The NHL Central Scouting Watch List highlights top prospects for the upcoming draft, featuring key players with A ratings. These players are viewed as potential first-round selections. Other ratings include B for second- or third-round candidates, C for fourth- or fifth-round, and W for potential sixth- or seventh-round picks.
McKenna’s Impact on the NCAA
This season marks the first time players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) are eligible for NCAA competition. Among the 175 players making the transition is standout forward McKenna. Last season, he excelled in the Western Hockey League (WHL), accumulating 129 points—41 goals and 88 assists—in just 56 games with Medicine Hat. His performance earned him recognition as the player of the year in both the WHL and the CHL.
McKenna’s acclimatization to collegiate hockey began with two assists in a 6-3 win against Arizona State on October 3, followed by a power-play goal in a 4-2 victory the following day. He noted that the NCAA game is faster and more physical compared to the WHL, stating, “The guys are bigger, faster, older.” Living 3,500 miles from his hometown in Whitehorse, Yukon, has been an adjustment for him.
Penn State’s coach, Guy Gadowsky, praised McKenna’s off-puck play, indicating he is developing well and gaining strength. “Give him a couple of months,” Gadowsky said.
Notable A-Rated Prospects
Defensive Players
- Keaton Verhoeff, University of North Dakota: 6’3″, 208 lbs
- Ryan Lin, Vancouver (WHL): 5’11”, 177 lbs
- Xavier Villeneuve, Blainville-Boisbriand: 5’11”, 162 lbs
- Malte Gustafsson, HV71 (Sweden junior): 6’4″, 200 lbs
Verhoeff has made a significant impact with three points in four NCAA games. Notably, he is the cousin of NHL players Kirby and Colton Dach. Scouting reports highlight his offensive instincts and potential to be a top defenseman.
Forwards to Watch
- Ethan Belchetz, Windsor (OHL): 6’5″, 228 lbs
- Ryan Roobroeck, Niagara (OHL): 6’3″, 215 lbs
- Tynan Lawrence, Muskegon (USHL): 6’0″, 185 lbs
- Ivar Stenberg, Frolunda (Swedish Hockey League): 5’11”, 183 lbs
- Marcus Nordmark, Djurgarden (Sweden junior): 6’1″, 180 lbs
Belchetz is currently tied for the OHL lead with 10 goals in 13 games. Scouting reports emphasize his power forward potential, enhanced agility, and work ethic. Stenberg and Nordmark are also highlighted for their offensive capabilities, with Stenberg contributing 10 points in 12 SHL games and Nordmark notching 18 points in 10 games in Sweden’s junior league.
Conclusion
With the incorporation of CHL players into the NCAA, the hockey landscape is evolving. The contributions of players like McKenna alongside other A-rated prospects offer a promising future for the sport. As the season progresses, their performance will be closely monitored in anticipation of the upcoming NHL draft.
