2022 NHL Draft - Hidden Gems + 2023 Preview
A collection of players outside the Top 32 we believe could be steals of the later rounds.
Ivan Miroschnichenko - LW - Omskie Krylia (VHL)
Miroschnichenko is an excellent player. If he had finished the season he’d certainly be a first round pick. While he’s finished treatment and been cleared to resume training, his cancer diagnosis in March was a major setback.
The offensive skill and power game are going to get him picked, but when does he enter the conversation?
Bryce McConnell-Barker - C - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
McConnell-Barker was so impressive in the OHL playoffs, particularly against Guelph. He has an excellent blend of skill and scrappiness, with a powerful stride and strong 200-ft game. Easy to imagine him playing a bottom-six role in the NHL in a few years.
Luca Del Bel Belluz - C - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Aside from having probably the best name in the draft, Luca was one of the best draft-eligible players in the OHL this season. He’s a streaky scorer with a really strong defensive game, and he could even find his way into the first round if the right team is picking.
Jeremy Wilmer - C - Tri-City Storm (USHL)
The second year eligible USNTDP alumni was named forward of the year in the USHL, and for good reason– in the last 10 USHL seasons only Sean Farrell scored more than his 98 points. His small stature and average skating will hold him back, but hard not to take a chance late.
Lane Hutson - LHD - USNTDP
Commit : Boston University
At 5’8 it’s really tough to see Lane adjusting to playing defense in the NHL, but his tools are so intriguing. His poise and puck movement are elite, and he can run a power play despite not having much of a shot. If he can grow to his brother Quinn’s 5’11, it’s a different ballgame.
Cruz Lucius - RW - USNTDP
Commit : Wisconsin
Lucius spent most of the season out with an injury, so it was tough to get a real feel for his game and he never quite looked like he was up to speed. At the U18s he showed off elite vision and playmaking, but was also hesitant and a bit slow. Worth taking a chance on for the potential.
Viktor Neuchev - LW - Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
An out and out goal scorer, Neuchev scored 40 goals on a team where the next highest had 16. Viktor has two modes, either he wants to lower his shoulder and go hard to the net, or he floats up high and waits patiently for pucks to find him in space. He also played 6 senior games.
David Goyette - Forward - Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Ranked anywhere from 13-50, Goyette has been the center of conversation throughout the draft so he is not exactly a hidden gem. But this is what we see, Trevor Zegras. Goyette may not have the same IQ but offensively, Goyette looks very similar to Zegras, who if he went Major Junior probably would have had the same the production as Goyette. Slated to go late in the first round and probably should be going higher.
Cam Lund - Forward - Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
After an excellent season in the USHL, Lund is heading to Northeastern where he will continue his development. In the third or fourth round there maybe no better pick than Lund who has produced at every level he has played at. He has started to fill out his frame and at 6'2 he has the pro-size you look for. Gifted offensively and has a very high hockey IQ, Lund should not be overlooked.
Isaac Menard - Defensemen - Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Most likely Menard will end up undrafted, however with an outstanding Memorial Cup he may sneak into round 7. He has all the skill in the world but is undersized which scaring off a lot of pro scouts. Menard, elected to play in the QMJHL instead of going the NCAA route which may in the end hurt his pro stock. Menard would do very well in the USHL or BCHL and would tear up college hockey. There are worse 7th round picks out there.
2023 Preview
Connor Bedard - C - Regina Pats (WHL)
Maybe the most exciting prospect since Connor McDavid, Bedard has put up 128 points in his first 77 WHL games. He also captained Canada’s U18 squad as an underager. He’s flashy, fast, and ultra skilled. It seems like a foregone conclusion that he’ll be the top pick in 2023.
Matvei Michkov - C - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
If it wasn’t for a contract that runs until 2026, he may be a legitimate contender for the 1st overall pick. Breaking records set by Ovechkin, playing games with the Men’s national team, scoring 2 goals in a KHL game as a 16 year old…what can’t the speedy dynamo do?
Adam Fantilli - C - University of Michigan (NCAA)
After a dominant season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, Fantilli is joining a re-tooling Michigan group. He’s a physical specimen, at 6’3 and 192 pounds with elite skating ability. He can shoot, make plays, and play tough. He looks like he was built in a lab to play professional hockey.
Cameron Allen - RHD - Guelph Storm (OHL)
Allen was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Year after a 37 point campaign. Not only can he run a power play at the next level, he plays with an edge to his game and loves to throw his weight around. His game is strong in both ends, he looks like the top ‘05 defenseman in North America.
Calum Ritchie - C - Oshawa Generals (OHL)
It’s hard to find a deficiency in Calum’s game. He plays with speed, thinks the game well, and has an excellent shot. He also got stronger as the year went on, and was excellent in Oshawa’s playoff series against Kingston, scoring 4 goals in 6 games.
Hunter Brzustewicz - RHD - Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
A smooth two-way defenseman, Hunter doesn’t do much that’s flashy but always seems to make the right play. He can control the game with the puck and can shut down top forwards. He’s committed to the University of Michigan but rumor has it he’s joining Kitchener in the OHL.
Dalibor Dvorsky - C - AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Dvorsky is a power forward built to score goals. He played the entire season as a 16 year old and scored at over a PPG rate in Sweden’s J20 league, as well as adding 2 goals in the Allsvenskan. He also wore an A for Slovakia’s U18 team despite being it’s youngest player.
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