Avalanche    

Although the Avs had no prospects in the Top 50 BRHL Affiliated Prospects they still do have 3 notable young players that will be a part of their future.

23-year-old Russian Dmitri Voronkov (Not listed but in NHL) has officially arrived in the NHL. The towering forward has 20 goals and 22 assists in 61 games while primarily playing on the second line. Voronkov figures to seize some playing time next year with a few UFA’s.

Max Crozier (#9 TBL) has lost some of his shine over the last year but still projects as a bottom 6 defenceman. Next year will be a make-or-break season as he is turning 25 and spent the majority of the season in the minors. 

The last notable prospect the Avs have is 20-year-old Etienne Morin (#9 CGY). Morin has had a successful season for Moncton of the QMJHL compiling 14 goals and 44 assists in 62 games. It may take a few years before he makes his BRHL debut but appears to be on track to be a bottom 4 D-man.

  Canadiens

Much like the Avs, Montreal had no prospects in the top 50 with 3 prospects that are considered interesting. It is important to mention that the Canadiens do have several young blueliners that appear to be a part of the future in NHLers Jordan Harris (23), Jayden Struble (22), Mason Lohrei (23) and Jake Christansen (24). 

Sam Colangelo (ANA #4) had a successful NHL debut so far this season after tearing up the AHL. In 21 NHL games the 23-year-old Colangelo has scored 6 goals with 1 assist. Projected to be a fast and physical top 9 player, it appears as if Colangelo will meet that expectation sooner rather than later.

Goaltender Adam Gajan (CHI #10) seen a meteoric rise after his crazy world jrs a few years ago. However, since his draft year there has been a sharp decline in his play, struggling against NCAA competition. Gajan’s 87.8 save percentage this season is only a blemish on his strong career so far. All indications are that he will adapt and rebound, much like he has so far in his career.

Gracyn Sawchyn (FLA #4) has again been a force in the WHL. In 54 games Sawchyn put up 30 goals and 48 assists for a middle of the road Oil Kings team. Despite his size he has often played heavier than he appears and is good forechecker. At this time, he appears destined to be a 60 point 3rd liner with potential to play up in the lineup

  Capitals

At 24, Justin Hryckowian (DAL #4) will be one of the older players we consider as a notable prospect. Although he is a late bloomer the fact his transition from NCAA to Pro has been seamless. This year has been another strong season where the Center earned himself a 5-game audition in the NHL. Hryckowian is on the right path to being a full time NHLer and surprise a few people on the way. 

After struggling in his freshman year Quinn Finley (NYI #5) returned more determined and stronger for Wisconsin this season. Those efforts produced a 20 goal, 20 assist season where Finley was relied on as a key contributor. His shot has always been elite but this year Finley’s skating has improved to the point a legitimate NHL career is in the cards.  

At the NHL trade deadline many teams tried to acquire Drew Fortescue (NYR #4) because of his growth into shutdown defender. At 19, Fortescue is likely to spend at least another year with powerhouse Boston College. The world jrs introduced the world to Fortescue and he did not disappoint helping the USA win gold. 

22 year old Dylan Garand (NYR #8) had another strong regular season in the AHL. The jury is still out on what he will become but another season or two being top 10 in gaa and save percentage will quiet some of the doubters. Look for Garand to play another full season in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL.

Pesky forward Brett Berard (NYR #7) has been a bright spot in the NHL. In 28 games he has scored 4 goals to go along with 4 helpers while playing a physical game. Berard will be an energy player at the next level but if his offensive game grows he could be a consistent 20 goal 20 assist guy. 

Hunter McDonald (PHI #9) is punishing defenceman with a solid defensive game. McDonald plays within his limits but still must improve his skating to become a full time NHL player. 

Dennis Hildeby (TOR #4) has regressed a little following a strong 2023-2024 season. Although his numbers are down, he was able to earn promotion to the NHL where he played in 6 games earning him an 87.8 save percentage. Hildeby at worst looks like a solid backup but will have the opportunity to show he can be a #1 with his NHL club.