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The Kids Keep Coming - Apr. 2 2018 - Vol. 71 Issue 13 - Jared Clinton

JACK ROSLOVIC(GRAIG ABEL/GETTY IMAGES)

THE WINNIPEG JETS HAVE a habit of making their picks count on draft day. From sniper Patrik Laine, center Mark Scheifele and netminder Connor Hellebuyck to secondary standouts such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor, Winnipeg has regularly supplemented its veteran talent with young upstarts, and it’s starting to pay dividends with more help on the way. “It goes back to the commitment we made when the team (came) here and the dedication from the ownership to make sure that scouting was an investment, that it wasn’t going to be just deemed an expense,” said GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

1 JACK ROSLOVIC

RW, 21, 6-1, 187 Manitoba (AHL)

32–15–20–35–8 2015 draft, 25th overall

OVERALL 19

A breadth of offensive talent has allowed the Jets to be patient with Roslovic, but his play in the AHL has forced their hand. He’s been as good with the puck as he has been without it, and now it’s about translating his AHL success to NHL production. “We’ve given him time with respect to different opportunities and different roles,” Cheveldayoff said. “If you watch him play right now…it’s how he’s playing, how he’s reading, how he’s reacting, that the coaches are impressed with.”

FW17 | No. 2 NHL | 2018-19

2 KRISTIAN VESALAINEN

LW, 18, 6-3, 209 HPK (Fin.)

44–19–20–39–6 2017 draft, 24th overall

OVERALL 55

Vesalainen got a taste of the European top flights in previous seasons, but his usage and ice time were inconsistent. His eyebrow-raising performance this season has given him some stability. He has a big shot and the offensive acumen to hang with more seasoned competitors, and his bulky frame allows him to fight for pucks. “He’s in a solid situation now as opposed to last year when there were lots of different transitions,” Cheveldayoff said. “He’s confident and having success.”

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2020-21

3 DYLAN SAMBERG

D, 19, 6-4, 215 Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)

32–1–8–9–37 2017 draft, 43rd overall

OVERALL 76

Samberg was a standout at the draft combine, and his production in high school was nothing short of brilliant. The leap to college has made offensive success challenging, however, and Samberg has taken his lumps. But his showing at the WJC, where he won bronze with Team USA, was proof that Samberg can finish. His size gives him a foundation with which to work, but he needs to grow into his frame. Improving his stride will also turn him into a more impactful offensive force.

FW17 | n/a NHL | 2021-22

4 BRENDAN LEMIEUX

LW, 21, 6-1, 210 Manitoba (AHL)

36–17–16–33–125 Trade (Buf), Feb. 11, 2015

OVERALL 94

An injury prior to camp last season prevented him from putting his best foot forward in the AHL. Lemieux has left those difficulties in the past, and the organization is impressed with the work he has done to transform his body. He’s bigger, stronger and faster – Cheveldayoff raved Lemieux was in “exceptional condition” – and the dedication to training has translated to greater production. He could do a better job walking the fine line between peskiness and the penalty box.

FW17 | No. 6 NHL | 2019-20

5 TUCKER POOLMAN

D, 24, 6-2, 199 Manitoba (AHL)

14–1–5–6–4 2013 draft, 127th overall

The Jets wanted Poolman to turn pro last season and gain experience, but an extra year in college has benefitted the smooth-skating defender. He stuck around in Winnipeg after camp and has been at the front of the line for call-ups, though he needs more ice time to reach his potential. The belief is Poolman can turn into an NHL hand in short order. “When you skate like him, have size like him, shoot like him, have hockey sense and are a good competitor, he could be a guy on the Josh Morrissey curve,” Cheveldayoff said.

FW17 | No. 5 NHL | 2018-19

6 ERIC COMRIE

G, 22, 6-1, 180 Manitoba (AHL)

16–9–2, 2.54, .921 2013 draft, 59th overall

Splitting time with Michael Hutchinson. Good attitude and a dedicated approach.

7 NIC PETAN

C, 22, 5-9, 179 Manitoba (AHL)

39–12–29–41–8 2013 draft, 43rd overall

Return to full-time AHL duty is step backward for skillful playmaker.

8 LOGAN STANLEY

D, 19, 6-7, 240 Kitchener (OHL)

54–13–25–38–95 2016 draft, 18th overall

Massive rearguard hitting stride as two-way threat after trade from Windsor.

9 MIKHAIL BERDIN

G, 19, 6-3, 180 Sioux Falls (USHL)

16–7–5, 2.65, .921 2016 draft, 157th overall

Has been solid in U.S. junior circuit. Needs to test himself on the next rung up.

10 MASON APPLETON

C, 22, 6-2, 201 Manitoba (AHL)

56–18–33–51–47 2015 draft, 168th overall

Transition from college has gone better than expected for AHL rookie standout.

21-AND-UNDER NHLERS | PATRIK LAINE, RW, 19; KYLE CONNOR, LW, 21

The finale of The Hockey News’ NHL pre-season fan survey results is here. 

This is the last piece of the three-part series, where we revealed the results of different controversial, fun and trending topics. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven't already.

For Part 3, we’ll be sharing what the fans think of other NHL fan bases, their favorite arenas, hockey traditions, analysts, and who should receive the next NHL expansion team.

Which Team Has The Best Fan Base?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Canadian teams dominate the votes, with the Montreal Canadiens’ fan base leading the way. The Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets have crawled into the mix, too. However, that shouldn’t be surprising, considering Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal were the top three in votes for favorite team in the first part of the fan survey.

The San Jose Sharks’ fan base received the most recognition among U.S. teams. The Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes were next in line in terms of American fan bases.

According to NHL.com, last season had the highest attendance for a regular season in NHL history. The Canadiens led all teams with the highest total attendance, reaching 865,305 across their 41 home games at the Bell Centre.

Which Team Has The Most Annoying Fan Base?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Funny enough, the “winner” of this category goes to arguably the biggest rivals of the Canadiens, the Maple Leafs. This was a very one-sided vote, far more one-sided than the vote for who has the best fan base.

With a massive market and confident – sometimes too confident – fans, it’s tough to avoid Leafs Nation.

How will this affect Auston Matthews’ legacy? (Just kidding.)

Favorite Arena

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Along with the best fan base, the Canadiens’ Bell Centre was voted as the most-voted favorite arena. Many NHL stars would agree. Players such as Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Connor Bedard, Jack Hughes and more said the Bell Centre is their favorite road arena.

Bridgestone Arena made it in the top three on this list, likely because of some of the famous Nashville Predators chants from the playoffs, including the “You Suck!” chants towards opposing goaltenders.

A few fans listed some old venues, such as the Nassau Coliseum, Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, Chicago Stadium and Joe Louis Arena.

Favorite Hockey Tradition

Don't see the graph? Click here.

Several traditions, superstitions and unwritten rules make hockey what it is. In this fan vote, the majority says their favorite tradition is the handshake line. 

In a best-of-seven playoff series, when players battle physically, mentally and verbally and seemingly stop at nothing to help their team win, it’s a beautiful thing when the opponents face each other and shake hands, despite the chaos that ensued.

One fan joked, “Handshakes after a playoff series (coaches included, Paul),” referencing Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice, who believes that coaches shouldn’t take part in the handshake line and leave it to the players.

Other popular votes included Stanley Cup celebrations. Some said that when players get their day with the Cup, or the handoff by commissioner Gary Bettman to the winning captain, rather than team owners, as in other sports.

Favorite NHL Analyst

Don't see the graph? Click here.

The media across the NHL and hockey community are filled with great and insightful analysts. Some are former players who bring a perspective to hockey that the average fan would never see, while others have become masters in their field.

Leading the charge is former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Bieksa, who provides a unique player perspective to Sportsnet’s broadcasts. 

Just behind him in the voting results is Paul ‘Biz’ Bissonnette, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins. He provides a fun and lighthearted aspect to broadcasts.“Biz brings exactly the personality that hockey needs for broadcasts,” said one fan.

What City Deserves An NHL Expansion Team?

Don't see the graph? Click here.

NHL expansion is consistently a controversial topic. Some people are against the idea of adding more teams to the NHL, while others want to see an eighth Canadian team or another team in an unconventional market in the U.S.

Quebec City earned just over 50 percent of the votes, suggesting that fans want to see a return of the Quebec Nordiques. They lasted from 1979-80 to 1994-95, before they relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche.

Speaking of returns, Atlanta and Phoenix got some love. Both metropolitan areas also had NHL franchises before, in the Atlanta Flames and Thrashers, and the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- One of the biggest questions surrounding the New York Islanders entering training camp was how Mathew Barzal would look out of the gate.

The 28-year-old was limited to just 30 games in 2024-25 due to two separate long-term injuries, the latter a knee injury off a blocked shot, which required a minor procedure, ending his season in early February. 

Barzal has been honest about his feelings, telling us at the organization's charity golf outing that he's 100 percent healthy and has overcome the mental hurdle and injury that created it. 

Despite Barzal's words, his play on the ice on day one would be telling as to just how effective he can be when the puck drops on Oct. 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to start the regular season.

 

Islanders Outlook: Mathew Barzal Profile & ProjectionThe 2024-25 season was anything but easy for New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal.

Day one of training camp is a day for everyone to get their legs under them, and Barzal looked like himself out there, which is a very positive sign. 

"[He looked] outstanding," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "I think we were all curious to see how well he would skate in this. I'm very happy. I'm very impressed with the way he was moving on the ice. He’s playing middle with Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. They played together before, so it seems to me they were really connected as well.”

Barzal hits the ice. #Islespic.twitter.com/RQbHNRZOGX

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 18, 2025

Barzal is moving back to the center this season to help fill the hole that Brock Nelson left behind. While that will be different, having played on Bo Horvat's wing since the Islanders acquired the former Vancouver captain ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Barzal's transition game, especially coming up the center of the ice, is elite. 

Having him back healthy and ready to go is critical to the Islanders getting back into the postseason after coming up nine points short of the second wild-card spot last season. 

"He looks good," veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock said. "He obviously missed a lot of time last year, but I think -- I skated with him maybe his second skating in the summer after coming back from injury -- he looked like he didn't miss any time at all. So thought again today, he looks good. He's skating, he's moving, he's turning. I think he'll have a big year for us."

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On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their 2025 training camp with a few words from general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. 

And if one thing was clear, it's that this camp - and this season - will be quite a bit different from ones in years past. 

For once, the Penguins have youth talent populating their prospect pool, and some of them are going to make legitimate pushes for the NHL roster. They are also mired in the middle of a rebuild, and the developmental focus of camp is going to be at the forefront. 

In addition, there were some rumblings about what's happening across the NHL on the trade front, which figures to be a focal point this season for the Penguins. 

Here are three observations from Dubas's pre-season presser.

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1. There is very much a focus on youth this camp

During camp in 2024, the Penguins were at a much different place organizationally than they're at now. Their prospect pool was largely barren, and outside of a few outliers, they didn't really have any youth legitimately making a push for the NHL roster out of camp. 

That is certainly not the case this time around, and Dubas and his camp know this. Prospects certainly won't be handed anything this season, but they won't be blocked, either, which wasn't as much the case in years past.

The organization is serious about this youth and development movement, and folks should expect to see some of that manifest into final roster decisions.

"What we're notably looking for is our younger guys that have earned opportunities and chances... Can they run with it? Can they push themselves to play in more exhibition games? Can they assert themselves in the training sessions that [start Thursday] in addition to the exhibition games that they get, and especially as the lineups get better and the games get harder as they go... can they continue to maintain their level?

4 Dark Horse Candidates To Break Penguins' NHL Roster Out Of CampPittsburgh Penguins' training camp is officially only two days away, and there will be many storylines to watch this year.

"If they continue to push all the way - and it's very clear that they should be on the team - they'll make the team, and we'll deal with whatever the ripple effects of those are on some of the more veteran guys." 

If push comes to shove, the team probably won't hesitate to cut ties with veterans in order to make room for standout prospects who appear to be NHL-ready. And the veterans know this.

"The message to the veteran guys is that, with where we're at, the young guys are coming, they're going to get opportunity, they're going to have to earn everything... but it's been very clear to them what the expectation is," Dubas said. "And it's up to them to hold onto their jobs and hold onto their spots and their places with the Penguins and in the NHL."

---

2. The trade market is pretty stagnant right now

I asked Dubas why the trade market was generally stagnant this summer - especially later on - and whether or not it had anything to do with the cap going up next season as well as the strong draft class.

"The commentary from other people throughout the league was that it just doesn't seem like anything's going on," Dubas said. "I think the increase in the salary cap from last year to this year - it was the first year it really took a significant bump since Covid - played an impact in that it just wasn't a necessity to make a lot of deals."

He added: "I think part of it has to do with salary cap going up, part of it has to do with other teams taking care of their RFAs due to last year's offer sheet situation between St. Louis and Edmonton. But I just think in the next number of years, you've got the salary cap projected to go up, and they've also outlined exactly what it's going to be, so it's better. It makes it easier to plan."

Dubas also commented on the markets for Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson, all of some of whom fans expected to be shopped this summer.

Penguins' 2025 Training Camp Preview: 6 Storylines To WatchWell, today is the day: Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp is finally here.

"I think with where we're at, we have to always look every single day at what's best for the organization. We're not in a spot where we're coming off being deep into the playoffs in consecutive years. The team's missed the playoffs for three years, and the job is to return us there. So regardess of what that creates on the rumor front or anything like that, we're always looking for ways that can help propel the team back to where we want it to get to. So, that work doesn't really stop. There's been tons of discussions on a lot of our guys throughout the summer, but we also aren't just going to make deals to offload very key and important people in the organization and that have given a lot to the organization in their time. So, if the right return is there, we would at anything, and in the meantime, we're going to do everything we can to get the most out of those guys."

---

3. Dubas wants to execute this rebuild his way

Of course, Dubas wasn't leaving this presser without answering a question about agent Pat Brisson's remarks about his client, Sidney Crosby.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic posed a question about whether there was a possibility that Dubas and Brisson or Dubas and Crosby aren't on the same page about the rebuild and the urgency to compete again in the near-term.

"Shortcuts cut long runs short," Dubas said. "I didn't take from Pat's comments that he necessarily disagrees with where we're at. I talk to Pat daily, if not twice daily, about all of his clients on our team, which they have plenty and other goings on throughout the league.

The Penguins' 'Rebuild' May Not Be What You Think It IsAnother day, another story, another post about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

"I think he's entitled to make whatever comments he wishes, but all that said, we can't alter the course that we're on - which is to bring the team back into a team that can contend for the Stanley Cup year-in and year-out - because of what different media members may want, where they may want to see Sid play, different things of that nature. We have to focus on doing what's right for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and regardless of any sort of commentary or things that are said in the media, we can't change that. So, this is our sole focus. I knew when signing up for the job that this was liekly going to be a part of it, and this doesn't deter us from the job at hand."

Basically, Dubas has a plan, and he's sticking to it - whatever that is. He continued to emphasize that they want to return the team to contention as urgently as possible while also stressing that they're not going to put a timeline on anything.

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Former Winnipeg Jets backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit faces another lengthy absence with new injury.

On Thursday, Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson confirmed Thursday that former Winnipeg Jets goaltender Laurent Brossoit underwent hip surgery this offseason and is expected to miss significant time. 

It’s the latest setback in what’s been a frustrating series of injuries for the Port Alberni, B.C. native, who hasn’t played since suiting up for the Jets during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After signing a two-year deal with Chicago in July 2024, Brossoit missed the entire 2024-25 season due to multiple knee surgeries, first to repair a torn meniscus in August, then an arthroscopic procedure in November. 

Early Takeaways From Jets Training Camp: Groups, Players To Watch, Position BattlesBreaking down the early takeaways of Winnipeg Jets Training Camp including storylines from each group, position battles to watch and prospects to keep an eye on.

With this latest surgery, his return timeline is uncertain, and his NHL future remains in question. Jets fans will remember Brossoit not just for his on-ice talent, but for his professionalism and quiet leadership in the dressing room. He returned to Winnipeg for a second stint ahead of the 2023-24 season and played a vital role in the Jets playoff push that year with a 15-5-2 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .927 save percentage that led to three shutouts in 23 appearances.

Brossoit's time in Winnipeg was memorable as he appeared in 77 games with the Jets and posted a 40-24-5 record with a 2.51 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. 

The 32-year-old netminder made his final appearance in Game 1 of the Jets' first-round series against Colorado, where he started in net at Canada Life Centre. It wasn't the first time Brossoit was heavily relied upon in a big spot as he also started in a Game 1 during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights. In 140 NHL games, Brossoit has compiled a 64-46-13 record, along with a 2.64 GAA, a .911 save percentage, and six shutouts. He also holds a 5-2 playoff record across 10 appearances.

Should Winnipeg Consider Bringing In Dillon Dube?The Winnipeg Jets could look to add another bottom-six forward with Dillon Dube available following the controversial Hockey Canada legal cases. 

The Detroit Red Wings could look to add another depth defenseman with Cal Foote available following the controversial Hockey Canada legal cases.

The hockey news cycle has taken a significant turn following the acquittal of five Hockey Canada players who were at the center of a long-standing criminal and civil case involving an alleged sexual assault in a hotel room.

Dillon Dubé (Forward – Calgary Flames), Michael McLeod (Centre – New Jersey Devils), Alex Formenton (Forward – Ottawa Senators), Cal Foote (Defenceman – New Jersey Devils), and Carter Hart (Goaltender – Philadelphia Flyers) were all found not guilty. The court reached this decision after determining that the complainant’s testimony contained inconsistencies, and crucial video evidence contradicted key aspects of her account. As a result, the allegations were deemed to lack sufficient credibility and legal merit.

Following the conclusion of the trial, the NHL stated that the players will be allowed to sign with a team on October 15th and could return to playing full-time on December 1st. It begs the question of if NHL General Managers are willing to outweigh talent over controversy and take in a player that could create a dramatic scene around the organization? 

Detroit Red Wings Announce Training Camp RosterThe Detroit Red Wings have announced their training camp roster and schedule for the upcoming week's training camp. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Insider reports have come out on the players and that some teams are reportedly looking to add some of the players. One of the most highly-talked about names is Hart, as he's a quality starting goaltender that is talented enough to take over a starting job with one mentioned contender being the Edmonton Oilers. One name out of the five that could be looked at in Detroit is Cal Foote. 

The 6-foot-4 physical defenseman was once considered a top prospect, selected 14th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, before his career was impacted by the criminal case. Still just 26 years old, Foote has shown he can contribute effectively, even if not through flashy point totals. He holds a career +24 rating in the NHL and made the most of his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2020 to 2023, appearing in 117 games while averaging just over 13 minutes per night in a bottom-pairing role. 

Despite limited ice time, he made a noticeable impact, ranking third among Tampa defensemen (with at least 60 games played) in hits per 60 minutes (6.24) and fourth in blocked shots per 60 (4.08) during that span. 

He was eventually moved to Nashville and then signed with New Jersey ahead of the 2023-24 season before leaving the team to go through the legal system with the criminal case. He still put up solid numbers with the Devils with a points and a +3 rating through four games. He could be looked at as a lottery ticket option for the Red Wings similar to recent signing Jacob Benard-Docker as Foote is a rare right-shot defenseman and could be valuable on the team's third pairing. 

He is at least worth an extended look as he is one of the players involved in the case to be getting second looks from NHL teams. 

Detroit Red Wings Unveil New Centennial JerseysThe Detroit Red Wings revealed special third jerseys on Monday to celebrate their upcoming Centennial season. 

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This is an advertorial for True Hockey, which The Hockey News owner W. Graeme Roustan acquired.

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Here are eight True athletes who are entrenched in the spotlight in the NHL, PWHL and CHL.

Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas, get ready for Mitch Marner.

The 28-year-old is set to dazzle with his new team after playing nine seasons as a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ core. And he has the chance to take an impressive career to the next level.

Last season, Marner put up a career-high 75 assists and 102 points, which were top five numbers among all NHL players. He even set up the goal that won Canada the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa Senators

If you want to know how to be a modern-day power forward, watch Brady Tkachuk play for the Senators.

He drives the net, parks himself in high-danger areas and piles up the shots and hits like few others.

Last season, Tkachuk took 110 shots in high-danger areas, the fourth-most in the NHL, while 16 of his 29 goals came in that zone. And in 2023-24, he scored the most goals by a player who recorded at least 290 hits in a season, with 37 tallies and 294 checks.

Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators

Jake Sanderson is already a top-pairing defenseman, trusted in all situations.

The 23-year-old recorded 199 speed bursts of 20 miles per hour and faster, including 27 speed bursts of more than 22 mph. Those were both the second-most among NHL defensemen, according to NHL Edge. After recording 32 and 38 points in his first two seasons, Sanderson had a career-high 11 goals, 46 assists and 57 points last season.

In his third NHL campaign, Sanderson finished 10th in Norris Trophy voting. If he keeps rising up the ranks, it won’t be long before he’s a true stalwart contender for the defender of the year award.

Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck is proving he’s one of the most dominant NHL goalies of his generation.

Hellebuyck, 32, set career bests in wins (47), goals-against average (2.00), save percentage (.925) and shutouts (eight) last season for the Jets, and he’s collecting hardware.

He became the fourth goalie in the NHL’s Expansion Era to win the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. He’s also won the Vezina Trophy three times as the goalie of the year and the William M. Jennings Trophy twice for the team that allowed the fewest goals against. He’s backstopped Team USA internationally, and he’s known for durability, regularly being among the league leaders in games started.

Jordan Binnington, G, St. Louis Blues

Jordan Binnington is capable of world-class performances on the biggest stages. The St. Louis Blues called him up from the AHL in 2018-19, and he backstopped them from the bottom of the NHL to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. He set an NHL rookie record for most playoff wins in a single year, with 16.

Last season, the fiery Binnington earned the net on Team Canada’s 4 Nations squad and proved doubters wrong, saving 31 of 33 shots in the final and making highlight-reel stops in overtime to help his team win it all.

Natalie Spooner, RW, Toronto Scepters

Natalie Spooner cemented herself as one of women’s hockey’s biggest names in the PWHL’s inaugural season in 2023-24.

She led the league with 20 goals and 27 points in just 24 games for Toronto and was named the top forward and most valuable player that year.

On the world stage, Spooner has won two Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles. That’s a golden legacy for an inspirational figure who balances motherhood and elite competition.

Kelly Pannek, C, Minnesota Frost

Pannek is no stranger to gold medals, either.

With four World Championship gold medals and an Olympic championship in 2018, Pannek is a respected veteran presence and proven winner. She also won two national titles in the NCAA as a key contributor for Minnesota and won the Walter Cup in back-to-back years as part of the Minnesota Frost’s leadership group.

Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor Spitfires

Belchetz possesses a rate size-skill combination at 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds.

The top pick in the 2024 OHL draft produced 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points as a 16-year-old rookie while winning gold at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

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Over 55 percent of NHL goalies wear True gear, and 90 percent wear True skates, which is the most dominant position of any product category in the NHL. True is also committed to domestic manufacturing, with world-class goalie equipment handcrafted in Mascouche, Que.

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