The 2022 NHL Draft caused a shockwave through the hockey community last month. Many expected Shane Wright to be the top pick, but the Canadiens had their eyes on a different player.

Now that the top picks have been made, we can analyze the fits.

The bookies, rival couches and tacticians will all be doing the research we have already started — sizing up the future stars. If you want to get ahead of the NHL odds, you need to learn which rookie can change the game.

Five of the best players selected in this year’s draft are below.

1. Shane Wright – Seattle Kraken

Wright was the fourth pick in the draft, but everyone expected him to be drafted No. 1.

Wright previously played for Kingston Frontenacs. In the 2019-2020 season, Wright was given exceptional status. This means that Wright was seen as a phenomenal player — something that has only happened to six players before.

Wright was only 15 when he made his OHL debut. He finished the season with 39 goals and 66 points in 58 games. Wright was awarded the Emms Family Award for Rookie of the Year.

The 2020-2021 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when Wright returned in 2021-2022, the 17-year-old was named captain. This made him the youngest captain in OHL history.

He is a leader, a dynamic two-way forward and if everything goes right, a future star.

2. Logan Cooley – Arizona Coyotes

Selected third overall, Logan Cooley also has star potential.

Cooley played for the United States National Team Development Program, registering 27 goals and 48 assists in 51 games in 2021-22.

He is an amazing skater, doesn’t panic and plays a 200-foot game.

3. Matthew Savoie – Buffalo Sabres

Savoie is a dynamic center.

His style of play is to skate heavy and to skate hard. He creates opportunities and isn’t afraid of anybody.

And although Savoie is known as a bull on the ice, he has skill. He is a great passer and has a knack for scoring, too.

4. Juraj Slafkovský – Montreal Canadiens

Slafkovský was expected to be a high pick, but few expected him to be the No. 1 overall selection.

The Slovakian managed to jump ahead of other prospects and get chosen by the Canadiens.

At the age of 14, Slafkovský was playing against high-class competition in Finland. Here he was playing against older teenagers.

He was quickly seen as a talented child and was introduced into the adult ranks in the 2021-2022 season at the age of 18.

Since this opportunity to play against championship-level players, Slafkovský has massively increased his skills.

He could be a two-way stud.

5. Isaac Howard – Tampa Bay Lightning

Although Howard was picked 31st overall in the draft, that doesn’t mean anyone should sleep on this left-winger.

Howard is an underdog pick for a rising star, due to his skills and confidence. He stole the show at the 2022 NHL Draft with his confidence and swagger.

Plus, he is on the Lightning — one of the best organizations in the sport.

Summary

All five of these players could make a lasting impact on their teams. They are skilled hockey players with raw talent, a drive to improve and bright futures.

John Smark