For 225 NHL draft selections, July 7th and 8th, 2022, was a memorable day. The draft was filled with many gems and surprises. For example, top-rated prospect Shane Wright dropped to the fourth selection.
Unfortunately, some players did not hear their name called on the draft floor. Here are some of the top undrafted players, that will enter next years selection as overagers:
Pano Fimis, F - Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
Fimis was once regarded as a first-round pick, and the Richmond Hill native concluded the year as the 75th North American skater. Many thought the former OHL second-overall pick would end up being selected during the third round. Unfortunately, for Fimis, this was not the case.
The 5'11" centerman ended the 2021-22 season playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs. He played a total of 54 games, recording 44 points, 30 of which were assists. Like many other OHL players, Fimis missed the 2020–21 season due to the pandemic.
Fimis is an incredible playmaker that can slip pucks through defenders, giving his teammates a high-scoring opportunity. He recognises offensive opportunities and he makes plays both with his forehand and backhand.
It is extremely likely that Fimis' draft fall was due to a lack of playing opportunities, as he played in his first junior season this year. Fimis also represented Canada at the U18 IIHF tournament.
Tyler Duke, D - USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Duke, standing at 5'9" and weighing just 179 pounds, was broadly known as an undersized d-man. The Ohio State University commit played in 24 USHL games this season, scoring 11 points.
The American d-man has a great fluent skating stride and technical edgework. He wows scouts with his ability to move the puck. Although undersized, Duke does not play a sheltered game. The d-man is usually in scrums and agitates opponents. Duke was second in penalty minutes on his team with 56.
Many scouts want to see Duke play at the NCAA level next year to give them a clearer understanding of his game. Thus, a potential reason why he was left unselected after being ranked as high as 76th overall on some draft boards.
Oskar Asplund, D - Almtuna IS (Allsvenskan)
Asplund is an average-sized defenceman playing on a pro team in Sweden as an 18-year-old. The left-handed defenceman was rated the 65th best European skater by NHL Central Scouting.
This season, Asplund started the year with Almtuna's J20 team. In his short time frame, he excelled offensively, scoring 14 points in just eight games. He was then promoted to Almtuna's pro team in the Allsvenskan, where he played in 48 games, putting up a solid 11 points.
The Swede is described as a smart player who uses his skills offensively. He plays a phenomenal offensive game. He is a great passer and jumps in on the rush. He is very solid defensively, but he is not a physical player.
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