Scout's Analysis: Key player takeaways from Top Prospects Game

It was an exciting couple of days in Langley, B.C., as the top draft prospects from the CHL came to town to display their skill sets for NHL teams and fans alike.

It was an entertaining game that featured plenty of back and forth opportunities, solid goaltending, and some physicality. In the end, Team White came out with a 4-2 victory over Team Red.

Here are some of my scouting notes from the 2023 CHL Top Prospects Game:

• Connor Bedard ended the game with six shots on goal for Team Red. He was held off the scoresheet and ended the game a minus-2. It wasn’t the kind of result we have come to expect from Bedard, but he did create chances for both him and his teammates. The countdown is on. His name will be called first this June at the draft in Nashville.

• Kalan Lind was my favourite player in the game. His approach reminded me of Darcy Tucker in his prime. His infectious energy and compete was noticeable every time he rolled over the boards. He finished checks, attempted to get under the skin of opponents, created chances offensively, and defended with purpose. With the game out of reach for Team Red, Lind blocked a shot with less than two seconds left off the stick of Bedard. He clocked in for the full 60 minutes and dropped the mitts with Sudbury Wolves forward Alex Pharand. Lind was celebrating his 18th birthday last night and left scouts with a massive impression of what he can bring to the team that drafts him.

• Seattle goaltender Scott Ratzlaff was excellent for Team White, stopping 23 of 24 shots. Team White was whistled for a penalty less than two minutes into the game, resulting in Ratzlaff having to stand tall early. His was especially impressive in the second period, though. Ratzlaff stopped Team Red forward Riley Heidt on an attempted Michigan goal. He fronted the puck very well and absorbed pucks while competing to make second saves when required. I felt his composure, overall, was excellent.

• Sticking with the goalie theme, Team Red’s Carson Bjarnason (from the Brandon  Wheat Kings) was also very good. He was just a little off to start the game, but battled and ended up using his stature (6-foot-3, 186 pounds) to his advantage. He made several saves moving laterally, showing good quickness and low net coverage in the process. In order for Bjarnason to have sustained success it’s crucial for him to stay between his posts to maximize his size advantage.

• Hamilton Bulldogs forward Nick Lardis is one of the top skaters in the draft class. His straight-line speed and outstanding edges were very noticeable for me in this game. Lardis has scored 19 goals and 32 assists for his rebuilding club team.

• Zach Benson showed off his elite vision and playmaking ability. He sauced pucks tape to tape like he was leading an NFL receiver on a passing play. Benson isn’t a pure burner in open ice or in transition, but he’s elusive when he cuts back and across the seem. His hockey IQ is elite.

• Back to Pharand. He was a late add to the game (replacing injured teammate Quinton Musty) and showed well. He skated alongside Bedard and Benson in the back half of the game and understood his role. He was above the play when his team didn’t have the puck and worked effectively along the boards and around the net.

• Carson Rehkopf earned player of the game for Team White with a goal and an assist. Off the rush he displayed his speed and long reach as elements that can translate to the NHL game. Rehkopf is 6-foot-2, 193 pounds. When he gets the edge, his length is difficult for defenders to handle.

• Coulson Pitre got my attention. The Flint Firebird forward plays quick and fast and he can be a threat off the rush. His best work, for me, came off pucks he chipped deep in the zone. He won the ensuing puck battles and took the play to the net.

• The Guelph Storm have played better as a team for an extended period of time and defenceman Cameron Allen is part of the reason they are improving. He made some excellent puck plays in the Top Prospects Game. His outlets were on target and led to offensive chances for Team Red. Allen provides plenty of push back physically, too. He’s hard to play against.

• Gracyn Sawchyn was the most creative “small area” playmaker in the game. He’s not exceptionally fast in transition, but he has elite puck skill and can beat opponents by keeping the puck close to his body and dragging it under sticks and through legs.

• The biggest player in the game was Chicoutimi defenceman Matteo Mann. The right shot defender is listed at 6-foot-5 and 222 pounds.

• The smallest player was Denver Barkey from the London Knights. The elusive forward is listed at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds.

• I will be monitoring Moncton defenceman Etienne Morin down the stretch. The 6-foot, 180-pound defenceman had a very good couple of days in Langley. His skating, especially his edge work, at the testing sessions was excellent. He’s two-way defenceman on projection for me. Morin has scored 15 goals and 30 assists so far this season.