Defensemen
Markus Niemeläinen
Towering defender whose development hasn't gone as planned and is struggling to make an impact offensively.
Erik Hjorth
A towering defender with a large wingspan who projects to be a two-way defender with good mobility. Capable of providing some offense.
Robbie Stucker
It will be a long road to the NHL for this late seventh round pick, but Stucker has solid offensive skills and won’t hurt himself on defense. Check back as his USHL and NCAA careers progress.
Samuel Johannesson
A smooth, puck-moving defender. He is very patient and calm under pressure. Makes strong decisions both with and without the puck.
Noel Fransen
Offensive-minded defenseman with sharp skating and a higher-than-average hockey IQ.
Jakub Zboril
Zboril does not excel in any particular area of the game, but also has no glaring weaknesses. His overall ability should make him a lock for top-four duty in the NHL sooner than later.
Vili Saarijärvi
At one point he looked to be a possible future top-four blueliner for Detroit but hasn't done much in the pro's.
Hunter Drew
A smart, feisty defender who has worked his way up from tryout to one of the top defenseman in the QMJHL. As his confidence has grown, so has his offensive instincts. Compares to NHLer Josh Manson.
Jakub Galvas
Don’t expect big offensive numbers but Galvas has the talent to be a top-four defender in the NHL.
Brady Lyle
Offensively inclined defenseman with a tendency to shoot frequently.