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Draft Rankings

2022 Draft Class

By Jesse Ambrock

2022 NHL Draft — Top 20 Pre-Draft Rankings

As of early July 2022.

Top 20 Rankings

1. Juraj Slafkovský, LW, TPS Turku (Liiga)

The best combination of size, skating, and offensive upside at a premium wing position in this class, once draft-year play only is considered. At 6-foot-3 and over 215 pounds, he played the entire year against men in Liiga, then was MVP of the Olympics for Slovakia with 7 goals in 7 games and followed it with a strong World Championship showing, scoring 9 points in 9 games. His ability to dominate shifts against older competition, protect the puck, and beat defenders both with speed and hands gives him genuine first-line, power-winger upside that outstrips the more junior-based profiles of most peers.

2. Shane Wright, C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The top center prospect and a strong candidate to become a true 1A/1B NHL pivot. Granted exceptional status, he produced 32 goals and 62 assists (94 points) in 63 OHL games in his draft year after losing a full OHL season to the pandemic, while playing heavy minutes in all situations and leading Kingston’s offense. His refined two-way game, intelligence, faceoff ability, and projected 70–85-point offensive ceiling at center make him a safer, high-value pick.

3. Logan Cooley, C, USNTDP U18

The most dynamic center in the class and a high-end offensive ceiling profile. With the NTDP U18 team he produced well over a point per game, then posted 10 points at the U18 World Championship for the U.S. with elite puck-carrying, deception, and playmaking both on the rush and in the offensive zone. His skating and skill project to a top-line center if he hits, but his smaller frame and need for added strength keep him just behind Wright in a prospect-only evaluation.

4. Simon Nemec, RD, HK Nitra (Tipos Extraliga)

The top right-shot defenseman in the draft and a strong bet to become a high-end top-pair NHL defender. He logged major minutes in Slovakia’s top league as a teenager, held a prominent role on Nitra’s blue line, and was trusted by the national team at the Olympics and World Championship, where his poise and decision-making stood out. His mobility, intelligence, transition play, and defensive reliability at a premium handedness and position make him one of the most valuable non-forward prospects of the class.

5. David Jiříček, RD, HC Plzeň (Czech Extraliga)

Another high-end right-shot defenseman who already handled tough minutes in a major European pro league. Before a World Juniors knee injury cut his season short, he was playing significant minutes for Plzeň, showing a heavy point shot, aggressive activation, and physical edge against men. His ceiling as a top-pair, two-way defender with real power-play value is legitimate, but uncertainty around the knee and a slightly riskier decision-making profile keep him just behind Nemec.

6. Cutter Gauthier, LW/C, USNTDP U18

A power forward with center/wing versatility and a strong two-way floor. At 6-foot-2 and around 190–200 pounds, he scored prolifically for the NTDP while also improving his play down the middle later in the year. His combination of size, shot, and improving skating suggests a likely outcome as a top-six, matchup-capable forward who can score and play hard minutes.

7. Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Liiga)

A goal-scoring winger who burst onto the scene with a strong start in Liiga and showed he could create chances against men. At one point he led Liiga in goals as a draft-eligible forward, finishing with double-digit goals despite an injury-disrupted campaign. His shot, offensive instincts, and ability to find space in dangerous areas project to a top-six winger with 30-goal potential.

8. Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)

A smaller but very productive WHL center with high-end offensive instincts. He posted 35 goals and 55 assists (90 points) in 65 games for Winnipeg, standing out as a top producer on a league-leading ICE team with his speed, creative playmaking, and dangerous shot. Size and strength concerns against NHL centers are real, but his offensive profile and intelligence give him a strong chance to be at least a high-end second-line pivot or top-six winger.

9. Marco Kasper, C, Rögle BK (SHL)

A competitive, pro-ready center who played the entire season against men in the SHL. He recorded 7 goals and 4 assists in 46 regular-season games for Rögle, then elevated his game in the SHL playoffs and international tournaments, showing relentless motor, strong puck protection, and responsible three-zone play. His projection as a middle-six, matchup center who can play higher in a pinch carries significant value.

10. Pavel Mintyukov, LD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

A high-octane offensive defenseman who drove play in the OHL. He scored 17 goals and 45 assists (62 points) in 67 games, frequently leading rushes for Saginaw, walking the offensive blue line with confidence, and showing creativity and deception as a puck carrier. His tools and production project to a modern top-four defenseman with true power-play quarterback upside.

11. Kevin Korchinski, LD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Another high-end puck-moving defenseman whose passing and skating anchored Seattle’s transition game. He produced 4 goals and 61 assists (65 points) in 67 games — one of the best assist totals for a WHL draft-year defenseman in recent years — while gaining confidence as the season progressed. His size, skating, and playmaking point to a strong chance of becoming a top-four offensive defenseman.

12. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)

A big, skilled center with intriguing upside but more volatility than some peers. At 6-foot-3 and around 195 pounds, he put up 24 goals and 46 assists (70 points) in 63 games for Winnipeg, showing good hands and vision for a player his size. If his skating improves, he could become a powerful second-line center; if not, he still projects as a good, heavy third-line pivot or offensive winger.

13. Frank Nazar, C, USNTDP U18

A smaller, high-pace center/wing with strong transition ability and offensive upside. He was among the NTDP’s most effective transition forwards, using speed and tenacity to transport the puck and create offense on entries and forechecks while producing at close to a point per game. His motor and skill give him a plausible path to a top-six role if he can stay at center.

14. Denton Mateychuk, LD, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

A smaller but extremely intelligent and mobile defenseman who was heavily involved in Moose Jaw’s breakout game. He scored 13 goals and 51 assists (64 points) in 65 games, running the power play and frequently serving as the primary puck-mover at even strength. His hockey sense and puck-moving suggest a high-end second-pair defenseman with real first-unit power-play upside.

15. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL/J20)

One of the best pure shooters in the class and a winger with top-six scoring potential. He split his season between Djurgården’s SHL and J20 teams and then dominated at the U18 Worlds, leading the tournament in scoring with 15 points in 6 games and driving Sweden’s gold-medal run. His shot and finishing instincts make him a strong bet to become a 25-plus-goal top-six winger if he rounds out the rest of his game.

16. Danila Yurov, RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL/MHL)

A powerful, two-way Russian winger whose limited KHL usage obscures his true offensive talent. He saw only a few minutes per night in the KHL but dominated at the junior level, driving play with strong board work, a powerful stride, and good playmaking instincts. With an NHL-caliber release, he projects as a strong middle-six or better winger with both scoring and defensive value.

17. Isaac Howard, LW, USNTDP U18

A skilled scoring winger with a strong U18 World Championship performance. He finished among the leading scorers at the U18s for Team USA and produced heavily for the NTDP, showing quick hands, deception, and a dangerous shot from the circles. His offensive skill and knack for finding soft spots in coverage give him clear top-six upside.

18. Liam Öhgren, LW, Djurgårdens IF (SHL/J20)

A strong, straight-line winger who produced heavily at the J20 level and showed he could play up in the SHL. He led the J20 Nationell in scoring with over a point per game and was a key contributor for Sweden internationally, using a heavy shot and strong off-puck reads to get into scoring positions. His projection as a middle-six winger who can score and play responsibly without the puck is solid.

19. Noah Östlund, C, Djurgårdens IF (SHL/J20)

A smaller but highly intelligent and creative center who excels at manipulating defenders and distributing the puck. He posted big numbers at the J20 level, played some SHL games, and was excellent for Sweden at the U18s as a primary playmaker. His vision and skating give him a real chance at a top-six offensive role.

20. Lian Bichsel, LD, Leksands IF (SHL)

A large, physical left-shot defenseman who already played regularly in the SHL. At 6-foot-5 and around 215 pounds, he logged bottom-four but steady minutes for Leksand, showing good mobility for his size, heavy physical play, and a willingness to close gaps and defend the slot. His profile as a shutdown, 20-minute defender in the NHL has significant value late in this top-20 range.

Notable Prospects Just Outside the Top 20