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As the NHL training camps conclude, leagues across both Europe and North America kick into high gear.
A few weeks into the games for the USHL and CHL and a month into competitions across Europe, here are twelve players who have caught my attention early in the 2024-25 hockey season, ranging from 2025, 2026, and 2027 draft-eligibles to drafted NHL prospects.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RHD, Skellefteå AIK (Detroit Red Wings)
At only 19 years old, Sandin-Pellikka is already a champion of the SHL, coming off one of the most statistically impressive age-adjusted seasons for a defenseman in Sweden’s top hockey league. He has also earned recognition as the top defenseman at both the U18 World Championships and the World Juniors. Early in his return to Skellefteå, he appears to have taken another significant step forward. Averaging over 19 minutes per game in the top four, he has scored two goals and accumulated five points in just six games, while Skellefteå has outscored opponents 9-4 during his five-on-five play. His defense is robust and assertive. Standing tall at 5-foot-11, he plays with the usual confidence and offensive aggressiveness:
There are voices in Sweden speculating that ASP is on his way to becoming a star in the NHL, which could shift the trajectory for the Red Wings as a franchise. Historically, only seven under-20 defensemen have reached the 20-point milestone in SHL history, including prominent names like Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, and Moritz Seider. It seems inevitable that ASP will join this elite group this year. The all-time record for scoring by a U20 defenseman in the league is currently held by the Stars’ Nils Lundkvist, at 11 goals and 31 points across 45 games. I wouldn’t be surprised if he surpasses that record as well.
At not yet 19, Artamonov has already posted 34 points in 67 career KHL games, including 11 points in 12 games at the start of this season. His breakthrough performance last season helped him secure a spot in the second round during the draft, and he is continuing to affirm that progress. After limited ice time in his first few games this season, Artamonov has moved up the lineup, is now tied for the team lead in scoring, and is enjoying a six-game point streak. His most recent goal came during a three-point game (one goal, two primary assists) over the weekend. While he may not possess a game-breaking skill set, this goal illustrates why he is regarded as a legitimate NHL prospect. Observing No. 79 in white, he tracks a puck deep into the offensive zone, applies pressure, and finds open space — showcasing his ability to locate soft ice effectively both within the offensive zone and during rushes (where he has already netted several goals this year).
Artamonov’s KHL contract extends through this season and the next, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he is prepared to make the transition to the AHL or even the NHL by spring 2026. He simply understands the game.
Kevin He, LW, Niagara IceDogs (Winnipeg Jets)
Drafted in the fourth round by the Jets, He was identified by me as a possible breakout candidate for the season, and although he has only played two games so far, he has made a positive impression. Scoring“`html
He possesses genuine speed, and discussions among his peers in the OHL frequently highlight his puck skills. Watching him operate like this is truly enjoyable:
Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (2025 NHL Draft)
Last night, I attended the game between the Colts and Steelheads in Barrie, where I aimed to observe Martone, goalie Jack Ivankovic, and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, three of the leading prospects for the 2025 draft class. Although the event attracted several NHL scouts, the gameplay was somewhat uneventful until Martone made an impact midway through the second period. He scored a goal while unmarked in the slot, followed by a toe-drag that led to a setup goal for Angus MacDonell on the same play. A few shifts later, he netted his second goal and recorded a third point by unleashing a powerful one-timer from the high slot. Martone is unafraid to engage physically, having had a confrontation with notable Sens prospect Gabriel Eliasson. Currently, he boasts nine points in the first three games of his draft season. Martone is anticipated to be a top-five draft pick, and I have had the opportunity to watch him extensively over the past couple of years, both playing for the Steelheads and multiple times with Hockey Canada (including two U18 World Championships, where he captained and was among the leading scorers last spring, as well as the World Junior Summer Showcase). While there were moments last year when I found his performance in Mississauga somewhat underwhelming, there were also stretches where he truly shone. He is a large, powerful, athletic winger with impressive skating skills, a hidden but lethal release, refined puck handling in one-on-one situations, and a tenacity for physical play. He is poised to be a significant force in the OHL this season and an impactful NHL player for many years. Additionally, he has a strong chance of making Canada’s world junior team as a draft-eligible player.
Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton Steelheads (2025 NHL Draft)
Despite the Steelheads having control of much of the gameplay during last night’s match, Ivankovic remained prepared for challenges whenever the Colts applied pressure—most notably toward the end of the second and third periods. He executed a remarkable sliding pad save on a point-blank backdoor attempt and skillfully batted a Grade A chance rebound out of mid-air with his stick. Throughout the match, he was consistent and square to every shot, culminating in a performance where he stopped 22 out of 23 shots. The only goal conceded was to first-round prospect Emil Hemming during a Barrie power play. This level of performance is standard for him, as he now holds a 3-0 record this season and has turned away 76 of 79 shots for an impressive save percentage of .962. Including his recent performances at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August, he has only allowed six goals in his last seven games, stopping 165 out of 171 shots, which translates to a .965 save percentage.
Joshua Ravensbergen is widely regarded as the leading goalie prospect in this year’s draft class and is viewed as a solid first-round candidate, but my observations of both him and Ivankovic bring me closer to proposing this: I believe Ivankovic might be the superior goalie at the moment and also possibly the better prospect overall. Ravensbergen’s 6-foot-5 stature and developing track record with Prince George are impressive; he has kicked off the season strongly with the Cougars and showed excellence in last spring’s playoffs. However, I have witnessed Ravensbergen“`html
more and truly assert himself during games. He possesses effortless skill, playmaking, and skating abilities. However, he was also recognized for his subtle competitiveness in minor hockey, and there were instances last season where he would momentarily disengage during games.
What has been his response this year? An impressive game log that showcases the following:
