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Rachel Doerrie, ESPN
The NHL prospect pipeline rankings for all 32 went out last week, which looked at each team’s future from a broad perspective. This week, it’s the top 50 team-affiliated prospects — the best players outside the NHL, but who have been drafted by an NHL team.
As with the pipeline rankings, players who are rookies but are expected to play primarily in the NHL this season are excluded (that includes players like Macklin Celebrini, Matvei Michkov, and Conor Geekie). Some players listed here are currently with their NHL team, but are not expected to remain there throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Not every team has a prospect on this list, though a handful of teams have multiple prospects in the top 50, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks.
Here’s the top 50 as it stands in October, 2024:
1. Ivan Demidov
RW/C, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
NHL team: Montreal Canadiens
Drafted: No. 5, 2024
Demidov is supremely talented, a true difference maker. His elite skill set gives him the highest probability of becoming a superstar in the NHL. There’s a good chance he blossoms into an elite offensive talent, notching more than a point per game for a decade in the NHL.
The most talented player outside of the NHL, without a doubt.
2. Artyom Levshunov
D, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
NHL team: Chicago Blackhawks
Drafted: No. 2, 2024
The ceiling is high with Levshunov, whose game is raw on both sides of the puck but who possesses the potential to be a two-way difference maker.
He is comfortably projected to be a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play. He’s likely a year or two away from a big role on the Chicago blue line, but there is reason to believe the Blackhawks now have cornerstones at center (Connor Bedard) and on defense.
3. Alexander Nikishin
D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
NHL team: Carolina Hurricanes
Drafted: No. 69, 2020
The margin between Nikishin and Levshunov is razor thin, with Levshunov getting the nod because he’s younger and has longer to develop.
There is little doubt that Nikishin will be a towering presence on the Carolina blue line soon. He’s comfortably the best defenseman in the KHL, and projects to be a top-pairing blueliner in the NHL. His two-way game is mature, and his physical makeup should allow him to thrive in Carolina.
4. Zayne Parekh, D
Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
NHL team: Calgary Flames
Drafted: No. 9, 2024
In terms of raw skill and talent, Parekh is second only to Demidov. He has the highest offensive ceiling of any defenseman outside of the NHL. There is a lot of development needed on the defensive side of the puck, but Parekh has true game-breaking offensive talent.
He’s going to run the power play, facilitate offense from the back and activate in the rush. He’ll be a highlight-reel regular for the Flames.
5. Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver (NCAA)
NHL team: Minnesota Wild
Drafted: No. 12, 2024
Considering he had one of the best college hockey seasons as a freshman in NCAA history, it is easy to understand why Buium is high on this list. There is every reason to believe he will continue to develop into an offensive staple on the blue line for the Wild. He will undoubtedly run a top power-play unit, make jaw-dropping plays regularly, and his skating should allow him to develop his transition defense.
A pairing of Buium and Brock Faber could be special in Minnesota.
6. Yaroslav Askarov
G, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
NHL team: San Jose Sharks
Drafted: No. 11, 2020
The Sharks did right by Askarov, sending him to the AHL; they are nowhere near defensively sound enough to have a rookie goaltender in their net.
Given Askarov’s talent, he has the makings of being the NHL’s next great Russian goaltender. Askarov needs to be more efficient with his crease movements to avoid overactive play. His play has steadily improved, and he should be the Sharks’ starter next season.
7. Gabe Perreault
RW, Boston College (NCAA)
NHL team: New York Rangers
Drafted: No. 23, 2023
The hype around Perreault is real and warranted. His ability to finish is second to none in college hockey, and the Rangers believe they have their next great goal scorer on the way.
His ability to release the puck surprises goalies and the pop makes it difficult to pick up off his stick. Perreault has a real knack for find the quiet areas and getting open, and projects to be a top-six scoring threat in the NHL.
8. Berkly Catton
C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
NHL team: Seattle Kraken
Drafted: No. 8, 2024
Arguably the best playmaking prospect, Catton is a small, highly skilled player. The Kraken have two solid two-way centers in Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, whereas Catton brings offensive firepower.
He’s dynamic, and is more likely to be a top-line winger at the NHL level that facilitates offense, sets up teammates for tap-ins and gets fans out of their seats with his jaw-dropping skill.
NHL team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Drafted: No. 4, 2024
Lindstrom projects to fit perfectly behind Adam Fantilli in Columbus. He has a unique blend of skill, skating and size will make him difficult to handle in the NHL.
There are legitimate concerns about his health, but Lindstrom has top-line potential in the NHL. The Blue Jackets can and should be patient with Lindstrom, allowing him to build strength and develop his two-way game.
10. David Jiricek
D, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
NHL team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Drafted: No. 6, 2022
The Blue Jackets have a loaded prospect cupboard, including Jiricek who projects to be a top-pairing defenseman. His development has been inconsistent, and is largely related to being sent back and forth from the AHL.
Jiricek is a physical specimen who has a cannon from the point. His blend of physicality and skating is a coveted package, and someone who will complement the skill sets of Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk on the Columbus blue line.
11. Ryan Leonard
C, Boston College (NCAA)
NHL team: Washington Capitals
Drafted: No. 8, 2023
The Capitals have a good one in Leonard, a natural finisher who is always in the middle of the everything. He is the type of player who will drag his team into the fight.
Leonard complements offensive players well, winning puck battles, getting to the net front and finishing plays. He’s unlikely to drive a line at the NHL level, however he comfortably projects to be a top-six contributor.
Comparisons to a Zach Hyman style of play are accurate.
12. Sam Dickinson
D, London Knights (OHL)
NHL team: San Jose Sharks
Drafted: No. 11, 2024
The Sharks are built to be a problem in the future, with two prospects in the top 12, and that’s without considering Celebrini and Will Smith who are already on the NHL roster.
Dickinson is their prized prospect on the blue line, and projects to be a No. 2/3 defenseman that impacts the game on both sides of the puck. The development of his decision-making will be the determining factor in whether Dickinson becomes a true standout, capable of dominating from the back end.
13. Tij Iginla
LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
NHL team: Utah Hockey Club
Drafted: No. 6, 2024
Jarome Iginla’s son is Utah’s best prospect, and gives fans every reason to be excited. Adding Iginla to a group that already has Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther at the NHL level is going to make Utah a dynamic offensive threat.
He’s projected to become a top-six winger capable of consistently scoring 30-plus goals. When he’s not scoring, he’s physically engaged and has shown an innate ability to turn the tide for his team.
The competitive fire gene runs in the family, and if Tij can develop his ability to elevate his teammates, he’ll be a dangerous player for years to come.
14. Beckett Sennecke
RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
NHL team: Anaheim Ducks
Drafted: No. 3, 2024
Much to his own surprise, the Ducks took Sennecke very early in the draft. He steadily improved throughout his draft season, and possesses immense talent. His puck handling and playmaking ability are top-tier, and will complement the likes of Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish very well.
He projects to be a middle-six contributor with a fair chance of becoming a top-six regular. There is growth and development to come, but the raw talent is there.
15. Carter Yakemchuk
D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
NHL team: Ottawa Senators
Drafted: No. 7, 2024
A right-handed, big, playmaking D who impressed in the preseason, and raised quite a few eyebrows. The Sens have a potential stalwart on the back end to join Jake Sanderson.
Yakemchuk can hammer the puck, and showed off his quality playmaking ability and skill throughout training camp. Like Dickinson, his decision-making will dictate his ceiling.
If Yakemchuk can translate his offensive skill to the NHL while being reliable on the defensive side of the puck, he will have the physical package and the tools to become a top-four defenseman.
17. Denton Mateychuk
D, Cleveland Monsters (AHL)
NHL team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Drafted: No. 12, 2022
The second Columbus defenseman in the top 20, who has consistently been a top player in every league in which he’s played. At 5-11, he defends well and has grown into a two-way transition defender. His offensive instincts are high-end — capable of facilitating offense from the back end.
In time, he should become a second-pairing defenseman and offensive producer.
18. Konsta Helenius
C/RW, Rochester Americans (AHL)
NHL team: Buffalo Sabres
Drafted: No. 14, 2024
Buffalo has a good one in Helenius, widely regarded for his cerebral play. He lacks elite offensive skill, but there is every reason to believe he will slot in on a second line, drive play and shut down the opponent’s best players.
The Sabres have a few skilled young players in their system and in the NHL lineup, making Helenius a perfect fit. He will elevate his line and create space for his linemates to take advantage of their skill.
There’s a fair comparison to be made to Roope Hintz and Nick Suzuki, with slightly less offensive firepower.
19. Kevin Korchinski
D, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
NHL team: Chicago Blackhawks
Drafted: No. 7, 2022
The second Chicago blueliner to appear on this list, Korchinski got a taste of the NHL last season. His package of skill, size and offensive gifts give him a real chance to be a No. 2/3 defenseman in the NHL.
Korchinski showed flashes of his offensive game in his rookie season, but his defensive game needs maturity — as is the case for most 19-year-olds. Allowing him to develop that in the AHL is the right decision, and there is little doubt he will blossom into a key player for Chicago on the blue line.
20. Danila Yurov
RW/C, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
NHL team: Minnesota Wild
Drafted: No. 24, 2022
Yurov took off when he moved to center in the KHL last season, quadrupling his production. That type of offensive development did not go unnoticed, particularly in a more valuable position as a young player. He answered a lot of questions about NHL potential, and his track suggests he is most likely to become a second-line player.
His skating and puck protection skill will only improve as he physically matures and understands how to use his body. Two years from now, he should be a key piece of the Wild lineup.
21. Cole Eiserman
LW, Boston University (NCAA)
NHL team: New York Islanders
Drafted: No. 20, 2024
There are two consensus options with Eiserman: 35-40 goal scorer in the NHL or bust. Given his track record, I’ll trust that the talent and instincts lead Eiserman to becoming a top-end goal scorer in the NHL.
His knack for arriving at the right time and finishing the play is a rare and coveted commodity, one the Isles sorely need. He will be a power-play triggerman and draw attention from defensive coverage on a nightly basis.
He’s a year or two away from making the jump, with valid concerns about his consistency away from the play and ability to develop a well-rounded game.
22. Anton Silayev
D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
NHL team: New Jersey Devils
Drafted: No. 10, 2024
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald loves big defensemen, and the Devils’ prospect pipeline lacked a difference-maker who fit that bill. The Devils are loaded with skill on the blue line, and Silayev is a great balance of size and excellent mobility to complement all of that skill.
Silayev’s ceiling is sky high because there is offensive development that could see him become a unicorn, but those projections are less confident. Regardless, he is most likely to be a mean, minutes-munching defenseman that shuts opposing players down and imposes his will on the game.
23. Axel Sandin-Pellikka
D, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)
NHL team: Detroit Red Wings
Drafted: No. 17, 2023
With Simon Edvinsson making the jump and Moritz Seider signed to a new deal, Sandin-Pellikka is now Detroit’s top defensive prospect. At 5-11, he’s not towering over anyone, but there is real offensive potential to his game. He’s the type of talent that can run an effective power play, facilitate offensive chances and move the puck in transition.
The Red Wings have plenty of defenders, but they lack a true offensive dynamo on the back end. Sandin-Pellikka represents their best chance at that.
24. Trevor Connelly
LW, Providence College (NCAA)
NHL team: Vegas Golden Knights
Drafted: No. 19, 2024
The supremely skilled Connelly fell in the draft after legitimate concerns were raised about his off-ice conduct. He’s got the highest ceiling of any player in this range, and his willingness to compete on the puck, play within a system and work well with teammates will determine his success.
He’s a real boom-or-bust type of player: if he hits, he’s a top-line potential superstar; if he doesn’t, he’s unlikely to find himself on an NHL roster. He needs a lot of maturing on and off the ice, but the raw talent is clearly there.
25. Easton Cowan
C/W, London Knights (OHL)
NHL team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Drafted: No. 28, 2023
The Maple Leafs have a history of getting “punked” because they lack a skilled player who can mix it up. Cowan is not a Tkachuk brother or Brad Marchand, but he’s of that ilk. He plays in all situations, plays his best when the lights are the brightest and is exactly what the Leafs need to complement the current NHL roster.
The combination of speed, skill and willingness to mix it up will undoubtedly make him a fan favorite in the middle of Toronto’s lineup.
26. Dmitri Simashev
D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
NHL team: Utah Hockey Club
Drafted: No. 6, 2023
The mammoth defenseman is viewed as a potential minutes-eating matchup defenseman that every team covets. He doesn’t have the offensive capabilities of some below him on this list, but Utah has plenty of offense on their blue line.
Adding a true shutdown defenseman to their lineup could be a difference-maker for UHC. Simashev’s ability to dictate the game and drive play without creating offense makes him more of a throwback type. That type of defenseman is valuable, a Chris Tanev-esque type in a bigger frame.
27. David Reinbacher
D, Laval Rocket (AHL)
NHL team: Montreal Canadiens
Drafted: No. 5, 2023
Reinbacher would be higher up this list if there were not warranted concerns about his development being hampered by various circumstances, including injury.
Reinbacher projects to be a middle-pairing defender, capable of playing in all situations and tilting the ice in his team’s favor. If he can take a leap forward in his development this season, he could see minutes in the NHL, but it is more reasonable to expect him to be a full-timer NHLer next season.
28. Jimmy Snuggerud
RW, University of Minnesota (NCAA)
NHL team: St. Louis Blues
Drafted: No. 23, 2022
Snuggerud raised some eyebrows when he didn’t sign after his sophomore season, but he’s expected to sign at the end of this college season and step right into the Blues lineup.
He’s a middle-six scorer that has the potential to be a top power-play scorer and second-line player.
29. Frank Nazar
C/RW, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
NHL team: Chicago Blackhawks
Drafted: No. 13, 2022
He’s got speed to burn, skill for days and the flare required to become a star in Chicago. He’s more likely to be a winger at the NHL level given Chicago has a few options at center, and if that is the route, he could fit very well with Bedard.
There’s some risk to his game that will need development, but his skill makes him a candidate to be a point producer at even strength and on the power play.
30. Jonathan Lekkerimaki
RW, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)
NHL team: Vancouver Canucks
Drafted: No. 15, 2022
One of the best shooters in his draft class, Lekkerimaki suffered from the sickness and injury bug, hampering his development. Back on track now, Lekkerimaki has real potential to become a top-six scorer, something the Canucks need, as they’ve lacked winger depth for quite a few years outside of Brock Boeser.
His knack finding open space coupled with a heavy release could see him become a 30-plus goal scorer in the NHL.
31. Jiri Kulich
C/W, Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
NHL team: Buffalo Sabres
Drafted: No. 28, 2022
Speaking of scorers, the Sabres have a good one in Kulich. There’s an argument that Kulich owns the best one-timer outside of the NHL. His ability to fire with power and accuracy makes him a threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone.
Combine that with good puck protection and willingness to get to the dirty areas, Kulich will be a good complementary player in the top six for the Sabres.
32. Matthew Savoie
C/W, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
NHL team: Edmonton Oilers
Drafted: No. 9, 2022
The Oilers’ top prospect has speed and skill to spare. A smaller player, Savoie is ultra-competitive on the puck and given the Oilers talent up the middle, projects to be a winger.
He’s got the hockey sense and talent to mesh well with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, should become a key cog on the Oilers’ power play and provide some much-needed secondary scoring.
NHL team: Philadelphia Flyers
Drafted: No. 13, 2024
Luchanko made the team out of camp, but many agree it is best for him to spend another year in junior. He needs to develop his offense a bit more, something Flyers coach John Tortorella pointed out.
Luchanko is a good two-way player with all the tools to become a reliable, middle-six center for a long time. Developing his offensive production could be the difference between being a career 2C or 3C.
34. Oliver Moore
C, University of Minnesota (NCAA)
NHL team: Chicago Blackhawks
Drafted: No. 19, 2023
Moore’s separating skill is his speed — he is the fastest, most active player in every game in which he plays. He never stops moving his feet, and is a nightmare to play against.
For that reason, his floor as a third-line center is reason enough to be excited. If he continues to develop his offensive toolbox, there’s a chance he becomes the second-line center in Chicago (for obvious reasons, he will not be the top-line guy).
34. Liam Ohgren
LW, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
NHL team: Minnesota Wild
Drafted: No. 19, 2022
Minnesota being in the playoff mix while also having one of the best prospect pipelines is a testament to their scouting department, as Ohgren is one of four players in the top 50.
Ohgren is not far off from being a regular middle-six option. He’s got an NHL-quality shot, good skill, and the physical package to play a versatile game. While he lacks in eye-popping qualities, he makes up for with excellent puck details — the type of player every coach wants on the roster.
35. Rutger McGroarty
C/W, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)
NHL team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Drafted: No. 14, 2022
McGroarty was not included in the pipeline rankings because the consensus was that he would play in Pittsburgh this season. Like many young players, especially those that lack a dynamic skill, McGroarty needs AHL development time.
He projects as a middle-six winger that will drag the team into the fight, be physically engaged and make a key play at a critical time. His footwork and speed need work if he is to be more than a checker at the NHL level.
36. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
RW/LW, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)
NHL team: Detroit Red Wings
Drafted: No. 15, 2024
The projections for Brandsegg-Nygard vary, but the consensus is that he will become a middle-of-the-lineup, Swiss army knife option in Detroit.
Dylan Larkin, Nate Danielson and Marco Kasper represent Detroit’s future up the middle. MBN is a stylistic fit with Kasper or Larkin, where his well-rounded skill set and tenacity will allow him to be an all-situations player.
37. Oliver Bonk
D, London Knights (OHL)
NHL team: Philadelphia Flyers
Drafted: No. 22, 2023
Bonk’s development took a major step forward in his post-draft season, elevating his projection from a bottom-pair defenseman to a second-pairing type. His skating noticeably improved over the course of the season, and his decision-making is mature.
If he continues this trajectory, there’s a path to becoming an impactful No. 3/4 for the Flyers. He will need AHL time, but there’s reason to believe he can play meaningful minutes at even strength and on the penalty kill.
38. Dalibor Dvorsky
C/RW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)
NHL team: St. Louis Blues
Drafted: No. 10, 2023
Dvorsky is a fun blend of high-end skill and reliable two-way ability. He needs space to utilize his skill, and there are concerns that he will not have that outside of the power play at the NHL level.
Dvorsky is confidently projected to be a middle-of-the-lineup, two-way player than can contribute offensively, but needs to demonstrate the ability to execute skill plays in tight areas at the next level to be a true threat.
39. Nate Danielson
C, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
NHL team: Detroit Red Wings
Drafted: No. 9, 2023
Projected to be a middle-six center, Danielson will be a reliable secondary scoring threat. He’s the type of player every coach wants because he’s good in all three zones, doesn’t cheat for offense and is competitive on the puck.
He doesn’t have the dynamic skill you want to see in a top-six center, but there’s a chance he gets there because of his well-rounded skill set.
NHL team: Colorado Avalanche
Drafted: No. 27, 2023
Ritchie is a coach’s dream. He’s versatile in that he plays every forward position and plays a well-rounded, two-way game, and plays hard no matter how high or low in the lineup you put him.
He’s got the talent to be a secondary scoring threat, as evidenced by his beautiful, breakaway goal in the preseason. He’s also a reliable checker with speed and tenacity. A solid fit in the middle six for the Avalanche, who will need exactly that to remain in the league’s upper echelon.
NHL team: Nashville Predators
Drafted: No. 24, 2023
Count me as a big fan of Tanner Molendyk and his well-rounded game. The Predators have a knack for churning out quality NHL defensemen and Molendyk fits the bill. He’s one of the most agile defensive prospects, with excellent four-way mobility that should allow him to become a strong transition player.
He’s a driver from the back end that tilts the ice in his team’s favor. There’s real upside for Molendyk as an impactful, second-pairing defender.
42. Seamus Casey
D, Utica Comets (AHL)
NHL team: New Jersey Devils
Drafted: No. 46, 2022
Devils fans got a small taste of Casey to start the season, and there is a lot to like. He’s small and some scouts believed he’d never play an NHL game — that was obviously incorrect. Casey is a good skater with quality offensive talent. He facilitates the breakout with ease and jumps into the play.
As Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said, Casey needs to work on his defensive game — in transition and in the defensive zone — to become a reliable NHL player. Given the start, there is every reason to believe Casey will find his way and become a solid two-way defenseman in the NHL.
43. Brayden Yager
C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
NHL team: Winnipeg Jets
Drafted: No. 14, 2023
Yager may be much higher on this list by this time next year, because his ceiling is high, albeit with a less confident projection. He should comfortably become a middle-six scoring threat with a well-rounded offensive package of skating, shooting and ability to read the game.
If he can play off his linemates and develop a more dynamic trait, there’s a chance he become a top-six player. He’ll likely need two more years before he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL lineup.
44. Bradly Nadeau
W/C, Chicago Wolves (AHL)
NHL team: Carolina Hurricanes
Drafted: No. 30, 2023
After opting to leave college and forego a sophomore season, Nadeau is a tweener between a middle-six, secondary scoring threat and a top-six, potential 70-point threat.
His package of skill and playmaking is undeniable, and gives the Canes options to fill their lineup with three scoring lines in the next couple of years.
45. Quentin Musty
LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
NHL team: San Jose Sharks
Drafted: No. 26, 2023
He’s got more skill than anyone in this area of the ranking, but he’s a boom-or-bust type. Right now, he’s not playing games, following a trade request. It is a poor development choice, and one with which the Sharks are growing impatient.
Musty has an eye-popping skill set that could see him become a top-six winger beside one of Celebrini or Smith, but it remains to be seen how much of his skill is translatable to the NHL level.
46. Matthew Wood
LW/C, University of Minnesota (NCAA)
NHL team: Nashville Predators
Drafted: No. 15, 2023
After two great seasons at Connecticut, Wood transferred to the University of Minnesota where he is expected to play a starring role. The big winger has the skill and scoring touch to be a real problem at the NHL level.
He’s comfortably projected to become a middle-six scorer, with a chance at second-line upside if his skating and engagement in the play improve.
47. Carson Rehkopf
C/LW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
NHL team: Seattle Kraken
Drafted: No. 50, 2023
The Kraken have a versatile creator in Rehkopf, someone who can threaten the moment he enters the offensive zone. He’s very talented offensively — able to beat defenders and score off the rush.
He’s projected to be a middle-of-the-lineup, secondary scorer with an outside chance at second-line upside in a couple of years.
48. Riley Heidt
C/LW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
NHL team: Minnesota Wild
Drafted: No. 64, 2023
After an offensive explosion in his post-draft season, Heidt comfortably projects to be an impactful, middle-six player. His offensive toolkit is overflowing with vision and creativity, consistently making his linemates a threat.
If he can execute the plays at the NHL level, he’s got a chance to become a 60-point player for the Wild.
49. Andrew Cristall
LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
NHL team: Washington Capitals
Drafted: No. 40, 2023
One of the most polarizing players in the 2024 draft class, Cristall is supremely skilled and could find himself higher on this list next time around. He’s on the smaller size and his skating is a concern, but his puck skill and offensive toolbox is very impressive.
He shouldn’t be able to produce at the level he does when you watch him, which makes his projection a difficult one. If he hits, there’s star potential; if he doesn’t, he’s likely a star in a European league.
50. Brad Lambert
C/RW, Manitoba Moose (AHL)
NHL team: Winnipeg Jets
Drafted: No. 30, 2022
Another polarizing player, Lambert’s game has developed nicely over the last 18 months. His one-dimensional play is a thing of the past, as he is becoming more involved in all three zones, has a willingness to drive the middle of the ice and shown real potential at the center position.
He’s got upside as a second-line scorer in the NHL as soon as next season.