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Artyom Levshunov
6’ 2” 208. RD
With a North American season under his belt last year with Green Bay, he put his great size to use and show offensive skills. He has now started his college career at Michigan State where he started the season at a point per game pace. He has enough positive attributes to put him firmly in the discussion as the best prospect at his position for the 2024 Draft, and the one closest to NHL ready. He projects as a top four defender with the upside to be more. He is the third youngest player in college hockey and as of February 2024 he was producing at a point per game pace. Despite competition against older players, he has been playing big minutes and done nothing to suggest he is out-matched. He has excellent four direction skating ability, but doesn't much stray from letting the game come to him, efficiently relaying pucks and closing on attackers without overplay. That doesn't mean he won't calculate when it is time to attack, and can surprise goalers close in, or thread passes laterally to an open teammate in on the look. He gets his shots through and is well versed with his transition passes. He isn't necessarily an attacking defenseman, as an opportunistic one, so it may be difficult to gauge this part of his game as a pro, especially early on. There iss no denying he can transport very quickly in most situation, and has a strong backpedal that closes ice very fast and well. Raw in many phases but there is no denying that with development, he will gain first hand knowledge and his reads & follow through. He seeems to be a strong candidate as the first pair defensive guy in a pair. He'd be that guy who when his offensive pair partner takes off, he can anchor and close ground on opponents who will find out how solid he is. There are also indications he can continue improving his work defensively, and that might go a long way to cementing himself as a true early defensive selection with two-way prowess.
Red Line:
Will be franchise altering defenseman. Tremedous combination of size mobility, puck skills, vision, and advanced defensive habits. Has already shown he’s able to dangle and skate his way through much older opponents in college while making dynamic plays with the puck. His quick feet make him dangerous on the rush. Rarely stagnant in the offensive end, always shifting positions to make himself available for passes. Has excellent vision and getys off quick shots or finds the open man in good scoring territory. Biggest strength is transitioning quickly from defense to offense. When he gets the puck on his stick, his feet start moving North immediately, never glides along looking for outlets…knows before he receives the puck whether he’s going to carry it or not or pass it. Strong defender gaps up well and gets stick to puck. Rugged, blocks shots, hits, wins puck battles, and plays with a nasty disposition.
Wheeler’s assessment
Pronman assessment
Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Player comparable: Brent Burns
Analysis: Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of Michigan State being a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puck-handler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times, and plays like a forward too much for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.
“Catch Artyom Levshunov on the right night, and you could just as easily be convinced he’s the best defensive prospect to enter the draft in the last half-decade. When his motor was running high, the Belarusian defenceman looked like a world-beater. This, despite playing a matchup role as a freshman in one of the country’s most difficult conferences. No small feat. Levshunov could kill plays between the blue lines, get big stops in the defensive zone, transition the play up-ice, and finish it with a well-placed wrist shot – sometimes, on the same shift. Better still, he could make it look easy.” - *EliteProspects.com*
“After selecting a franchise-altering center in Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks can focus on finding a game-changer on defense. After Celebrini, Levshunov might be the most NHL-ready player in this year's draft with the size (6-2, 205) and skill set that helped him have 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games as an 18-year-old college freshman.” - *Adam Kimelman, NHL.com*
“The Belarus-born right-handed shot was the third-youngest player in men's college hockey. He was second among NCAA freshman defensemen and tied for 10th among all defensemen in scoring. The Blackhawks need a future pillar on defense, and Levshunov fits that bill.” - *Mike Morreale, NHL.com*
Sacha Boisvert. 6 2 183. LC
Muskegon USHL High Vision
Lanky long striding centre with breakaway ability, puck skills, and NHL shot. This smooth long strider can accelerate quickly and pull away from opponents in open ice and displays elusive quickness in tight spaces due to his good balance and agility. Can rip shots off the rush, and is excellent at finding rebounds in front. Finds rebounds out front. Has the room to add a lot of muscle mass and bulk to his tall skinny frame. Drives the front fearlessly, but needs to ramp up his pace and urgency in his overall efforts. I suspected that he should have lots of points for Muskegon in the2023-24 season, and that has come to past with over a point per game pace as February has commenced and he having 25 goals (42 points) in 39 games. He needs little space or time to let off dangerous drives and shots around the net. He is not overly physical, but tough. Needs to use his line mates a bit more on his offensive carries and attacks. He is a high end shooter who fire on the rush and also find rebounds out close in front. Not shy at playing a physical game and initiating contact in the corners. He does try to make an effort in the defensive zone on the back check, but needs read and process his defensive assignments when he gats there. If he is going to continue to project as a decent NHL prospect, and he is going to have to make huge improvements in the faceoff circle. Still, displays first round talent and and upside with lots of acceleration, physicality, scoring ability and a frame that has room to add a lot more muscle. as of the start of February, he has started to let the game come to him and is humming on all cylinders. He and Griffin drive the potent Muskegon offense.
NHL: The Blackhawks could use some size through the middle of the ice after taking centers on the smaller size the past two years at the draft in Connor Bedard (5-10, 185), Oliver Moore (5-11, 188) and Frank Nazar (5-9, 175). In addition to a bigger frame, Boisvert has greatly improved his skating, which allowed him to become more of a 200-foot player. If he stays in the middle or slides to the wing, he profiles as a power forward who is able to create extra room for one of those dynamic centers while also being able to finish chances at the net.
Boisvert will further his development at the University of North Dakota next season and possibly become the program's first Quebec-born player (Trois-Rivieres). Boisvert's size (6-2, 183) paid off during his second season with Muskegon. The 18-year-old was fifth in the United States Hockey League with 36 goals and tied for 11th with 68 points in 61 games, after he had 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 57 games as a rookie in 2022-23.
Boisvert is a player I only ever hear good things about from scouts and hockey folks, and one who is viewed in higher regard by teams than by public lists. His competitive, pro-style profile also fits with how they’ve drafted in the past (there are even some similarities to last year’s second-rounder Danny Nelson’s size/well-roundedness, though Boisvert has a higher upside than Nelson).
Wheeler’s assessment Boisvert
It’s not easy to score 30 goals in the USHL in your draft year, let alone 35-plus, and this year’s Muskegon team has had two players do that in Boisvert and Matvei Gridin. It’s even harder to do as a center who is counted upon and keyed in on. But as one rival USHL coach put it to me: "Sacha Boisvert is a really good player.” Boisvert, a top prospect in Quebec growing up who was a first-round pick into the QMJHL even after he’d gone to the U.S. for the final two years of his minor hockey, is a North Dakota commit who was named to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team last year after he finished third on the Lumberjacks in scoring as a 16-year-old. As a 17-year-old, he was named an alternate captain for Muskegon and has played big minutes, often playing 20-24 in the second half of the season before finishing fifth in the league in goals (36) and 11th in points (68 in 61).
Boisvert’s got desired height and position on his side, room to fill out his once-wiry frame (which he already added a bunch of muscle to last summer; he still looks lean with further growth to come), and NHL skill and competitiveness. Intangibles come up a lot when you speak to people about him (he even dropped the gloves a few times this year, including in the playoffs). The skill includes a quick and accurate NHL-level release, good instincts on and off the puck, above-average feet (he's a decent skater, even if a little upright in his stance), a developing power game and great feel with the puck on his stick both at speed and in slowing the game down (though a high grip and long stick can occasionally limit him with the puck so far out in front of his body). Add in his impressive work ethic and a two-way commitment and there’s a lot to like. He’s got to put some more weight on and improve in the faceoff circle (which will come with more strength) but there’s a projectable game there with the right development/refinement and I’m confident the staff at North Dakota will do a good job with him. He’s got middle-six upside and there was some top-15 chatter about him late in the year, but after struggling to be a game-changer in tighter playoff games, I wonder if that has softened.
Pronman assessment: Tier: Middle of the line up player whose player comparable to Corey is Jack Norris- I see Necas. Boisvert has been a highly productive USHL player over the last two seasons. He has a lot of ppealing tools for the NHL. He’s a 6-2 center who can skate and has legit offensive abilities. He is very skilled and instinctive with the puck. He’s able to beat defenders with pace as well. Boisvert has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from the faceoff dots. I don’t love his playmaking as he’s certainly more of a shoot-first type of player but he can make tough plays. His compete is fine. He’s not going to be known for that aspect of his game but he wins enough battles and uses his size. He could be a middle-six forward in the NHL. Grade B- Thoughts on the pick: Boisvert checks a lot of boxes for the NHL. He’s big, skates well, has good skill and scoring ability, and competes well enough. The believers in him see major offensive upside. I see more of a potential third-line center, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest he could be a second-line player if he hits. He brings some much needed size to the Chicago forward group of prospects. There was buzz he was going to go this high in the lead-up to the draft. “Boisvert has been a highly productive USHL player over the last two seasons. He has a lot of appealing tools for the NHL. He's a 6-2 center who can skate and has legit offensive abilities. He is very skilled and instinctive with the puck. He's able to beat defenders with pace as well. Boisvert has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from the faceoff dots.” - *Corey Pronman, The Athletic*
*Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet*:The Blackhawks get another pick in the first round by trading picks No. 34 and 50 to the Carolina Hurricanes to take Marek Vanacker (6-0, 178), who led Brantford with 82 points (36 goals, 46 assists) in 68 games. The 18-year-old scored one goal in six games to help Canada win the gold medal at the World U-18s. Most impressive was he played almost the entire season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He had surgery in June and is expected to need 4-6 months to recover. “This player is tougher than rawhide. His frame is such that there’s plenty of room for growth, but he’s already wiry strong. Boisvert is a great skater who shoots the puck a ton. At his best, he can impact a game in a variety of ways. He projects as a skilled power forward and can play both centre and wing.” - *Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet*
“Big, strong, and ultra-competitive, Boisvert was born in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, and is expected to further his development at the University of North Dakota next season, where he would become the first Quebec-born player with the program. He takes pride in his two-way game and success on face-offs and was fifth in the USHL with 36 goals in 61 games.” - *Mike Morreale, NHL.com* “Scouts like the way the 18-year-old improved his skating as the season went on, further improving his 200-foot game. With Bedard, Oliver Moore (2023, No. 19) and Frank Nazar (2022, No. 13) the Blackhawks have stockpiled high-skill centers; Boisvert (6-2, 183) brings a bit more size and a 200-foot game to go along with the skill that saw him total 68 points (36 goals, 32 assists) in 61 games this season.” - *Adam Kimelman, NHL.com*
Marek Vanacker 6’ 0” 179 LW, Here’s are Brandon Saad
Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
He is a better skater than Sacha Boisvert
After a freshman year compilation of 4 goals and 16 points, Vanacker has emerged as one of the OHL top draft picks that has seen him pot 26 goals and 33 assist in 50 games so far, leading the team (although that is due to Chicago prospect Nick Lardis’ injury absence). He has been an offensive threat on most shifts, because he can really shoot the puck. He’s played primarily as a second line left winger. A strong forechecker who wins pucks. He has room on his frame for more weight and muscle and that will aid him progressing to be a power wing. He plays with an edge, has good on-ice vision and good hands an excellent straight line speed. Displays good balance and acceleration albeit not much lateral wiggle. Will drive play to the net or come inside to the front to receive opportunistic passes. Uses his body to shield pucks from defenders, and is able to find the open seam to the net, or use the perimeter to pass or shoot, but his hands in tight are gold. This kid can really shoot the puck, and his on-ice decisions are improving. There is more than a little seasoning that needs to be added, but he appears to be prospect who will eventually find some role in the pros, as his jump and opportunistic nose for the net prime him towards future success. He continues making better on ice decisions when he possesses the puck.
The Blackhawks jump back into the first round to make their third selection. Vanacker's numbers are even more impressive because of the season-long shoulder injury he played through. When healthy, Vanacker is an agitating forward capable of changing momentum with a big goal or a timely hit. That element of skilled meanness and physicality is something the Blackhawks are going to need as they work their way back to playoff contention.
Red Line: Nobody in the OHL improved their draft stock more than him, since the beginning of the season. The smooth skating winger used his speed and elusiveness to generate huge offensive production. He’s got soft hands and very good instincts around the offensive zone. A slick stick handler who backs defenders off the blue line with a variety of shifty moves that he can make at full speed. Lightning fast release and he pinpoints shots to the corners. He’s got unrated playmaking skills as well, but we do sometimes question his decisions on when to shot or pass-often shoots when he’s got an open linemate in better scoring position. We also need to see better commitment to his play away from the puck-rounds off his turns and does not bust his ass to come back hard on the back check. One way players at this point.
Wheeler’s assessment of Vanaker
Vanacker is a player who, after he impressed me in an early season live viewing, I immediately made time for on tape and asked around about. Since then, I've become more and more of a fan. After a good showing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game's combine testing, he found another level in the second half to finish as Bulldogs’ leading scorer after Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis went down with an injury in January, with 36 goals and 82 points in 68 games at season’s end (while playing through a shoulder injury that he has now had surgery on). I’m not reading too much into a quiet U18s, as he was really banged up by then, too.
Vanacker showed real confidence on the attack this season with the puck in his hands, building on his strong foundation of tools and habits to really develop his game offensively. There's a lot to like. He's got size, he's a really strong skater, he'll take pucks to the net, he protects and shields the puck well, he knows where to be and go on the ice, he's got a solid two-way game and he works to get the most out of his above-average skill. He's got the makings of a complementary winger and he knows who he is and what he's going to have to be up levels. He’s just a good hockey player who will be a good pro. He was my final cut at forward for this list.
Vanacker completes a strong haul for the Blackhawks as they add a D, a center and a wing with their first three picks, each of which fits their DNA. Vanacker’s also a teammate of 2023 Blackhawks pick Nick Lardis, so they’d have had eyes on him. I think there’s a chance he goes late-first but I wonder if his recent shoulder surgery gives teams just enough pause for him to linger until early on Day 2.completes a strong haul for the Blackhawks as they add a D, a center and a wing with their first three picks, each of which fits their DNA. Vanacker’s also a teammate of 2023 Blackhawks pick Nick Lardis, so they’d have had eyes on him. I think there’s a chance he goes late-first but I wonder if his recent shoulder surgery gives teams just enough pause for him to linger until early on Day 2.
Pronman assessment
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Analysis: Vanacker had a strong second OHL season scoring at over a point/game clip for Brantford but he wasn’t great with Canada in the spring. He’s a strong skating winger with very good hands. He can beat defenders often off the rush and creates a lot of controlled entries. Vanacker isn’t going to run players over, but he’s a decent-sized forward who works hard, wins a lot of 50/50 pucks and gets to the net to create offense. He makes plays but I wouldn’t call him a top-tier playmaker or a true offensive threat. He has the traits of a bottom six wing in the league.
Pick grade: B-
Thoughts on the pick: Vanacker was a projected late-first-round pick due to his tenacity, while being a strong skater and puck handler. He’s not the flashiest player in the world, and I have some questions on how much offense he will have in the NHL, but he looks like an NHL forward coaches will love.
John Mustard. 6’ 1” 186, LW #67 overall
Unsuspectedly came out of nowhere to be the USHL's top rookie scorer at end of December. A rugged winger who plays with a sense of urgency, has good feet, plays with pace, and moves the puck efficiently, and attacks the front. He is an elite shooter with good vision and instincts, as he finds teammates with passes that put them in positions to be successful. His hands are elusive as well and has the tools necessary to play at the higher levels. Mustard moves the puck efficiently and is rugged solid player with urgency to his game. On the first line, he is proving he is a pure goal score with elusive hands, an elite shot and one of youngest players in his draft class. Aggressive, forceful and scoring a lot. He is committed to Providence College.
Red Line:
Was one of the season’s best surprises, entering the USHL as an unheralded rookie, but came out guns a blazing and his 29 goals made him the easy rookie of the year. Elite shooter and goal scorer with pinpoint accuracy and an eye for the net. He’s a dynamic skater with blazing speed. He backs defenders off and can drive wide, drop a leg, and barrel his way to the net, beating even top d-men. Attacks the slot and plays with pace. Also has good offensive instincts and vision, finding teammates and putting them in places for success. He’s also a rugged winger who likes to mix it up and gets involved physically - likes to intimidate and has some edge to his game. Plays with a sense of urgency. Good hands - able to control pucks at top gear. Dangerous on the penalty kill, using his speed to disrupt plays and intercept passes.
Rank: 49
Mustard
“Despite his lack of high-level experience, he transitioned rapidly to the USHL and cemented his status as a top prospect with a stellar All-American Prospects Game showing. Mustard does everything at full speed. A quick burst of crossovers is often all he needs to burst by opponents, usually set up with a fake in the opposite direction and a powerful weight shift. After he beats the defence, he rolls on his outside side, curls the puck around a stick, and fires a powerful wrister. When he’s not rushing the puck, Mustard’s hunting in the offensive zone for open space.”
Anthony "A. J." Spellacy
Big strong C-RW who is fleet afoot and and although a raw longer term developer who needs to improve his on ice details and has excellent long term potential. You can see his feet working as he catches opposing puck carriers from behind. He is a kid who has the extra gear.Needs time, but there is some dynamic upside to what his game can become.
Jack Pridham. 6’ 2” 165, RW. #92 overall
Combines size, speed, and skill that will get attention from NHL scouts. His offensive toolkit is varied enough that he is not a one trick pony off the rush with enough passing vision to take advantage of better options when he isn’t in a high value shooting position. He is very disciplined in his passing options, targeting quick passes, where other puck carriers might force the play. Will need to improve his defensive pace, but certainly has the physical tools to move the needle when his team is not in possession. Projects as a modern power forward in the making.
“If Spellacy isn’t the fastest player in the draft, he’s certainly not far behind. It only takes a couple of strides or a crossover burst for Spellacy to separate from defenders. Many of his rushes are dynamic, pressing the dot lane to get defenders moving in the wrong direction before he finds another gear to drive the net. The effort matches the speed. Spellacy easily catches opponents, even from massive disadvantages, to steal pucks off their sticks. He’s a proactive down-low defender, bolstered by his constant desire to make contact. The rest of Spellacy’s game is still developing. He’s a raw player, especially in his decision-making and reads.” EliteP
Jack Pridham 6’ 2” 165, LHRW. #92 overall
Combines size, speed, and skill that will get attention from NHL scouts. His offensive toolkit is varied enough that he is not a one trick pony off the rush with enough passing vision to take advantage of better options when he isn’t in a high value shooting position. He is very disciplined in his passing options, targeting quick passes, where other puck carriers might force the play.
Red Line:
A modern power forward in the making. Combines size, speed, and skill with a willingness to engage physically in a way that will make NHL teams take a long look. Has all the attributes you’d look for in a middle six winger. Will have to improve his defensive pace, but certainly has the physical attributes you look for in a middle six winger. Will have to improve upon his defensive Will pace, but certainly has the physical tools to move the needle when his team is not in possession. His offensive toolkit is varied enough that he’s not a one-trick pony off the rush, with passing vision to take advantage of better options when he doesn’t have a high value shooting position. We’ve seen him make disciplined and quick passes where other power wingers might try to force something with their size. Excellent speed and lateral jump cuts with a long, fluid stride. Long thin frame should bulk up over his college years bin Boston University’s program.
Rank: 94
“Svensson's skating and awareness of space are his two strongest attributes. He's most effective when reading gaps and exploiting them, whether that's by making a quick pass to a moving teammate or driving the net around a passive defender.”
“Minutes and production were limited for Ty Henry, but the potential is high. The 6-foot-4 defenceman brings NHL-calibre skating and a clear dimension: Defence. On retrievals, Henry wins body positioning early, then sinks into a deep, explosive punch turn for the escape. He’s a quick, fluid mover who easily closes the distance on opponents, especially laterally. His physicality shines along the boards, where he matches footwork, closes the distance, and battles to get inside the hands. When all else fails, his mobility and reach allow him to recover and disrupt.” |
