11 NAHL players on NHL Central Scouting watch list
Coming off another successful and memorable NAHL Showcase six weeks ago, the NAHL is pleased to announce that several players with NAHL ties have been recognized by NHL Central Scouting.
11 players with NAHL ties have been recognized on the National Hockey League’s (NHL) ‘Prospects to Watch’ list for 2024 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 nine players that are currently playing in the NAHL this season and two former players now playing in another league who all played in the NAHL during the 2022-23 season.
Over 50+ NHL scouts, including those from NHL Central Scouting, were on hand at the NAHL Showcase back in September scouting players at the NAHL Showcase.
The list is a compilation of draft-eligible prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe. It will be updated throughout the season as scouts evaluate players.
The players on the preliminary list with A ratings are considered potential first-round picks. Players with B ratings are considered possible second- or third-round choices, players with C ratings are potential fourth- or fifth-round picks, and those with W ratings indicate a "watch" player for potential sixth- or seventh-round consideration, and first-time draft eligible "work in progress" players with a limited scouting history and games played.
"NHL clubs provided feedback that they would prefer to have more separation with C grade prospects since there is a significant difference between a fourth- and sixth-round prospect,” Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr said. “There has been a 10-year history utilizing the PTW grading system and the timing was right to adapt and evolve to the bidding of the NHL clubs.”
Current NAHL players
Bobby Bartell, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Bartell, 17, is in his first full season playing in the NAHL for the Jr. Blues. The 5’11/175 lbs. native of Winnetka, IL has three points in six games played to date.
Brandt Dubey, D, Minnesota Wilderness – Dubey, 17, is in his first season playing the NAHL for the Wilderness. The 6’2/176 lbs. native of Orchard Park, NY, has recorded two points in 14 games played to date.
Lukas Fürsten, G, Philadelphia Rebels - Fürsten, 17, is in his third season of junior hockey and first season in the NAHL with the Rebels. The 5’10/165 lbs. native of Ilava, Slovakia, is 3-4-0 so far this season with a 3.07 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
Mitch Kneidel, D, Rochester Jr. Americans – Kneidel, 17, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’0/185 lbs. native of Columbus, OH, made his NAHL debut earlier in October.
Alex Lunski, F, Chippewa Steel – Lunski, 17, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’4/203 lbs. native of Chanhassen, MN, has appeared in 12 games to date and recorded six points for the Steel.
Keaton Orrey, D, St. Cloud Norsemen – Orrey, 17, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL for the Norsemen. The 6’0/185 lbs. native of Eagan, MN, has recorded two points in 12 games played to date.
Stephen Peck, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Peck, 17, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’2/174 lbs. native of New York, NY, has a 3-4-0 record to date with a 2.52 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.
Louis Wehmann, F, St. Cloud Norsemen – Wehmann, 17, is in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’1/210 lbs. forward from Wayzata, MN, has seven points in 11 games played to date for the Norsemen.
Ajay White, G, Chippewa Steel – White, 17, is currently in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL. The 6’3/185 lbs. native of Bryn Mawr, PA, is 5-2-0 to date with a 2.30 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.
Former NAHL players
Cameron Korpi, G, Oklahoma Warriors 2022-23 (Tri City Storm/USHL)
Drew Roelofs, F, Bismarck Bobcats 2022-23 (Holy Family HS/MN)
