NAHL Players recognized by NHL Central Scouting

October 3, 2018

Fresh off another record-breaking NAHL Showcase, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) is pleased to announce yet another milestone in player recognition.

 

15 NAHL players have been recognized on the National Hockey League’s (NHL) ‘Prospects to Watch’ list for 2019 draft-eligible players with the release of NHL Central Scouting's preliminary list of players to watch in North America and Europe. 

 

The list included 14 players that are currently playing in the NAHL this season and one former player in another league.

 

A total of 67 NHL scouts, including those from NHL Central Scouting, were on hand at the NAHL Showcase two weeks ago scouting players at the NAHL Showcase.

 

The record-breaking 331 NCAA commitments this past season and 1,345 NCAA commitments and 21 NHL Draft picks in the last five years have coincided with an increased presence on the annual NHL Central Scouting players to watch list.

 

The lists, comprised of "A," "B" and "C" players for the upcoming season in each of the major junior hockey leagues, are sent to NHL team scouts for the purpose of tracking the top draft-eligible players entering the 2018-19 season.  All "A" skaters have been identified as potential first-round picks, while "B" players are considered second- or third-round candidates. The players on the "C" list are thought to be fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round possibilities. Central Scouting's preliminary rankings will be revealed in November. That list includes the top 25 prospects for each of the various leagues throughout North America and Europe.

 

New this season with the A, B, and C lists, an NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch list (PTW) was also released. Along with the five NAHL C-ranked players on the list, NHL Central Scouting is currently tracking nine more NAHL players listed below as WATCH players (potential to be on the A, B, or C list in the future). Players play up or down, and on and off the list as the season progresses.

 

Nicklas Andrews, D, Brookings Blizzard

Joseph Foss, D, Odessa Jackalopes

Jackson Jutting, F, Minnesota Magicians

Dennis Westergard, G, Kenai River Brown Bears

Jack Williams, G, Springfield Jr. Blues

 

Erik Bargholtz, F, Janesville Jets

Jeff Bertrand, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights

Dylan Davies, D, Austin Bruins

McLean Dorr, G, Brookings Blizzard

Ethan Haider, G, Minnesota Magicians

Kirklan Irey, F, Bismarck Bobcats

Chase Sakic, F, Brookings Blizzard

Camden Thiesing, F, Chippewa Steel

Samuel Vyletelka, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights

 

Isaiah Saville, G, Tri-City Storm/USHL (Minnesota Magicians, 2017-18)

 

NHL Central Scouting will release its midseason rankings of 2019 draft-eligible players in January, followed by its final rankings in April.  

 

The Vancouver Canucks will host the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Next year's Draft will be held over two days on June 21-22, 2019. 

 

A total of 21 players have been selected right after playing in the NAHL in the past five NHL Drafts.