The 2023-24 regular season saw several NHL draft picks take the next step in their development and join the ranks of the top-performing players in the USHL.
NHL scouts continue to excel at identifying young talent and adding it to their respective teams' prospect pool while allowing the players to develop at their own rate.
Often, that means players will spend at least another year in the United States Hockey League (USHL) to prepare them for collegiate hockey and each tier beyond that.
These ten players experienced the most growth and, therefore, the most success during the 2023-24 USHL season.
Hampton Slukynsky (LAK)
Going from Matej Marinov to Hampton Slukynsky, the Fargo Force have enjoyed some great goaltending in the last two seasons. The latter emerged as the No. 1 in net for Fargo as the season unfolded. The Los Angeles Kings draft pick finished atop the USHL in wins (28), goals-against average (1.86), save percentage (0.923), and shutouts (5).
Julian Lutz (ARI)
The Gamblers likely could not have asked much more from a mid-season acquisition. Lutz fit in seamlessly with Green Bay and recorded 24 goals and 44 assists, making his 68 points tied for tenth-best among skaters in the USHL. Added, Lutz finished with the most power-play assists (22).
Zam Plante (PIT)
A trade from Chicago to Fargo last year allowed Plante a fresh start. The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect has made the most of his third season in the USHL. Plante finished the regular season with 26 goals and 71 points in 57 games played. He was a significant factor in both even-strength and power-play situations, recording 11 goals and 15 assists on the man advantage.
Beckett Hendrickson (BOS)
Hendrickson was a significant roster addition to the Fighting Saints and one that helped Dubuque finish as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Minnesota commit enjoyed a breakout third year in the league, recording a combined 27 goals and 64 points between Sioux Falls and Dubuque.
Kevin Reidler (OTT)
Reidler was locked in as any goaltender after the holiday break after making a few mechanical and mental adjustments. The Ottawa Senators draft pick finished with the sixth-best goals-against average (2.86), the fourth-best save percentage (0.902), and tied for the second-most shutouts (3).
Chris Pelosi (BOS)
Pelosi was a point-per-game player in his second year with the Stampede. The Quinnipac commit tallied 21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points. Added, Pelosi recorded four goals and 10 points on the power play while finishing with a +24 plus/minus rating.
Jayson Shaugabay (TBL)
Shaugabay blossomed in a full year with the Gamblers, scoring 15 goals and 55 points in 62 games. The Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick's 40 assists were tied for the eighth-most in the USHL during the regular season.
Juraj Pekarcik (STL)
Pekarcik was an underrated asset on a loaded Dubuque squad. The Slovakian forward had nine goals but made a name for himself as a distributor. Pekarcik tallied the second-most power-play assists (21) but led the league in assists (50) overall.
Vladislav Lukashevich (FLA)
Lukashevich enjoyed a remarkable first year in the league, tallying 11 goals and 32 assists. His 43 points were the third-most among USHL defensemen.
Carsen Musser (ARI)
Musser took a third year in the league after spending the first two with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The Arizona Coyotes draft pick experienced tremendous growth while posting the fourth-best goals-against average (2.74) and the second-best save percentage (0.905).
Make sure you bookmark THN's USHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.