The No. 2 pick in this year\u2019s draft was as advertised in the three-team California showcase in Irvine. Misa\u2019s hockey sense was present in his two games as he put himself in the right place for virtually every situation while repeatedly displaying his playmaking ability. The competition will ramp up for him, but the 18-year-old has an innate feel for the game, whether it\u2019s using his speed when necessary to get into open spots or slowing things down and not panicking when defenders are bearing down on him. Misa has that look of a two-way pivot that understands the pace to play at and adjusts accordingly, while having the kind of skill that should make him a point-producer at the NHL level. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n
Los Angeles KingsCarter George, G<\/strong><\/p>\n The 19-year-old George is highly thought of in an organization that is suddenly rich with goaltending talent. After standing out with OHL Owen Sound, George looked very good in his two games of AHL duty at the end of last season. That experience showed in the prospect setting this weekend as he excelled at tracking pucks and the play in front of him while showing a strong glove hand. Overall, he stopped 35 of 36 shots on Sunday and only allowed a power-play goal to Anaheim. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n NHL Prospect GamesDallas StarsJustin Ertel, LW<\/strong><\/p>\n The Stars had an older, less-heralded contingent for their games against the Red Wings. But among their under-23 players, the player who affected the games most may have been the 2021 third-round pick \u2014 a big-bodied winger who was a consistent presence on the forecheck and around the net. His offensive highlight of the weekend was an assist to 2023 sixth-rounder Angus MacDonell (who also had a nice weekend with a pair of goals) on which Ertel forced a turnover with his forecheck, then found MacDonell in the slot for a big goal. He was quite noticeable on the weekend. \u2014 Max Bultman<\/p>\n Detroit Red WingsNate Danielson, C<\/strong><\/p>\n Danielson is such a smart player. He\u2019s constantly in the right spots defensively, where he has a strong defensive stick, and is an easy-to-notice puck transporter and distributor as well. The question with him often comes down to whether his production will match his visual impact, and this weekend it largely did. Danielson scored a pretty goal and had an assist in two exhibition games against the Stars, getting off to a nice start to his preseason. He also looked a bit thicker, which will serve him well as he looks to win a job on the Red Wings to begin the season. \u2014 Max Bultman<\/p>\n NHL Prospect TournamentCarolina HurricanesRuslan Khazheyev, G<\/strong><\/p>\n Khazheyev was just OK in the AHL last year as a very young goalie, but looked like a seasoned pro in his camp games. Carolina listed him at 6-foot-6. I\u2019m not quite sure he\u2019s that tall, but he is huge and moves fairly well for his size. He was aggressive, squared up a lot of pucks and made a number of difficult saves, including using his stick to break up plays. \u2014 Corey Pronman<\/p>\n Florida PanthersSandis Vilmanis, LW<\/strong><\/p>\n Vilmanis is an easy player to like due to the pace and energy he brings to shifts. He got to a lot of pucks and outmuscled players often in battles. He\u2019s not the most creative forward you will ever see, but he had good flashes of skill with the puck. He looked like a player with a legit shot to become a bottom-six wing in the NHL. \u2014 Corey Pronman<\/p>\n Nashville PredatorsMatthew Wood, RW<\/strong><\/p>\n Wood is a tough evaluation. He often frustrates coaches and evaluators with his speed and lack of physicality (and did so again last weekend), but he\u2019s such a skilled big winger. He made a ton of difficult plays with the puck and despite his warts, he did what Nashville wanted him to, which was to create a lot of offense. \u2014 Corey Pronman<\/p>\n Tampa Bay LightningMaxim Groshev, LHD<\/strong><\/p>\n Groshev was drafted and has been a forward for almost his entire career in high-level hockey, but late last season in the AHL, he was converted to defense by the Lightning. For a player with limited history at the position, he seemed steady. His heaviness and mobility have always been strengths and he didn\u2019t seem panicky with the puck, which was key even if he\u2019s not overly offensive. \u2014 Corey Pronman<\/p>\n The Bruins acquired Fraser Minten from the Maple Leafs in March 2025. (Bob DeChiara \/ Imagn Images)Prospects ChallengeBoston BruinsFraser Minten, C<\/strong><\/p>\n On paper, the Bruins were lean in talent. But I liked Minten\u2019s two games. He was held pointless in the opener but had a goal, a primary assist and a couple of other looks to the inside in the second game. He was also good on the penalty kill, the power play and at five-on-five throughout. His offense is always going to be a little vanilla, but he held onto it inside the offensive zone, worked, won a ton of battles, cut off a lot of plays, put himself in good spots and was detailed and consistent shift-to-shift. \u2014 Scott Wheeler<\/p>\n Buffalo SabresRadim Mrtka, RHD<\/strong><\/p>\n The Sabres\u2019 most recent first-round pick played up to his draft status in his first rookie camp. The 6-foot-6 defenseman scored in the first game of the prospect tournament and was a noticeable physical presence throughout all three games. His skating, particularly his lateral agility, is impressive for such a tall player. Mrtka was composed with the puck, too. He looks like he has the most upside of any Sabres prospect. \u2014 Matthew Fairburn<\/p>\n Columbus Blue JacketsOiva Keskinen, C<\/strong><\/p>\n Keskinen was a seventh-round pick (No. 194 overall) in 2023, but no Blue Jackets prospect has made up more ground over the past two years. The Buffalo prospects tournament marked his first trip to the United States, and one of the rare times he\u2019s played a competitive game on an NHL-sized rink. But he must be a quick learner. Keskinen had two goals, two assists and four points in three games, centering the Blue Jackets\u2019 top line \u2014 with Luca Pinelli and Jordan Dumais on his wings \u2014 in what turned out to be a strong tournament for a roster with no first-round picks. After losing the opener 8-2 to New Jersey, the Blue Jackets bounced back with wins over Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Keskinen flashed quick hands and crafty playmaking ability. He had the confidence to bring defenders into his orbit, opening the ice for his linemates. Up next is Keskinen\u2019s first NHL training camp. It\u2019s a tall order for him to make the Blue Jackets out of camp, and if he doesn\u2019t survive final cuts, his contract allows him to return to Finland for a third season in the top pro league there. But Keskinen keeps inching closer to the NHL. This weekend was further proof of that. \u2014 Aaron Portzline<\/p>\n New Jersey DevilsShane Lachance, LW<\/strong><\/p>\n The Devils\u2019 roster was pretty light on talent, which made Lachance and Seamus Casey jump out. The 6-foot-5 Lachance, whose rights the Devils acquired from the Oilers in March, stood out in particular. The former BU and Youngstown captain wore an \u2018A\u2019 with his new team and looked like a future bottom-six NHLer. He showed puck protection, physicality and detail and looked good around the net. His skating, which has at times been a question, also looked comfortable. Lachance had two goals, one primary assist and a fight in two games. Both he and Casey sat out of the Devils\u2019 Sunday finale and deservedly so. \u2014 Scott Wheeler<\/p>\n Pittsburgh PenguinsAvery Hayes, RW<\/strong><\/p>\n Hayes wasn\u2019t drafted, primarily because he is generously listed at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds. But the fact of the matter is that he has emerged as one of the Penguins\u2019 best prospects and the 22-year-old is probably going to make his NHL debut this season. He only helped at this weekend\u2019s prospect tournament in Buffalo. Hayes scored four goals in three games, lighting the lamp at least once in all three. Hayes scored 23 goals in 60 games at the AHL level last season, and the Penguins absolutely love the edge he plays with. He isn\u2019t big in stature, but his heart clearly is. When Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen were called up to the NHL last season, they constantly spoke of Hayes, how important he was to Wilkes-Barre\u2019s success and how much they loved playing with him because of his sheer tenacity. He\u2019s very much a prospect on the rise in the Penguins\u2019 organization and someone to watch when training camp opens on Thursday. \u2014 Josh Yohe<\/p>\n Prospects ShowcaseSeattle KrakenBerkly Catton, C<\/strong><\/p>\n Catton was easily the best player on the ice for either team in the one game he played against Vancouver\u2019s prospects on Saturday night. Catton dictated play throughout the evening, dominating the puck in the offensive zone and generating at least one scoring chance per shift (sometimes two). He hit a post on a breakaway opportunity, still finished the night with two points (a goal and an assist) and you left the rink thinking it was a miracle he didn\u2019t have four or five. That the Kraken opted not to dress Catton in the second game of the back-to-back set this weekend is bullish for his chances of seeing real NHL action this fall. He certainly looked dynamic and ready this weekend. \u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n Vancouver CanucksVilmer Alriksson, LW<\/strong><\/p>\n Alriksson is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound specimen who is willing to mix it up after the whistle, throws thunderous hits and has some meaningful skill in his game, even if his CHL scoring has been pedestrian in two seasons since his draft year. Alriksson can struggle a bit with consistency and puck management, and it\u2019s clear he\u2019s still growing into his body somewhat. This is still a player that\u2019s very much a project. The project we\u2019re talking about in this case, however, is a gigantic, athletic, tough winger with puck skills, a conscientious defensive game and a high motor. It may be a year or two before we see Alriksson push for a full-time role at the NHL level, but he looked more than intriguing in the two games he played against Kraken prospects this weekend. \u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n Prospect ShowdownMontreal CanadiensIvan Demidov, RW<\/strong><\/p>\n The one game Demidov played against the Winnipeg Jets rookies was ridiculous and firmly demonstrated he did not belong in this event, which was only confirmed when Canadiens brass decided there was no point in Demidov playing a second game. He was involved in all three Canadiens goals, with his first assist leaving 2023 No. 14 pick Brayden Yager spinning, and that was not the only time Demidov hurt Yager\u2019s feelings in the game. His goal was borderline unfair and left his varsity Canadiens teammates laughing amongst themselves in the stands. \u201cEvery time you send him on the ice, you get the sense something\u2019s going to happen,\u201d Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent said. \u201cAnd then, something happens.\u201d \u2014 Arpon Basu<\/p>\n Faites DEMI-tour<\/p>\n Demi’s world#GoHabsGo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tBvp8MkHb0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Canadiens Montr\u00e9al (@CanadiensMTL) September 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ottawa SenatorsCarter Yakemchuk, RHD<\/strong><\/p>\n The Sens\u2019 top prospect had a great performance in his team\u2019s first game of rookie camp, scoring two goals where he flashed his NHL-ready shot and smooth hands. His defense will be under the microscope when he attends main camp later this week \u2014 he used his reach and size during the rookie tourney, but can\u2019t afford to be too aggressive or out of position. But his offensive capabilities and build will also draw attention. \u2014 Julian McKenzie<\/p>\n Toronto Maple LeafsLuke Haymes, C<\/strong><\/p>\n The Leafs have been light on high draft picks, so it was promising to see touted NCAA free-agent signing Haymes pop. The quick and intelligent 6-foot-1 center battled for pucks and usually came out on the right side of things. Haymes took the puck to dangerous areas shift after shift. But in doing so, he never put his teammates in jeopardy. He added a goal in each game. Also, this is a guy who blocked a shot \u2026 with his face. With a short opportunity to make a serious impression, Haymes did just that. After impressing in a late-season Toronto Marlies stint, a full AHL year could put him on his way toward a middle-six NHL center role. He certainly looks like a bona fide pro. \u2014 Joshua Kloke<\/p>\n Winnipeg JetsDomenic DiVincentiis, G<\/strong><\/p>\n DiVincentiis was the only thing stopping Saturday\u2019s prospect showcase game against Montreal from turning into a rout, with Ivan Demidov creating scoring chances seemingly at will. DiVincentiis was swarmed early and often but made spectacular saves on Demidov, Owen Beck and Joseph Dunlap at even strength. He also put on a penalty-killing clinic, stopping multiple one-timers \u2014 including a third-period slingshot play into the center slot that gave Winnipeg a chance to pull off the win. DiVincentiis\u2019 38-save performance made him the Jets\u2019 weekend standout, leaving Manitoba Moose head coach Mark Morrison effusive in his postgame praise<\/a>. \u2014 Murat Ates<\/p>\n Next Gen ShowcaseEdmonton OilersViljami Marjala, C<\/strong><\/p>\n The Oilers signed Marjala, 22, out of Finland\u2019s Liiga in June to boost their offensive prospect group. He showed he\u2019s got potential for his first North American pro season based on what he did over the weekend. On Friday against Calgary, Marjala displayed great patience to score on a breakaway, had excellent instincts in the Flames\u2019 zone and made a deft pass to send Matt Savoie in for a goal. All that earned him a promotion centering top prospects Savoie and Ike Howard. \u2014 Daniel Nugent-Bowman<\/p>\n Rookie SeriesNew York RangersScott Morrow, RHD<\/strong><\/p>\n The 22-year-old defenseman acquired from Carolina as part of the K\u2019Andre Miller trade dazzled during a pair of rookie games against the Flyers over the weekend. He led the Rangers with five points (one goal and four assists) between the two contests and lived up to his reputation as a skilled playmaker when the puck is on his stick. He\u2019ll have to prove he can do it against stiffer competition once NHL camp starts Thursday, particularly on the defensive end. But there\u2019s a real chance for him to earn a spot in the opening-night lineup if the UMass product carries this momentum through the preseason. \u2014 Vincent Z. Mercogliano<\/p>\n Philadelphia FlyersNikita Grebenkin, LW<\/strong><\/p>\n Grebenkin, who could challenge for an opening-night roster spot, scored the overtime winner in the first rookie game against the Rangers and added two assists in the second game. He wasn\u2019t afraid to get his nose dirty, either, when things got chippy. \u201cHe plays with a ton of bite,\u201d said Phantoms coach John Snowden. \u201cHe\u2019s a highly skilled player, but he is not easy to play against at all.\u201d \u2014 Kevin Kurz<\/p>\n Rookie ShowcaseVegas Golden KnightsKai Uchacz, C\/RW<\/strong><\/p>\n Last season, Uchacz finished second on the Henderson Silver Knights with 15 goals in his first season of professional hockey. He scored a ton of goals for the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL and has continued that as a pro. He started his 2025-26 campaign off on the right foot, scoring three goals in two games at the Rookie Showcase in Denver. He\u2019s certainly not ready to crack Vegas\u2019 opening-night roster, but if he continues this progression, he\u2019ll be among the names considered for in-season call-ups. \u2014 Jesse Granger<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/USATSI_25939343-scaled-e1757970729597.jpg\")
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