Rising Stars: Tracking the Progress of Canadian NHL Prospects
As December arrives and the hockey world anticipates the World Junior Championship in Minnesota, it’s an ideal time to assess the development of prospects drafted by Canadian NHL teams. This report provides an update on the performance of each team’s first pick from the 2023 draft, tracking their progress this fall.
Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes – A Two-Way Force
Braeden Cootes, a six-foot, 185-pound right-shot centre selected 15th overall, made a strong impression during his first professional training camp with the Vancouver Canucks. He earned a spot on the roster at the start of the season, appearing in three NHL games before being reassigned to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). According to sources close to the team, the NHL experience proved invaluable.
Now captaining the Thunderbirds, Cootes is being utilized in all situations and demonstrating significant offensive growth. In 14 games, he’s tallied nine goals and 12 assists, putting him on pace for a career-high 38 goals and 51 assists. “He’s a potential top-six NHL forward,” one analyst noted, “who consistently engages in all three zones, battles hard, and excels in the faceoff circle, winning over 50% of his draws.”
[Here’s an example of Cootes executing a set-play off a faceoff in the offensive zone with his group on the power play.]
Montreal Canadiens: Cole Reschny – NCAA Adjustment and Offensive Flair
Cole Reschny, the Canadiens’ 18th overall pick, a five-foot-11, 183-pound right-shot centre, has transitioned to the NCAA, joining the University of North Dakota. After a dominant two-year stint with the Victoria Royals (47 goals and 104 assists), Reschny is adapting well to the college game, contributing two goals and 13 assists in his first 14 contests.
Reschny’s commitment to detail is particularly noteworthy. “When he isn’t producing offence, the team can count on his commitment defensively,” a scout observed. Averaging over 20 minutes of ice time and playing in all situations, he’s second in team scoring.
[Here’s an example of Reschny working to win possession of a defensive-zone draw on the penalty kill. The draw is scrummed but Reschny is fully engaged, tracks the play, and ends up exploding up ice and distributing the play on the two-on-one rush.]
Winnipeg Jets: Logan Hensler – Offensive Upside on the Blue Line
Logan Hensler, a six-foot-three, 198-pound right-shot defenceman drafted 23rd overall, is showcasing his potential as a future second-pairing NHL defenceman at the University of Wisconsin. His size and skating have always been strengths, and he’s now translating those tools into offensive contributions.
After recording two goals and 10 assists in 32 games last season, Hensler has three goals and four assists in 13 games this year, averaging between 16-21 minutes of ice time. A significant improvement in his defensive awareness is also apparent, moving from a minus-13 rating last season to a plus-two rating currently. However, his shot-attempt volume and accuracy are areas being monitored, as several attempts have been blocked, leading to turnovers.
[Here’s a look at how many of his shots have connected on net, over his last 10-game segment, compared to how many have been blocked: Note: the shots blocked are marked with an “X”.]
Calgary Flames: Sascha Boumedienne – Elite Skating, Refined Offensive Approach
Sascha Boumedienne, a six-foot-two, 190-pound left-shot defenceman selected 28th overall, is a sophomore at Boston University. While the Terriers are experiencing an inconsistent season (7-7-1), Boumedienne is logging significant minutes, averaging between 22-26 minutes per game in all situations.
Recognized as one of the most elite skaters in the NCAA, Boumedienne excels at defensive transitions and offensive zone entries. Despite his strengths, one area for improvement is his willingness to shoot the puck. “Considering Boumedienne’s skating ability, I was surprised to notice how he rarely pinches down in the offensive zone to direct pucks on net and equally as surprised to notice how many of his attempts are actually making it to the net,” a source stated.
[Here’s a look at how many of his attempted shots have reached the net in his last 10-game segment.]
Toronto Maple Leafs: Alexander Zharovsky – KHL Success Story
Alexander Zharovsky, the Maple Leafs’ second-round pick (34th overall), is making a significant impact in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The six-foot-one, 163-pound left-winger has transitioned from the Russian junior league (MHL) and is thriving with Ufa, recording eight goals and 12 assists in 24 games.
In his last 10 games, Zharovsky has three goals and three assists, averaging over 15 minutes of ice time and playing a key role on the top power-play unit. “He’s a highly skilled winger who needs time to add more weight and strength,” one scout commented, “but his offensive hockey sense is elite.”
[Here’s an example of Zharovsky lurking high in the offensive zone, collapsing to extend the play behind his opponent’s net, and escaping a small-area check on his way to the net for a tuck.]
Ottawa Senators: Tinus Luc-Koblar – Potential Emerging in the SHL
Tinus Luc-Koblar, a six-foot-three, 190-pound left-shot centre drafted 64th overall, is playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Leksands. Despite modest offensive numbers (three goals and two assists in 21 games), his overall approach and potential are encouraging.
Luc-Koblar demonstrates a strong understanding of his responsibilities in all three zones and consistently competes. He’s a good skater and a threat in transition, utilizing his size to screen goaltenders and extend plays. While development will take time, his combination of size, speed, and hockey sense offers promising offensive opportunities.
[Here’s an example of what I’m describing. Koblar enters the play via a line change. He tracks back into his zone and stops in the faceoff circle to scan how the play is developing. He eventually pounces on the puck and leads the rush up ice before scoring.]
Edmonton Oilers: Tommy Lafreniere – Scoring Touch in the WHL
Tommy Lafreniere, a six-foot, 183-pound right-shot centre selected 83rd overall, is showcasing his offensive skills with the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL. Known for his quick release and shoot-first mentality, Lafreniere is consistently creating scoring chances.
Deployed in all situations, Lafreniere is engaged defensively and actively seeks out opportunities offensively. He’s building on a strong 2022-23 season (24 goals, 32 assists in 68 games) with 19 goals and 16 assists in 26 games this year. While his skating is average-plus, his quickness off the blocks is a valuable asset.
[Here’s a look at what areas of the offensive zone Lafreniere has scored his 19 goals this year.]
These updates demonstrate the diverse developmental paths Canadian NHL prospects are taking, and the potential they hold for future success.
