32 Prospects: Ducks’ Pastujov, Red Wings’ Edvinsson among top prospects off to hot starts

Chris Peters
Chris Peters
32 Prospects: Ducks’ Pastujov, Red Wings’ Edvinsson among top prospects off to hot starts

The beginning of the new season creates a lot of excitement. It has also provided a fresh start for a lot of prospects after the bizarre 2020-21 season, where some played sparingly or not at all. Just getting back on the ice and playing games consistently has been a victory for the leagues outside of the NHL. Now teams can start focusing on a more natural developmental season for their young charges.

We’ve also gotten enough games in to take a look at some of the prospects around NHL systems that are making the most of this fresh start to 2020-21. So now is as good a time as any to introduce my semi-regular prospect check-in column, “32 Prospects.” Each 32 column will take a look at one player from all 32 NHL prospect pipelines based on a certain theme. This week is about which prospects are off to the best starts, but along the way we’ll look at breakout prospects, most improved, those that are struggling and anything in between to give you an idea of what is going on with your favorite team beneath the NHL level.

So here’s this week’s 32 Prospects, detailing which young players are off to particularly strong starts to their seasons.

Anaheim Ducks: Sasha Pastujov, RW, Guelph Storm (13 GP, 12-12—24)

Originally slated to attend Notre Dame this season, Pastujov signed with Anaheim and was loaned to Guelph. He’s now leading the OHL in scoring, with points in all but two games so far this season. The highly-skilled winger also had a good showing during the Rookie Faceoff in Arizona earlier this fall. After slipping to the third round last draft, Pastujov has been motivated. He’s put himself back on USA’s World Junior radar in the process.

Arizona Coyotes: Josh Doan, RW, Arizona State University (10 GP, 4-10—4)

After going to his hometown team in the draft, he’s been a star for his home state school. For Doan, this is a continuation of his maturation as a player. He was among the most improved players in the USHL last season and now appears to have established himself as a top freshman in the NCAA. With his size and work ethic, he’s become a consistent offensive force because his skill level has vastly improved over the last two seasons.

Boston Bruins: Jack Ahcan, D, Providence Bruins (9 GP, 1-5—6)

The undrafted free agent signing has been playing effective minutes in the AHL and is putting himself in position to be a callup if needed. Ahcan is a confident puck mover and, despite not being the biggest defenseman, always engages physically. He’s become a very effective pro who won’t wow you in any one aspect, but should find a way to be a depth defenseman at the next level.

Buffalo Sabres: Devon Levi, G, Northeastern University (11 GP, 8-3-0, .945 SV%, 4 SO)

The Sabres had a ton of options for this slot, including top pick Owen Power and Jack Quinn, who is tearing up the AHL right now with Rochester. But that’s just a testament to how good Levi has been to start the season. He has four shutouts through his first 11 starts, posting a .945 save percentage and helping Northeastern look like a competitive team in Hockey East. It’s all the more impressive when you remember Levi has not played meaningful games since the 2021 World Juniors where he was lights out for Team Canada in a silver medal effort. He’s been the best goalie in college hockey this year by a fairly significant margin.

Calgary Flames: Rory Kerins, C/W, Soo Greyhounds (14 GP, 9-14—23)

Outside of four games with Stockton in the AHL last season, Kerins barely played during the 2020-21 campaign. As a result, you wonder how a player is going to respond to that kind of layoff. Kerins’ response? Being one of the top scorers in the OHL this season. A 30-goal scorer in 2019-20 with the Greyhounds, Kerins is showing his value as a veteran for his current team. He’s on pace to shatter any previous career highs and looks poised to earn himself a contract with Calgary.

Carolina Hurricanes: Jackson Blake, C/W, Chicago Steel (15 GP, 7-14—21)

Now the top scorer in the USHL, Blake was young for last year’s draft and had spent most of last season in the Minnesota high school ranks, winning a state title with Eden Prairie before joining Chicago and winning the Clark Cup with them. The son of former NHLer Jason Blake is now leading the Steel, one of the USHL’s power teams, with his high-end speed and skill. Blake is slated to head to North Dakota next season, but is making the most of this season of junior hockey to make sure he arrives in the NCAA more than ready.

Chicago Blackhawks: Lukas Reichel, RW, Rockford IceHogs (8 GP, 6-2—8)

Things are starting to click in a real way for the 2020 first-rounder. Coming off of a hat trick in his last AHL game, Reichel is getting more comfortable with creating offense and is more used to playing on the smaller ice surface, which was a concern of his coming into the season. He is getting more shots, getting more chances and now leads the IceHogs with eight points. There’s no need to call him up until the Blackhawks stabilize things, but it might make sense to just let him keep developing in the AHL until he gives the team no choice but to call him up.

Colorado Avalanche: Oskar Olausson, LW, Barrie Colts (12 GP, 9-6—15)

In his first season in North America, Olausson has transitioned rather easily. He leads the Colts with 15 points and has been scoring goals consistently. Olausson played a good amount of pro games last season, so seeing him dominating a bit at the OHL level isn’t terribly surprising. However, he’s getting a chance to build his overall confidence to develop a stronger offensive skillset as he progresses. He’ll likely move on to the AHL next season as he’s very close to physically ready for the North American pro game.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson, C/W, University of Michigan (10 GP, 4-10—14)

One of the premier playmakers in the NCAA, Johnson has done a good job of making those around him better. The No. 5 overall pick in 2021 is a power-play weapon for the Wolverines and has been picking defenses apart in the offensive zone. His vision is exceptional, but then he has the hand skills to execute at a high level. On a star-studded team, he continues to find ways to stand out almost every game.

Dallas Stars: Logan Stankoven, C, Kamloops Blazers (12 GP, 9-10—19)

One of the more entertaining players in junior hockey, Stankoven is among the top scorers in the WHL this season. He’s top-six in the league in points per game. He’s got an incredible shot and he’ not afraid to use it, as Stankoven has been credited with 69 shots on goal, averaging nearly six per game. He always finds ways to make things happen.

Detroit Red Wings: Simon Edvinsson, D, Frölunda (16 GP, 1-8—9)

The maturity Edvinsson has shown throughout this season has been remarkable. He’s been among the best young players in Europe this season. In his draft year, Edvinsson was averaging under six minutes per game in the SHL. In his first full season in the top flight, the 6-foot-5 blueliner is averaging nearly 20 minutes a game, defending well and producing at a pace not seen from a U19 blueliner in the SHL in decades. He’s missed some time with injury, but has been cleared to return to play.

Edmonton Oilers: Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (13 GP, 10-15—25)

Only one player has produced more points over the last three season in the QMJHL than Bourgault. No one, however, has more points than his 25 this season. He is averaging nearly two points per game and dominating for one of junior hockey’s best teams. The Cataractes own a 10-3-2 record and are outscoring opponents by 16 so far this season. Bourgault is getting valuable experience when it comes to being the go-to scorer on a really good team.

Florida Panthers: Logan Hutsko, C, Charlotte Checkers (9 GP, 3-6—9)

In his first pro season, Hutsko is averaging a point per game. The former Boston College Eagle has been able to show his vast skills and make plays for Florida’s new AHL affiliate in Charlotte. He is currently second on the team in scoring to AHL veteran Alexander True, a Seattle prospect. Hutsko managed just 11 games last season at BC, with an injury cutting his time short. His transition to being a pro has gone far smoother than you’d expect given the circumstances.

Los Angeles Kings: Brandt Clarke, D, Barrie Colts (10 GP, 5-9—14)

After no OHL season in 2020-21, Clarke found a spot in the Slovakian pro league. Now that he’s back in a familiar league closer to home, Clarke is back where he belongs and he’s dominating. Averaging 1.40 points per game, by far the highest rate in the league for blueliners, Clarke continues to showcase his superior offensive know-how. He jumps into plays aggressively and the result has been five goals off his stick, tied for best among OHL blueliners. He still has to work on his skating and defensive skills, but he is going to have a massive year, production ways.

Minnesota Wild: Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA St. Peterburg (24 GP, 4-7—11)

The highest scorer among U20 players in the KHL, Khusnutdinov’s speed has been a problem for KHL defensemen. His scoring has cooled a bit of late and his ice time has dwindled, but his hot start to the season is a continuation of Khusnutdinov’s maturation as a player. The fact he’s been so heavily utilized on the pro team this year is a great sign of things to come. Next month, Khusnutdinov should play a key role on Russia’s World Junior entry.

Montreal Canadiens: Sean Farrell, C, Harvard (5 GP, 5-5—10)

After being named USHL MVP last season, Farrell showed how valuable that unexpected extra year of junior hockey has been. He is currently tied for the team lead at Harvard with 10 points. He’s been held off the scoresheet just once in the five games since the Crimson returned to action after having their season cancelled in 2020-21. Farrell is quick and has a high motor to go along with offensive skills that have made him a go-to scorer in his first NCAA season.

Nashville Predators: Luke Evangelista, RW, London Knights (9 GP, 11-4—15)

Evangelista appeared in 14 AHL games last season with the OHL shut down. The knock on him in his draft year is that he was a product of good linemates and it wasn’t clear if he’d be able to drive plays on his own. Fast forward to this season and he’s leading the London Knights both on and off the ice as the club’s captain. Averaging over a goal-per-game, he’s tied for third in the OHL with 11 goals this season.

New Jersey Devils: Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, Salavat Yulaev (27 GP, 3-4—7)

The continued growth of Mukhamadullin’s game has been pretty remarkable to watch. He defends at a pro level, has increased his mobility and is adding more offensive elements to his game. Mukhamadullin averages top-four minutes after working his way into a bigger role. I didn’t think he was going to have this kind of progression after watching him in his draft year, but the Devils’ bet on ceiling looks pretty good at this point.

New York Islanders: William Dufour, RW, Saint John Sea Dogs (15 GP, 12-11—23)

Now on his third team in the QMJHL, Dufour may have found the right fit in what should be his final year of junior hockey. He is second in the Q with 23 points and is looking like he’ll put together a career year overall. Selected in the fifth round in 2020, Dufour is a big man who has good hands. His skating remains a concern, but he still gets into good scoring areas and is making the most of the chances he gets. There’s still a longer development road ahead of him, but dominating offensively will certainly help the confidence.

New York Rangers: Brett Berard, LW, Providence College (10 GP, 7-4—11)

If Berard is going to make the NHL one day, it’s less likely it would be as a top-six scorer. However, he’s been a top-line player for Providence this season and an offensive driver. He’s done a really good job of combining a strong work-ethic and two-way play, with high production. His goal scoring has really taken off, but it’s his ability to make plays and win battles beneath the faceoff dots that likely puts him on a path to the NHL one day. Seeing his offensive game continue to take off as a potential future depth scorer is an added bonus.

Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson, D, North Dakota (9 GP, 3-6—9)

In the games I’ve watched of Sanderson so far this season, it is clear that he is feeling more confident offensively. Though he is an elite defender, he’s always had that skill and ability to make plays. He just didn’t do it often enough. Now looked to as the top defenseman on one of the nation’s top teams, Sanderson is dictating play more, jumping into rushes and the points are coming as he’s at a point-per-game. He looks every bit the part of a future elite top-four defenseman in the NHL.

Philadelphia Flyers: Emil Andrae, D, HV71 (12 GP, 2-11—13)

HV71 had the misfortune of getting relegated to the Allsvenskan last season. It’s unfortunate for the club, but it’s been really good for Andrae who is making a lot of plays in the early portion of this season. The undersized defenseman is playing big minutes for HV71 and getting significant power-play time. Averaging over a point per game, Andrae has just six primary points this season, but he’s getting a good taste of how to be a driver from the back end at the professional level.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Filip Lindberg, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (5 GP, 4-1-0, .922, 2.44)

The Pens actually have a few quality goaltending prospects in their system, but Lindberg appears to be the one on the fast track. Formerly drafted by the Minnesota Wild, Lindberg allowed his draft rights to lapse and signed as a free agent with Pittsburgh. After backstopping UMass to a national championship last season, he’s off to a tremendous start in his professional career with four wins in his first five starts. He was the AHL’s goaltender of the month in October. His stay in the minors may not be terribly long if he keeps playing like he has.

San Jose Sharks: Tristen Robins, RW, Saskatoon Blades (13 GP, 8-15—23)

The top scorer in the WHL, Robins is a handful to defend because he is so strong and can lower a shoulder and get to where he needs to go. Then he has good touch with the puck on his stick and seemingly always makes the right decisions. Robins is looking like one of those second-round picks that finds a way to outplay a good chunk of the guys taken ahead of them.

Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers, C, University of Michigan (10 GP, 6-3—9)

The Kraken don’t have a ton of prospects, but their first two picks from the last draft have been playing well. Beniers is coming off of a four-goal weekend against Michigan State that really boosted his numbers, but beyond the scoring, he has been a force for the Wolverines. His ability to disrupt the opposition and put so much pressure on opposing defenses is a very impressive skill for a player his age.

St. Louis Blues: Scott Perunovich, D, Springfield Falcons (9 GP, 2-14—16)

After suffering a significant injury that cost him almost all of last season, Perunovich is back on track with a truly stunning level of production. The 2020 Hobey Baker winner as college hockey’s MVP is one of the top scorers in the AHL despite being a defenseman. His ability to move pucks and play with such fluidity is going to make him a likely call-up in the near future.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Jack Thompson, D, Sudbury Wolves (14 GP, 4-12—16)

The top scoring defenseman in the OHL, Thompson started the season on fire. He has good goal-scoring sense for a defenseman and moves pucks extremely well. Thompson played in Sweden’s third division last season when the OHL was cancelled. He’s come back stronger and better in all elements. Defensively, he’s adequate and there will be some ups and downs for a young Sudbury team this year, but Thompson’s start provides a lot of optimism.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Topi Niemelä, D, Karpat (20 GP, 4-14—18)

Likely to be a top defenseman for Finland at the World Juniors, Niemelä is busy being the most productive defensemen in Finland’s top pro league and one of its most productive players overall. The gifted puck-mover is heads above his age peers and is playing well over 20 minutes per game so far this season while tied for second among all players in Liiga so far this season. He is on pace for a historic campaign for a U20 defenseman in Finland’s top pro league.

Vancouver Canucks: Aidan McDonough, LW, Northeastern University (11 GP, 8-1—9)

Northeastern has been a strong team in the NCAA this season and McDonough has been one of its offensive drivers. Just three goals shy of matching his career-high, McDonough has been scoring from everywhere. He’s made a lot of nice plays in transition and has put himself in good scoring positions. His shot is really challenging NCAA goalies this season with a quick release and improved accuracy.

Vegas Golden Knights: Brendan Brisson, RW, Michigan (10 GP, 7-5—12)

From one year to the next, Brisson is almost unrecognizable. His confidence is soaring and he’s put a lot of work in on his physical strength and continued skill development. He has scored consistently this season, playing alongside Sharks prospect Thomas Bordeleau. It seems like when Michigan needs a big goal or a big offensive lift, Brisson is there.

Washington Capitals: Axel Jonsson Fjällby, LW, Hershey Bears (9 GP, 3-4—7)

Earning his first NHL call-up and already playing in his debut, Jonsson Fjällby is the kind of prospect that doesn’t change the landscape of your franchise, but he can carve out a role and help. The speedy winger is an aggressive player and isn’t always going to wow you offensively. He’s had some scoring touch in the AHL this season, but ultimately he’s likely a bottom-six, PK forward, but you need good depth to win. He can be that soon.

Winnipeg Jets: Dmitri Rehsevsky, RW, Dynamo Moskva (27 GP, 14-10—24)

Where did this guy come from? After playing just nine KHL games last season, Rashevsky has been one of the top scorers in the league at 21 years old. His 14 goals are tied for fourth overall in the KHL. He’s shown remarkable maturity, patience and killer instincts with the puck on his stick. He can score a variety of ways and just finishes plays extremely well. The Jets picked him up in the fifth round in the last draft and are quickly looking very smart for taking that chance on him.

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