Prospect Need to Know: Nic Hague is standing tall for Mississauga

The Steelheads are struggling, but their Vegas pick is driving offense from the back end. Learn about him and more hot prospects in our weekly wrap-up

Oh, we are getting achingly close to the world juniors, people. The tournament promises to be a hot one again this season and with Buffalo hosting, the atmosphere will be sharp. Meanwhile, congratulations go to Canada West for winning the World Jr. A Challenge, and to all the players named to the CHL Top Prospects Game, which will take place in Guelph in late January. But for now, let’s turn our attention to the prospects from around the hockey world that are making noise right now.

Nic Hague, D, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – The Steelheads have been a disaster this season, particularly since expectations were so high for the veteran squad. But amidst the rubble has been a great campaign by Hague, the 6-foot-5, 216-pounder on the back end. The Vegas Golden Knights pick is tied for first in Mississauga scoring with 37 points in 34 games. NHL arrival: 2020-21

Vitalii Abramov, RW, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) – He’s too good for junior, but not allowed to play in the pros. So for now, Abramov will continue to rip up the ‘Q’ and most likely the world juniors as one of Russia’s best weapons. The Columbus Blue Jackets pick has 45 points in 29 games to make him one of the QMJHL’s top scorers and he does it with grit. NHL arrival: 2018-19

Tyler Steenbergen, C, Swift Current Broncos (WHL) – One of the top snipers in all of junior hockey, Steenbergen earned himself a slot on Canada’s world junior squad, despite not getting an invite to the summer camp. Still, when you have 35 goals in 27 games (and already have a 51-goal season to your credit), you’re gonna attract attention. Now let’s see what the Arizona Coyotes pick can do on the grand stage. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Tim Soderlund, LW, Skelleftea (SHL) – It's hard to pick one player to highlight from Sweden's 13-1 demolition of Denmark in world junior exhibition play, so let's just give the nod to Soderlund, who had two goals on the night. A fast and hard-working Chicago Blackhawks pick, Soderlund is a bit of a Viktor Arvidsson clone and has eight points in 26 games for SHL Skelleftea this season. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Colton Point, G, Colgate Raiders (ECAC) – The biggest surprise of Canada's WJC camp, Point snatched the second netminding slot by continuing his excellent play this season. The Dallas Stars pick has been one of the NCAA's top goaltenders, rocking a .938 save percentage for Colgate thanks to his size and poise. He was previously a standout in Jr. A for the champion Carleton Place Canadians. NHL arrival: 2021-22

Jordan Greenway, C, Boston University Terriers (Hockey East) – Greenway began playing center for the Terriers this season and there was definitely an adjustment period for the powerful youngster. But the Minnesota Wild pick went off on UMass-Lowell on the weekend, posting up six points in two games. The potential U.S. Olympian has been playing with 2018 draft prospect Brady Tkachuk on his left wing. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Demetrios Koumontzis, C, Edina Hornets (Minn. HS) – The Hornets were poor hosts at their annual holiday classic over the weekend, outscoring three other Minnesota high school teams 28-8. Koumontzis did his part, using his speed and excellent hands to cause havoc and the Arizona State commit is now up to 14 points through seven games. He's up for the draft this summer. NHL arrival: 2022-23

Jacob Bernard-Docker, D, Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) – A poised defenseman with some offensive upside, Bernard-Docker played a big role on Canada West’s blueline at the WJAC. The North Dakota commit and 2018 draft prospect has 21 points in 26 games for Okotoks in the Alberta Jr. A League and he’s on pace for double his output from last season. NHL arrival: 2022-23

Valentin Zykov, RW, Charlotte Checkers (AHL) – Currently riding a five-game point streak with seven goals and an assist during that stretch, Zykov has been a demon on the power play for the Checkers. Strong on the puck and not afraid to go to the dirty areas, Zykov is really coming into his own as a pro in Carolina’s organization. NHL arrival: 2018-19

Jake Kucharski, G, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) – Canada West got to him the second time around at the WJAC, but otherwise Kucharski was a rock in net for Team USA. The Providence College commit and 2018 draft prospect has great size and a lot of potential. He's playing for a struggling Bucs team right now, but his 1.58 goals-against average and .934 save percentage at the WJAC ranked among the best in the tourney. NHL arrival: 2023-24