(Last updated: July 4th, 2019)
Criteria to qualify for rankings:
- Must be younger than 23 years old
- Cannot have played more than 10 NHL games
- Must be either under contract or drafted by the Golden Knights
Players are ranked based on value to the organization. The most important factor is the player’s ceiling, or how good they can eventually become, but also taken into consideration is how close they are to playing in the NHL and how likely they are to play in the NHL. This is NOT a ranking of which players are the best if a game were to be held today.
Recently Removed: Reid Duke (age), Maxim Zhukov (forfeited rights)
SKATERS
1) Cody Glass (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 1st Round, #6 overall
Age: 20 (April 1, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking #2
Following a tremendous, yet injury-riddled, year in Portland of the WHL, Glass made the jump late in the season to the AHL. It took him no time to start producing at that level scoring multiple goals in his first game and leading the team in points in the playoffs. The time is nye for Glass to make the next step to play in the NHL, but a crowded group of centers with the Golden Knights might hold him back once again. I still have my same concerns about how high the ceiling is for him in regards to creating offense, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Cody Glass is going to be a solid player in the NHL. He’s the prototypical Golden Knights center, who forechecks, backchecks, takes care of the puck, plays a 200 foot game, and is always in the right spot. He may not be on the Golden Knights on October 2nd, but he’ll be in steel grey and gold before this season is out.
More on Glass9/12/18 – As the #6 overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Glass was expected to be a top-six type forward. He still may eventually become that, but his performances in the rookie games made him look like he’s more likely headed for a role as third center. He makes a lot of little plays on both ends that impress, but he doesn’t quite show the flair that a top-end guy should playing against other 19-year-olds.
7/28/18 – The first draft pick in Vegas Golden Knights history has done nothing but dominate since being selected by George McPhee. He scored 102 points in 64 regular season games in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks including 37 goals. What makes Glass such a promising prospect is his ability (and willingness) to defend. He’s been relied upon in Portland as a top penalty killer and is consistently given a large minute load when his team is ahead. He’s also widely regarded as a tenacious forechecker, a skill that will fit in well with the current Golden Knights roster. Glass projects in the NHL as a two-way player with good speed, solid vision, and the ability to score. He’s still likely a year out from making the NHL roster and will probably head back to Portland this year
2) Peyton Krebs (F)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 1st Round, #17 overall
Age: 18 (January 26, 2001)
Most Recent Team: Kootenay/Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The Golden Knights first pick in the 2019 NHL Draft is everything and more that you can ask for out of a center prospect. He’s a 200 foot player, plays in all situations, has a high level of skill, drives the offense on his line, and has great hockey sense and compete level. Unfortunately, Krebs came to camp with an injury and wasn’t able to skate. Had he gone out and dominated camp, he would have had a real shot to have been #1 on this list due to his ceiling. Hopefully he makes it took rookie camp in September, if not, World Juniors will be his next real shot to show he’s ready. By then, Glass will probably have played in 10 games, so don’t be surprised if Krebs is atop this list the next time it is updated.
3) Pavel Dorofeyev (F)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 3rd Round, #79 overall
Age: 18 (October 26, 2000)
Most Recent Team: Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
This guy has skill for days and he’s only 18-years-old. Dorofeyev slipped in the draft, but he impressed mightily at Development Camp in his first appearance. The KHL prospect is incredible controlling the puck and advancing it to dangerous areas. His vision is stupendous which matches his passing. After a full season on the international-sized ice it was to be expected that Dorofeyev would not look as comfortable on the puck on the smaller rink, but that couldn’t have been further from reality. He’s got a long way to go physically, but the upside on Dorofeyev is incredibly exciting.
4) Zach Whitecloud (D)
Acquired: Signed as Free Agent on March 8th, 2018
Age: 22 (November 28, 1996)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking: #T5
Whitecloud took a nice step in the right direction playing a full season in the AHL with the Wolves. He was paired with Nic Hague which makes it incredibly difficult to separate the two, but I’m ready to put Whitecloud above Hague due to lack of deficiencies. I don’t see much wrong with the way he plays and I expect him to be a solid NHL defenseman soon. I love the way he uses his skating to defend, which I think will only get more impressive if he can continue to do it at the NHL level. He’s close, and certainly will be in the mix to win that open blue line spot with the Golden Knights, but even if he doesn’t, this is an NHL player for sure, something that can’t be guaranteed with many on this list.
More on Whitecloud9/12/18 – In the last rankings, he was declared the most pro-ready prospect, that honor has been taking from him by Erik Brannstrom. Whitecloud looks like he’s going to become a solid, safe, defensive option that could help an offensive-minded defensive partner thrive. Playing with Brannstrom, Whitecloud took care of the Golden Knights end while helping Brannstrom bring the puck forward and make plays. Think Deryk Engelland, but like 30 years younger. (Sorry Deryk)
7/28/18 – The most pro-ready prospect in the entire Golden Knights pool is Zach Whitecloud. He spent the final few weeks of the season with the Golden Knights and even played in an NHL game with Vegas in which he was +3 vs. Edmonton. In Development Camp he was physically the most ready player, but he also displayed great poise and leadership on the ice. When his time comes, and it may not necessarily be out of training camp, he’s not going to be a flashy player, but he will be reliable. He projects as a solid stay-at-home defenseman with potential upside offensively as he matures. His place near the top of the list is more based on how close he is to playing in the NHL than it is the likelihood he becomes a superstar player. That being said, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Whitecloud puts together a long and successful NHL career.
5) Nic Hague (D)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #34 overall
Age: 20 (December 5, 1998)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking: #1
Hague had a great year in the AHL but his skating seemed to catch up to him a bit when the playoffs rolled around. The offensive game is absolutely there and his stickhandling is excellent for his size. Like Whitecloud, Hague is going to play in the NHL, but at this moment I believe Whitecloud is the better player and I think the ceiling is similar. Hague is different than Whitecloud though as I think his game will be more exciting to watch when he does eventually make it. He’s awesome on the power play and his toe-drag shot is nasty. I just can’t get over the skating and how it affects the way he defends. It wasn’t a problem at the OHL level, it was good enough at the AHL level, I’m just not sure at the NHL level.
More on Hague9/12/18 – Hague had a great trio of games at City National Arena. Not only did he score a number of power-play goals, but he also proved he’s a heck of a leader. Coaches and players couldn’t stop raving about how much impact he had on others during camp. He still looks like he’s not quite ready for the NHL, but it’s starting to feel safer and safer that he’ll be an NHLer. When it happens, he’s going to give Colin Miller a run for his money for heaviest shot on the team.
7/28/18 – Since slipping out of the 1st round, Hague has seemed to play with a chip on his shoulder, going out and winning the Max Kaminsky Trophy for the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman. Hague is a giant on the ice standing 6’6″ tall and weighing over 215 pounds. He also has a laser beam of a shot that he unleashes when he’s able to join the attack or on the power play. His greatest defensive skill is his reach, but his skating still holds him back a bit from being a completely reliable defenseman. Hague will almost certainly head to the AHL this season where he may get a chance to make his NHL debut at some point during the year.
6) Jonas Rondbjerg (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 3rd Round, #65 overall
Age: 19 (March 31, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)
Previous Ranking: #3
Rondbjerg is a player that is probably not going to jump off the ice for most people watching him, but if you key in on him you’ll learn to love the way he plays the game. He’s excellent positionally, he’s a tenacious forechecker who has a strong stick, and he’s everywhere in terrific in the defensive end. The offensive game has a bit of a ways to go, but I think the forechecking might eventually lead to that coming his way as he plays with better players. He looked unstoppable with Jack Dugan at Development Camp and I expect him to have a monster year with the Wolves.
More on Rondbjerg9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp.
7/28/18 – Rondbjerg impressed at 2018 Development Camp consistently creating scoring chances for teammates. He has very good hockey sense which tends to lead to finding himself with the puck in open areas. When he’s there, he’s a smart player that picks out the right play more often than not. Rondbjerg has played 40 games in the SHL playing against grown men so he may be ready for the jump to the AHL this season. However, it’s more likely he’ll stay in Sweden for another full season. He has shined when playing for his country, Denmark. In six games at the World Junior Championship, he tallied seven points which ranked him tied for 12th behind many top prospects including Casey Mittelstadt, Martin Necas, Filip Zadina, Cale Makar, Brady Tkachuk, Sam Steel and others. It’s elite company to be keeping in a very competitive tournament. Don’t sleep on Rondbjerg, he might end up being the Golden Knights steal of the 2017 Draft.
7) Kaedan Korczak (D)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #41 overall
Age: 18 (January 29, 2001)
Most Recent Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The Golden Knights moved up in the draft to select Korczak and it didn’t take long to show why they valued him so much. In his own end, he’s a rock, defending both with his feet (mainly by keeping terrific gaps) and his stick. But what impressed me most with Korczak was his willingness to jump into the rush, or even start a rush. He reminded me a lot of Nate Schmidt, where the entire offense just looks more dangerous in transition when he’s out there.
8) Jack Dugan (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #142 overall
Age: 20 (March 24, 1998)
Most Recent Team: Providence College (NCAA)
Previous Ranking: #10
Maybe the most impressive player at 2019 Development Camp, Dugan appears on the path to being one of the best picks in the Golden Knights 2017 draft class. He’s absolutely everywhere in the offensive zone whether his team has the puck or not. His skating looks excellent for as large as he’s become and his ability and willingness to carry the puck seems to have come a long way. The one thing missing with Dugan is his finishing ability. It just didn’t show up much at all despite having multiple chances in Dev Camp. He’s going back to Providence this year, and it wouldn’t shock me if he’s there for a few more, but when he’s done, he’s going to be in the picture for the Golden Knights, which is awesome for a 5th round pick.
More on Dugan9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – The leap Dugan made from the 2017 Development Camp to 2018 was tremendous. He was a scoring machine in the scrimmages both putting the puck in himself and setting up teammates. Last year he scored 66 points in 54 games with the Chicago Steel. This year he’ll be making the leap to Providence College to play in the strong Hockey East conference. Don’t expect to see Dugan in a Golden Knights uniform anytime soon, it literally might be four years away, but this is a player with a lot of upside and will likely go from relative unknown in the Golden Knights prospect system to an impactful player on NHL ice in a hurry.
9) Lucas Elvenes (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #127 overall
Age: 20 (August 18, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking: #8
Admittedly, I’ve been all over the place on Elvenes, but the more I watch him, the more I like him. Plain and simply, he’s a playmaker and the more comfortable he is with the players he’s playing with, the more plays he makes. In Development Camp he and Dorofeyev were shredding defenses, creating scoring chances left and right. The smaller ice appears to be less and less of an issue for him and I think surrounding his with guys who can score will help him a lot. This season with the Wolves is going to be a big one for Elvenes. If he dominates, he’s going to fly up this list, if he’s just so so, he could be near the bottom soon.
More on Elvenes9/12/18 – Elvenes has been flying up the charts on prospect ranking charts all over the place, but not here. He moves up a bit because he showed out very well on the Golden Knights power play, but at 5-on-5 he continued to be invisible. In practice he looked like he was primed to go out and have a huge impact on the games, then he didn’t. Not even close to time to give up in him, but he’s got to figure out the even strength on the small ice.
7/28/18 – A member of Team Sweden for the second consecutive World Junior Summer Showcase, Elvenes needs to build on his last international appearance. He put up four assists and a goal in two games last year with the Swedish U20 team but his game hasn’t translated on the North American ice at Development Camp. He didn’t flash much at all during the scrimmages either year. Playing on the smaller ice may be a factor.
10) Paul Cotter (F)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 4th Round, #115 overall
Age: 20 (November 16, 1999)
Most Recent Team: London Knights (OHL)
Previous Ranking: #4
Missing Development Camp really hurt Cotter in these rankings. It’s probably unfair because he’s almost certainly better now than he was a year ago, but not getting to see him with the likes of Dorofeyev, Elvenes, Rondbjerg, and Dugan made it tough to keep him above all of those guys. He was out with an injury and didn’t even attend camp to my knowledge. I still really like the skill level and scoring ability Cotter possesses. Hopefully, he has a monster year and rips up World Juniors and he can bully his way back into the top five.
More on Cotter9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp.
7/28/18 – The clear standout from the draft class of 2018 at Development Camp. Cotter has since been invited to play for Team USA at the World Junior Showcase where he’ll be joined by fellow VGK prospect Brandon Kruse. There’s just a certain smoothness to Cotter’s game that is fun to watch. He barely looks like he’s moving when he has the puck and has shown an innate ability to make good passes in traffic. Plus, he has a lightning quick release on his shot which gives most goalies trouble. He’ll head to Western Michigan this year to play in the NCAA and hopefully, he’ll have a spot on the World Junior Championship team in early 2019.
11) Dylan Coghlan (D)
Acquired: Signed as Free Agent on September 20, 2017
Age: 20 (February 19, 1998)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking: #T5
I’m not as down on Coghlan as I am up on many other players. He still looks like a player that has an NHL future, but where I thought he would be a Colin Miller type offensive weapon, I’m starting to wonder if he’s more of a well-rounded player. That sounds like a good thing, but with his stature, it may not be. The offensive game didn’t show up at Development Camp despite being one of the older and most experienced players on the ice. He’s in the mix to win the Golden Knights roster spot, but he’s going to have to do a lot more offensively in rookie camp, training camp, and preseason to grab it.
More on Coghlan9/12/18 – Coghlan had a bit of a quiet camp, but when he was paired with Hague he looked solid. Wasn’t sure if he would ever develop into an NHL prospect before, it may be safe to say he should get a chance at some point. As a right-handed defenseman, he’ll likely enter the mix next year and beyond. Keep an eye on this guy, he might be the undrafted steal of the 2017 class for Vegas.
7/28/18 – As an invitee to both 2017 Development Camp and Training Camp, Coghlan impressed and parlayed it into a contract before heading back to Kennewick, Washington for the WHL season. While there, he had a massive offensive year for a defenseman, putting up 63 points in 69 games. He’s going to have to get a bit better in his own end, which is part of the reason he was passed over in back-to-back drafts, but his offensive ability is exciting.
12) Peter Diliberatore (D)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 6th Round, #180 overall
Age: 19 (March 31, 2000)
Most Recent Team: Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
Previous Ranking: #19
Diliberatore was the last prospect in the rankings both times he’s been eligible. Not anymore. He now looks like a confident, steady defenseman with smooth, strong skating which allows him to generate offense in transition. He was one of, if not the most, impressive defensemen in camp and he’s starting to look like a player who has a real shot at becoming an NHLer. His size didn’t seem to impede anything he was trying to do on the ice and his decision making was nearly flawless the entire week. He’s a good example of why you don’t write off draft picks after one Development Camp a few days after they are drafted.
More on Diliberatore9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – As a high schooler playing with many high-end prospects and even a few professionals, Diliberatore kind of looked like a high schooler. It’s really not too fair to judge him on the performance at Development Camp though because as a shorter defenseman he was kind of thrown to the wolves.
13) Layton Ahac (D)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 3rd Round, #86 overall
Age: 18 (February 22, 2001)
Most Recent Team: Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The tall, skinny, defenseman is headed to Ohio State to play college hockey this year, but he sure impressed in camp before leaving. His skating was impressive, his poise was excellent, and his passing from the defensive zone was suburb. I would have liked to see a little more jump to his offensive game, but in a first camp, as a 3rd round pick defenseman, he looked pretty darn good.
14) Ivan Morozov (F)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #61 overall
Age: 19 (May 5, 2000)
Most Recent Team: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Previous Ranking: #7
Yet again, we didn’t actually get to see him play as he skipped Development Camp for the second year. Thus, he ends up soaring down the rankings even though he appears to be a player with a real future. He’s young enough to play for Russia in World Juniors this year, and he should have an expanded role. Hopefully the numbers start showing up in the KHL this year too.
More on Morozov9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – Unable to attend Development Camp following the Draft, Morozov remains a bit of an unknown. However, he has recently signed a contract with SKA St. Petersburg (yeah, the Shippy one) and was selected with Vegas’ only pick in the top 75 of the 2018 Draft which indicates he’s highly regarded. He has quick hands and should be a strong two-way center if/when he makes it to the NHL. A trip to World Juniors would do well for him to move up this list where he probably belongs.
15) Nicolas Roy (F)
Acquired: via Trade from Carolina Hurricanes for Erik Haula
Age: 22 (February 5, 1997)
Most Recent Team: Charlotte Checkers (AHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The key piece in the salary dump trade of Erik Haula, Roy has a legitimate shot of making the NHL roster as a 4th line center or winger. However, I’m not ready to throw him much higher on the rankings because the ceiling still feels really low. Everything I’ve read, heard, and watched on Roy makes me think he’s Tomas Nosek 2.0 without the unfulfilled upside.
16) Keegan Kolesar (F)
Acquired: via Trade from Columbus Blue Jackets for 2017 2nd Round Pick (selected 2015 Entry Draft, 3rd Round, #69 overall)
Age: 22 (April 8, 1997)
Most Recent Team: Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Previous Ranking: #13
Wolves coach Rocky Thompson could not stop raving about Kolesar when I spoke to him in San Diego. He consistently referenced both Ryan Reaves and William Carrier. Personally, I don’t think he’s at that level, or frankly even all that close to it. Physically, he’s got all the tools, I’m just not sure he has the speed to play the physical forecheck game in the NHL. Wouldn’t shock me if he gets a shot sometime soon to see.
More on Kolesar9/12/18 – Kolesar still checks in around the same spot he did before, but he’s got a real chance to fly up this chart if he keeps playing like he did in the rookie games. He looked like a man among boys for a majority of the games and really took it to another level in the final one. He almost had a double Gordie Howe hat trick (was one fight short). If he plays at this type of level against guys older than him, he’ll shoot up at least four or five spots in the next two weeks.
7/28/18 – The Golden Knights used one of the many picks they acquired in the Expansion Draft for the 2017 Draft on a player from the 2015 Draft. Kolesar is a strong player that skates well and has an excellent shot. He had a bit of a rocky year in his first professional season however slipping between the AHL and ECHL. He’s got all the characteristics of being a typical Golden Knights fourth liner, but the troubling season coupled with the lukewarm 2018 Development Camp leaves some pause.
17) Slava Demin (F)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 4th Round, #99 overall
Age: 19 (April 4, 2000)
Most Recent Team: University of Denver (NCAA)
Previous Ranking: #14
Demin looked like a solid defenseman all week but he didn’t really ever jump out. I love his gap control backing into the D-zone which is one of the most important aspects of playing defense in the NHL. He ends up dropping three spots on this list, but my opinion is much higher on him than it’s ever been, I just need to see a lot more. Demin is headed to the World Junior Summer Showcase with Team USA, so at least it won’t be long until we get to see him.
More on Demin9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – Like Morozov, Demin was unable to attend Development Camp. Thus, he’s much further down this list than he probably should be. He’s an exciting puck-moving defenseman with excellent offensive upside and isn’t undersized like many other Golden Knights 2018 draft picks. He’s highly regarded defensively as well. Everything you read about Demin makes him out to be a great defensive prospect, but the fact that we’ve yet to see him has him down much further than where he was drafted. Oh, and don’t be fooled by the name, he’s American. Born in California, played in Anaheim Ducks youth system, and is committed to Denver University.
18) Ryder Donovan (F)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 4th Round, #110 overall
Age: 18 (October 4, 2000)
Most Recent Team: Duluth East HS (US High School)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The name of the game for Donovan is speed. He just needs the rest of his game to catch up to his feet. Playing with much better players than he’s used to, he didn’t look out of place at all because his skating kept him around the action. His hands need to get much better but I definitely think they can as he heads to the University of Wisconsin. I expect when we see him again that he’ll be a standout in the “look how far this guy progressed” category.
19) Brandon Kruse (F)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #135 overall
Age: 19 (March 26, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Bowling Green State University (NCAA)
Previous Ranking: #12
Kruse was a standout in 2018 Development Camp, he was not in 2019 Camp. That’s not to say he was bad, but the passing skills that made him jump off the ice a year ago didn’t really shine through this time around. All he does is put up numbers in college, so hopefully, that translates a little better the next time we see him.
More on Kruse9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – The other Golden Knight prospect to be invited to the World Junior Summer Showcase is 19-year-old Kruse. He’s an excellent passer that is a good skater and has the ability to score. As a freshman at Bowling Green, he scored 33 points in 41 games. At Development Camp, Kruse was impressive despite looking tiny. Just 5’9″ and weighing less than 160 pounds Kruse is a long way from being NHL-ready, however, the tools are there and he looks to be a promising prospect.
20) Ben Jones (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 7th Round, #189 overall
Age: 20 (February 26, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Previous Ranking: #13
Jones continued to look like the player we’ve seen in the past. He’s a defensive forward who puts up points because of his forechecking and the way he takes care of the puck. This year will be a big step for him playing in Chicago with the Wolves. If the offensive numbers translate, he’ll shoot up these rankings, but I’m not so sure they will. I still expect him to eventually become a bottom-six penalty kill type guy.
More on Jones9/12/18 – Here’s a guy who took a nice step in the right direction at Rookie Camp. Jones is probably not ever going to be a top-six type player, but he has workhorse bottom-six guy written all over him. He has a Pierre-Edouard Bellemare style to his game. He’s an excellent penalty killer, always seems to be in the right place defensively as a center, and just outworks guys all over the ice. The 7th Round pick definitely didn’t look like it among a group of players drafted above him.
7/28/18 – The last skater selected by the Golden Knights in the 2017 Entry Draft was one of the eight players from that draft who signed a contract. He was a bit more noteworthy in 2017 than 2018, but there was nothing glaring to the negative either year. Jones had a huge year in Niagara scoring 79 points in 68 games and added 12 more in 10 playoff games. Late round picks have an incredibly low success rate, which is why he is so low on this list, but he’ll be a guy to keep an eye on in Training Camp this year. Wouldn’t be a major surprise if he’s top 15 or even top 10 by the time he heads back to Niagara.
21) Connor Corcoran (D)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #154 overall
Age: 19 (August 7th, 2000)
Most Recent Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Previous Ranking: #17
He continued to look like the player we’ve expected him to be. He’s a defense-first guy who relies on fundamentals over flash. These types of guys are so hard to keep tabs on, even when you get to watch them live, because the best thing they can do is be unnoticeable. He was that in Development Camp, which I think is a good thing, right?
More on Corcoran9/12/18 – In the rookie games, Corcoran looked like the youngest player on the ice. As the weekend went on he certainly grew and started to seem a bit more comfortable, but like Bouchard, it’s not really fair to judge him against the other four defensemen. We’ll learn a lot more about him when he returns next year for camp.
7/28/18 – The youngest Golden Knight prospect is likely going to be a more defensive minded player as he matures. He’s physically very strong and looked excellent along the boards at Development Camp, but his skating and puck-moving skills never quite displayed themselves at City National Arena.
22) Xavier Bouchard (D)
Acquired: 2018 Entry Draft, 6th Round, #185 overall
Age: 19 (February 28, 2000)
Most Recent Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Previous Ranking: #16
Bouchard popped on the ice in Vegas more than he ever has before this week. He looked so much more comfortable on the puck than he did a year ago and his puck moving skills are starting to shine through. I still think there’s a ways to go, but he’s definitely headed in the right direction.
More on Bouchard9/12/18 – The quality that stood out most with Bouchard at Rookie Camp was his feistiness. He looked a bit unsure on the defensive end for the most part but when someone needed to be hit (during or after the play), Bouchard was always there to make it happen. As a younger player, he earns a pass for not standing out on a unit with Brannstrom, Hague, Whitecloud, and Coghlan.
7/28/18 – A tall slender defenseman who skates reasonably well for his size. He’s known as a puck-mover, but a smart offensive-minded defenseman. After a big first year in Baie-Comeau and earning the “A” in year two he took a bit of a step back, posting a -30 rating and dropping 13 points in scoring. At Development Camp he looked a bit uneasy at times but certainly had some strong moments that made it clear the talent is there.
23) Jake Leschyshyn (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #62 overall
Age: 20 (March 10, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Previous Ranking: #11
I just wanted more from him all week long. He was playing with two wingers that were consistently impressing, but Jake never seemed to be the one making the plays. He’s definitely a reliable player, but as a 2nd round pick you would expect to see much more in his game. Also, I’m not sure the AHL is going to be a place for him to thrive either as he’s still a smaller guy in stature.
More on Leschyshyn9/12/18 – Not entirely sure what to make of Leschyshyn’s play in the rookie games. He didn’t stand out, but he didn’t seem to have trouble either. His size is a bit of a concern if he’s not going to end up being a scorer in the NHL. He probably still deserves a pass due to the devastating injury, but he’s got to get going this season and come to the next rookie camp and look great to live up to that 2nd round pick.
7/28/18 – Prior to the 2017 Draft, Leschyshyn tore his ACL and missed a majority of the season. He was having a good year and was seemingly destined to be a 1st round selection. The injury caused him to slip to the 2nd round where the Golden Knights selected him. He’s recovered from the surgery, but his game has not seemed to come completely back. He played as the 3rd line center on the Regina Pats and did not make a major impact on the CHL’s biggest stage, the Memorial Cup. Then, at Development Camp he didn’t really stand out like a 2nd round pick should. It’s far from time to give up on Leschyshyn, but this season will be important for him to get going back in the right direction.
24) Marcus Kallionkieli (F)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #139 overall
Age: 18 (March 20, 2001)
Most Recent Team: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
Kallionkieli was fairly unnoticeable in the short time he was able to spend on the ice during the scrimmage at Development Camp. He did not play in the final two games due to injury which could certainly have been a reason his skill level didn’t shine through when he was out there. His skating looked good though, which is why he’s not at the very bottom of this list. Just need to see a lot more from him.
25) Nick Campoli (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 6th Round, #158 overall
Age: 19 (February 16, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Clarkson University (NCAA)
Previous Ranking: #18
Multiple times I found myself looking down the roster sheet thinking, which players have I not focused some attention on. Multiple times the name Nick Campoli came to mind. So, in the final game, I made a point to watch him specifically in as many shifts as I could. He didn’t make a mistake that I could pick out, but he also didn’t do much to help his team drive offense. As an older player in the camp, I expected him to pop a few times, I didn’t see it, which means he has to stay near the bottom of this list.
More on Campoli9/12/18 – Did not attend Rookie Camp
7/28/18 – Campoli is already a Golden Knight, heading to Clarkson University to play in the NCAA. He scored and in bunches in the OJHL but it will be interesting to see if he can keep it up at the collegiate level. He’s short, but has a stout frame and a strong accurate shot.
26) Mason Primeau (F)
Acquired: 2019 Entry Draft, 5th Round, #141 overall
Age: 17 (July 28, 2001)
Most Recent Team: North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Previous Ranking: N/A
I’m not normally a fan of bigger guys, he wasn’t able to use his physicality in camp, and he was one of the youngest guys on the ice. It was all cut out for Primeau to be the last ranked player on a list made by me. Truthfully, it’s unfair, because his hands were better than expected and he didn’t stand out as slow, but someone has to be on the bottom, so here we are.
(Prospect Rankings update following each significant event including prospects such as Development Camp, Rookie Camp, World Juniors, etc. They can always be found on the static page listed in the navigation bar on the site.)
Slr82
Hey Ken, how come you didnt mention Jimmy Schuldt ?
Ken Boehlke
He turned 24 this year. Once a guy hits 23 they come off this list.
Slr82
Ahhhh ok, gotcha that makes sense!
Scott Carlson
Ken one of your better articles. I know it’s off topic but your last pod cast was on point we are one player away from mediocrity in our bottom 6. Without Gustav in our 3rd line pairing we look ridiculous due to trading Haula. We are looking to make the same mistakes as so many other franchises which is being too heavy and not well balanced. Causing one part of the team to be overworked. Thanks Ken appreciate the info on our underclassmen.