2022 NHL Draft Prospects - Analysis + Notes (Part 1)

Conor Geekie - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

  • Has NHL size (6'3'', 196 Ibs)
  • Can play a skilled game, with a physical edge
  • Younger brother of Morgan Geekie (Seattle Kraken)
  • Often compared to: Joe Thornton
  • High hockey IQ (very smart and efficient player)
  • Always in the right spot
  • Speed is biggest issue in his game (not the fastest)
  • Hasn't shown two-way ability 
  • Projected: Top 20 Pick
Matthew Savoie - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
  • Undersized centerman (5'9'', 175 Ibs)
  • Will probably move to the wing in the NHL
  • Dynamic playmaker (55 points in WHL this season)
  • Great skater (stands out)
  • Dynamic with and without the puck
  • 90 points in 65 NHL games
  • Projection: Top 10 Pick
Lian Bichsel - Leksand IF (SHL)
  • Massive (NHL body)
  • 6'5'', 216 Ibs
  • Physical (defensively sound)
  • Defensive skills is beyond age
  • Smooth Skater (although skating doesn't stand out)
  • Great 1-on-1 (good gap and stick length)
  • Lacks elite offensive skill (concerns on 5-on-5)
  • Split time between SHL, Juniors and representing Switzerland
  • Projection: Top 25 Pick
Brad Lambert - Pelicans (Liiga)
  • Described as inconsistent
  • Poor year playing in Top Finnish League (49 GP, 10 PTS)
  • Did not progress as expected
  • Best skater in the draft (attacks the outside with edges and stride)
  • High Skill (concerns about translating into pro game)
  • Great WJC games before cancellation of tournament (ran Finland's offence)
  • High Risk, High Reward Prospect
  • Projection: Top 20 Pick

Lane Hudson - U.S. National Development Team (USHL)
  • Small, undersized d-man (5'9'', 148 Ibs)
  • Left handed d-man
  • Skilled and competitive 
  • Shows high offensive instincts in junior
  • Development needed defensively
  • Great skater, "I'm in or I'm out" prospect 
  • Projection: Top 45 Pick

Jimmy Snuggerud - U.S. National Development Team (USHL)
  • Big NHL body (6'1'', 186 Ibs)
  • RW
  • Continued to get better over his USHL season (26 points in 26 games)
  • Committed to play for University of Minnesota next season
  • Described as competitive, skilled and the complete package
  • Two-way ability, with reasonable scoring ability
  • Projection: Top 20 Pick