WHL February 2024 NHL Draft Rankings: 16-20
Ranking 16 through 20 of the WHL's top prospects ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Photo by Allen Douglas/WHL - WHL February 2024 NHL Draft Rankings: 16-20Welcome to this edition of the WHL's mid-term NHL draft rankings. This five-part series breaks down the top 25 WHLers eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft. Here is a look at prospects 16 through 20.
16. Tarin Smith, D, Everett Silvertips, 6'1", 175 lbs
GP: 50 G: 7 A: 26 P: 33
Tarin Smith has a lot of potential. He is excellent at defending the rush and rarely gets caught out of position. A decent playmaker who has also recorded a shot in 15 straight games, he is showing this season that he can be a factor at both ends of the ice.
17. Julius Miettinen, C, Everett Silvertips, 6'3", 205 lbs
GP: 49 G: 21 A: 23 P: 44
Julius Miettinen is a solid two-way center who understands how to use his size to his advantage. In the offensive zone, he can win battles in front, which causes issues for opposing goaltenders, while in the defensive zone, he uses his strength to knock players off the puck. He has quickly transitioned to the WHL and should rise up draft boards as he continues to improve his skating.
18. Harrison Brunicke, D, Kamloops Blazers, 6'2", 185 lbs
GP: 42 G: 8 A: 11 P: 19
Harrison Brunicke is an intriguing prospect heading into the 2024 NHL Draft. He is a smooth-skating, two-way defenceman who isn't afraid to jump up and join the rush. A strong defender who can separate the opposition from the puck with ease, he has the potential to be a draft-day steal this year.
19. Lukas Matecha, G, Tri-City Americans, 6'3", 194 lbs
Record: 10-13-1 SV%: .908 GAA: 3.07
Lukas Matcha was one of the standouts of this year's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He stopped all 19 shots he faced and showed that he could shut down the top prospects from across the CHL. He is an athletic goaltender with great size and has shown he can succeed at both the WHL level and in Czechia.
20. Carson Wetsch, RW, Calgary Hitmen, 6'0", 187 lbs
GP: 44 G: 15 A: 20 P: 35
Carson Wetsch is a powerful winger who isn't afraid to play a physical style of game. He is a pain to play against, as he can usually be found causing problems in front of the net. An underrated playmaker who has a decent shot, he has the potential to be a successful power forward at the pro level.
21-25
21. Ondrej Becher, Prince George Cougars
22. Nate Misskey, Victoria Royals
23. Tomas Mrsic, Medicine Hat Tigers
24. Chase Wutzke, Red Deer Rebels
25. Clarke Caswell, Swift Current Broncos
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