleeper pick for the 2021 NHl draft who is currently ranked in the 2nd round.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

21. Nikita Chibrikov RUS 2021 02/16/03 LW 5-10 161 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 32-3-13-16-8
Chibrikov is a small, tremendously skilled player who was one of the top players at the World U17 Challenge. He ended up with 2 goals and 8 points in 6 games as he helped lead the Russian team to the gold medal. He is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer and has excellent vision in the offensive zone, where he most effective. He is not the strongest defensive player, but can put points on the board as well as any of his 2003 born peers.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

22. Elias Stenman SWE 2021 12/23/02 C 5-10 165 Skelleftea J20 (SWE) 41-8-16-24-26
Stenman has been talked about for several years now in Swedish hockey circles. He was curiously not selected for the Ivan Hlinka in August, which caused his stock to drop a bit. His calling card is his offence and he did not put up huge numbers in the Superelit League, which resulted in him not yet making his debut in the SHL, even though he is a late 2002 birthdate. He is talented though, and maybe he would embrace a change of scenery and come to play in the CHL.

23. Jere Virolainen FIN 2021 03/06/03 C 6-1 190 Tappara U20 (FIN) 16-2-6-8-6
Virolainen burst onto the scene with 7 points in 6 games at the World U17 Challenge. He is a big centre, who passes the puck well and plays a responsible game. His skating is the area that he needs to improve to be successful at the next level, but he plays well with good players and anchors a line defensively. Because he has not made his Liiga debut, he may be a candidate to come over and play in the CHL. If not, he is slated to play in the Liiga next season for Tappara.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

24. Niko Huuhtanen FIN 2021 06/26/03 RW 6-1 185 Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN) 48-18-16-34-54
Huuhtanen has been considered one of the top Finnish 2003s for a number of years. He is a big winger who plays a physical game and has a good release. He makes good passes within the offensive and defensive zone, but needs to continue to improve his skating ability and overall edge work to be successful at the next level. His hockey sense is good though and he had 4 points in 5 games at the U17 challenge. He is slated to play for Tappara next season.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

25. Oskar Olausson SWE 2021 11/10/02 LW 6-2 181 HV-71 J20 (SWE) 21-7-9-16-4
Olausson has been a goal scoring winger all the way up the Swedish hockey ranks. He had 1 goal in 5 games at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this summer. Olausson is considered a top-2 round pick in the 2021 NHL draft due to his excellent skating and great release. He is a big winger who uses his size effectively on the forecheck. He is a late 2002 birthdate who should play in the SHL next season if he doesn’t decide to come over to the CHL.

26. Yusaku Ando JPN 2021 09/03/03 LW 5-8 139 Youngstown (USHL) 40-8-17-25-26
Ando is an interesting prospect as he has already come to North America and is driven to be the highest drafted Japanese player ever. He had a good year for the Youngstown Phantoms and also lit up the 2nd tier World Jr. U20 Championships as a double underager for 3 goals and 8 points in 5 games. He is fast and elusive and has excellent hockey sense. His only issue is his size, which is concerning as he moves through the ranks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OdEuxjuRDQ&list=PLO1Fw725KPheZH_rHWCaf6RvjhfWU0Qal&index=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYN3EyyuSVc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXJWguD7Hwg

27. Alexei Prokopenko RUS 2021 01/29/03 LW 5-11 168 Omskie Yastreby (MHL) 14-8-4-12-2
Prokopenko has had a great season and has burst onto the radar screen for the 2021 NHL draft. He had 2 pts in 6 games as he played a depth role on the Gold Medal winning Russian team at the World U17 Challenge. Then he lit up the Russian U17 league, scoring 66 pts in only 30 games. That earned him a promotion to the MHL, where he was one of the top U17 scorers in the league despite playing only 14 games, posting a plus 11 mark.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

28. Verner Miettinen FIN 2021 04/07/03 LW 5-11 161 Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN) 49-14-22-36-12
Miettinen is the number one centre for his U20 team and is used in all situations. He is a good skater who has excellent acceleration and change of direction due to good edgework. He had a strong World U17 Challenge for Finalnd, scoring 3 goals and producing 4 points in 5 games. He played a number of games for their U18 program this season and in all likelihood would have been given a look as an underage player in the World U18 Championships if they were not cancelled.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

29. Viljami Juusola FIN 2021 04/19/03 LD 5-10 157 Karpat U20 (FIN) 37-1-4-5-6
Juusola started the season with an amazing performance at the World U17 Challenge collecting 4 goals and 6 points in 5 games. In a lot of international competitions, Juusola is the top finnish defenseman playing in all situations and logging a tonne of ice time. He is a good skater who uses his stick well and exits the defensive zone well, being able to both skate it out and make excellent zone passes. He is small in size and needs to beef up a little to continue to progress, but he is a potential top 2 round pick in the 2021 NHL draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

30. Lorenzo Canonica SUI 2021 09/03/03 C 5-11 163 Lugano U20 (SUI) 42-21-22-43-36
Canonica has exploded onto the 2021 NHL draft scene, as he is one of the youngest players to be eligible. He has progressed quickly over the past year in the Swiss system for such a young player, ending the year playing a couple of games in the Swiss pro league. Canonica was a strong candidate to be one of the top players for Switzerland as an underager at this summer’s U18 World Championship. He is a quick, explosive skater who is considered the top player in Switzerland his age. Would make a strong impact due to his advanced two way game in the CHL this season if he could be persuaded to come over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAaZZlIJBSo

31. Pavel Mintyukov RUS 2022 11/25/2003 LD 6-1 174 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 33-1-2-3-0
Mintyukov first rose to prominence in the World U17 Challenge where he compiled 5 assists in 6 games as one of the youngest players in the tournament. He played the entire season in the MHL where he played more of a depth role behind some older players. He has good size and is a prospect that has flown under the scouting radar in terms of his name being mentioned among 2022 NHL draft prospects.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Brad Lambert signed today 2 yrs liiga contract with JYP Jyväskylä.
Seems that CHL is not a option for Lamber anymore.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Top CHL Import Draft Prospects
1. Brad Lambert FIN 2022 12/19/03 RW 5-11 172 HIFK U20 (FIN) (Liiga 4-0-2-2-0) 42-18-20-38-28
Lambert is a future superstar. He could be one of the best players to ever come out of Finland. He has tremendous skills, hands and a pro-release already. Is fast, but will needs to add some speed and should as he gets stronger. Son of Ross Lambert, a pro hockey player who was a WHL star with the Saskatoon Blades, Lambert has connections still out west and has a dual citizen. He recently signed a contract with HIFK and his dad is a skills coach in Finland, so the likelihood of him coming over to the CHL is not high. He wqill be a top 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
WU17: CANR 7 – FIN 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)




2. Aatu Raty FIN 2021 11/14/02 C 6-1 181 Karpat U20 (FIN) (Liiga 12-2-2-4-2) 30-2-19-21-28
Raty is the potential #1 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He has already played half a season in the Finnish LIIGA scoring 4 points in a limited role. He has good size and all the tools to be an excellent NHL player. Hde would be dominant in the CHL as a late birthdate, but the chances of him coming over are slim as he will play the entire season for Karpat next year and has already signed a pro contract with them. Had 2 goals and 3 points for Finland in the World Juniors this year.
Aatu Raty - top prospect eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft
Aatu Räty 2021 NHL Draft Prospect - Liiga Highlights! (Early 2019)

3. Fabian Lysell SWE 2021 01/19/03 LW 5-10 176 Frolunda HC J20 (Superelit) 11-1-5-6-6
Lysell is a tremendously skilled player who has racked up points at every level he has played at as he has risen up the ranks in Sweden. An exceptional skater with fantastic edgework, he was dominant at the World U17s with 5 goals and 7 points in 5 games. Frolunda has been fairly conservative with Lysell’s promotions even though his stats have been eye opening along the way, which may open the door for him to come over. He is only signed to a junior contract and has yet to play a game in the SEL. He is generally seen as a top 15 potential selection in the 2021 NHL draft because of his combination of skill and speed. Would have been one of the top players had the u18 Worlds been held this spring. He needs to gain strength to continue to progress.
Fabian Lysell 3G 1A vs Borås HC | J18 Elit | Oct 20 2019
Fabian Lysell 1G 1A vs Växjö Lakers | J18 Allsvenskan | Feb 13 2019
Steven Ellis on Twitter
WU17: SWE 4 – CANR 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
Lysell had hat trick in Swe-Fin game

4. Simon Edvinsson SWE 2021 02/05/03 LD 6-4 185 Frolunda HC J20 (Superelit) 8-0-6-6-10
Edvinsson opened a lot of eyes at the U17 challenge with 5 pts in 5 games. A strong, 2-way defenseman who is 6-4, Swedish and mobile always gets the scouts’ attention. Frolunda has also been fairly conservative with Edvinsson’s promotions, but he still is considered a top 15 prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft. The combination of the fact that he is signed to a junior contract, along with the fact that he could elevate his drfat stock in the CHL, may lead to him coming across the pond.
WU17: SWE 4 – CANR 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)

5. Danil Lazutin RUS 2021 07/25/03 C 6-2 174 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 32-4-7-11-6
Lazutin is one of my favourite prospects for the 2021 NHL draft and one of the most intriguing. First of all, he comes from tremendously athletic bloodlines as his mother, Larisa Lazutina was the top athlete at the 1998 Winter Olympics and won 5 medals (3 golds) in those games. Second, 6-2 centres with his size and skill level and tough to come across. His skating needs some work, but is fine and will improve as he gets stronger and grows into his lanky frame. A look at some of his games online and highlights on youtube show a player who has a high hockey IQ and a lot of skill. He led Russia to the Gold Medal at the U17 Challenge with 4 goals and 9 points and was named to the tournament all-star team. If he comes over, he will be a star in the CHL and a sure-fire pick in the NHL Draft in 2021.
WU17 - RUS 8 – CANB 4 (Quarter-final)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: CANR 4 – RUS 3 (Preliminary)
WU17HC - RUS 4 – CZE 0 (Semifinal)

6. Samu Tuomaala FIN 2021 01/08/03 RW 5-10 165 Karpat U20 (FIN) 40-15-8-23-12
Tuomaala exploded onto the scene at the U17 Challenge as he electrified the crowds there with his speed and skill throughout the tournament, ended up with 5 points in 5 games. He has an elite release both on the move via a wrist shot or a one timer, which is evident in his goal totals. He is fast, makes unbelievable moves at high speeds and controls the puck well entering the offensive zone. In my opinion, he would be a top draft eligible player in the CHL and is a sure-fire 1st round pick in this year’s draft if he can continue to get stronger and add some weight to his slight frame.
WU17: CANR 7 – FIN 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)

7. Ludvig Persson SWE 2022 10/08/03 C 5-11 161 Frolunda HC J18 (SWE) (SHL 1-0-0-0-0) 15-7-7-14-2
Persson is a fast, skilled player who again has been promoted slowly by Frolunda, although he did get a chance to debut in the SHL this season. Persson is not the largest skater on the ice, but is elusive and shifty and uses his speed to create opportunities for his teammates. In the U17s he was a zone entry machine, making some D-men look silly with his moves at high speed. He had 4 points in 5 games in the U17 Challenge and was one of Sweden’s youngest players there. He would have been fun to watch at the World U18s and is generally considered a first round prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft.
WU17: SWE 4 – CANR 2 (Preliminary)
WU17: SWE 6 – FIN 4 (Preliminary)
WU17: RUS 5 – SWE 4 (Preliminary)
https://twitter.com/eliteprospects/status/1059161992035008512?lang=en

8. Isak Rosen SWE 2021 03/15/03 LW 5-10 154 Leksands J20 (SWE) (SHL 1-0-0-0-0) 38-21-14-35-8
Rosen is a very skilled player who has had an unbelievable J20 year for Leksands. This culminated in a 1 game promotion to the SHL, which is rare for someone so young. Rosen is quite small, and is going to have to get stronger to be successful at the next level. He reads the game well and has excellent hockey sense. His skill would make him a great asset at the next level.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

9. Danila Yurov RUS 2022 12/22/03 LW 6-1 170 Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) 18-6-7-13-6
Yurov was a key played for Russia in their gold medal run in the U17 Challenge despite being once of the youngest players there, scoring 8 points in 6 games. He has grown several inches since the challenge, now standing 6-1. Because of his late birthdate, he is an under the radar prospect who when all is said and done will be one of the top prospects for the 2022 draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

10. Prokhor Poltapov RUS 2021 02/01/03 RW 5-10 161 Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 23-8-4-12-10
Poltapov has been on the radar for years, but stood out in the u17 challenge as a leader. His high hockey IQ and skill made him an invaluable member of the Gold medal winning Russian team and he finished with 7 points in 6 games. He is small, but shifty and skates with a wide base so he is hard to knock off the puck. Unfortunately, reports were that he had not gotten a lot of ice time for his MHL team, although it did increase as the season went on. This makes him an excellent candidate to come over so he can play an important role for his team in preparation for the 2021 NHL Draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

11. Artyom Grushnikov RUS 2021 03/20/03 LD 6-2 174 Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 29-1-4-5-4
Grushnikov is a solid defenseman who at this point plays more of a stay at home role for his teams, although he did put up 4 points in 6 games at the U17 Challenge. He anchors the blueline, which is evident from his impressive resume which includes playing in the Ivan Hlinka a year early at 16 for Russia, as well as playing for the Russian entry at the World Jr. A Challenge, which is almost unheard of for a 2003. If he was to come over, he would be instantly a top 4 D-man on a CHL team.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130

12. Stanislav Svozil CZE 2021 01/17/03 LD 6-0 172 HC Kometa Brno (CZE) 41-2-3-5-8
Svozil is one of the best Defense prospects to come around in a decade. He is a new age defenseman who skates well and has a lot of skill. He makes good D-zone exit passes and has a high hockey IQ, which has allowed him to play a role playing against men. Against his peers, he had 4 points in 6 games at the U17s and would have been one of the players to watch at the World U18s this spring. He comes from a hockey family and is a 3rd generation pro hockey player. Svozil may come across the pond and is a sure fire 1st rounder in the 2021 NHL draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canb-5-cze-4-so-preliminary.103998
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-czech-republic-vs-canada-white.104016
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntsBuwuIaIU
This features Svozil (#17) and Balaz (#22)

13. William Eklund SWE 2021 10/12/02 C/LW 5-10 172 Djurgardens J20 (SHL 20-0-2-2-4) 31-12-24-36-22
Eklund has been an excellent scorer at the junior level and played 20 games this year in the SHL. He played a lead role for Sweden at the Ivan Hlinka in August despite being one of the youngest players on the team, scoring 5 pts in 5 games. He has a high hockey IQ and is fast and elusive. He has signed a pro contract through 2021/22 so there is little chance of him coming over, although he would be dominant at the CHL level if he did.

14. Fyodor Svechkov RUS 2021 04/05/03 LW 6-0 179 Lada Togliatti (MHL) 24-4-2-6-6
Svechkov was one of the leading scorers in the U17 Challenge with 6 goals and 8 points in 6 games. This earned him a spot on the tournament all star team for the gold medal winning Russians. He did not get a premium role with his MHL team and speculation is that he would jump to the CHL for an opportunity to have a more prominent role in his draft year. He is a goal scorer with an excellent release, who uses his size well.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

15. Simon Robertsson SWE 2021 02/05/03 RW 6-0 181 Skelleftea J20 (SWE) (SHL 8-1-0-1-0) 41-13-17-30-36
Robertsson is a hard working responsible player who is a 2nd generation pro in the Swedish hockey ranks. His father, Bert is head coach of Linkoping, a rival team and was the assistant coach for Skelleftea last year. He needs to improve his skating, but he is a hard nosed player who has an extremely hard shot with a quick release. He had 3 points in 5 games in the U17 Challenge He has played 8 games in the SHL this season and has signed a pro contract through 2021-22 which means it is doubtful that he will come over and play in the SHL.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

16. Marcus Almquist DEN 2021 09/13/03 LW 5-5 154 HV-71 J18 (SWE) 18-10-14-24-10
Almquist has been referred to as the best Danish hockey player to come along since Nikolaj Ehlers. He is fast, elusive and is a natural goal scorer who has produced at every level that he has played. He swutched to the Swedish junior league for increased competition this season, but has played in the 2nd division U18 championships as a 15 year old and as a 16 year old competed in the WJC-20 2nd division for Denmark. He is every small and will need to grow to play at the NHL level, but his skills would be electric in the CHL.

17. Simon Forsmark SWE 2022 10/17/03 LD 6-1 190 Orebro HK J20 (SWE) 31-1-10-11-8
Forsmark has emerged as an intriguing prospect with excellent size (6-1 190) for his young age and good skills and decision making for a D-man. He played very well in the World U17 Challenge producing 3 pts in 5 games despite being a late 2003 born player. Played some preseason exhibition games for Orebro this year in the SHL, but has yet to make his regular season debut. Is your prototypical Swedish defenseman-smart, good mobility, puckmover, two-way ability. Will challenge for the top D-man in the 2022 NHL draft, and may come over due to his affiliation with Orebro. Could be a 2nd round CHL Import late birthdate steal along the same lines of Pytlik (2018) and Myklukha (2019).
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

18. Alex Geci SVK 2021 08/23/03 C 6-2 176 Lukko U18 (FIN) 13-6-8-14-4
Geci has been on the scouts’ radar for years. He has been playing at the U20 level in Slovakia for several years now and decided to move to the Finnish system to help him continue to develop his game. He was once thought of as a potential top 10 pick in the 2021 NHL draft because he grew early, which allowed him to use his size and reach to his advantage. He has excellent size for a centre (6-2), but needs to develop his skating in order to regain his early draft status, which has taken a bit of a hit. Would probably come over if selected in the CHL Import Draft and would benefit from the North American game, which he is better suited for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DitxO-Fc66s

19. Anton Olsson SWE 2021 01/26/03 LD 6-1 183 Malmo J20 (SWE) (SHL 5-0-0-0-0) 26-6-11-17-18
Olsson is a mobile 2-way defenseman who is a rising star in Swedish hockey. He burst onto the scene in the U17 Challenge with 2 goals and 3 points in 5 games and carried that momentum throughout the year. He put up great numbers for a defenseman at the U20 level and his strong season earned him a 5 game look in the SHL. He plays in all situations including the power play and penalty killing and with another strong year is a candidate to break into the 1st round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-4-canr-2-preliminary.104001
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

20. Samu Salminen FIN 2021 04/09/03 C 6-2 176 Jokerit U20 (FIN) 23-7-13-20-10
Salminen is a big, long winger who is going to be huge once he fills out. His two older brothers are 6-4 and 6-5 respectively. Salminen had a great U17 challenge with 5 points in 5 games and used his size and skill to great effectiveness throughout the competition. Salminen is a good skater for his size, who should become even better as he gets stronger and more powerful. He has a good release and an excellent hockey IQ, which has allowed him to excel above his age group. He is a sleeper pick for the 2021 NHl draft who is currently ranked in the 2nd round.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

21. Nikita Chibrikov RUS 2021 02/16/03 LW 5-10 161 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 32-3-13-16-8
Chibrikov is a small, tremendously skilled player who was one of the top players at the World U17 Challenge. He ended up with 2 goals and 8 points in 6 games as he helped lead the Russian team to the gold medal. He is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer and has excellent vision in the offensive zone, where he most effective. He is not the strongest defensive player, but can put points on the board as well as any of his 2003 born peers.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

22. Elias Stenman SWE 2021 12/23/02 C 5-10 165 Skelleftea J20 (SWE) 41-8-16-24-26
Stenman has been talked about for several years now in Swedish hockey circles. He was curiously not selected for the Ivan Hlinka in August, which caused his stock to drop a bit. His calling card is his offence and he did not put up huge numbers in the Superelit League, which resulted in him not yet making his debut in the SHL, even though he is a late 2002 birthdate. He is talented though, and maybe he would embrace a change of scenery and come to play in the CHL.

23. Jere Virolainen FIN 2021 03/06/03 C 6-1 190 Tappara U20 (FIN) 16-2-6-8-6
Virolainen burst onto the scene with 7 points in 6 games at the World U17 Challenge. He is a big centre, who passes the puck well and plays a responsible game. His skating is the area that he needs to improve to be successful at the next level, but he plays well with good players and anchors a line defensively. Because he has not made his Liiga debut, he may be a candidate to come over and play in the CHL. If not, he is slated to play in the Liiga next season for Tappara.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

24. Niko Huuhtanen FIN 2021 06/26/03 RW 6-1 185 Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN) 48-18-16-34-54
Huuhtanen has been considered one of the top Finnish 2003s for a number of years. He is a big winger who plays a physical game and has a good release. He makes good passes within the offensive and defensive zone, but needs to continue to improve his skating ability and overall edge work to be successful at the next level. His hockey sense is good though and he had 4 points in 5 games at the U17 challenge. He is slated to play for Tappara next season.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

25. Oskar Olausson SWE 2021 11/10/02 LW 6-2 181 HV-71 J20 (SWE) 21-7-9-16-4
Olausson has been a goal scoring winger all the way up the Swedish hockey ranks. He had 1 goal in 5 games at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this summer. Olausson is considered a top-2 round pick in the 2021 NHL draft due to his excellent skating and great release. He is a big winger who uses his size effectively on the forecheck. He is a late 2002 birthdate who should play in the SHL next season if he doesn’t decide to come over to the CHL.

26. Yusaku Ando JPN 2021 09/03/03 LW 5-8 139 Youngstown (USHL) 40-8-17-25-26
Ando is an interesting prospect as he has already come to North America and is driven to be the highest drafted Japanese player ever. He had a good year for the Youngstown Phantoms and also lit up the 2nd tier World Jr. U20 Championships as a double underager for 3 goals and 8 points in 5 games. He is fast and elusive and has excellent hockey sense. His only issue is his size, which is concerning as he moves through the ranks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OdEuxjuRDQ&list=PLO1Fw725KPheZH_rHWCaf6RvjhfWU0Qal&index=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYN3EyyuSVc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXJWguD7Hwg

27. Alexei Prokopenko RUS 2021 01/29/03 LW 5-11 168 Omskie Yastreby (MHL) 14-8-4-12-2
Prokopenko has had a great season and has burst onto the radar screen for the 2021 NHL draft. He had 2 pts in 6 games as he played a depth role on the Gold Medal winning Russian team at the World U17 Challenge. Then he lit up the Russian U17 league, scoring 66 pts in only 30 games. That earned him a promotion to the MHL, where he was one of the top U17 scorers in the league despite playing only 14 games, posting a plus 11 mark.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

28. Verner Miettinen FIN 2021 04/07/03 LW 5-11 161 Kiekko-Espoo U20 (FIN) 49-14-22-36-12
Miettinen is the number one centre for his U20 team and is used in all situations. He is a good skater who has excellent acceleration and change of direction due to good edgework. He had a strong World U17 Challenge for Finalnd, scoring 3 goals and producing 4 points in 5 games. He played a number of games for their U18 program this season and in all likelihood would have been given a look as an underage player in the World U18 Championships if they were not cancelled.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

29. Viljami Juusola FIN 2021 04/19/03 LD 5-10 157 Karpat U20 (FIN) 37-1-4-5-6
Juusola started the season with an amazing performance at the World U17 Challenge collecting 4 goals and 6 points in 5 games. In a lot of international competitions, Juusola is the top finnish defenseman playing in all situations and logging a tonne of ice time. He is a good skater who uses his stick well and exits the defensive zone well, being able to both skate it out and make excellent zone passes. He is small in size and needs to beef up a little to continue to progress, but he is a potential top 2 round pick in the 2021 NHL draft.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-7-fin-2-preliminary.104013
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-swe-6-fin-4-preliminary.103989

30. Lorenzo Canonica SUI 2021 09/03/03 C 5-11 163 Lugano U20 (SUI) 42-21-22-43-36
Canonica has exploded onto the 2021 NHL draft scene, as he is one of the youngest players to be eligible. He has progressed quickly over the past year in the Swiss system for such a young player, ending the year playing a couple of games in the Swiss pro league. Canonica was a strong candidate to be one of the top players for Switzerland as an underager at this summer’s U18 World Championship. He is a quick, explosive skater who is considered the top player in Switzerland his age. Would make a strong impact due to his advanced two way game in the CHL this season if he could be persuaded to come over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAaZZlIJBSo

31. Pavel Mintyukov RUS 2022 11/25/2003 LD 6-1 174 MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL) 33-1-2-3-0
Mintyukov first rose to prominence in the World U17 Challenge where he compiled 5 assists in 6 games as one of the youngest players in the tournament. He played the entire season in the MHL where he played more of a depth role behind some older players. He has good size and is a prospect that has flown under the scouting radar in terms of his name being mentioned among 2022 NHL draft prospects.
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17hc-rus-4-cze-0-semifinal.104130
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-8-canb-4-quarter-final.104106
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-rus-5-swe-4-preliminary.104007
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/wu17-canr-4-rus-3-preliminary.103983

Aatu Räty is not coming to CHL he'll get TOP9 role in Oulun Kärpät next season.
Chances for that Räty plays CHL 2020-2021 are 0%