NHL Draft Class - podcast cover

NHL Draft Class

National Hockey Leagueaudioboom.com
{"_":"Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of @nhldotcom are your go-to resources on the NHL Draft. From ranking top prospects and dissecting team needs to chatting with scouts and executives and conducting mock drafts, NHL Draft Class provides comprehensive and exclusive coverage of the NHL Draft that can’t be found anywhere else.
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Episodes

S6: J-F Damphousse, NHL Central Scouting; Top QMJHL prospects

J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top 2024 draft prospects from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, among them Chicoutimi right wing Maxim Masse, Rimouski defenseman Spencer Gill and Saint John left wing Eriks Mateiko. Adam and Mike also discuss the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery, to be held May 7.

May 03, 202426 min

S6: Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting: Top goalie prospects

Al Jensen, the goalie guru of NHL Central Scouting, joins the podcast to discuss the top goalies available, including Mikhail Yegorov of Omaha of the USHL and what pushed him up to No. 1 in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American goalies, Carter George from Owen Sound of the OHL, Lukas Matecha of Tri-City in the WHL and many more.

Apr 26, 202429 min

S6: Dan Marr, VP, NHL Central Scouting; Final Rankings

VP of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss Central Scouting's final rankings of the top North American and International skaters and goalies for the 2024 draft. Among the topics are how long it took to determine Macklin Celebrini would be No. 1, how Central parsed the top available defensemen, why Anton Silayev ended up at No. 1 on the International skater list and so much more.

Apr 17, 202433 min

S6: Jason Bukala, Sportsnet scouting analyst; NHL.com's Top 32

Sportsnet scouting analyst Jason Bukala joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft. Bukala shares his NHL comparisons for consensus No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini, discusses why he has forward Ivan Demidov of SKA St. Petersburg's junior team No. 2 on his top 40 ranking, what NHL player NTDP star forward Cole Eiserman reminds him of, and much more. There's also some discussion around the NHL.com Top 32 ranking, including why Michigan S...

Mar 01, 202431 min

S6: Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets forward; CHL Top Prospects Game

NHL Draft Class is on the road in Moncton, New Brunswick for the CHL Top Prospects Game. Hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale talked to Tij Iginla, the No. 11 prospect on NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings and son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, about his season, crafting his own identity out of the spotlight of his father and the other sport he considered playing.

Jan 23, 202419 min

S6: Dan Marr, VP, NHL Central Scouting; Midterm Rankings

NHL Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss Central Scouting's midterm rankings of the top North American and International skaters. Dan goes in-depth on the NHL readiness of the No, 1 player, Boston University freshman forward Macklin Celebrini, the placement of NTDP star forward Cole Eiserman, and the top defensemen available, topped by Artyom Levshunov of Michigan State. Adam and Mike also discuss the USA Hockey All-American Game play...

Jan 16, 202430 min

S6: Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff; 2024 World Junior Championship preview

Steven Ellis, associate editor and prospect analyst for Daily Faceoff, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for an in-depth preview of the 2024 World Junior Championship, with a special focus on top 2024 NHL Draft prospects Macklin Celebrini of Canada, Zeev Buium of the United States, Konsta Helenius of Finland and more. There's also some talk about The Sphere in Las Vegas, the expected host of the 2024 draft.

Dec 19, 202332 min

S6: Player to Watch List; Top prospect Artyom Levshunov joins

NHL.com 's Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale kick off the sixth season of NHL Draft Class by discussing the release of NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list, including Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini and USA Hockey National Team Development Program forward Cole Eiserman. They're also joined by one of the top defenseman prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, Artyom Levshunov of Michigan State University.

Nov 01, 202324 min

S5: Craig Button, TSN scouting director; Draft recap & analysis

Craig Button, TSN scouting director, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to close the books on the 2023 NHL Draft, with his thoughts on the future potential of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson, among others. Button also gives a preview of some of the top prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft

Jul 12, 202348 min

S5: First Round Recap: Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson & Adam Fantilli

Adam and Mike recap the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft and discuss their favorite moments, biggest surprises and best stories of a memorable night in Nashville. They are joined by Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli. The guys wrap the episode talking about the facts and figures of the first round and what teams stood out to them with the selections made.

Jun 29, 202330 min

S5: Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet and NHL Network; 2023 NHL Draft Preview

Sam Cosentino of Sportsnet and NHL Network joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, including what the Anaheim Ducks could do at No. 2, where Russia-born forward Matvei Michkov could go, how many defensemen are selected within the top 20 picks and much more.

Jun 23, 202334 min

S5: John Williams, NHL Central Scouting; WHL draft prospect analysis

Connor Bedard is one of many top prospects from the Western Hockey League available for the 2023 NHL Draft, and John Williams from NHL Central Scouting joins NHL Draft Class to provide his expert opinion on several of them. In addition to Bedard, he covers Kelowna forward Andrew Cristall, Vancouver forward Samuel Honzek, Tri-City defenseman Lukas Dragicevic and many more.

Jun 21, 202328 min

S5: Janne Vuorinen, NHL Central Scouting & Leo Carlsson; European draft prospect analysis

Leo Carlsson, arguably the top draft prospect from Europe, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale (22:55) to discuss his season, whether he's a center or a wing at the next level and how he's overcome some personal adversity to shine on and off the ice. Also on the show is Janne Vuorinen (1:57) of Central Scouting to provide insight on some of the top International players available for the draft.

Jun 14, 202335 min

S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART II: Adam Fantilli & Will Smith

Adam Fantilli, who could be the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a wide-ranging discussion, including whether he plans to return to Michigan for a second season or jump right into the NHL. The hosts also spent time with William Smith, a likely top-five pick in the draft, to talk about his record-setting World Under-18 Championship and expectations heading into next season at Boston College.

Jun 08, 202332 min

S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART I: Connor Bedard & Mike Doneghey

Connor Bedard, the expected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale at the NHL Scouting Combine to discuss his season, his expectations for the combine and how much he's starting to learn about the city of Chicago (1:41). The hosts also spent time with Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey (15:38) to talk about their approach to the No. 1 pick as well as No. 19 in the first round, how Chicago approaches the combine and much more...

Jun 07, 202335 min

S5: David Gregory, NHL Central Scouting; Combine preview and OHL prospect analysis

We preview the NHL Scouting Combine with director of NHL Central Scouting David Gregory, who talks about the event's growth and how many prospects will be taking part. Gregory also discusses some of the top Ontario Hockey League players, including Owen Sound forward Colby Barlow and London defenseman Oliver Bonk, and also shares his opinion on the top two players available for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, Regina forward Connor Bedard and Michigan center Adam Fantilli.

Jun 01, 202342 min

S5: Pat Cullen, NHL Central Scouting; Top United States prospect analysis

Pat Cullen of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from playing in the United States, among them forwards William Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, and Warroad High School forward Jayson Shaugabay, who was voted Mr. Hockey in Minnesota. Cullen also touches on the potential for a position change for NTDP forward Danny Nelson.

May 25, 202333 min

S5: J-F Damphousse, NHL Central Scouting; QMJHL draft prospect analysis

J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, among them Sherbrooke right wing Ethan Gauthier, Moncton defenseman Etienne Morin and Halifax center Mathieu Cataford.

May 15, 202324 min

S5: Mock Draft 1.0; NHL Draft Lottery

The NHL Draft Lottery set the order for the first 16 selections, starting with the Chicago Blackhawks winning the No. 1 pick. That means it's time for the first mock draft of the 2023 NHL Draft season. Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale each believe Connor Bedard will be the first player picked, but after that? You'll have to listen to discover the reason behind their picks.

May 09, 202359 min

S5: Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting; Top goalie prospects

NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top North American goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft, among them Carson Bjarnason of Brandon in the Western Hockey League, Trey Augustine of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and more. There's also a look-ahead to the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery on May 8.

Apr 27, 202330 min

S5: Dan Marr, VP, NHL Central Scouting; Final Rankings

Dan Marr, VP of NHL Central Scouting, joins the show to discuss the final rankings of North American and International skaters and goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr goes in-depth on how the lists were put together, how much time was spent debating Connor Bedard at No. 1, and discusses why certain players were able to move up from the midterm rankings in January. Hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale also discuss the NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held May 8.

Apr 18, 202338 min

S5: Brandon Naurato, Michigan men’s hockey coach

University of Michigan coach Brandon Naurato joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss two of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, forwards Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, their growth this season as college freshmen and Michigan’s preparation for the NCAA Tournament. There’s also some Connor Bedard talk, including Mike’s time in Regina with the projected No. 1 pick of the draft, and his mom.

Mar 22, 202335 min

S5: Brayden Yager joins; Adam Fantilli & NTDP prospect analysis

Brayden Yager of Moose Jaw, No. 5 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss his season (5:45). Yager also discusses what NHL players he tries to pattern his game after, basement hockey battles with his brother Connor, and the famous NHL player he got a stick from as an 8-year-old. Adam and Mike also look at some of the top NTDP prospects and marvel at how Adam Fantilli has remained under the radar despite an ...

Feb 28, 202329 min

S5: Connor Bedard joins; CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game analysis

Regina forward Connor Bedard (15:20), the projected top pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss playing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Langley, B.C., close to his North Vancouver home. Bedard also talks about moving past his remarkable run at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, his goals for the rest of the season, and if he keeps an eye on the NHL standings. Adam and Mike also discuss their standouts from the Top Pro...

Jan 27, 202350 min

S5: David Gregory, NHL Central Scouting; Midterm Rankings

NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, and David Gregory of Central Scouting joined hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a behind-the-scenes look at how the rankings came together. Was there any debate about putting Connor Bedard at No. 1? What about NTDP forward William Smith at No. 3? David answers those questions and more during a stop in his busy scouting travels.

Jan 13, 202332 min

S5: Jason Bukala, Sportsnet scouting analyst

Jason Bukala, former director of amateur scouting for the Florida Panthers and now a scouting analyst for Sportsnet, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to wrap up the 2023 World Junior Championship, discuss the dominance of top NHL Draft prospect Connor Bedard, as well as other draft prospect standouts like Sweden forward Leo Carlson and defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka, Czechia forward Eduard Sale, United States forward Charlie Stramel and Gavin Brindley, and more.

Jan 10, 202335 min

S5: 2023 World Junior Championship preview

Ryan Kennedy, editor-in-chief of The Hockey news, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. They discuss tournament predictions, players to watch among the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects, and debate which top draft prospect could be facing more pressure, Canada's Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli.

Dec 21, 202237 min

S5: Connor Bedard, projected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft

Connor Bedard, projected to be the No. 1 pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins the show to discuss his season, how he's handling being in the spotlight, which NHL players he watches and responds to advice from Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid. Bedard also goes in-depth on his preferred stick flex, and where he gets his high work ethic from.

Nov 01, 202221 min

S5: Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting; Players to Watch list

NHL Draft Class returns for a fifth season with Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, joining Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss the preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr covers a number of topics, including projected top pick Connor Bedard and what NHL players make the best comparables for the Regina forward. He also talks about KHL forward Matvei Michkov and the questions surrounding his ability to reach the NHL, Michigan forward Adam Fantil...

Oct 25, 202231 min

S4: 2022 NHL Draft recap with TSN's Craig Button

The 2022 NHL Draft is in the books, and TSN director of scouting Craig Button joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to review all of it, including the Montreal Canadiens' selection of Juraj Slafkovsky at No. 1, Shane Wright sliding to the Seattle Kraken at No. 4, and which teams Button thought did best during the two days in Montreal. He also previews the 2023 NHL Draft, and provides some unique comparisons for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard of Regina in the Western Hockey League.

Jul 11, 202239 min
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