2022 NHL Draft Top Prospects
The 2022 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 7 and 8, where many exciting prospects will hear their names called. Unlike the past two drafts, this year will not be virtual and will be held in Montreal. As of now, although they have a bunch of games in hand, the Islanders’ first-round pick could be a good one. With that being said, here are 10 top prospects to keep an eye on as we get closer to draft day.
All statistics are as of Jan. 21, 2022.
1. C, Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs
Although not a guarantee, Shane Wright is the heavy favorite to be the first overall pick. While scouts have recently been suggesting that the “Pain for Shane” isn’t worth it, he has shown one phenomenal thing: he has no weaknesses. Wright is a speedy, two-way player with a quick, fiery release. Recently named captain of the Kingston Frontenacs, Wright is also a great leader and tends to make the players around him better.
2. C, Matthew Savoie, Winnipeg Ice
There are a few different options for the second pick but at this point, Matthew Savoie is perhaps the top player. Savoie has led a star-studded Winnipeg Ice team to first place in the WHL and leads the entire league in points. The young star has 53 points in 35 games, showing off his incredible scoring abilities. Savoie creates offensive opportunities every possible chance he gets, which sets him apart from the crowd.
3. RW, Joakim Kemell, JYP
Slightly behind Savoie is Joakim Kemell, a Finnish winger playing his first season in Finland’s top league. Most European prospects — even ones projected to be top picks — get little minutes in their country’s top league as a teenager, and therefore only score a point every few games at best. What Kemell is doing this year is remarkable. At just 17, he has 18 points in 21 games, showing incredible scoring abilities against men of all ages. With 12 goals, and he has shown he likely has the best shot of the draft class.
4. C Logan Cooley, USNTDP
A popular choice for second-overall — but oftentimes projected to be drafted outside the top-five, as well — is center Logan Cooley. Cooley has played 10 USHL games, scoring 10 points, and 25 USDP games, scoring 35 points. The main reason a team will likely draft Cooley early is his all-around game. He applies tons of pressure offensively, but is a great two-way player at the same time. He is exceptional in the face-off circle, too.
5. LW Brad Lambert, Lahti Pelicans
Brad Lambert is an underrated prospect from Finland, who has a good chance to go top-five if he keeps progressing. Lambert impressed last season with JYP, scoring 15 points in 46 games while playing a depth role. After a slow start in comparison to his rookie year, JYP traded Lambert to the Lahti Pelicans. Lambert is speedy and loves to make defenders miss when the puck is on his stick. He is mainly a winger but can also play center, and is one of the more NHL-ready prospects in the class.
6. D David Jiricek, HC Plzen
In a draft class dominated by forwards, there’s a good chance a team reaches a bit and drafts Jiricek, who right now appears to be the best defenseman in the class. Playing in his home country of the Czech Republic, Jiricek feels like a hidden gem, as not many top prospects come from there. Scouts are noticing, however. Jiricek has five goals and six assists in 29 games in the top Czech league. Jiricek is great offensively and has a cannon of a slapshot, but also never lets opponents behind him.
7. LW Juraj Slafkovsky, TPS Turku
Although Slafkovsky is also from the Czech Republic, he chose a different route than Jiricek, moving to Finland to continue his hockey career at just the age of 15. It turned out to be a great decision, as Slafkovsky has been killing it. Slafkovsky has been an offensive powerhouse in Finland’s U18 and U20 leagues. He also has one goal and three assists in his first 20 games at the top-level. Slafkovsky is a strong forechecker, but never passes up an opportunity to score.
8. LW Ivan Miroshnichenko, Omskie Krylia
Next is a Russian winger yet to scrape the top league in his country. Ivan Miroshnichenko is a goal-scoring winger who has nine goals and six assists in Russia’s second league. He’ll likely see some time in Russia’s top league, the KHL, later this season. Miroshnichenko is definitely one of the rawer prospects in the class and is much further away from being NHL-ready than a guy like Lambert, but if a team is willing to be patient, drafting Miroshnichenko early can be a great decision.
9. D Denton Mateychuk, Moose Jaw Warriors
Winnipeg-native Denton Mateychuk is a defenseman who loves to forecheck and is hard to miss on the ice. In just his first full season in the WHL, Mateychuk has seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 35 games. Finding defensemen who are close to point-per-game in the WHL, OHL or QMJHL is usually pretty rare, which makes Mateychuk extra impressive. He can provide much more than offensive assistance though. Mateychuk has a strong game in his own end, as well.
10. C Conor Geekie, Winnipeg Ice
A teammate of Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie adds to the Ice’s fiery offense. The two are both natural centers and aren’t usually on the ice together, but each have been spectacular to watch. Geekie has 38 points in 25 games for the Ice, showing off elite abilities in both passing and shooting. Conor’s older brother, Morgan, currently plays center for the Seattle Kraken. Based on the current standings, it’s not unreasonable the Kraken have Conor on their radar and would consider reuniting him with his brother.
Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others
