Rieger Lorenz

June 2023 – Lorenz was a second round draft pick for Minnesota in the 2022 NHL Draft and his first season after being drafted definitely didn’t go as well as planned. The power winger played for the University of Denver in the NCAA and managed to put up only nine points in 37 games as a rookie. Although he still has potential to become an NHL player, all eyes will be on what he can do in his second season in the NCAA during the 2023-24 season. Nathan Leblanc

July 2022 – The Minnesota Wild have selected Lorenz in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, 56th overall. Nick Richard

May 2022 – Lorenz finished his 2021-2022 campaign by leading his Okotoks Oilers team in points by a margin of 26, with 38 goals and 47 assists in 60 games. His entire team fell off in the postseason, as the prospect only managed 11 points in 14 games but still led his squad in total tallies. Although he played in the AJHL this past season, which could hurt his draft stock, Lorenz has already committed to the University of Denver for next season and will be plying his trade against men in the NCAA. It’s a major leap, but one that will shed a light on the kind of player he projects to be.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect uses his frame in order to create space for himself around the net and on the boards, cutting inside with his decent edges to create quick offense out of tight quarters. He has great top speed as well, which he uses to beat defenders wide and drive the net. His defensive game is also refined, and he shows tremendous compete when chasing down carriers or loose pucks on both ends of the ice. If he can refine his puck skills and become a shooting threat from mid-range, as well as being able to cross seams with his playmaking, there could be a hidden gem here. He’s projected to be a second-round pick, and could have a middle-six power-forward role waiting for him in the NHL. Hadi Kalakeche