6. Philadelphia Flyers- Cayden Lindstrom- C- Medicine Hat (WHL)
6’5 205 Chetwynd, B.C February 3rd, 2006
I hear lots of people question his hockey IQ and say he has brutal tunnel vision. Or his skating is choppy or weak. But there is way too much to like about this prospect. With the exception of Silayev this is probably one of my favorite and most interesting players of the draft. Plus I have seen him play live alot and he looks better every time I see him.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, Lindstrom is currently grabbing considerable attention within the scouting community. The forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers appears to be improving with each game, showcasing remarkable skill given his substantial physical stature. According to insights from a few WHL defenders, Lindstrom is emerging as the most formidable player in one-on-one situations, a reputation earned through a blend of speed, skill, and sheer mass.
While Lindstrom delivered a decent performance with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the previous season, tallying 19 goals and 42 points in 61 games, he has elevated his game to new heights this season. In just 20 games in the WHL, he has already notched an impressive 14 goals and 25 points. Notably, Lindstrom donned the Canadian U18s jersey at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2023, contributing 3 points in 5 games and playing a pivotal role in securing the Gold Medal for Canada.
The potential upside for Lindstrom is immense; he possesses the qualities to become a impactful top 6 center, thanks to his unique combination of size and skill. Lots believe he has the highest upside in the draft. Some mock drafts have had Lindstrom as high as #2.
7. Ottawa Senators- Ivan Demidov- F- St. Petersburg (MHL)
5’11 168 Sergiyev Posad, Russia December 10th, 2005
Demidov emerges as an exceptionally skilled winger with a knack for playmaking, securing a notable third place in this year’s MHL scoring charts. What sets him apart is his age, standing out in a league typically dominated by older players. Impressively, he maintains a higher point-per-game pace than the two players ahead of him, all while sharing the ice with his older brother, Semyon.
Born in December 2005, Demidov is on the older side and recognizes the need to enhance his strength and refine his skating stride. However, his skill as a play-creator is undeniable. Possessing a remarkable ability to navigate the ice, you’d want the puck in his hands to witness him skillfully maneuvering and creating opportunities for himself and his linemates.
Beyond his offensive capabilities, Demidov is actively engaged in the game when off-puck. He keeps his feet in constant motion, excels in forechecking by relentlessly pursuing pucks, and can swiftly turn a steal into a game-changing play. While he may not reach the level of Matvei Michkov, Demidov, even at this early stage, appears to be one of Russia’s most promising prospects in recent memory.
8. Minnesota Wild- Konsta Helenius- C- Jukurit (LIIGA)
5’11 176 Ylojarvi, Finland May 11th, 2006
In spite of his smaller stature as a forward, Helenius showcases impressive compete and puck protection abilities. Demonstrating a swift inside edge with his speed, he consistently engages in battles on the forecheck. His soft hands allow him to execute moves seamlessly within tight spaces, showcasing remarkable control and patience. “Most young kids who play in european pro leagues are just holding on for dear life. Chipping in a few points here and there, trying to not make a blunder. That’s not Konsta. Konsta is on the Liiga level to start the season. It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at by the end.”
Helenius excels at identifying open lanes and driving assertively toward the center of the ice. A player who consistently seeks to take charge of a shift and make a difference, he has consistently stood out at international events, notably recording 11 points in seven games at the U17 Hockey Challenge. What impresses people the most about Helenius is his exceptional skating skills. It’s not just about his speed or explosiveness; rather, it’s his remarkable shiftiness and agility. His capacity to swiftly change directions and navigate around opposing players sets him apart. It’s truly refreshing to see a top Finnish prospect who not only excels in skating but also lacks any hockey IQ issues.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins- Artyom Levshunov- D- Michigan State (NCAA)
6’2 198 Zhlobin, Belarus October 28th, 2005
Artyom Levshunov, a standout right-shot defenseman, possesses an impressive skill set that includes smooth skating with plus-level four-way mobility and good length. Despite an initial learning curve defensively in the USHL, he quickly progressed, becoming a top penalty killer. Levshunov’s defensive upside is considered exceptional with continued development.
Offensively, his transitional play, two-way game, and offensive zone awareness make him a notable prospect. As a big and strong defenseman, he exhibits significant upside with a powerful and accurate shot, though he aims to improve spatial awareness defensively.
Highlighted as a highly talented offensive defenseman, Levshunov’s mobility allows him to make impactful plays and be a constant threat from the point. Overall, he is recognized as an excellent two-way player with good hands and hockey IQ, contributing both physically and on the scoresheet. His debut North American season, where he surpassed 40 points, draws favorable comparisons to other notable defensemen (like Owen Power) at a similar age.
10. Seattle Kraken- Adam Jiricek- D- Plzen (CZE)
6’1 152 Plzen, Czechia June 28th, 2006
In this year’s draft, Adam Jiricek, the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets prospect David Jiricek, stands out as one of the top defensive prospects. While not as developed as some of his counterparts, the 6-foot-2, 152-pound right-handed defenseman showcases his skills as a proficient puck-mover. Beginning the season with HC Plzeň U17, he managed to contribute significantly with 13 points in 8 playoff games. Transitioning to HC Plzeň U20 for the majority of the season, Jiricek played 40 games, leading all Czechia U20 defensemen with 12 goals and accumulating a total of 29 points. Additionally, he gained experience in the Czechia pro league, participating in 12 games and recording 2 points.
During the U17 World Hockey Championship, Adam Jiricek served as an alternate captain for Team Czechia, showcasing his leadership abilities and contributing 2 points in 6 games. Similarly, at the U18 World Junior Championship, he recorded 1 point in 5 games. A key area for improvement lies in Jiricek’s shot, and if he can enhance this aspect of his game, he has the potential to evolve into an elite offensive defenseman in the league in the future. He just got leveled on this hit here.
11. Arizona Coyotes- Michael Brandsegg-Nydard- RW- Mora (SWE- 2)
6’1 194 Oslo, Norway October 5th, 2005
This kid has the desert written all over him. He could be room mates with Daniel But. Either way Michael Brandsegg-Nydard, a talented Norwegian winger who recently made waves in the top Swedish junior league. With an impressive track record of 38 points in 35 games, he earned a try-out opportunity in the second-tier Swedish pro league, HockeyAllsvenskan. While he may not be recognized for flashy highlight reel plays, Brandsegg-Nydard possesses solid puck-handling skills, positioning him as a contender for the NHL.
One of his standout qualities is his powerful shot, as evidenced by his inaugural professional goal. The anticipation is high for him to increase his goal count in the coming year, especially if given chances on the power play, where he excels as a one-timer option from the bumper spot. Adding to his appeal is his unwavering work ethic across the ice, contributing to his well-rounded game.
Brandsegg-Nydard is hailed as the top prospect emerging from Norway in quite some time. Standing at 6’1″ and playing as a right winger in Sweden last year, he notched an impressive 17 goals and 38 points in 35 games in the U20 junior league. Additionally, he gained some professional experience with 3 points in 11 games in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier league. He is now on the cusp of potentially becoming the first player from Norway drafted into the NHL since Emil Martinsen Lilleberg was selected in the fourth round by Arizona in 2021. If all goes well, Brandsegg-Nydard could find himself as the lone NHL representative from Norway, especially if Mats Zuccarello (35) decides to retire before his NHL journey begins.