Jake Sanderson, D, USA U18, NTDP, 6’2, 186, DOB 7.8.2002, 2020 NHL Draft
USA: 4 GP 3 G 4 A 7 PTS 0 PIM
“Geoff’s kid is a star left shot defender for the USNDTP. Sanderson is the team’s top defenseman and brings a complete 200-foot element rarely seen from the back end. Jake has offensive upside and runs the top power play unit for the USA. Not only does he run the power play he is one of the bigger threats on it because of his ability to jump into the play and get off a heavy shot. Sanderson is mobile and can get back into the play if ever caught due to a long strong stride and quick feet. Jake is also relied upon to play shut down hockey when the team has a lead and is capable of this task as well. His ability to adapt to different roles in a hockey game is extremely impressive especially considering his age. Sanderson led the defenseman in scoring this tournament and showed he is a dual threat from the back end. His skating and hockey IQ are elite and will be a big reason Jake hears his name called early come June. Sanderson has a high motor and willingness to engage physically with anyone.” – Draft Prospects Hockey evaluator Matt Donald
Thomas Bordeleau, C, USA U18, NTDP, 5’9, 180, DOB 1.3.2002, 2020 NHL Draft
USA: 4 GP 1 G 5 A 6 PTS 2 PIM
“Plays PP and PK. Highly skilled forward, wins most of his face offs. Lethal hands, when shooting, scores a lot of goals with hard wrister, he has the strength in his wrists to whip the puck from his stick. This player is smart, creates a lot of opportunities and can make great passes on the fly. Watched him take a pass in the corner, just when you thought he was going around the net he stopped and passed the puck between his legs to a team mate, while his back was to the play, which resulted in a goal. Excellent skating, great balance and core strength to protect the puck. Drives the net with speed and is strong enough to protect the puck. Most Dmen in this tournament could not contain him. Brings to the game, IQ, vision, puck skills, quick rocket shots, grit, intensity, agility, poise, willingness to battle, plays with a team concept.” – Draft Prospects Hockey evaluator Murray Caldwell
Landon Slaggert, Right Wing, USA U18, NTDP, 6’0, 182, DOB 6.25.2002, 2020 NHL Draft
USA: 4 GP 3 G 0 A 3 PTS 2 PIM
“Slaggert is a goal-scoring machine used on the top line for the USNDTP. A skilled forward that has a high skill set to match his IQ. He is an all-situations player, including roles on the 2nd power play and top penalty-killing unit. He really made his mark producing this week as he was amongst the tournament leaders in scoring. Landon has found excellent chemistry with center Thomas Bordeleau and the two were seemingly unstoppable all tournament long. Slaggert uses a quick release to pick corners with a heavy wrist shot that he is able to get off going full speed. This caused a problem for the goalies all week as he was generating scoring chances at will. He has a high motor although it would get quiet at times. Had the ability to be a difference maker when his feet are moving as he can use his speed to generate chances for his line. Slaggert won player of the game honors against the Swedes after a two-goal performance. Landon has established himself as a skilled player for the upcoming NHL draft with a physical package that becomes intriguing.” – Donald
Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, MHL, 5’9”, 165, DOB 7.17.2002, 2020 NHL Draft
Russia: 4 GP 2 G 0 A 2 PTS 0 PIM
“Captain, Plays PP, Wins Face offs with strength, and leverage against opponent. Extremely good stick handler and making opponent think he is passing when he picking his spot. He keeps pucks alive in the OZ with relentless stick work. He is not afraid to go to the hard areas in front of the net. He is a shooter with awesome vision, very deadly shot. Smooth skating stride, with speed. Takes hits to make a pass. Will come back and help the D. Always making something out of nothing, because of his drive and creativity. Brings to the game, hockey sense, skating with explosive speed, puck skills, compete, determination, intensity, core strength.” – Caldwell