NHL Draft Class

NHL.com's Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale kick off the sixth season of NHL Draft Class by discussing the release of NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list, including Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini and USA Hockey National Team Development Program forward Cole Eiserman. They're also joined by one of the top defenseman prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, Artyom Levshunov of Michigan State University.

Craig Button, TSN scouting director, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to close the books on the 2023 NHL Draft, with his thoughts on the future potential of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson, among others. Button also gives a preview of some of the top prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft 

Adam and Mike recap the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft and discuss their favorite moments, biggest surprises and best stories of a memorable night in Nashville. They are joined by Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli. The guys wrap the episode talking about the facts and figures of the first round and what teams stood out to them with the selections made. 

Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet and NHL Network joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, including what the Anaheim Ducks could do at No. 2, where Russia-born forward Matvei Michkov could go, how many defensemen are selected within the top 20 picks and much more.

Connor Bedard is one of many top prospects from the Western Hockey League available for the 2023 NHL Draft, and John Williams from NHL Central Scouting joins NHL Draft Class to provide his expert opinion on several of them. In addition to Bedard, he covers Kelowna forward Andrew Cristall, Vancouver forward Samuel Honzek, Tri-City defenseman Lukas Dragicevic and many more.

Leo Carlsson, arguably the top draft prospect from Europe, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale (22:55) to discuss his season, whether he's a center or a wing at the next level and how he's overcome some personal adversity to shine on and off the ice. Also on the show is Janne Vuorinen (1:57) of Central Scouting to provide insight on some of the top International players available for the draft.

Adam Fantilli, who could be the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a wide-ranging discussion, including whether he plans to return to Michigan for a second season or jump right into the NHL. The hosts also spent time with William Smith, a likely top-five pick in the draft, to talk about his record-setting World Under-18 Championship and expectations heading into next season at Boston College.

Connor Bedard, the expected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale at the NHL Scouting Combine to discuss his season, his expectations for the combine and how much he's starting to learn about the city of Chicago (1:41). The hosts also spent time with Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey (15:38) to talk about their approach to the No. 1 pick as well as No. 19 in the first round, how Chicago approaches the combine and much more.

We preview the NHL Scouting Combine with director of NHL Central Scouting David Gregory, who talks about the event's growth and how many prospects will be taking part. Gregory also discusses some of the top Ontario Hockey League players, including Owen Sound forward Colby Barlow and London defenseman Oliver Bonk, and also shares his opinion on the top two players available for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, Regina forward Connor Bedard and Michigan center Adam Fantilli.

Pat Cullen of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from playing in the United States, among them forwards William Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, and Warroad High School forward Jayson Shaugabay, who was voted Mr. Hockey in Minnesota. Cullen also touches on the potential for a position change for NTDP forward Danny Nelson.

J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, among them Sherbrooke right wing Ethan Gauthier, Moncton defenseman Etienne Morin and Halifax center Mathieu Cataford. 

The NHL Draft Lottery set the order for the first 16 selections, starting with the Chicago Blackhawks winning the No. 1 pick. That means it's time for the first mock draft of the 2023 NHL Draft season. Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale each believe Connor Bedard will be the first player picked, but after that? You'll have to listen to discover the reason behind their picks. 

NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top North American goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft, among them Carson Bjarnason of Brandon in the Western Hockey League, Trey Augustine of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and more. There's also a look-ahead to the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery on May 8. 

Dan Marr, VP of NHL Central Scouting, joins the show to discuss the final rankings of North American and International skaters and goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr goes in-depth on how the lists were put together, how much time was spent debating Connor Bedard at No. 1, and discusses why certain players were able to move up from the midterm rankings in January. Hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale also discuss the NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held May 8.

University of Michigan coach Brandon Naurato joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss two of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, forwards Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, their growth this season as college freshmen and Michigan's preparation for the NCAA Tournament. There's also some Connor Bedard talk, including Mike's time in Regina with the projected No. 1 pick of the draft,  and his mom. 

Brayden Yager of Moose Jaw, No. 5 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss his season (5:45). Yager also discusses what NHL players he tries to pattern his game after, basement hockey battles with his brother Connor, and the famous NHL player he got a stick from as an 8-year-old. Adam and Mike also look at some of the top NTDP prospects and marvel at how Adam Fantilli has remained under the radar despite an incredible NCAA season at Michigan. 

Regina forward Connor Bedard (15:20), the projected top pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss playing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Langley, B.C., close to his North Vancouver home. Bedard also talks about moving past his remarkable run at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, his goals for the rest of the season, and if he keeps an eye on the NHL standings. Adam and Mike also discuss their standouts from the Top Prospects Game.

NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, and David Gregory of Central Scouting joined hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a behind-the-scenes look at how the rankings came together. Was there any debate about putting Connor Bedard at No. 1? What about NTDP forward William Smith at No. 3? David answers those questions and more during a stop in his busy scouting travels.

Jason Bukala, former director of amateur scouting for the Florida Panthers and now a scouting analyst for Sportsnet, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to wrap up the 2023 World Junior Championship, discuss the dominance of top NHL Draft prospect Connor Bedard, as well as other draft prospect standouts like Sweden forward Leo Carlson and defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka, Czechia forward Eduard Sale, United States forward Charlie Stramel and Gavin Brindley, and more. 

Ryan Kennedy, editor-in-chief of The Hockey news, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. They discuss tournament predictions, players to watch among the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects, and debate which top draft prospect could be facing more pressure, Canada's Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli.

Connor Bedard, projected to be the No. 1 pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins the show to discuss his season, how he's handling being in the spotlight, which NHL players he watches and responds to advice from Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid. Bedard also goes in-depth on his preferred stick flex, and where he gets his high work ethic from.

NHL Draft Class returns for a fifth season with Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, joining Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss the preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr covers a number of topics, including projected top pick Connor Bedard and what NHL players make the best comparables for the Regina forward. He also talks about KHL forward Matvei Michkov and the questions surrounding his ability to reach the NHL, Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, a few of the top defensemen available and more

The 2022 NHL Draft is in the books, and TSN director of scouting Craig Button joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to review all of it, including the Montreal Canadiens' selection of Juraj Slafkovsky at No. 1, Shane Wright sliding to the Seattle Kraken at No. 4, and which teams Button thought did best during the two days in Montreal. He also previews the 2023 NHL Draft, and provides some unique comparisons for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard of Regina in the Western Hockey League.

Adam and Mike recap the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft and discuss their favorite moments, biggest surprises and best stories of a memorable night in Montreal. They are joined by Jurah Slafkovsky (2:05), Simon Nemec (8:40), Logan Cooley (12:29), and Shane Wright (18:45). The guys wrap the episode discussing the facts and figures of the first round. 

The 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft is finally here, and Sportsnet draft expert Sam Cosentino joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the draft. Cosentino shares his opinion on why he has Juraj Slafkovsky at the top of his draft rankings, if there could be a surprise in the top three selections, how many players from the U.S. National Team Development Program could go in the first round and more.

Conor Geekie (4:53) of Winnipeg of the Western Hockey League, No. 5 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss his season, his skating ability and basement battles with two older brothers. Joakim Kemell (19:49), No. 2 in Central Scouting's International ranking, also joins the show to discuss his season, recovering from his shoulder injury and where he plans to play next season, and Simon Nemec (30:14) from Nitra in Slovakia visits to discuss why he should be the first defenseman taken in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen joins Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss some of the top North American goaltending prospects for the 2020 NHL Draft, including Tyler Brennan of Prince George of the Western Hockey League, Ivan Zhigalov of Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Dylan Silverstein and Tyler Muszelik of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team.

J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss some of the top 2022 NHL Draft prospects from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, including Quebec center Nathan Gaucher, Gatineau defensemen Noah Warren and Tristan Luneau, 6-foot-7 Drummondville defensemen Maverick Lamoureux and more. 

Joey Tenute of NHL Central Scouting, who specializes in prospects from the Ontario Hockey League, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of NHL.com to discuss some of the top OHL prospects for the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft, including Kingston center Shane Wright, Mississauga centers Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck, and Guelph forward Danny Zhilkin. There's also some talk about the just-finished NHL Scouting Combine, and the latest mock draft on NHL.com. 

NHL Draft Class brings you the second part of its coverage from the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale sit down with Northeastern forward Jack Hughes (2:04), the son of Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, to discuss his father's new job, his hockey-famous name and a humorous tweet he posted at his father's expense. Logan Cooley (23:40), a star forward with the U.S. National Team Development Program, discussed his season, why he thinks he can be an impact NHL player very soon, and as a Pittsburgh native, has an interesting selection when asked if he was a bigger fan of Penguins stars Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

The NHL Scouting Combine returns for the first time since 2019, and NHL Central Scouting senior manager David Gregory joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss the event, including some changes to the fitness testing. Gregory also gives scouting reports on a few of the top prospects for the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft, including U.S. National Team Development Program standouts Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier and Ryan Chesley.

Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of NHL.com are joined by Goran Stubb, director of NHL European Scouting, to discuss some of the top International prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft, including forwards Juraj Slafkovsky of TPS in Finland and Joakim Kemell of JYP in Finland, defenseman Simon Nemec and David Jiricek, Russia-born forwards Danila Yurov and Ivan Miroshnichenko, and more

Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of NHL.com are joined by Greg Rajanen of NHL Central Scouting to discuss some of the top high school and United States Hockey League draft prospects, including Chaska High School defenseman Sam Rinzel, forward Nicholas Moldenauer and defenseman Ryan Livanavage from Chicago, Youngstown center Adam Ingram and more.

Following the results of the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery, co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale spend the show discussing their first mock drafts, which predict how the first 16 picks of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft could go. Who will the Montreal Canadiens take at No. 1? What about the New Jersey Devils who climbed to No. 2? All that and more is discussed as the hosts give their reasoning behind picks 1-16.

With the release of NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft, NHL.com's Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale are joined by Central Scouting director Dan Marr for a wide-ranging discussion. Marr describes how Kingston center Shane Wright was No. 1 ahead of U.S. National Team Development Program center Logan Cooley among North American skaters, how much Juraj Slafkovsky's star turn at the 2022 Olympics pushed him to the No. 1 spot in the International skater ranking, how the race for the No. 1 pick at the draft could come down to four players and much more.

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale are joined by forward Matt Savoie (21:34) from Winnipeg of the Western Hockey League. Savoie is No. 3 in Central Scouting's midterm rankings and he talks about how playing in the USHL last season has been huge for his success this season, basement battles on a homemade rink with his older brother Carter, and NHL players he tries to pattern his game after. John Williams (3:10), who specializes in covering prospects in western Canada, also joins the show to discuss some of the top prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft, including Savoie, his Winnipeg teammate, forward Conor Geekie, Moose Jaw defenseman Denton Mateychuk and more.

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale are joined by Adam Nightingale, the coach of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team to talk about some of the top players at the NTDP, including forward Logan Cooley, No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking, forwards Cutter Gauthier, Jimmy Snuggerud and Rutger McGroarty, defenseman Lane Hutson and more.

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale sat down with Kingston forward Shane Wright (7:47), the favorite to be the No. 1 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, to talk about his season, returning after losing last season and what he would say to anyone who asks why he should be the first pick of the draft. They also spoke with forward Matyas Sapovaliv (20:35), who joined Saginaw this season after playing with Jaromir Jagr with Kladno in the Czech Republic last season. 

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale are joined by forward Brad Lambert of Pelicans in Liiga, the top professional league in Finland. Lambert is No. 5 in NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of International prospects, and he talks about his experience at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, joining his hometown team, his goals for the rest of the season and his unique family background.

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale are joined by Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, to discuss Central Scouting's midterm rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft. Dan talks about why Shane Wright of Kingston in the OHL is No. 1 among North American skaters, but that the gap between Wright and No. 2 Logan Cooley of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program might not be as big as people thinks. Marr also touches on some of the top defensemen for the draft, how JYP forward Joakim Kemell ended up at No. 1 among International skaters and more.

Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale are joined by NHL Network reporter Jon Morosi to preview the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. They dive deep into the United States and its chances of repeating as tournament champion, as well as Canada's chances of winning at home. There's also a discussion on a few of the top 2022 NHL Draft players that will be in the tournament, including U.S. forward Logan Cooley, Canada forward Shane Wright and Finland forwards Joakim Kemell and Brad Lambert, plus some talk about three of the top players for the 2023 NHL Draft that will be playing.