By Scott Wheeler, Corey Pronman, Jeremy Rutherford, Arpon Basu, Max Bultman, Scott Powers, Kevin Kurz, and Thomas Drance
The NHL rookie tournaments kicked off the new season this past weekend, and the team of reporters from The Athletic was on location to cover the events.
Scott Wheeler attended the six-team Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. In California, Corey Pronman reported from the seven-team Rookie Faceoff. Max Bultman was at the Red Wings and Stars event in Traverse City, Michigan. Thomas Drance made his way to Penticton, B.C., for the four-team Young Stars Classic. In Maryland Heights, Missouri, Scott Powers and Jeremy Rutherford focused on the three-team Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. Kevin Kurz followed the Rookie Series between the Flyers and Rangers in Allentown, Pennsylvania, while Arpon Basu observed the newly established Prospects Showdown in Montreal featuring the Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Altogether, we kept an eye on the prospects from 26 different teams.
These tournaments are crucial for initiating NHL training camps and provide many young players—from top draft picks to potential free-agent signings and invites—the chance to create a lasting impact.
Below, our writers have shared their observations regarding the standout performers from each event.
Jiři Kulich, C, Sabres: The Sabres undeniably boasted the most skilled lineup on paper at this year’s Prospects Challenge, highlighted by five first-round selections and a quartet of talented mid-round Russian players. Noah Östlund and Konsta Helenius consistently generated numerous scoring opportunities and deserved more recognition on the score sheet. Ryan Johnson appeared as if he spent most of last season in the NHL. Isak Rosén showcased his scoring abilities, stepping up when Östlund and Helenius struggled. Vsevolod Komarov and Nikita Novikov demonstrated the potential to become NHL defensemen in the future. Viktor Neuchev’s quickness was on full display. However, it was Kulich—despite being the second-youngest among those first-round talents—who stood out significantly, seeming ready to earn a position on the Sabres. He scored in every game, netting two goals in two of them, showcased his powerful one-timer on the power play, and, most importantly, displayed his strength in winning pucks and battling physically.
Harrison Brunicke, RHD, Penguins: This year, the Penguins’ roster displayed more energy than in previous years, thanks to the additions of Rutger McGroarty (who was the standout performer, scoring in all three matches and hitting a couple of posts, demonstrating his knack for positioning himself well and his relentless pursuit of pucks), Vasiliy Ponomarev (who excelled in puck protection despite being smaller), Ville Koivunen (who showcased his playmaking ability and comfort with puck handling during offensive plays), and Sergei Murashov (who impressed in goal). Yet, it was 2024 second-round pick Harrison Brunicke who became a topic of conversation. At just 18, he began the tournament on the Penguins’ third pairing but emerged as their top defenseman throughout the week. His exceptional skating and reach allowed him to contribute significantly on both ends of the ice. He effectively moved the puck, participated in plays, and managed to evade pressure. He appeared confident with the puck and operated effectively on the second power play unit. He came close to converting several scoring chances and recorded a third assist on a goal he initiated, although it wasn’t credited to him on the score sheet.
GO DEEPER
Harrison Brunicke’s journey from South Africa to Penguins prospect
To me, he appeared to be a better professional prospect than first-rounder Owen Pickering. If he can build on this foundation, he could become a significant player.
for him to secure a spot on the 2026 Canadian world junior team — Hockey Canada head Scott Salmond was present this week. —Scott Wheeler
Young Stars Classic (Canucks, Jets, Flames, Oilers)
Zayne Parekh, RHD, Flames: The standout player of a remarkably youthful Calgary Flames team at this year’s Penticton Young Stars tournament — which featured just one free agent invite, three full-time AHL players, and eight players the team drafted at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Vegas this summer — Parekh emerged as the most impressive athlete of the tournament.
However, Parekh’s tournament wasn’t flawless. He committed a costly turnover during three-on-three overtime in Calgary’s opening match, which allowed the Winnipeg Jets to capitalize.
Yet, his array of skills, physical maturity, and hockey intelligence were evident throughout. There were moments when he disrupted the cycle in his own zone, effectively bodying older players with NHL experience. At other times, he showcased composed dekes in the defensive zone, enabling clean exits and alleviating pressure on a Flames team that frequently found itself on the defensive.
Parekh also highlighted his offensive instincts. He was a proactive and frequent shooter, though he avoided taking slap shots. Instead, he preferred to skate closer to the Bowman line, adjusting the angle for a sharp wrist shot or opting for a precise low shot aimed at generating a second-chance opportunity. It wasn’t until his third game that he recorded a point, but the goal he netted was spectacular, exemplifying how he challenges goaltenders from the point:
More scoring from Flames 2024 first-round picks as Zayne Parekh makes it 2-0! #Flames pic.twitter.com/m0YDxnuNce
— Mackenzie Grafton (@mgrafton37) September 16, 2024
Parekh has the potential to further improve his wrist shot — which already boasts solid velocity and accuracy — but his foundational skills are dynamic.
Aatu Räty, C/LW, Canucks: Center Aatu Räty has often been overlooked within Vancouver’s prospect pool. At only 21 years old and coming off an impressive AHL season where he excelled toward the end, Räty reminded everyone of his potential.
Previously held back by his skating speed in North American professional play, Räty seems to have improved noticeably. With his multiple years of AHL experience, he naturally stood out at this level; however, unlike many other established professionals — except for Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert — Räty’s youth makes his dominance at this stage notable rather than merely expected.
Although Räty’s best performances last season came while playing on the wing, the Canucks are focused on continuing to experiment with him at center for the time being. He appeared to possess the qualities necessary to challenge for a spot on an NHL roster, or at least to be a leading candidate for a first call-up during the season’s injury crises. —Thomas Drance
The San Jose Sharks: Rather than highlighting one or two individual players who clearly impressed me at the L.A. showcase, I chose to focus on the team that made the strongest collective impression. The Sharks were ranked No. 2 in the NHL Pipeline Rankings and were in close competition with Chicago for the top spot.
demonstrating the impressive depth of young talent at this event. Although No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini had a performance below his usual standards during the first match against Utah, the Sharks managed to secure a victory. In their subsequent game versus a formidable Anaheim squad, they effectively controlled the flow of play, even without Celebrini on the roster. Will Smith significantly outperformed his Boston College teammate Cutter Gauthier, showcasing his remarkable skill and playmaking abilities. Their wingers, including Quentin Musty, Collin Graf, and Kasper Halttunen, contributed greatly to the offensive plays, while Ethan Cardwell also stood out at times due to his hustle and speed. On the defensive end, although Luca Cagnoni is on the smaller side, he demonstrated an ability to greatly support the offense, and the larger defensemen provided solid coverage, limiting Anaheim’s opportunities. —Corey Pronman
Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase (Wild, Blues, Blackhawks)
Frank Nazar, C/RW, Blackhawks: Beyond Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks are unlikely to include many young players in their NHL lineup as the season begins. However, Frank Nazar has a chance to make the team out of training camp. During the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, he made his case for inclusion and emerged as the Blackhawks’ standout player over the two games. Continuously around the puck, he generated quality scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, demonstrating skill in all areas of the ice. Nazar finished the showcase with one goal and two assists, and it will be exciting to see how he builds on this performance. —Scott Powers
Zack Bolduc, LW/RW, Blues: The 2021 first-round pick ended his rookie season with a flourish, netting three goals in the last five games of the 2023-24 season for the Blues. Aware that those achievements are in the past, he approached training camp with determination and a lot to prove. Wearing the “C” for the Blues, he excelled as their best player, showcasing improved poise and puck protection skills he focused on developing over the summer. His performance was highlighted by a remarkable goal during the Sunday game, where they defeated Minnesota 6-2. —Jeremy Rutherford
Frank Nazar has a chance to crack Chicago’s lineup out of camp. (Ric Tapia / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Prospect Tournament (Red Wings, Stars)
Nate Danielson, C, Red Wings: This year’s Traverse City “tournament” essentially consisted of a two-game series between Detroit and Dallas, with Detroit winning both games primarily due to the contributions from players who were
Last year had its share of standout performances, but one name that truly shone was Danielson. His skating and playmaking were particularly impressive, especially during the weekend’s second game. Although he recorded just one assist across two games, he generated a plethora of scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. The Red Wings will undoubtedly want to see this talent translate into greater point production, a trend he has shown over the past couple of seasons. Nevertheless, his influence on the game was unmistakable. With a strong exhibition performance for Detroit last fall, he is sure to attract significant attention this preseason. —Max Bultman
Prospect Showdown (Canadiens, Maple Leafs)
Lane Hutson, LHD, Canadiens: Hutson captivated the packed Bell Centre audience on consecutive days, showcasing his agility, creativity in passing, and ability to maneuver along the blue line. He lived up to expectations, outshining every player on either team throughout the two games. The true challenge now lies ahead: securing a position with the Canadiens during training camp. While outmaneuvering those bound for the AHL or juniors is one feat, performing similarly against the league’s top players is quite another. Hutson’s performance in these games, however, highlighted his exceptional talent; no current NHL player possesses a playing style quite like his.
Easton Cowan, LW, Maple Leafs: Cowan displayed impressive skill, but what really made him stand out in Montreal was his professional habits, correct positioning, and consistently effective stick work. He executed necessary plays with remarkable reliability, even in moments as mundane as a dump-in to facilitate a line change. For instance, during a penalty kill in the second game, Cowan pursued a loose puck near the Maple Leafs blue line, while Canadiens defenseman Logan Mailloux chased him, hoping to keep it in the offensive zone. Mailloux attempted to shove Cowan off the puck by pressing his stick down on Cowan’s, yet Cowan persevered and managed to clear the puck despite conceding roughly four inches and 30 pounds to Mailloux. He consistently exhibited such resilience. While his skill is commendable, it is the professional nuances that stand out, particularly in this competitive setting. —Arpon Basu
Rookie Series (Rangers, Flyers)
Matvei Michkov, RW, Flyers: Fans of the Flyers who made a roughly 90-minute trip north to witness the highly-anticipated rookie’s debut in an orange jersey were not left disappointed. Michkov showcased skills that surpassed everyone else on the ice, particularly with his adept puck handling and playmaking ability, including a power-play goal on Friday (he did not participate on Saturday). He seemed to elevate his game as it progressed, highlighted by a third period where he made memorable plays every shift — even attempting an “alley-oop” with Jett Luchenko, a first-round pick for the Flyers in 2024. He is poised to enter the main training camp with momentum later this week.
Brett Berard, LW, Rangers: Berard’s experience in the two-game series ended on a sour note when he was ejected in the second period on Saturday for spearing fourth-liner Sawyer Boulton. Prior to that incident, however, Berard had been arguably the most noticeable forward for the Rangers, contributing to a power-play goal just moments before his dismissal. While he seems to still be navigating the balance between being an effective pest and committing avoidable penalties—having also received a roughing call early in the first period on Saturday—the puck often seemed to find him. —Kevin Kurz
(Top photo of Easton Cowan: David Kirouac / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Scouting Report: Standout Performances from NHL Rookie Tournaments Kickoff
Overview of NHL Rookie Tournaments
The NHL Rookie Tournaments serve as a critical platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. These tournaments, typically held before the regular NHL season, feature top prospects from various teams, allowing scouts and fans to assess player development and readiness for the NHL. With teams participating across different locations, including Traverse City, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee; and Buffalo, New York, the excitement surrounding these events is palpable. Here, we dive into the standout performances that caught the attention of scouts, analysts, and hockey enthusiasts alike.
Key Players to Watch
Each tournament features a myriad of prospects, but some players consistently rise above the rest. Here are notable names who made significant impressions during the recent rookie tournaments:
- Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks) – The highly-touted first overall pick showcased his elite skill set and offensive instincts, making him a player to watch in the upcoming NHL season.
- Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets) – Known for his powerful skating and two-way play, Fantilli left scouts in awe with his ability to drive offense while being responsible defensively.
- Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks) - The Swedish forward demonstrated his high hockey IQ and vision on the ice, setting up plays and contributing to team success.
- Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Blackhawks) – Celebrini’s playmaking abilities and creativity stood out, captivating fans with his dynamic style of play.
Standout Performances by Teams
Traverse City Rookie Tournament
The Traverse City Rookie Tournament is renowned for showcasing the future stars of the NHL. Here are some highlights:
| Team | Standout Player | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Red Wings | Jonatan Berggren | Three goals and two assists in four games, demonstrating lethal scoring ability. |
| Dallas Stars | Wyatt Johnston | Dominated faceoffs and recorded four points, showing leadership on the ice. |
| New Jersey Devils | Luke Hughes | Defensively solid with a goal and three assists; showcased exceptional skating and puck movement. |
Nashville Rookie Showcase
In Nashville, several players made headlines. Here are a few performances that stood out:
- Luke Evangelista (Nashville Predators): Evangelista’s impressive puck handling and creativity led to a tournament-high five assists.
- Tyler Brennan (Vancouver Canucks): The goaltender’s resilience shone through, stopping 95% of shots faced, including multiple breakaways.
Buffalo Sabres Rookie Challenge
The Buffalo Sabres Rookie Challenge featured high-octane action, with several players catching the eye:
| Player | Team | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jiri Kulich | Buffalo Sabres | Showed scoring touch with two goals in three games, proving his offensive potential. |
| Quinnipiac’s Ty Smilanic | Florida Panthers | Impressive vision and playmaking ability, earning him two goals and an assist. |
Breakout Performances
This season’s rookie tournaments provided a stage for several players to break out and gain recognition.
- Shane Wright (Seattle Kraken): After a strong AHL season, Wright showcased his two-way game, contributing defensively while tallying key assists.
- Tyler Boucher (Ottawa Senators): Known for his physical style, Boucher demonstrated remarkable scoring ability with two goals and a gritty presence.
Benefits of Watching NHL Rookie Tournaments
For fans and analysts, watching NHL rookie tournaments provides several benefits:
- Player Development Insight: Gain firsthand knowledge of player growth and adaptation to higher levels of competition.
- Future Stars: Identify potential future NHL stars before they make their debut.
- Team Strategy: Observe how teams are shaping their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season.
Case Studies: Player Development Through Rookie Tournaments
The history of NHL rookie tournaments has seen many players transition from promising prospects to NHL stalwarts. Here are a couple of noteworthy case studies:
Case Study 1: Andrei Svechnikov
Following his standout performance in the 2018 rookie tournament, Svechnikov made the jump to the NHL and has since become a key player for the Carolina Hurricanes. His ability to handle pressure and contribute offensively during the tournament laid the groundwork for a successful NHL career.
Case Study 2: Cale Makar
Makar’s impressive play in the 2017 rookie tournament showcased his elite skating and offensive instincts. He quickly ascended to the NHL, where he has since established himself as one of the league’s top defensemen.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Rookie Tournaments
If you plan to attend an NHL rookie tournament, consider these tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: Get a good seat by arriving early to witness warm-ups and player interactions.
- Bring a Camera: Capture memorable moments, from goals to player celebrations.
- Engage with Fans: Connect with other fans to share insights and experiences.
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated on player performances and highlights through social media feeds and team updates.
First-Hand Experience: Attending a Rookie Tournament
As a hockey enthusiast, attending an NHL rookie tournament is a thrilling experience. The atmosphere is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the next generation of talent. I had the opportunity to attend the Traverse City Rookie Tournament last year, and here are some highlights from my experience:
- Meeting Fellow Fans: The camaraderie among hockey fans made the experience even more enjoyable, with discussions about player prospects and team strategies.
- Player Interactions: Watching players interact with fans and sign autographs added a personal touch to the event.
- Intense Competition: The competitive edge among teams was palpable, with each player striving to make a lasting impression on scouts and coaches.
Conclusion
The NHL Rookie Tournaments provide invaluable insights into the future of the league. With standout performances from emerging talents, fans and analysts alike are left excited about the upcoming NHL season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, keeping an eye on these rookie tournaments is essential for anyone wanting to understand the next generation of hockey stars.
