Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. As we go through the summer of 2023, each day our LWOS Prospects Writers will bring you a look at one NHL team’s top prospects or other topical article. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow Ben Kerr, Kyle Pereira and Frederik Frandson on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! You can find all the articles here as well as our extensive NHL Draft preview. Today, we start our 2023-24 Top 100 NHL Prospects! In this piece, we look at the prospects ranked from 100-76.
2023-24 Top 100 NHL Prospects List: Part One
100.) Luke Evangelista
Evangelista, a 2020 NHL draft pick (42nd overall) by the Nashville Predators, starts off the 2023-24 top 100 NHL prospects list at #100. He is coming off an impressive season at the AHL and NHL levels last season, while looking to play up with the Predators full-time this season. Evangelista is best described as a ball of energy, always moving his feet and looking to make an impact in any way. That hard work and willingness to get involved any way he can projects well as a middle-six forward.
99.) David Edstrom
The Vegas Golden Knights 2023 draft pick (32nd overall) comes in at #99. Edstrom had a point-per-game season in the J20 Nationell in Sweden last year, and has had a great start so far this season. In nine SHL games thus far, he has recorded five points. Remember, that’s against men at the highest level in Sweden.
Edstrom has good size, at 6’3” and 185 pounds, to go along with strong skating. He works hard on the forecheck and backcheck, and just generally works smarter and harder than most on the ice with him. He plays at his best when focusing on the small details that are overlooked, but uber-important. That smart and reliable game projects well to the next level. The Golden Knights may have a prototypical second line centre on their hands.
98.) Jakob Pelletier
Pelletier, a Calgary Flames prospect, was drafted in the 2019 NHL draft (26th overall). The undersized forward (5’9” and 170 pounds) was impressive in the AHL last season, and even added a chunk of NHL games to his resume. Unfortunately, an injury in the off-season has him out long-term and will delay his eventual full-time NHL impact. With the puck on his stick, he is a dynamic play creator.
Pelletier has incredible vision and hockey IQ to read defensive coverages and find teammates in dangerous areas. Additionally, he has the hands to manipulate defenders out of position to open a teammate up. Pelletier has the skill of a top-six forward, but with size concerns and the big injury this off-season, it becomes clouded a bit. Upside remains, but concerns persist.
97.) Carson Lambos
Lambos is a defender who was drafted in the 2021 NHL draft (26th overall) by the Minnesota Wild. Lambos was a favourite early on in his draft year, but slipped due to a lacklustre season overseas thanks to COVID. Meanwhile, when he came back to the WHL with the Winnipeg ICE, his production never took the step that it was anticipated to take. Regardless, he remains an impressive defender.
He is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type. He defends really well in his own end, but isn’t a game-changer there. Offensively, he has a strong shot and solid playmaking skills, but doesn’t stand out in either trait. Lambos also excels in transition, but more for decision-making rather than home run passes. Simply put, he is effective, but seemingly not a superstar. There’s still value in that, projecting as a second-pair defender with special teams upside.
96.) Filip Bystedt
Bystedt, a big forward drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 2022 NHL draft (27th overall), is looking to take a step forward in the SHL this season. The 6’4” and 198 pound centre has played parts of the last four seasons playing in the SHL, and last season had a career-high 20 points in 45 games. Thus far, he has two points in nine games.
Despite the size, he is an excellent skater. That, paired with that size, makes him a handful for opposing defenders. He possesses a strong shot with a very quick release. Add in an overall effective offensive game, and you have a player who may not flash but will always find ways to produce. He’s good in his own end as well, and is just a solid all-around piece for any team. Could be a strong middle-six option in a few years time for the Sharks.
95.) Nathan Gaucher
Gaucher, a first round pick (22nd overall) of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL draft, is a 6’3” and 207 pound centre. He wrapped up his QMJHL career with 46 points in 44 games last season, and is expected to play in the AHL this season. Gaucher is the perfect complement to a flashy young core that Anaheim possesses.
He uses his frame well, playing a physical style very effectively. His high-end motor paired with his size make him a handful, but paired with his high level IQ and anticipation, he becomes even harder to move the puck against. His smart play away from the puck lends untapped offensive upside. Maybe with better linemates, he can get more opportunities to show off his offensive skill set. Time will tell, but similar to an Edstrom or Bystedt type, he looks like a premiere middle-six piece or second-line centre.
94.) Liam Ohgren
Ohgren, another member of the Wild prospect pool, was taken in the 2022 NHL draft (19th overall). Standing at 6’1” and 187 pounds, Ohgren has decent size. The left winger has yet to see much action in the SHL to this point, but he is coming off a solid Allsvenskan campaign where he scored 20 points in 36 games. Unfortunately, an injury has halted his potential step forward this season, building towards an NHL career.
An incredibly intelligent player, Ohgren has a dual-threat offensive skill set. While he displays excellent vision and the ability to push the pace as a playmaker, he also possesses a strong shooting ability. Plus, he knows how to create space for himself to either find a passing lane or create his own shooting lane. His skating is at the level where he can do that consistently. Plus, he is a solid defensive zone presence. The biggest reason he is considerably lower on this list than expected is due to the constant injury concerns.
93.) Jack Drury
Drury, a second round pick (42nd overall) in the 2018 NHL draft, is looking to be a full-time NHL player for the Hurricanes this season. The 5’11” and 174 pound centre, who has 10 career points in the NHL across 40 games. Over the course of his young career, questions persisted about the ceiling he had.
Drury’s specialty has always been his two-way game. His defensive zone play has been a strength for years, and that has remained the case since turning pro. But in recent AHL seasons, he has flashed a higher offensive upside. However, with a trade request, he may not stick in Carolina. Whatever team does make a move for him, if he remains frustrated with the Hurricanes, will get one of the 2023-24 top 100 NHL prospects.
92.) Ethan Gauthier
Gauthier, easily the new top prospect on the Tampa Bay Lightning, was drafted in the 2023 NHL draft (37th overall). The 6’0” and 183 pound winger is slated to play another season in the QMJHL this year. This comes on the heels of an impressive rookie camp and training camp with the Lightning.
Gauthier is very similar to the aforementioned prospects in the sense that he isn’t flashy, instead relying on being efficient. That efficiency comes with being a high IQ presence in the offensive zone, understanding when to attack and when to slow the pace down to extend possessions. Gauthier’s high IQ and willingness to get into the dirty areas for puck battles bodes well for his NHL projection. Another player who can slot into a middle-six role in the future, with a high motor, strong defensive attributes, and an overall smart and efficient game.
91.) Martin Chromiak
Chromiak, drafted in the fifth round (128th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in 2020 is the first big steal to make the 2023-24 top 100 NHL prospects list. The 6’0” and 190 pound winger is coming off of a successful rookie season in the AHL with 28 points in 55 games. Expected to play another year in the AHL, Chromiak could see some NHL games at points this season. Chromiak’s game relies a lot on his superb shooting ability.
He can score in a multitude of ways as well. He has strong stickhandling, which allows him to create his own shooting lanes. Chromiak’s also got a knack for changing the angle of his shots, making them harder to both predict and block. Then there’s his off-puck ability, which allows him to consistently find open space in high-danger, where his teammates can find him for glorious scoring chances. Not to mention, he has the speed and overall strong skating to utilise his shot off the rush. Simply put, he looks like another middle-six, maybe even top-six player, with scoring upside.
90.) Fraser Minten
Minten was drafted in the second round (38th overall) in the 2022 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs 6’2” and 192 pound centre has had an impressive training camp and preseason with the Leafs this off-season. He may even make the Leafs roster this season, that’s how impressive he has been. He had a nice season last year, with 67 points in 57 games at the WHL level, as the assistant captain of the Kamloops Blazers.
Minten is a very smart player, and his offensive game took strides because he utilised his strong shot more often and appeared more confident than years prior. He gets to the dirty areas and net-front, where he generates more scoring chances with tips and rebounds. But he is known for being a very impressive defensive zone presence. He can really be a game changer as a match-up centre down the line if he can translate his skill to the NHL level.
89.) Owen Pickering
Pickering, who was taken in the 2022 NHL draft (21st overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins, is one of the few impressive prospects in the Penguins system. The 6’4” and 185 pound defender got into some AHL games last year at the conclusion of his WHL season where he scored 45 points in 61 games.
Pickering improved quite a bit over the last year, especially offensively. He committed less mistakes in the offensive zone, leading to more consistent results and better production. However, he still has issues with his skating that need to be touched up on, and his defensive game is still very much a work in progress. But the big strides he took already to round out his offensive game should tell fans that he is willing to be coached and it should be expected that he takes those next steps en route to the NHL. He projects as a future top-four defender.
88.) Marat Khusnutdinov
Khusnutdinov is yet another Minnesota Wild prospect in the 2023-24 top 100 NHL prospects list, showing just how deep that group is. A second round pick (37th overall) in the 2020 NHL draft, he had a great KHL season last year. He produced 41 points in 63 games. With his KHL contract ending at the end of this season, the hope is he’ll sign his entry-level deal and come to North America next year. However, with tensions with Russia growing, he has seen very limited time on ice, seeing several games from the press box this season.
If he does sign his entry-level deal and comes over, he’ll bring with him a very responsible defensive game and some impressive offensive skills. His skating is high end, which has given him another element to his game. That speed allows him to wreak havoc on the forecheck, and be difficult to limit off the rush. When play is settled in the offensive zone, he can completely change the pace of play the second the puck touches his stick. His hands aren’t high level, but he can do enough that, when paired with his skating, he’s able to leave defenders in the dust and create plays from the space he generates. A dangerous playmaker that has top-six potential down the line, if all things go his way.
87.) Matthew Wood
Wood, another 2023 draft prospect on the top 100 NHL prospects list, was taken by the Predators at 15th overall. The 6’4” and 196 pound winger is coming off of a very impressive NCAA season with the University of Connecticut, where he scored 34 points in 35 games as a freshman. Wood possesses a heavy shot that has allowed him to produce at the NCAA level. He also makes his presence felt by attacking the net-front and dirty areas, where he uses his frame efficiently to win battles.
Wood is also a strong transitional player, able to efficiently transport the puck from defence to offence. Meanwhile, his defensive zone abilties are very strong, showing a maturity beyond his years. Wood looks like an all-situations player in the future for the Predators, with some top-six upside if his offensive impacts continue to produce in the NCAA consistently.
86.) Aatu Raty
Raty. who was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2021 draft, was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks last season. The Canucks centre stands at 6’2” and 187 pounds, coming off a season where he saw 15 NHL games and scored three points in that time. It wasn’t that long ago where Raty was considered an elite talent, and the Canucks are hoping he can find that potential once again. With 27 points in 52 AHL games last season between the Canucks and Islanders affiliates, he’s off to a decent start.
He has shown that he can be the smartest player on the ice almost every time he steps foot out for a shift. His playmaking has been excellent for years, and when he is paired with a noted goal-scorer, can elevate that players’ game. That sort of player, where he makes his linemates better, is a welcome piece to a bare Canucks pool. However, his potential relies on being placed with the right linemates. Let’s see if the Canucks can provide that for the Finnish playmaker.
85.) Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Lekkerimaki is the second consecutive Canucks prospect to make the top 100 NHL prospects list, following Raty. Lekkerimaki was taken in the 2022 NHL draft (15th overall). The 5’11” and 172 pound winger had a very disappointing season last year, playing primarily in the Allsvenskan in Sweden, scoring just nine points in 29 games. He was expected to take a big step from the season prior, but just didn’t.
However, he has started this season off on the right foot, with four goals in eight SHL games. Lekkerimaki is a high-energy player, willing to attack on the forecheck. Additionally, when his team had possession, he displayed excellent awareness, finding open space consistently to be set-up. His shot is excellent as well, with a ton of power and accuracy, making it his strongest trait. His playmaking is also solid, giving him a dual-threat ability.
84.) Jagger Firkus
Firkus, taken by the Seattle Kraken in the second round (35th overall) in the 2022 NHL draft, had another excellent WHL season last year. The 5’10” and 154 pound winger scored 88 points in 66 games last year, his second consecutive 80+ point season. This season, he’s already off to a hot start with seven points in four games. Firkus has a very good shot, with high end power and deadly accuracy. Add to that shooting ability some excellent stickhandling, which allows him to change the angle and release point of those shots, and he becomes even more dangerous as a shooter.
Additionally, he can be a very good playmaker when called upon to do so. That’s a testament to his stickhandling and IQ, creating his own space to set up teammates. Away from the puck, he consistently finds soft spots in coverage to get open in high-danger areas, where teammates can find him. That is another way he unleashes his deadly shot. But the reason why that skill hasn’t translated to a longer look in NHL preseason is his size. He’s simply too slight to play at a higher level. He must bulk up to stand a chance in the physical NHL. If he can bulk up and earn a shot, he could be an excellent top-six sniper.
83.) Lian Bichsel
Bichsel, a big defender, was drafted in the 2022 NHL draft (18th overall) by the Dallas Stars. The 6’5” and 216 pound defender brings a ton of size to the Stars pipeline. He is also one of the biggest of the top 100 NHL prospects list. Bichsel is coming off a six-point SHL season, across 42 games, and is expected to play in the AHL this season. However, he isn’t known for offensive abilities.
Despite his large frame, he maintains a solid skating ability. Along with his reach, that skating allows him to be effective, and even dominant, when it comes to defending the rush. He displays a high end defensive awareness, and fully utilises his big frame and strength to take away the slot from the opposition. If he can take a step forward with his offensive abilities, Bichsel could be a special talent in the Stars top four. Even if he doesn’t, his defensive abilities are such that he should be an NHLer at some point in time.
82.) Kaiden Guhle
Another defender to make the top 100 NHL prospects list, Guhle was the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft by the Montreal Canadiens. The 6’2” and 205 pound Guhle was able to slot into 44 NHL games last season, where he scored 18 points. Not bad for a 21-year-old blueliner in his first taste of the NHL. This season, he is looking to take a big step forward. Guhle is excellent in his own end, and those abilities have translated well thus far.
The reason behind his strong defensive zone play is largely due to his skating and smarts. He knows how to throw a hit, but he’ll hardly get caught out of position by being over-aggressive. When he does force turnovers off those hits, he is very effective at moving up the ice and transitioning from defence to offence. Guhle is smart in the offensive end, but his ceiling seems limited in that area. Instead, his value lies in his shut down ability and transitional ability. That should be enough for him to solidify a top-four role on the Canadiens blueline.
81.) Isak Rosen
Rosen, taken with the 14th pick in the 2021 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres, is a 6’0” and 174 pound winger. Rosen is coming off a strong AHL season, where he recorded 37 points in 66 games. This year, it would not be surprising to see him get some NHL games under his belt. When watching Rosen, one of the first things that stands out is his elite level skating. His playmaking is high-end, and he adds to that a strong shot and intelligent game.
Unfortunately, since being drafted, he hasn’t exactly taken that next step. Another season where he primarily plays in the AHL may be the smart play for Sabres brass. If he can take that next step, he could finally realise his top-six potential as a dynamic offensive zone presence. Plus, on a team that has a strong young core like the Sabres, that team could become Cup contenders, and he could play a real big part of that.
80.) Lukas Dostal
Dosal, a third round pick (85th overall) in the 2018 NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks, is looking to make his big break this season. Last year, he managed to play 19 NHL games and, despite playing for a poor Ducks team, posted a modest .901 save percentage and 3.78 goals against average. But the biggest development is his consistent AHL performances over the years.
The 6’2” and 174 pound goalie is a tad undersized for a modern-day goalie, but he makes up for that with strong athletic traits. While he gets low in his stance, which gives shooters a bit more net to shoot at, he has lightning quick reflexes. That said, he does need to work on his angling, with him being a little lower in his stance with an already small-ish frame. That’ll make the difference between being a good backup or being a starting NHL goalie.
79.) Samuel Honzek
Honzek, the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames, has had quite the impressive off-season. Lasting almost the entire preseason with the big club, Honzek unfortunately sustained an injury, ending his encouraging off-season. Honzek was taken in the top half of the most recent draft thanks to a 56-point WHL rookie season, across 43 games.
The 6’4” and 185 pound winger has strong skating abilities and a strong playmaking sense. He looks every bit like a modern-day power forward, with some intriguing offensive upside. What he needs to do is improve his shot and learn to attack the middle of the ice more consistently. As of now, he limits his impacts by sticking more to the outside. If he can unlock that part of his game, he could be a top-six power forward for the Flames in the future. Perhaps even the near future, with his impressive run this off-season.
78.) Ville Koivunen
Koivunen, an intriguing winger in his draft year, was taken in the second round (51st overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021 NHL draft. Koivunen played 52 games in the top Finnish league, Liiga, last season, and scored 28 points. Then, he finished the year with 12 AHL games, recording just one goal. Koivunen was sent back on loan to Liiga, where he has scored four points across eight games thus far. The 6’0” and 172 pound Hurricane prospect does a little bit of everything.
He has a dual-threat offensive ability, with strong playmaking in the form of strong vision and instincts. Additionally, he has a strong shot, which constantly makes him a threat regardless of the situation. As of now, he isn’t likely to be a game-changer, but paired with the right linemates, he could elevate the play of those around him. Koivunen very well could end up as a top-six contributor down the line for the Hurricanes.
77.) Zachary Bolduc
Bolduc, taken by the St. Louis Blues in the 2021 NHL draft (17th overall), is a 6’1” and 176 pound centre. Last season, Bolduc took a huge step forward production-wise in the QMJHL. He went from 29 points in 27 games in 2021-22, to 99 points in 65 games, then finally to 110 points in 61 games. Bolduc managed back-to-back 50+ goal seasons as well, an impressive feat. He is expected to play most of his games in the AHL this season, but he is another young prospect who made an impression in training camp and preseason.
Bolduc has impressed everyone over the last few seasons thanks to an incredible and versatile shooting ability. A part of his game that does need work moving forward to improve his overall impact is his playmaking. He tends to overlook passes to instead shoot, which could cost his team better scoring chances. Despite that, Bolduc has top-six potential, with a weapon of a shot.
76.) Pavel Dorofeyev
Dorofeyev, who was taken with the 79th overall selection in the 2019 NHL draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, is a 6’1” and 176 pound winger. Dorofeyev is expected to play in the NHL this season, after having played 20 career games at the top level over the last two seasons. In those 20 games, he managed nine points, all stemming from his 18-game stint last season. Another dual-threat offensive presence, Dorofeyev can mix a strong playmaking sense with a good shot. His best trait, however, is his stickhandling and creativity, which allows him to create plays on his own. But he isn’t all offence. He defends quite well, and that should earn him extra points from the Vegas coaching staff. Expected to have a role next to William Karlsson, based on practice lines, Dorofeyev could be a dark-horse candidate for the Calder trophy.
Main Photo: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
