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The Beijing 2022 Olympics are underway with men’s hockey set to start tomorrow and in this week’s Prospect Report, McKeen’s Director of Scouting introduces all of the key NHL prospects to watch during the tournament. Subscribers to www.mckeenshockey can read full scouting reports and features on many of these prospects on our website. Our team is gearing up on the 2022 NHL Draft and you will want to read Brock’s profiles with video on the top ten for the NHL Draft here on the site. It is unlocked for all to read. We will be covering all of the prospects in our current top 100 ranking in the coming days in this fashion. Also look for our team of scout’s honorable mentions and players they are excited about that could push into the top 100 down the stretch.
Enjoy the games.
Prospects at the Olympics
By Brock Otten
One of the only great things about not having NHL players at the Olympics is that it opens up the door for participating countries to select top NHL prospects to their rosters. Players on NHL contracts at the NHL and/or AHL/ECHL level were not eligible to play, however those on loan were eligible, such as Mason McTavish playing in the OHL or Pontus Holmberg playing in the SHL. Not every participating country has significant NHL prospects to watch out for, as some (such as Finland) opted for more experienced players. What this article intends to do is highlight some of the top NHL prospects playing at the Olympics in Beijing. The men’s tourney kicks off on Wednesday Feb. 9, with the first full slate of games coming on the 10th.
Canada
Devon Levi - Goaltender (BUF)
It has been quite the whirlwind for Levi the last year or so. Let’s run it down: Gets traded in the NHL (as part of the Sam Reinhart deal to Florida), captures a silver medal and the top goaltender award at the World Juniors, misses his entire freshman year at Northeastern due to injury, and most recently, is nominated for the Hobey Baker this season on the back of a dominating performance for the Huskies. Levi has been otherworldly for Northeastern this year, putting together one of the best goaltending performances the NCAA has seen in the last few decades. Levi does not have the size that NHL scouts clamor for, but it would be hard to argue with the results so far. No question, he has emerged as one of the top goaltending prospects in the world. One of the main reasons for Levi’s success is his focus and determination. He almost always makes the correct read and his positioning is near flawless. He may be only 6’0, but he makes himself seem so much larger because of his combination of quickness and strong technical approach. At this point, even though he is one of the youngest goalies at the Olympics, he looks like the front runner to be the starter for Canada.
Owen Power - Defense (BUF)
If there is one thing that Power has already proven in his young career, it is that he can play at the highest level internationally. One of the things that secured his place as the first overall selection in the 2021 draft was his performance for Canada at the 2021 World Championships. Power emerged as a top four defender on a team full of NHL players, helping Canada win gold in a tournament with significant NHL participation. As such, Power should be a top four defender on this Olympic team too. His performance at the University of Michigan has been dominant this year, with Power elevating his play yet again for the Wolverines. At his size (6’6) and with his mobility, Power controls all aspects of the game. His confidence with the puck has led to him taking more chances offensively, however he recovers so well to shut down nearly all offensive advances. Look for Power to be one of the top defenders at the Olympics this year.
Mason McTavish - Center (ANA)
What a crazy year it has been for McTavish. He started the year with the Ducks, but was subsequently returned to the OHL before his ELC kicked in. He then quarantines to suit up for Canada at the World Juniors before the tournament gets abruptly canceled. Upon returning to Peterborough, he gets traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Now, he’s heading to Beijing. Early indications suggest that McTavish will play on Canada’s first line (with Eric Staal and Josh Ho-Sang). This should not be surprising given McTavish’s talent level. He has been a man among boys playing in the OHL this season, dominating with his blend of power and skill. McTavish can overwhelm you physically, but thanks to significant improvements made to his skating, he can now consistently lead the attack and create in transition. Unlikely to play center at the event, McTavish will be asked to play the wing where he can look to set up shop in the slot hoping to use his high end shot to score some goals for the Canadians.
Jack McBain - Center (MIN)
Another Hobey Baker candidate playing for Canada, McBain has had a terrific year for Boston College as a senior. Previous to this year, the 2018 second rounder had underwhelmed at the NCAA level leading many to wonder if the Wild would sign the big, 6 ‘3, power center. However, improvements made to his skating and conditioning have done wonders as McBain looks like a different player this year. He has put himself back on the prospect map and emerged as an elite player at the NCAA level. McBain consistently succeeds driving the middle, blending power and skill to navigate traffic in order to create chances. At the end of the NCAA season McBain could elect not to sign with Minnesota and become a free agent, a scenario which could definitely happen. At this point, McBain’s role on this Canadian team is a bit of a mystery, but it seems likely that he starts the event in a bottom six role.
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United States
Drew Commesso - Goaltender (CHI)
Team USA’s starter at the canceled World Junior Championships, Commesso has a chance to start at the Olympics too. The Boston University netminder and Blackhawks prospect has had a bit of an up and down season at the NCAA level, however he enters the Olympics playing his best hockey of the year. Commesso is a composed technical goalie who squares himself to shooters well and is aggressive in challenging to make himself bigger in the net. A former member of the U.S. National Development Program, Commesso will need to prove that he can consistently fight through traffic and limit second chances against current and former pro players. It will be a good test for him, even if he is not guaranteed significant playing time. At the end of this current season, Commesso will have a decision to make about turning pro or returning to Boston University for a junior year.
Strauss Mann - Goaltender (UFA)
When will NHL scouts stop doubting average sized netminders? When Mann left the University of Michigan in the offseason, many expected him to have his choice of suitors after a strong three-year NCAA career. However, no ELC’s were offered. Rather than accept an AHL deal, Mann signed in Sweden with Skelleftea, betting on himself to prove doubters wrong. And he has done just that as one of the top goalies in the SHL so far this season. Mann is now going to be highly coveted on the FA market once the SHL ends, likely having his pick of which NHL team to sign with. Heading into the Olympics, it seems like that Mann will be the starter for the Americans, where he will have another chance to impress NHL teams.
Brock Faber - Defense (LAK)
A second-round selection of the Los Angeles Kings in 2020, Faber has emerged as one of the top two-way defenders in the NCAA at the University of Minnesota. The key to Faber’s success is his mobility. A dynamic four-way mover, Faber is extremely hard to pin down in the defensive end, making him a breakout machine. He is also an extremely intelligent defender, rarely taking a bad route to a puck, committing a turnover inside the offensive zone or missing a defensive assignment. It will be a sight to behold to see him skating on Olympic ice in Beijing (even if Minnesota already plays on a larger ice surface). While Faber is not guaranteed to have a large role on this team, he should, at the very least, be a dependable third pairing defender.
Drew Helleson - Defense (COL)
Cut from a similar cloth to Faber, Helleson figures to be another depth defender on this American team. Chosen for his reliability, Helleson plays a simple, yet efficient game at both ends of the ice. He starts the breakout well and can ignite the attack with a clean exit pass or by skating the puck out of trouble. He also defends very well, using his 6 ‘3 reach to stymy transitional attacks. He has upped his physical intensity level this year, which will help him succeed against older competition at the Olympics. A second rounder of the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, it would not be shocking to see Helleson turn pro after this NCAA season to sign with Colorado, leaving Boston College a year early.
Jake Sanderson - Defense (OTT)
As of the writing of this piece, Sanderson’s participation at the Olympics remains up in the air thanks to being placed in COVID-19 protocol. If he is able to suit up, Sanderson likely plays a significant role for the Americans, not unlike the previously mentioned (and equally hyped) Owen Power. Like Power, Sanderson has been downright dominant in the NCAA this year as a sophomore for North Dakota. His explosive stride allows him to cover the ice effortlessly. He can shut things down in the defensive end with how well he maintains and/or closes gaps. He can quarterback the powerplay and lead the attack. The prized Senators prospect is one of the top defenders not in the NHL currently and his exclusion from the Olympics would be a huge blow for Team USA, who figure to lean on him heavily. Fingers crossed that he tests negative and is able to make the trek.
Nick Abruzzese - Center (TOR)
If you recall, at the previous Olympics, a fellow Harvard center, Ryan Donato, led the tournament in goal scoring. The diminutive Leafs prospect hopes to follow a similar path at these Olympics. Not the world’s most gifted skater, Abruzzese, is a hyper intelligent pivot whose awareness and skill help him overcome some limitations in his physical tools. After Harvard did not play last year (and Abruzzese decided against turning pro), he has bounced back well after a lost year of development, leading Harvard in scoring and serving as captain. Where he fits into this U.S. lineup remains to be seen, but there is certainly a chance that he plays a top nine scoring role.
Matthew Beniers - Center (SEA)
The very first draft selection of the Seattle Kraken, Beniers is a competitive two-way center who should be an important player for the U.S. at these Olympics. He is in the middle of a very successful sophomore season at the University of Michigan and is a Hobey Baker candidate. Beniers always stands out in a positive way because of how well he uses his quickness to be an impactful player regardless of whether the puck is on his stick or not. His work rate is extremely high as he forechecks and backchecks feverishly in order to compete for loose pucks. His skating ability should play well on the Olympic ice surface and the Kraken will make a big push to sign the most recent second overall pick this offseason.
Brendan Brisson - Center (VGK)
Another University of Michigan player at these Olympics, Brisson is an excellent offensive player who displays great awareness and anticipation. Armed with a lethal wrist shot and one timer, he should be a fixture on the U.S. powerplay, working the half wall area. Brisson is having a terrific offensive season as a sophomore and the Vegas first round selection continues to develop well as a high-end NHL prospect. For those wondering (or not aware), Brisson is, indeed, the son of NHL super agent Pat Brisson.
Matthew Knies - Wing (TOR)
A graduate of the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes program, Knies has been one of the NCAA’s top freshmen at Minnesota this season. Like his potential future teammate Austen Matthews, Knies hails from the Arizona region and plays a similar kind of power game. Knies loves to attack the net and is terrific at protecting the puck through contact, making him a successful play driver in transition. Many felt like the Maple Leafs stole Knies in the second round of last year’s draft and the early returns of that are terrific.
Sean Farrell - Center (MTL)
Yet another Harvard center, Farrell is enjoying a terrific freshman season for the Crimson. His freshmen year was delayed to 2021/22 after Harvard sat out last year’s NCAA season. As such Farrell returned to the Chicago Steel (USHL) for another year and promptly led the USHL in scoring by 16 points a year ago. A little ball of energy, Farrell controls the half wall as well as anyone in the NCAA, working tirelessly to exhaust the energy of opposing defenders. This, in combination with his vision, makes him an elite level playmaker. Look for the U.S. to reunite Farrell with former Steel teammate Brendan Brisson in hopes of creating a spark inside the Top 9.
Nathan Smith - Center (WPG)
One of the older college players taken by the U.S. for these Olympics, Smith is routinely on the list of the most underrated NHL prospects currently. The Minnesota State center leads the NCAA in scoring prior to heading to Beijing. Like many who play at Mankato, Smith is just a solid, efficient, two-way player. He excels in any role asked of him and this versatility should make him an important player for this U.S. team. Is Smith going to be this year’s Ryan Donato, who really puts himself on the prospect map with a strong performance?
Denmark
Frederik Dichow - Goaltender (MTL)
Rather than play with the Sudbury Wolves as an OA this year, the Canadiens prospect decided to sign in Sweden this season with Kristianstads IK of the Allsvenskan (Swedish second league). That looks like a great decision because the 6’5 netminder has been terrific in his first attempt at playing in a higher-level league. As such, rumors suggest that Frolunda has been aggressive in trying to sign him for next year at the SHL level. Dichow is unlikely to be the starter for the Danes at the Olympics, but he should see some game action and that will be a great test for Montreal scouts to see just how far his development has come.
Russia
Alexander Nikishin - Defense (CAR)
Given the fact that he is the youngest defender on Team Russia at the Olympics, you might expect that the Russian coaching staff would opt to play the more experienced players over Nikishin. However, you would likely be incorrect. Nikishin wore an “A” for one of the Russian entries in the European Hockey Tour (including many of the same players on this roster) and could see a similar top four role. At 6’4, 215lbs, Nikishin is an imposing physical presence whose main role is to shut down the opposition’s best. However, he is a sneaky strong mover for a big guy and is capable of making skilled plays with the puck too.
Kirill Marchenko - Wing (CBJ)
Now a KHL veteran (in his third season), this top Columbus Blue Jackets prospect succeeds in playing a power game. He loves to drive wide, putting defenders on his back to get open looks to use his high-end wrist shot. Given the experience of Russia’s forward group, Marchenko could very well be used as primarily a fourth line forward at the Olympics. However, the Blue Jackets will be keeping a close eye on him with the hopes of signing him this offseason (as his KHL deal with SKA St. Petersburg finally expires).
Dmitri Voronkov - Wing (CBJ)
It is great to see Voronkov make this team after the scary incident that occurred in late December. The Blue Jackets prospect was stretched off during a KHL game after taking a high hit, rendering him unconscious. The big (6’4) power winger plays a similar game to fellow Columbus prospect Marchenko in that he loves to use his speed to attack the net; he very much plays a physically tenacious game. Unlike Marchenko, Voronkov recently re-upped with Ak-Bars for another few seasons, meaning that Blue Jackets fans will need to wait a little longer for him. However, like Marchenko, Voronkov probably plays a fourth line role at the Olympics.
Arseni Gritsyuk - Wing (NJD)
It has not been the best year to be a New Jersey Devils fan, however one bright spot has been the development of Gritsyuk in the KHL this season. Gritsyuk has been one of the KHL’s best rookies and comes to the Olympics as one of the top young talents in Russia. Gritsyuk has finally found a way to use his speed to consistently create playing against men. Constantly pushing the pace of play, Gritsyuk is a dynamic and skilled attacker. Despite his progression, he likely is relegated to a depth role similar to the other players on this older Russian roster.
Slovakia
Samuel Knazko - Defense (CBJ)
Earlier, we mentioned how turbulent of a year it has been for Canada’s Mason McTavish. That has also been the case for Knazko, a smooth skating blueliner who is a draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the sixth team Knazko has played for this year, including time spent in Finland, games internationally for Slovakia, and most recently for Seattle of the WHL. Knazko is a solid two-way defender who can impact the game in a lot of ways because of his excellent mobility. At the Olympic games qualifying Knazko played a third pairing role for Slovakia and the expectation is that would be his role here too.
Simon Nemec & Juraj Slafkovsky - Defense/Wing (2022 NHL Draft Eligible)
All eyes will be on these two NHL draft eligibles at the Olympic games (thus lumping them together). It is not the first time that these two find themselves on the big stage. They both played for Slovakia at last year’s World Championships, albeit in a limited role. Nemec has been playing unbelievable hockey in the Slovak men’s league for the last month, averaging a point per game in that stretch. For that reason, we ranked him second in our midseason draft rankings. He is such an intelligent player and manager of the game. There really isn’t anything that he can’t do from the back end and he projects as a long time, minute eater at the NHL level. Slafkovsky is a big, power winger who loves to put his head down to drive the net. He is a load to handle near the crease with his size and skill and he loves to bring a physical element to his shifts. Both of these players are serious candidates for the top five in the upcoming NHL draft, but how much ice time they receive at the Olympics remains to be seen.
Sweden
Pontus Holmberg - Center/Wing (TOR)
In the midst of a breakout season in the SHL with Vaxjo, this Maple Leafs prospect has already signed his entry level contract but is playing in Sweden on loan. Up near the point per game mark all year in the SHL, Holmberg excels as a playmaker, first and foremost, because of his high-end vision and awareness in the offensive end. He is poised with the puck and added strength to a lanky frame has allowed him to be more effective playing through contact this season. Holmberg made last year’s World Championships, however he rarely played for Sweden. Given his progression this year, there has to be hope that he plays a regular role for a Swedish team that has to be considered one of the favorites for gold.