Tier B – Likely Top 6 Forward
3. Kirby Dach / C / R / JAN 01 / Saskatoon / WHL
The best true center in the draft, Dach also has the advantage of being Canadian, 6’4”, and right-handed. While that only impacts my decision a tad, most NHL scouts will be circling the wagons. Dach’s production doesn’t jump off the page relative to some others on this list but Dach took a larger focus on defensive zone responsibilities and that could have hampered what was still over a point-per-game season.
Getzlaf comparisons may be a bit hyperbole but Dach could be a first line pivot who’s an offensively-minded playmaker, defensively responsible, and who plays both special teams. His underrated asset is his decision-making. He showed more growth in that area than the centers below him.
4. Vasili Podkolzin / RW / L / JUN 01 / SKA 1946 St. Petersburg / MHL
Dropped a spot at the end of the year to Dach based on position and minor skating flaws that can be worked out. Most of the forwards will take two or more seasons to get to the NHL in my opinion, so his KHL contract is not a factor outside the first two picks. Podkolzin tilts the ice. Once he has the puck, it’s tough to get it off him. A mix of the intelligence and aggressive attacking pace my prospect profile prioritizes. More of a goal scorer than passer, Podkolzin still has the potential to pick up more apples and make up for any lack in production.
5. Arthur Kaliyev / LW / L / JUN 01 / Hamilton / OHL
The trend to have Kaliyev outside the top 15 in rankings perplexes me. 51 goals and 51 assists in the CHL is no joke, and players who have done less with less physical tools have been ranked higher in better draft years. Kaliyev’s shot is quick and hard, a heat-seeking missile. He creates a lot of rebound chances off any saves goalies do make but his high assist total isn’t due to that.
Kaliyev definitely fancies himself a playmaker as well and he’s shown the ability to find east-west seams on the power play and off the rush at a pretty high level. What scouts write off as being disinterested, I see as Kaliyev trying to get lost in the crowd and pounce. It’s what high-end scorers do.
6. Dylan Cozens / C, RW / R / FEB 01 / Lethbridge / WHL
The first thing that stood out to me about Cozens was how dogged on the puck he was. The second was how quickly his game was starting to take shape, with more room to grow. He’s as much a winger as a center, a finisher as a creator. Cozens may be the most moldable potential center in the first round. Cozens was almost a point-per-game player last season in the WHL, and this season rounded out his game and added to the offense — a big reason he beats out Turcotte.
7. Alex Turcotte / C / L / FEB 01 / USDP / USHL
Turcotte had an injury or two and mono this year but fought through it to have good production in a shortened year. There is the USDP factor around that high production, of course. He has a good skillset even if he tends to resort to a meat and potatoes 200-foot game.
He’s a good playmaker and his ability to find his teammates quickly is backed up by his breaking to the net. Move the puck, cut through the middle and get to the net is a good way to summarize his game. He has good finishing ability and hand-eye in front when he gets there.
He isn’t big but plays it. He isn’t small either. Hopefully, the injuries stay away to make his style successful in the NHL.
8. Matthew Boldy / LW / L / APR 01 / USDP / USHL
Boldy was the best all-around USDP player this year after Hughes. Even if others have more ceiling, Boldy has a pro-ready game and a high chance of being useful anywhere in an NHL lineup. He still has skills, he isn’t just utilitarian. Backhand protection and passing is among the best in the class but his shot is his best quality. He can win battles and doesn’t run out of position.
9. Peyton Krebs / C, LW / L / JAN 01 / Kootenay / WHL
Krebs has elite decision-making and compete, drawing Mike Richards comparisons. He falls to the bottom of this tier due to an Achilles injury right before the draft. Very Richards-esque. He played on the worst WHL team and was the leader of the team. He also captained Canada at U18 WC. Krebs impact on the game and on his team speaks to why he can be a top-six forward in the NHL.