Top 10 Drafted WHLers: 2024 NHL Trade Deadline Edition
A look at the top ten drafted WHL players ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
Photo by Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports - Top 10 Drafted WHLers: 2024 NHL Trade Deadline EditionWhile the WHL trade deadline has come and gone, WHLers may still be on the move in the coming weeks. With NHL teams trying to add before the trade deadline, that can mean drafted WHL players may belong to a different organization after Mar. 8, 2024. Last year's deadline saw Seattle Thunderbird Reid Schaefer move from the Edmonton Oilers to the Nashville Predators, while Saskatoon Blades' Josh Pillar was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Minnesota Wild. With this in mind, here is a look at the top 10 drafted WHLers whose rights are owned by NHL teams.
10. Yegor Sidorov- Saskatoon Blades
A third-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2023, Yegor Sidorov is lightning up the league this year. He sits third in the WHL with 44 goals and ranks top three in power play goals, first goals, insurance goals, and game-winning goals. The 19-year-old has played a crucial role in the Blades' strong season and will be relied upon to continue to deliver goals during their projected long playoff run.
9. Luca Cagoni- Portland Winterhawks
Luca Cagoni has become one of the best defencemen in the WHL. A front-runner for WHL Defenceman of the Year, he has set a new career high with 72 points in just 54 games. Drafted by San Jose in the fourth round of last year's draft, it is safe to say the Sharks have a draft-day steal in their midst.
8. Andrew Cristall- Kelowna Rockets
All Andrew Cristall has done in the last two seasons is produced. After recording 95 points in 2022-23, the Washington Capitals 2023 second-rounder sits sixth in league scoring with 90 points in 52 games. One of the top playmakers currently in the league, his 23-game point streak earlier this year is tied for the second-longest in the WHL this season.
7. Brayden Yager- Moose Jaw Warriors
Brayden Yager is having a season to remember. Not only is he having an exceptional season for the Moose Jaw Warriors with 69 points in 46 games, but he also finished second in scoring on Team Canada at this year's World Juniors with five points in five games. Drafted 14th overall in 2023, he should get an opportunity to play some games for the Pittsburgh Penguins as early as next season.
6. Nate Danielson- Portland Winterhawks
It is safe to say Nate Danielson is enjoying his time as a Portland Winterhawk. The ninth overall selection from this past draft has 23 points in 17 games since being traded from the Brandon Wheat Kings at the WHL trade deadline and has added an additional layer to an already stacked Winterhawks team. It is clear the Detroit Red Wings have high hopes for him, which could include an NHL trial at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.
5. Riley Heidt- Prince George Cougars
Riley Heidt is having a historic season for the Prince George Cougars. He became the first player in the CHL this season to hit 100 points and set the new Cougars franchise record for career points with 263 and counting. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, fans in Prince George should be excited for what he has in store come playoff time.
4. Jagger Firkus- Moose Jaw Warriors
Jagger Firkus has become one of the most dangerous players in the WHL. The Seattle Kraken's second-round pick from 2022 was the second player to hit the 100-point mark this season and is a leader on a stacked Warriors team with Memorial Cup aspirations. One of the few players in the WHL to have played in an AHL playoff game already, Kraken fans should keep a close eye on Moose Jaw during the postseason to see what the "Firkus Circus" has in store in what should be his final WHL campaign.
3. Conor Geekie- Swift Current Broncos
Another player not long for the WHL is Swift Current Broncos Conor Geekie. Drafted 11th overall in 2022, the Arizona Coyotes prospect has 78 total points in 44 games this season and is over 1.6 points per game with both the Wenatchee Wild and Swift Current. He is one of the league's top centers this season; he should be in either the NHL or AHL next season.
2. Matthew Savoie- Moose Jaw Warriors
Matthew Savoie has been on another level this year. Drafted ninth overall in 2022 by the Buffalo Sabres, he has 48 points despite only playing 24 games so far this season. The only player on this list to have made their NHL debut already this season, he has a bright future ahead of him with the Sabres organization.
1. Denton Mateychuk- Moose Jaw Warriors
The Columbus Blue Jackets hit a home run when they selected Denton Mateychuk 12th overall in 2022. The Warriors' captain played a massive role for Team Canada during the World Juniors and is tied with Cristall for the second-longest point streak by a player this year. On pace to surpass 60 points for the third straight season, he is arguably one of the best U21 defencemen not playing in the NHL.
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