USA Hockey will bring approximately 45 players to the World Junior Summer Showcase later this offseason with the goal being to evaluate which players should make the roster for the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2019 World Junior Championship in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Prospects born in 1999 and after are eligible to compete in the 2019 World Junior Championship. USA Hockey brass usually frowns upon bringing players up, but there are a few special talents in the 2001 class, including Jack Hughes.
There are six potential returnees, noted with an asterisk, from last year’s team, including forward Brady Tkachuk and defenseman Quinn Hughes. Below are the players who this observer would bring to the World Junior Summer Showcase, in order of merit.
Forwards
1.) Jack Hughes
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 5/14/01, Left Shot, 5-10/161
NHL: 2019 Draft Eligible
Hughes needs little introduction. He was recently named the MVP of the IIHF U18 World Championship. He’s almost a slam-dunk to be the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. His skating, skill set and hockey sense make him a lethal offensive threat.
2.) Brady Tkachuk *
Boston University (NCAA), 9/16/99, Left Shot, 6-3/194
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The St. Louis, Mo., native had a good freshman season at BU, despite not putting up the numbers some would have hoped. It’s hard to be a young freshman in college hockey. He’s a big body and can dominate below the dots. He does a terrific job of recovering pucks and driving the net.
3.) Oliver Wahlstrom
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 6/13/00, Right Shot, 6-1/205
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The Yarmouth, Maine, native has an exceptional shot that he’ll fire from anywhere on the sheet. His playing destination for next year is still up in the air, but he should be eligible to play for the U.S. come the end of December.
4.) Ryan Poehling *
St. Cloud State (NCAA), 1/3/99, Left Shot, 6-2/193
NHL: Montreal Canadiens
Poehling is one of three returning forwards who will be counted on to play big minutes for the Americans. He’s a power forward who has underperformed at times, but he has the physical tools to make a big impact in this tournament. He’s most effective when he plays a hard, north-south game and just unleashes his heavy shot.
5.) Joel Farabee
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 2/25/00, Left Shot, 6-0/168
NCAA Commit: Boston University
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Farabee, hailing from Cicero, N.Y., will have the chance to play for his college coach at the World Juniors. The speedy winger can make plays and he has the vision to create offense on the rush and in zone.
6.) Joshua Norris *
Michigan (NCAA), 5/5/99, Left Shot, 6-1/194
NHL: San Jose Sharks (2017 1st Round, #19 Overall)
Norris is a bottom six forward who skates well and can chip in offensively if needed. He’s a competitor who will be counted on to be reliable in all three zones.
7.) Ivan Lodnia
Erie Otters (OHL), 8/31/99, Right Shot, 5-10/181
NHL: Minnesota Wild (2017 3rd Round, #85 Overall)
Lodnia is terrific in small areas due to his elite stickhandling and skating ability. He can cut and weave in and out of defenders. His size is a concern, but he’s a terrific offensive talent. A tendency to be careless and overzealous with the puck is a potential flaw in his game.
8.) Alexander Chmelevski
Ottawa 67’s (OHL), 6/9/99, Right Shot, 6-0/190
NHL: San Jose Sharks (2017 6th Round, #185 Overall)
Chmelevski is a speedster whose skating ability is his best attribute. He creates chances and can generate offense from anywhere on the ice. His speed through the neutral zone allows his team to transition quickly from defense to offense.
9.) Logan Hutsko
Boston College (NCAA), 2/11/99, Right Shot, 5-10/172
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Hutsko has recovered from two major injuries to reemerge on the prospect scene. The North Caldwell, N.J., native was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Year. He’s small, but he’s fast and recovers pucks. He has the vision to make little dink passes as well as find seams in opposing defenses.
10.) Jason Robertson
Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), 7/22/99, Left Shot, 6-2/192
NHL: Dallas Stars (2017 2nd Round, #39 Overall)
Robertson has put up gaudy offensive numbers in back-to-back seasons in the OHL. He’s a player this observer hasn’t seen as much of, but he’s proven on the biggest stage in junior hockey that he’s worthy of consideration.
11.) Grant Mismash
North Dakota (NCAA), 2/19/99, Left Shot, 6-0/190
NHL: Nashville Predators (2017 2nd Round, #61 Overall)
Mismash isn’t the flashiest player and isn’t the best offensive threat, but he plays a heavy game and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas. He’ll score some greasy goals and he can play hard .
12.) Jack Drury
Chicago Steel (USHL), 2/3/00, Left Shot, 5-11/178
NCAA Commit: Harvard
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Drury had a great season in the USHL and could be counted on a few different roles for the U.S. in this tournament. He’s a prospect who will do whatever it takes to win. He’ll block shots. He’ll win face-offs. He’ll grind. He can also score as he proved with the Steel.
13.) Jay O’Brien
Thayer Academy (NEPSAC), 11/4/99, Right Shot, 6-0/174
NCAA Commit: Providence
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
O’Brien’s draft stock rose this season thanks to several impressive outings with the NTDP when called up for the USHL Fall Classic and a few other college exhibition games. The Hingham, Mass., native dominated the local prep scene with Thayer. He’s a good skater who competes and is at his best when he’s playing a north-south game and just recovering pucks and making plays or firing pucks on net.
14.) Alex Steeves
Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), 12/10/99, Left Shot, 5-11/165
NCAA Commit: Notre Dame
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Steeves, a Bedford, N.H., native, came on the scene this year with Dubuque after being mostly a penalty-killing specialist. He proved he can score and he’s getting better. He’s an honest player who wants to be the best.
15.) Tyler Madden
Tri-City Storm (USHL), 11/9/99, Right Shot, 5-11/152
NCAA Commit: Northeastern
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Madden is still finding his overall game and growing into his frame. He’s the son of former Michigan star and NHL journeyman John Madden, who is now a head coach in the AHL. The younger Madden has speed and an offensive skill set to match.
16.) Alex Turcotte
U.S. NTDP U-17 (USHL), 2/26/01, Left Shot, 5-11/194
NCAA Commit: Wisconsin
NHL: 2019 Draft Eligible
Turcotte isn’t likely to make the team, but a camp invite wouldn’t be a surprise. He’s a big time player and will continue to develop as he sets his sights on the 2019 NHL Draft. He’s a great skater with explosiveness and can play all 200 feet.
17.) Johnny Gruden
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 5/4/00, Left Shot, 6-0/180
NCAA Commit: Miami
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Gruden is similar to Joey Anderson, now with the New Jersey Devils. He can fit a number of different roles and he can be a glue guy for a line while chipping in offensively when needed.
18.) Gavin Hain
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 4/3/00, Left Shot, 6-0/194
NCAA Commit: North Dakota
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Hain was called up to the NTDP for the U18 season after a dominating junior season at Grand Rapids HS in Minnesota. The North Dakota recruit is a good skater who can play all three zones.
19.) Jake Wise
U.S. NTDP U-18, 2/28/00, Left Shot, 5-10/190
NCAA Commit: Boston University
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The North Andover, Mass., native had a serious injury that kept him out until the end of December, but he put up over a point per game with the NTDP once he came back in the lineup. He’s a great skater with exceptional vision.
20.) Brandon Kruse
Bowling Green (NCAA), 3/26/99, Left Shot, 5-9/160
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
His skating ability allowed him to flourish as a freshman in the WCHA with the Falcons. He gets to pucks quickly and has closing speed and can blow by defenders. He’ll compete hard and he has experience going up against older players, which USA Hockey might see as an added benefit.
21.) Paul Cotter
Lincoln Stars (USHL), 11/16/99, Left Shot, 6-0/185
NCAA Commit: Western Michigan
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Cotter has always shown the ability to be a consistent, reliable bottom six forward, but he had a breakout season offensively in Lincoln. He’s good away from the puck and can slow the game down.
22.) Dylan Seitz
Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), 1/15/99, Left Shot, 6-2/185
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
This is a dark horse pick, but he’s a player who found himself with Moncton in the QMJHL. He’s not going to be brought to camp for his offense, but he’s tough and brings an edge that USA Hockey might like on the fourth line.
23.) Logan Cockerill
Boston University (NCAA), 3/3/99, Left Shot, 5-9/165
NHL: New York Islanders (2017 7th Round, #201 Overall)
Cockerill started to play better down the stretch for the Terriers. It’s tough for any true freshman to put up big numbers in Hockey East.
24.) Evan Barratt
Penn State (NCAA), 2/18/99, Left Shot, 6-0/187
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks (2017 3rd Round, #90 Overall)
Barratt is a great skater who can play all 200 feet, kill penalties and score. He has a year under his belt in the Big 10 with the Nittany Lions which should be considered an advantage when USA Hockey is looking to fill out the camp invites.
25.) Ben Copeland
Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL), 4/27/99, Right Shot, 5-11/165
NCAA Commit: Colorado College
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Copeland has long been a favorite of this observer. His skating is special and he learned how to score and make plays this season in Waterloo. He can play with pace and there’s a buzz around his game.
26.) Blake McLaughlin
Chicago Steel (USHL), 2/14/00, Left Shot, 5-11/165
NCAA Commit: Minnesota
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
McLaughlin is a player who will likely be bypassed due to similar prospects having more immediate upside, but he should get a look in 2020. He’s a heavy player who can score.
27.) Curtis Hall
Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), 4/26/00, Right Shot
NCAA Commit: Yale
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Hall is a terrific two-way center who will one day find a role in the NHL. With the abundance of similar type players who might have more offensive upside, Hall is probably on the outside looking in, but he deserves a look.
28.) Ryan O’Reilly
Madison Capitols (USHL), 3/21/00, Right Shot, 6-2/205
NCAA Commit: Denver
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
A former Nebraska Omaha commit, O’Reilly has a ton of potential, but he’s still a little raw. If he puts it all together he’s a power forward who can score. He’s on the periphery for making the team.
29.) Cole Guttman
Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), 4/6/99, Right Shot, 5-9/168
NCAA Commit: Denver
NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning (2017 6th Round, #180 Overall)
Guttman missed much of this season with an injury that will probably prevent him from earning an invite, but he’s deserving of one otherwise. He’s a mature player with a good stick who pays attention to the finer details.
Defensemen
1.) Quinn Hughes *
Michigan (NCAA), 10/14/99, Left Shot, 5-10/174
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Hughes is the older brother of phenom Jack Hughes. He was a terrific puck-moving defenseman who pushed possession as a freshman at Michigan. He was solid in the 2018 World Juniors and will surely be a top half of the first round pick in this summer’s draft. He’s still prone to mistakes in the defensive zone, but you take the bad with the good when it comes to his big-time potential.
2.) Dylan Samberg *
Minnesota Duluth (NCAA), 1/24/99, Left Shot, 6-4/214
NHL: Winnipeg Jets (2017 2nd Round, #43 Overall)
Samberg got a lot better as his freshman season at UMD moved along. He’s big, has length, and can defend, but he’s also become better at moving the puck, especially when he doesn’t try to over-handle it.
3.) Mikey Anderson *
Minnesota Duluth (NCAA), 5/25/99, Left Shot, 6-0/196
NHL: Los Angeles Kings (2017 4th Round, #103 Overall)
Anderson is a versatile, two-way defender who skates well and can play tough. He retrieves pucks and makes a smooth first pass. He’s the third returnee on the blue line.
4.) Mattias Samuelsson
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 3/14/00, Left Shot, 6-3/216
NCAA Commit: Western Michigan
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Samuelsson has plenty of experience on the big stage after two seasons with the NTDP and is likely to be a late first round pick in this summer’s draft. He has the size and skating ability to be an impact at both ends.
5.) Bode Wilde
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 1/24/00, Right Shot, 6-2/196
NCAA Commit: Michigan
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Wilde has the physical tools and athleticism to have NHL teams interested. He’ll be a first round pick most likely. He’s a high risk, high reward player, but there’s a spot for him.
6.) Jack St. Ivany
Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), 7/22/99, Right Shot, 6-3/198
NCAA Commit: Yale
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
St. Ivany is a player who excelled in his final USHL season in Sioux Falls. He came a long way and will likely hear his name called at the NHL Draft because of it. He has the size and he finally put his offensive game together.
7.) K’Andre Miller
U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL), 1/21/00, Left Shot, 6-4/205
NCAA Commit: Wisconsin
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Miller is a big, athletic defender who can skate and he likes to play physically. With his NTDP pedigree, he’ll definitely get a close look.
8.) Reilly Walsh
Harvard (NCAA), 4/21/99, Right Shot, 6-0/185
NHL: New Jersey Devils (2017 3rd Round, #81 Overall)
Walsh had a decent freshman season for Ted Donato’s Crimson. He’s an offensive threat and can control possession. The Proctor alum and Andover, N.H., native can escape trouble and he has the vision to move pucks north with tape-to-tape passes. His play in his own zone is the one question mark when it comes to making a team of this magnitude.
9.) Spencer Meier
Fargo Force (USHL), 4/15/99, Right Shot, 6-2/161
NCAA Commit: St. Cloud
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Meier had a big season with Fargo and is still alive in the Clark Cup Playoffs. He’s added an offensive element to his game and has seen his stock rise. He’s a seasoned veteran who could get a look, especially as a right shot.
10.) Ben Mirageas
Providence (NCAA), 5/8/99, Left Shot, 6-1/175
NHL: New York Islanders (2017 3rd Round, #77 Overall)
Mirageas still has some work to do in his own zone, but he developed well under the tutelage of the Friars’ staff. His best attribute is his shot from the blue line. The Newburyport, Mass., native can walk the blue line, side-step forecheckers and get shots through.
11.) Marc Del Gaizo
Muskegon Lumberjacks, 10/11/99, Left Shot, 5-9/170
NCAA Commit: UMass Amherst
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Del Gaizo’s big year in Muskegon has him in line to possibly get drafted in June. He’s a smooth skater who is a late ’99 in his first year of eligibility. He led the USHL in goals among defenders.
12.) Max Gildon
New Hampshire (NCAA), 5/17/99, Left Shot, 6-3/192
NHL: Florida Panthers (2017 3rd Round, #66 Overall)
Gildon had a hot start to his freshman campaign with the Wildcats, but his production slowed in the second half. He can make plays with the puck, but he has the tendency to be careless.
13.) Tyler Inamoto
Wisconsin (NCAA), 5/6/99, Left Shot, 6-2/194
NHL: Florida Panthers (2017 5th Round, #133 Overall)
Inamoto is a physical defender who plays with a mean streak. Another NTDP alum, he will get a look.
14.) Colin Felix
Madison Capitols (USHL), 1/7/99, Right Shot, 6-1/194
NCAA Commit: UMass Amherst
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The Audubon, N.J., native has come a long way and had a very good season in the USHL. He’s tough and competes really hard. There are better offensive threats and others who are more adept at moving the puck, but he’s got length, plays with a mean streak and can defend well.
15.) Jordan Harris
Kimball Union (NEPSAC), 7/7/00, Left Shot, 5-11/185
NCAA Commit: Northeastern
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The Haverhill, Mass., native doesn’t have a ton of offensive upside, but there are few players better at retrieving pucks, escaping forecheckers and making a solid first pass to start the transition. The only knock on him is he has limited experience at a high level of play, having competed with Kimball Union. He only has a few USHL games under his belt.
16.) Graham Lilibridge
Chicago Steel (USHL), 1/29/99, Left Shot, 5-8/146
NCAA Commit: Yale
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Goaltenders
1.) Cayden Primeau
Northeastern (NCAA), 8/11/99, Catches Left, 6-4/188
NHL: Montreal Canadiens (2017 7th Round, #199 Overall)
The son of former NHL great Keith Primeau had a terrific freshman campaign at Northeastern. He picked up Hockey East Goaltender of the Year, Hockey East First Team All-Star and Hockey East All-Rookie Team accolades. He’s big, athletic and moves well. He’s improving on rebound control and going down too quickly, but there’s a lot to like about his upside.
2.) Kyle Keyser
Oshawa Generals (OHL), 3/8/99, Catches Left, 6-2/180
NHL: Boston Bruins
While he didn’t get drafted, his play has earned him a contract with the Boston Bruins. He’s not a huge goaltender, but he’s very athletic and has quick reflexes. He moves very well in net and kicks rebounds to the corners.
3.) Mitchell Gibson
Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL), 6/25/99, Catches Left, 6-0/188
NCAA Commit: Harvard
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
The Phoenixville, Pa., native has steadily improved as he’s climbed the ranks in junior hockey. The Harvard commit had a superb season with the Lone Star Brahmas in the NAHL after playing previously with the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.
4.) Spencer Knight
U.S. NTDP U-17, 4/19/01, Catches Left, 6-4/194
NCAA Commit: Boston College
NHL: 2019 Draft Eligible
USA Hockey tends to shy away from underage goaltenders, but Knight is a special prospect. The Darien, Conn., native might not play in the tournament, but with how he played in Russia at the U18 World Championship, it’s almost a sure bet he gets an invite to World Junior Summer Showcase.
5.) Keegan Karki
Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL), 2/25/00, Catches Left, 6-4/216
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Karki played with the NTDP U-17 program, but moved on to Muskegon for this season. He’s a prototypical modern era goaltender with size who was once committed to North Dakota. He’s considered to be one of the top American goaltenders eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft.
6.) Jacob Kucharski
Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL), 9/25/99, Catches Left, 6-4/205
NCAA Commit: Providence
NHL: 2018 Draft Eligible
Kucharski has struggled statistically with a Des Moines club that has struggled in the USHL, but he’s another big goaltender with upside. He performed well for the U.S. at the World Junior A Challenge.
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