NAHL numbers stay steady on NHL Central Scouting list for November
November 13, 2018
Springfield goalie Jack Williams is one of five current NAHL players that is ranked on the NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch list. He has won his last three starts, allowing just four goals in 86 shots in that time span.
The NAHL is pleased to announce that the player recognition on the latest National Hockey League’s (NHL) ‘November Prospects to Watch’ list for 2018 draft-eligible players stayed steady with the latest release of NHL Central Scouting's players to watch in North America and Europe.
Five current NAHL players are ranked on the National Hockey League’s (NHL) ‘Prospects to Watch’ list for 2019 draft-eligible players. An additional nine players are still among those that are not ranked, but still on the NHL Central Scouting Watch List.
The total list included 14 players that are currently playing in the NAHL this season and one former player in another league.
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. To date, the NAHL current has 106 NCAA commitments during the 2018-19 season.
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.
Current NAHL ranked players on the list (alphabetical)
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
Current NAHL Players listed as Players to Watch (PTW) by NHL Central Scouting (alphabetical)
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
NAHL players now in another league
Isaiah Saville, G, Tri-City Storm/USHL (Minnesota Magicians, 2017-18)
NHL Central Scouting will release its mid-season 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.
