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Prospects Unlimited 2023
In this year's edition of our annual Prospects Unlimited issue, we count down the top 100 21-and-under players in the world and focus in on each NHL team's youth with profiles, grades and a full listing of every player in the organization.
FLORIDA PANTHERS
IT FELT like it was meant to be. Gracyn Sawchyn spoke to the Florida Panthers a few times during the draft process, and he loved what they said about his game and what the future of the franchise looked like. He valued their commitment to winning and building off their appearance in the Cup final last season. “I just want to win, and that’s what makes me excited to play in Florida,” he said. “Especially after the run they went on. They did whatever they had to do, and that’s how I play.” While Sawchyn played on a deep and competitive WHL Seattle Thunderbirds team, his versatility helped keep him playing important minutes. Whether he was playing at the top of the lineup or in a depth role on the third line,…
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
WHEN YOU’RE a junior-aged defenseman with size and skill, those attributes will take you far. But Isaac Belliveau kicked another characteristic into high gear that could prove to be the determining factor in how successful his pro career becomes. After the Penguins drafted him in the fifth round (154th overall) in 2021, Belliveau made it his mission to add strength to his 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame. “He’s been working on getting stronger and fitter,” said Tom Kostopoulos, Pittsburgh’s director of player development. “You can tell the hard work has been paying off. He’s winning more battles in the corner and net front while working on his stick details. He’s becoming harder to play against defensively while also finding different ways to create offense.” Offense was the name of Belliveau’s game when he entered…
TOP 100 21 AND UNDER: 78-85
>78. GABE PERREAULT POS: RW | AGE: 18 BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES (HE) | DRAFT: 23RD, 2023 (NYR) The third member of the NTDP/BC connection line, Perreault is an incredibly smart offensive weapon who piled up points with Team USA last season and will undoubtedly do the same with the Eagles in his college career. His skating could use another gear, but he always knows just where to be on the ice. >79. MAVRIK BOURQUE POS: C | AGE: 21 TEXAS STARS (AHL) | DRAFT: 30TH, 2020 (DAL) The stocky center got a great education in his first full season of pro hockey with the AHL Stars, and he consistently improved as he went along. Now, it’s time to dominate and show he can take things to the next level to earn a spot in Dallas in the…
TOP 100 21 AND UNDER: 43-48
>43. SAM DICKINSON POS: D | AGE: 17 LONDON KNIGHTS (OHL) | DRAFT: 2024 Dickinson is left-shot defenseman with size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds), and he’s responsible and physical. He’s intriguing because he’s already so good at the things that young blueliners usually need years to develop. The fact he’s off to a great offensive start with the Knights this season is just the cherry on top. >44. IVAN DEMIDOV POS: RW | AGE: 17 SKA ST. PETERSBURG (KHL) | DRAFT: 2024 The ultra-skilled Demidov put an offensive beating on Russia’s junior circuit last season, but he’s in a bit of the same boat as Michkov in that SKA needs to figure out where to put him. Demidov has already played in the KHL, VHL and MHL this season, and his potential is high despite no early numbers. >45.…
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