19. Chicago Blackhawks- Henry Mews- D- Ottawa (OHL)
6’0 185 Ottawa, ON March 9th, 2006
Once touted as a top-10 prospect, Henry Mews faced growing concerns about his game during the Hlinka Gretzky tournament. While he posted impressive numbers, his tendency to make unpredictable mistakes while distributing the puck raised eyebrows. Unfortunately, Mews’ offensive performance did not live up to the high expectations set for him.
Despite these challenges, when Mews is at his best, he captures attention like few others in the OHL. Playing for the formidable Ottawa OHL team, this 6’0″ right-shot defenseman managed to accumulate 31 points in 55 games. Although his offensive game did not explode as anticipated, Mews showcased his prowess and earned recognition for his abilities.
Mews’ playstyle is characterized by a commanding presence on the ice, but there is a collective desire to see him increase his pace, suggesting that quicker decision-making could be the key to propelling his career forward. As a valuable asset for Ottawa, Mews demonstrated strong tracking data across various metrics, despite playing a more limited role due to the team’s depth. Looking ahead, it is expected that Mews will assume a more significant role in the upcoming season.
With the potential for a noteworthy stepping stone season in his draft year, Mews could find himself drafted in the latter half of the first round. The hope is that he continues to refine his game and fulfills the promise that once labeled him a top-tier prospect in the hockey world.
20. Washington Capitals- Nikita Artamonov- LW- Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
5’11 187 Nizhnekamsk, Russia November 17th, 2005
I think that Artamonov is going to be a prospect that other teams kick themselves in the ass a few years for not drafting him higher. I mean alot higher. Russian scouts love Artamonov, and for good reason. He’s averaging more than half a point per game already, which is very difficult to do in the KHL for a 17-year-old kid. Artamonov is already playing a big role, partly thanks to his awesome forechecking. He’s a high-end playmaker with a never-ending motor, and if he can improve his skating – both top speed and edgework – he’ll find himself moving farther up the rankings. Artamonov is team mates with fellow prospect Anton Silayev and is being coached by former NHLer Igor Larionov.
Don’t be surprised if this guys name is called in the top 5. It wouldn’t shock me one bit.
21. Carolina Hurricanes- Sacha Boisvert- C- Muskegon (USHL)
6’2 197 Trois-Rivieres, PQ March 17th, 2006
Sacha Boisvert, a robust 6-foot-2 center from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, combines physicality with skill. His powerful style is evident in driving pucks to the net, particularly in high-traffic areas. Boisvert showcases diverse shot selection, contributing to a strong offensive presence. In his second season with Muskegon, Boisvert has amassed 13 points in 12 games, building on a solid performance last season with 45 points. His consistency and physical play stand out as key assets. A potential move to the University of North Dakota could make Boisvert the program’s first Quebec-born player. Scouts are divided on his first-round potential, citing occasional overreliance on creativity as a concern.
Nevertheless, Boisvert’s goal-scoring ability is evident, approaching a 45-goal pace with Muskegon. His attributes include desirable height, room for physical development, and NHL-caliber skills, such as a quick release, strong instincts, and above-average skating and puck-handling abilities. As a 6-foot-2 center, Boisvert excels in playmaking and demonstrates the potential to succeed at the professional level. Chicoutimi holds his QMJHL playing rights, adding intrigue to his promising future.
22. Winnipeg Jets- Charlie Elick- D- Brandon (WHL)
6’3 198 Calgary, AB January 17th, 2006
Charlie Elick is a sizable and highly mobile right-shot defenseman known for his steady and engaged defensive play. Despite modest point totals, he possesses offensive capabilities not fully reflected in his stats. Elick excels in zone defense, showcasing adept box-outs and using his stick and feet effectively against rushes. Standing at 6-foot-3, his speed adds excitement to his game, and he’s not afraid to deliver impactful hits. Elick’s competitive spirit and willingness to use his body make him a potential shutdown defenseman in the NHL. However, his decision-making with the puck needs refinement, and he struggles with puck management, often leading to turnovers. While he displayed some puck-handling issues in his D-1 season, improvement is awaited, as Elick has time to address these concerns and elevate his overall game.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs- EJ Emery- D- USNTDP
6’3 185 Surrey, BC March 30th, 2006
EJ Emery, son of former CFLer Eric Emery, is set to make waves in the 2024-25 season with UND. At 6’3″ and 185 pounds, he boasts an impressive physical presence and a right-shot advantage. Emery plays a simple yet effective game with a strong emphasis on defense, showcasing a mentality instilled by his father’s professional background. His defensive prowess is a standout feature, characterized by responsible play in his own zone. Emery’s commitment to a defense-first approach is complemented by his evolving offensive skills and a growing inclination towards physical play. As he continues to develop, there is a noticeable improvement in his offensive contributions, suggesting the potential for him to become a puck-moving rearguard.
A key asset is Emery’s excellent skating ability, which, combined with his large frame, forms a near-perfect physical toolkit highly coveted by NHL teams. His mobility on the ice makes him a challenging opponent, and he has demonstrated effectiveness in separating attacking forwards from the puck. While his scoring output may not be prolific at the moment, Emery’s draft position is likely to be determined more by his promising potential than his current skill set. In summary, EJ Emery is a formidable prospect with a solid foundation in defense, developing offensive capabilities, and an impressive physical presence. His combination of size, mobility, and evolving skills positions him as a player with considerable NHL potential, making him one to watch as he continues to refine his game at the collegiate level. Although born in Canada Emery gets American citizenship as his father was born in Louisiana.
24- Detroit Red Wings- Beckett Sennecke- RW- Oshawa (OHL)
6’2 181 Toronto, ON January 28th, 2006
Beckett Sennecke is a promising young forward, currently playing for the Generals, who has been showcasing his potential with a point-per-game pace. Despite being initially overlooked in some rankings, he has proven himself as a dynamic player, particularly standing out in the absence of star forward Calum Ritchie. Sennecke’s performance has been impressive, marked by consistent three-point performances and an ability to create scoring opportunities.
His rookie season was noteworthy, tallying 55 points and displaying creativity, a powerful shot, and the ability to excel in one-on-one situations. Sennecke’s on-ice presence is characterized by his elusive moves and quick, accurate passes that open up opportunities for his teammates. While he could improve his quickness, his skill set and production are gaining recognition. Despite being in the shadow of other prospects like Calum Ritchie, Sennecke has consistently stood out and is expected to continue making a name for himself in the upcoming seasons. Keep an eye on his development as he looks to maintain his role as a significant offensive contributor for the Generals.