Promotions from the 17's to the 18's are likely coming soon.
The four players I want to see promoted are
Luke Hughes-Best prospect on the 17's. Very good two way defensemen, elite skater. Only thing working against him is that the 18's have three good LHD already and an established defense that doesn't need any changes.
Chaz Lucius-Elite goal scorer. He can score from anywhere on the ice, and he's excellent at positioning himself in the offensive zone to find open areas of the ice.
Dylan Duke-He's not an elite goal scorer, but he's a very good goal scorer. He's also a very good all-around player with good skating, work ethic, skill and playmaking.
Justin Janicke-Best forward prospect on the 17's. He does some of everything. He's extremely versatile, and can play in any role. He has a lot of skill and scores points, as well. He's not all versatility and work-ethic.
I didn't think Beniers would be promoted last year, so these guys are players I wouldn't rule out being promoted.
Sasha Pastujov-He might be the most naturally talented forward on the team, but he's incredibly slow. I don't think it's a good idea to have him playing a higher level of hockey yet. I'm not going to rule out that he makes it as a pro due to his skating, but I don't think a promotion should be in order until he gets his skating improved.
Jack Devine-This guy has scored a lot of points this season and is a late birthday. I've not been impressed, but he's hyped, has scored points and isn't draft eligible for another year. That sounds like a player who could be promoted.
Jack Hughes-Hughes isn't the offensive threat that some of the better forwards on the 17's this year are, but does bring a good all-around game from the center of the ice. He's also a late birthday, and will probably be a first round pick in 2022. His profile isn't unlike Beniers was with his promotion a year ago.
Aidan Hreschuk-He's a good defensemen. Maybe a first rounder in 2021, but he's another LHD and he's not great. If it's not a sure thing that Hughes is promoted, it makes no sense to promote Hreschuk.
Sean Behrens-Another LHD. Big point producer, great skater. He's a LHD, so its a similar situation to Hreschuk. I wouldn't think this is a good reason, but I think being under-sized would also work against him getting a promotion.
Ty Gallagher-I think his addition would make the most sense out of all the players in this category, but I still don't think its too likely. He's a RHD, so there's a little less depth, but RHD still has a few good prospects on the 18's. If Hughes is added, that fills out the top 6 with quality hockey players. I guess you could add a 7th and make someone like Truscott 7th defensemen, but I don't see the need.
Roman Schmidt-He's another good RHD, but more of a project type of player. He's a lot more raw than Gallagher. It seems unlikely that they'd opt to promote a raw RHD.