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Freshman Finds - July 28, 2023 - Vol. 77, Issue 01 – Ryan Kennedy
TAKING ROOKIES IN your pool is always fraught with peril, even if the top names are incredibly tantalizing. Last year’s top projection, Matty Beniers of Seattle, did indeed go on to lead the NHL in freshman scoring. But the 2022 draft’s first pick, Montreal’s Juraj Slafkovsky, managed just 10 points in 39 games before he was shut down due to a lower-body injury.
Of course, the name on everyone’s mind this time around is Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick in 2023 and the new hope of the Chicago Blackhawks. Though the Hawks will need to find linemates to support him, Bedard has shown himself to be the best NHL prospect since his name buddy, Connor McDavid.
Elsewhere, there will be some interesting training-camp battles to keep an eye on when deciding which rookies you want to snap up. The Anaheim Ducks, for example, have several talented young D-men to consider. Jamie Drysdale, who’s returning from shoulder surgery, leads the way. But who will join him on the blueline? Is it Pavel Mintyukov or Olen Zellweger – or both?
In Buffalo, meanwhile, the Sabres have a great problem on their hands with a number of talented forwards who will be vying for a spot in a lineup that is already much stronger than it was two years ago. Matt Savoie will have to contest with the likes of JJ Peterka and Peyton Krebs, who already have NHL experience. And there’s also Jiri Kulich, coming off a dynamite run with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
Finding a role on a team can be just as important as raw talent. One of the most pleasant surprises in 2022-23 was Philadelphia left winger Noah Cates, who played excellent defensive hockey for the Flyers while also putting up 38 points – good for sixth among rookie scorers. So do your research and keep tabs right up until draft time, because rookies can be boom or bust. But don’t forget to have some fun, because grabbing a gem with the potential of these kids can make a world of difference.
>CONNOR BEDARD
C, Chicago / Projection: 74 points
The Blackhawks need skill, and few in the world possess as much as Bedard, so it’s a pretty good match. Though he’ll be an 18-year-old NHLer, Bedard’s strength and drive will help him thrive.
>ADAM FANTILLI
C, Columbus / Projection: 56 points
Coming off a Hobey Baker Award-winning season at Michigan, Fantilli has proven he can produce against older competition. The NHL is a big step, but he’s got the size, speed, skill and compete.
>PAVEL MINTYUKOV
D, Anaheim / Projection: 43 points
With the Ducks rebuilding, Mintyukov will get a golden opportunity to earn minutes early on. The OHL’s defenseman of the year can help at both ends – and he did put up 88 points across 69 games with Saginaw and Ottawa last season.
>MATT SAVOIE
C, Buffalo / Projection: 42 points
It’s going to be a wild training camp in Buffalo this year. A number of young guns will be trying to win spots, but don’t overlook Savoie. He posted big-time numbers in junior and plays a relentless style of game.
>MATTHEW KNIES
LW, Toronto / Projection: 40 points
In the playoffs, he proved he could hang with the Leafs’ elite forwards, and his powerful, mature game endeared him to fans right away. A top-six role would mean a lot of chances for offense.
>LUKE EVANGELISTA
RW, Nashville / Projection: 39 points
Evangelista, who slides just under the bar for Calder Trophy eligibility, has been taken along slowly by Nashville. But he impressed last year, with 15 points in 24 games. Now, the all-around talent seeks full-time duty.
>BRANDT CLARKE
D, Los Angeles / Projection: 38 points
After a nine-game audition with the Kings last season, Clarke averaged almost two points per game back in junior with Barrie and won WJC gold with Canada. He’s an offensive defenseman in a great situation.
>SHANE WRIGHT
C, Seattle / Projection: 38 points
Wright ended a whirlwind year by helping Coachella Valley get to Game 7 of the AHL final. He can be inserted up and down the Kraken lineup this season, and he can contribute in any way Seattle needs.
>BRENNAN OTHMANN
LW, NY Rangers / Projection: 33 points
What makes Othmann so intriguing is his ability to impact the game in different ways. Sure, he can put up numbers offensively, but he can also bring physicality and grit, making his path to a regular lineup slot easier.
>LOGAN STANKOVEN
C, Dallas / Projection: 29 points
A star at the world juniors who also excelled in the WHL, Stankoven is a pivot who’s small but strong, and the Stars think he can play center in the NHL. With their lineup, that means an opportunity for points.
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