2023 WHL Draft Results

Round 1

The 2023 WHL Draft has future NHL talent on display. Find out who went to what WHL team and our grades for all 22 first round picks.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: August 3, 2023.

1. Prince Albert Raiders: Daxon Rudolph, D, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-0 179 lb Daxon Rudolph had 17 goals, 33 assists, 50 points, in 30 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team in 2022-2023. Daxon Rudolph also had 5 goals, 7 assists, and 12 points in 5 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Daxon Rudolph has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. This is a guy who can play all three zones at a high level and should be able to anchor the blue line for the Prince Albert Raiders on their top line defensively. He's got quick feet and a big frame and he's a great transitional player. He led the CSSHL in points by a defenseman was also tied for first in goals among a defenseman.
   
   
   
   Daxon Rudolph has the offense, defense, and skating that you want from a defenseman. He is someone who could push Adam Nemec, Simon Nemec's younger brother to be the top defenseman drafted in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft since he projects as a very good player down the road.
   
   
   
   "When he has the puck. The game gets quiet." That's what Bruno Zarrillo the director of scouting for the Prince Albert Raiders said about defenseman Daxon Rudolph. Zarillo stated that Daxon Rudolph checked off all the boxes.
   
   
   
2. Prince Albert Raiders: Riley Boychuk, C, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-8 149 lb Riley Boychuk had 18 goals, 62 assists, and 80 points in 33 games with the Airdrie Xtreme Under 15 AAA Team in 2022-2023. Riley Boychuk had 4 goals, 12 assists, and 16 points in the 2023 AEHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Riley Boychuk has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Riley Boychuk is the best pure set up man in the 2023 WHL Draft. He's constantly opening up opportunities for himself and teammates with his passes with creativity.
   
   
   
   Riley Boychuk like Daxon Rudolph is expected to be a first line player on the Prince Albert Raiders. Riley Boychuk will have Ryder Ritchie a 2021 first round pick in the WHL Draft and a 2024 first round prospect in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft as a veteran left winger he can depend on on the Prince Albert Raiders top line in the WHL.
   
   
   
   "We see him as a big part of our future. His family and his character is second to none. He just fits well with our culture. I don't know if we're gonna find a player with a better brain in this draft." That's what Bruno Zarrillo the director of scouting for the Prince Albert Raiders said about center Riley Boychuk. Bruo Zarrillo also praised Riley Boychuk for carrying himself with confidence on the ice as Boychuk was an AEHL U15 Champion, MVP, Playoff MVP, Top forward, had the most assists in the AEHL, and was a first team All Star.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Spokane Chiefs: Mathis Preston, C, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 157 lb Mathis Preston had 45 goals, 36 assists, and 81 points in 26 games with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Mathis Preston had 7 goals, 3 assists, and 10 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Despite being only 15, Mathis Preston has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, stick handling, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Mathis Preston was described as a commanding forward in two forward. His presence is unmatched and his best asset is his shot. He's got a nose for the net can score in the crease and can score on breakaways.
   
   
   
   Mathis Preston gets to learn under Berkly Catton for a year or two before potentially taking over as the top line center on the Spokane Chiefs as early as 2025 if Catton makes the NHL by 2025 which he very well may after Catton was the top pick in the 2021 WHL Draft. Catton will graduate from the WHL by 2026 at the very latest, so Preston will get an opporutnity to be the first line center in the WHL on the Spokane Chiefs, but the big question is will that be in 2024 if Catton makes the NHL right away, 2025, or 2026 as last years first round pick Chase Harrington also isn't draft eligible until the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Spokane is gonna be another fun WHL team to watch in the coming years.
   
   
   
4. Victoria Royals: Keaton Verhoeff, D, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-3 191 lb Keaton Verhoeff had 13 goals, 33 assists, and 46 points in 27 games with the Rink Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Keaton Verhoeff had 2 goals, 5 assists, and 7 points in 5 games in the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Keaton Verhoeff has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He can play in all three zones dominating in the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones just like Daxon Rudolph the first pick in the 2023 WHL Draft. Keaton Verhoeff's game is comparable to Seth Jones on the Portland Winterhawks as Verhoeff is a player who could potentially leapfrog into the top 5 or the top 10 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft if he dominates these next three years with the Victoria Royals.
   
   
   
   Keaton Verhoeff can run a power play or play the penalty kill well. He's a special teams ace as well as a franchise player. He's an outstanding person as well as he leads by example and plays a hard game according to the GM of the Victoria Royals. Three hockey players from Alberta went in the top four overall.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Brandon Wheat Kings: Jaxon Jacobson, LW, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-8 150 lb Jaxon Jacobson had 24 goals, 36 assists, and 60 points in 44 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings Under 18 AAA Team in the MU18HL in 2022-2023. Jaxon Jacobson also had 3 goals, 5 assists, and 8 points in 8 games during the 2023 MU18HL Playoffs in Mantioba. The Brandon Wheat Kings take a local product who got granted exceptional status for the 2023 WHL Draft, but fell to fifth in what is a very deep 2023 WHL draft class.
   
   
   
   Jaxon Jacobson has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's quick, shifty, and can be a difference maker at left winger.
   
   
   
   Jaxon Jacobson is the third MU18HL Player to be granted exceptional status since 2012-2013. The other two players were Tanner Kaspick of the St. Louis Blues who was the Blues 2016 fourth round pick and Brett Howden the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2016 first round pick that won a Stanley Cup on the Vegas Golden Kngihts this past season. Jaxon Jacobson's 60 points bested both Kaspick and Howden coming out of the MU18HL.
   
   
   
   Jaxon Jacobson is not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2027. Right now defenseman Landon Dupont whose projected to go first overall in the 2024 WHL Draft is the front runner to go first overall in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, but Jaxon Jacobson could emerge as a challenger to Dupont down the road. Landon Dupont is the best 2009 player and thirteen year old skater in the country with WHL scouts comparing the young defenseman to WHL legends like Matthew Savoie and Connor Bedard in terms of his skill set as those guys were number one picks in the WHL Draft just like Landon Dupont should be as Dupont will be the first defenseman since Aaron Ekblad back in 2011 to garner exceptional status in the CHL. I don't think the number one pick in the NHL Entry Draft has ever come from Manitoba, but I could be wrong on that. Jonathan Toews was the highest born Mantioba player picked third overall back in 2006.
   
   
   
   "It's an exciting day when you can welcome a player of Jaxon's caliber. Jaxon is a special player for us. He has incredible vision. He's an ultimate competitor. On top of everything is a great leader and human being. We're excited to get him in our lineup and he makes us better on and off the ice. He competed against older players at such a young age." Chris Moulton Director of Hockey Operations for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Moulton announced Jaxon Jacobson as the fifth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft.
   
   
   
6. Vancouver Giants: Ryan Lin, D, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 152 lb Ryan Lin is an exceptional skater who can skate North and South as he's someone who can defend with his feet and his stick. Ryan Lin had 17 goals, 24 assists, and 41 points with the Delta Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep G team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Ryan Lin had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 3 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Despite being only 15, Ryan Lin has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ryan Lin might end up developing into the best offensive defenseman in this 2023 WHL Draft when all is said and done since his offensive traits and skating already look strong.
   
   
   
   Vancouver has a history of drafting players from the Delta Hockey Academy. The Vancouver Giants believe they got a special player at 6. He's got a long stride and he knows how to take risks and knows when to take risks.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Prince Albert Raiders: Ty Meunier, LW, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-7 142 lb Ty Meunier had 54 goals, 34 assists, and 88 points with the St. Albert Sabres Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL as Meunier was the king of goal scoring in the AEHL outscoring the next player in the AEHL by 20 goals.
   
   
   
   Ty Meunier has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ty Meunier goes to a really consistent Prince Albert Raiders team in the WHL where he could compliment Riley Boychuk down the road, and could start out as a really good second line left winger on the top six of the Prince Albert Raiders as he's got a nose for the net and his stick is like a magnet when firing pucks as his release is similar to Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He can score in every way possible.
   
   
   
8. Vancouver Giants: Brett Olson, C, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-2 168 lb Brett Olson had 13 goals, 17 assists, and 30 points in 35 games with the St. Albert Raiders Under 18 AAA team against older players in the AEHL in 2022-2023.
   
   
   
   Brett Olson has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He can win face offs and kill penalties. Taylor Green the president of the WHL described Brett Olson as an absolute horse of a two way centerman and compared Brett Olson to Dylan Cozens who went on to be the Buffalo Sabres 2019 first round pick. He was also the only player in Alberta to be granted Under 18 Status playing against men rather than kids his own age. He's gritty and has high character. Has potential to be a future captain for the Vancouver Giants with his leadership traits. Vancouver's GM didn't think Brett Olson would be there at 8 which tells you a lot.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Medicine Hat Tigers: Liam Ruck, RW, (2026) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-11 149 lb Liam Ruck had 53 goals, 47 assists, and 90 points, in 27 games with Okanagan Hockey Academy's Under 15 Prep team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Liam Ruck had 4 goals, 10 assists, and 14 points in the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs. Liam Ruck was a first line right winger on the Okanagan Hockey Academy's Under 15 Team with Mathis Preston the first line center who went third overall in the 2023 WHL Draft as his line mate.
   
   
   
   Despite being only 15, Liam Ruck has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's very quick and fast on his feet too. He processes the game so fast. He projects as a first line right winger in the WHL too.
   
   
   
   The Medicine Hat Tigers will have Gavin McKenna who is also Connor Bedard's cousin as their first line left winger and Liam Ruck complimenting Gavin McKenna as their first line right winger for the next three years because Gavin McKenna was drafted first overall in the 2022 WHL Draft. Bobby Fox who announced Liam Ruck as the ninth pick in the 2023 WHL Draft seems estatic about getting the league leader in points in the CSSHL with 90 points at right winger to pair with McKenna.
   
   
   
   "Liam Ruck one of the smartest players in the 2023 WHL Draft. He wants the puck on his stick when the game is on the line. We want to play fast. That's what Liam does so it was a no brainer for us." Bobby Fox director of Hockey Operations for the Medicine Hat Tigers.
   
   
   
   Last year I said that Gavin McKenna is competing with center Noah Kosick the front runner to be picked first overall in the 2023 WHL Draft, Ryan Roobroeck who will either go first overall in the 2023 or 2024 OHL Draft, and Camden Pantekoek an exceptional sniper in the United States who will play on the USNTDP team or the USHL team with the first pick in the 2024 USHL Draft to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. One other player who could sneak into the top 5 of the 2026 NHL Draft is Adam Nemec the younger brother of Simon Nemec. There's nine players in this 2023 WHL Draft that wowed me so far.
   
   
   
10. Everett Silvertips: Brek Liske, D, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 175 lb Brek Liske had 10 goals, 24 assists, and 34 points in 26 games as a line mate on the blue line with Daxon Rudolph with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Brek Liske had 1 goal, 10 assists, and 11 points in 5 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Brek Liske played with Daxon Rudolph on the top line with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep Team as well as played apart. He showed he could anchor a second line defense as well as compliment your best defenseman on a top line. He's dynamic in transition. He's capable offensively, but excellent in terms of his fundamentals defensively. He uses his big frame to lean on players. He's got quick feet.
    
    
    
    Everett had defenseman like Ryan Murray the second pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Mirco Mueller the San Jose Sharks first round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, and Noah Juulsen the Montreal Canadiens 2015 first round pick as former defensemen on the Everett Silvertips in the WHL. Ronan Seeley from the 2020 NHL Draft and Kaden Hammell from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft are two more defenseman who got drafted. Everett also had Owen Zellwegger who was the WHL defenseman of the year last year. Right now Liske projects as someone who can develop into a first line defenseman on a WHL team down the road.
    
    
    
    "We're very excited to get Brek at number ten. I think he checks all of the boxes for us. Really good solid all around defenseman. He took a big step in the second half this season. He'll fit into our group quite nicely." Mike Fraser assistant general manager of the Everett Silvertips. Mike Fraser announced the Everett Silvertips tenth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Calgary Hitmen: Noah Kosick, C, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-5 112 lb Noah Kosick entered the year as the favorite to go first overall in the 2023 WHL Draft. Noah Kosick ended up dropping to eleventh overall in an extremely deep 2023 WHL Draft. Kosick was born in Kassel, Germany, but his family moved to Victoria, British Columbia to give Noah a better opportunity to get discovered by hockey scouts. His father Mark Kosick played on the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA before going to the DEL league in Germany to play professionally.
    
    
    
    Noah Kosick had 22 goals, 74 assists, and 96 points with the Pacific Coast Academy Under 15 Team in 2021-2022 which is probably why he entered the year as the favorite to go first overall in the 2023 WHL Draft. Noah Kosick only had 10 goals, 35 assists, and 45 points on the Pacific Coast Academy Under 18 Team in the CSSHL in 32 games after getting promoted from the Under 15 to Under 18 Team, but that was enough to make Kosick eligible for the 2023 WHL Draft as an underclassmen in 2022-2023. Noah Kosick also had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 3 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Noah Kosick has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Noah Kosick can develop into a first line center for the Calgary Hitmen down the road and this is a team that is already stout defensively.
    
    
    
    Taylor Green called Noah Kosick a wizard with the puck stating his stick skills were off the charts. He's a crafty player you see cut backs on the half wall. You see dynamic ability entering the zone putting up passing lanes for teammates.
    
    
    
    Only three players scored more points as underage players heading into the WHL Draft. Those three players were Gavin McKenna, Matthew Savoie, and Connor Bedard. All three o those players were drafted first overall in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 WHL Drafts.
    
    
    
    "We're very excited. We discussed this in great lengths yesterday. If Noah Kosick was available we were going to select him. I had the pleasure of coaching his dad Mark Kosick in the BCHL many years ago back in 1996-1997 before Mark Kosick enrolled into Michigan. Not only have I had a good relationship with Noah Kosicks father, I've had a good relationship with Noah Kosick's grandfather dating back to when Mark was a hockey player. Noah Kosick is gonna be an exceptionally high scorer in the Western Hockey League. He's got exceptional hockey sense. Exceptional hockey sense." Garry Davidson director of player personnel for the Calgary Hitmen. Kosick was considered a top 5 prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft as early as last year in 2022. It will be interesting if Kosick plays up to that level in the Western Hockey League moving forward.
    
    
    
12. Edmonton Oil Kings: Joe Iginla, RW, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Edmonton Oil Kings got Noah Ta'amu a defenseman from Los Angeles in the 2023 WHL U.S. Draft which allows WHL teams to bring North American players to the Western Hockey League. Edmonton signed Noah Ta'amu to a WHL contract prior to the 2023 WHL Draft where the Edmonton Oil Kings selected Joe Iginla the younger brother of Tij Iginla who was on the 2023 WHL Champion Seattle Thunderbirds and Jade Iginla who finished her freshman season on the Brown Women's hockey Team in the Ivy League this past Fall. Jarome Iginla's youngest of three children gets drafted by the Edmonton Oil Kings twelfth overall.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 148 lb Joe Iginla had 80 goals, 62 assists, and 142 points in 60 games at Rink Hockey Academy Under 15 Team located in Kelowna in 2022-2023. Joe Iginla also had 37 goals, 28 assists, and 65 points with the Rink Hockey Academy Under 5 Team in 27 CSSHL games in 2022-2023. Joe Iginla had 6 goals, 6 assists, and 12 points in 5 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Joe Iginla has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Joe Iginla has an NHL ready wrist shot and he hasn't even played in the WHL yet which is kind of scary.
    
    
    
    "We're very excited to be adding Joe to our organization. We think he possesses a pretty unique blend of offensive patience and assertiveness. He pushes the pace of the game and loves to shoot with the puck, but more importantly he has a winning attitude he brings to the rink. He loves the hard areas, but more importantly he's willing to do whatever it takes to win." Michael Chan director of scouting for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
    
    
    
    
    
13. Tri-City Americans: Cruz Pavao, RW, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    I trust Tri-City Americans GM Bob Tory who we had on the podcast a few years ago when Michael Rasmussen and Jusso Vallimaki were draft eligible. Tory is recreating that. Two years ago Tory drafted Lukas Dragicevic the top defenseman in the 2020 WHL Draft. Last year, Tory drafted Jordan Gavin in the 2021 WHL Draft who is the top WHL player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. This year Bob Tory drafted the top defenseman in the 2022 WHL Draft for the second time in three years. Assistant GM Roy Stasuik helped Bob Tory scout this guy and praised Jackson Smith for his edge control, quickness, and ability to move the puck. Stasuik announced Cruz Pavao as the Tri-City Americans 2023 first round pick in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 183 lb Cruz Pavao had 32 goals, 35 assists, and 67 points in 23 games of Bantam for Edge School Under 15 Prep Team also known as Edge Academy in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Cruz Pavao had 5 goals, 6 assists, and 11 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Cruz Pavao was one of two standouts on the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team with the other standout being defenseman Landon Dupont who had 15 goals, 32 assists, and 47 points in 27 games with the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team in 2022-2023. Landon Dupont had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in 4 games during hte 2023 CSSHL Playoffs. Landon Dupont is the projected first overall pick in the 2024 WHL Draft as Dupont did spectacular taking over for defenseman Jackson Smith as a thirteen year old.
    
    
    
    Cruz Pavao has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Cruz Pavao went to Edge Academy just like Tri-City's 2022 first round pick Jackson Smith. Tri-City didn't think they would get Cruz Pavao at 13, but he will play on the top line with Jordan Gavin at left winger and Jackson Smith at defenseman. Roy Stasuik and Bob Tory seem very confident with the team their building.
    
    
    
14. Lethbridge Hurricanes: Dayne Beuker, C, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 150 lb Dayne Beuker had 47 goals, 56 assists, and 103 points in 30 games with the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2022-2023. Dayne Bueker also had 11 goals, 17 assists, and 28 points in 9 games during the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs. Dayne Bueker was also the team captain of the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL too meaning the leadership traits are there.
    
    
    
    Brayden Yager the Pittsburgh Penguins 2023 first round pick, Kale Lind a 2023 NHL Draft pick, and Berkly Catton the favorite to be the first WHL player picked in the 2024 NHL Draft all dominated in Saskatoon. Dayne Beuker may be the next impact player from Saskatoon.
    
    
    
    Dayne Beuker wins face offs at a high level and can play all three zones effectively despite his size. "He play with a ton of pace and can be a 40/40 player in the WHL perhaps even the NHL too down the road. He can score anyway you want inside the zones. He's a dominant forward at a high level." Taylor Green who did an awesome job with his WHL draft evaluations.
    
    
    
    Dayne Beuker has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Dayne Beuker is another gem in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    "We're really excited to get him at fourteen. His skill set is very good. He's a game changer. He can get on the ice and change the game in one shift. He's a leader. He can turn bad pucks into good pucks. He can score off the rush. He's a complete package." Rob MacLachlan head scout of the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Dayne Beuker.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Prince George Cougars: Carson Carels, D, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 160 lb Carson Carels had 10 goals, 22 assists, and 32 points in 20 games with the Pilot Mound Academy Under 15 Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Carson Carels had 3 goals, 9 assists, and 12 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Carson Carels has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Carson Carels is a very dynamic defenseman with great speed and elite vision. He's a calm power play quarterback. He dominated in the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs where he was first in points among defenseman in the playoffs.
    
    
    
    Last year Bob Simmons praised Lee Shurgot's offensive ability is unlimited and unparralled according to the Prince George Cougars director of scouting Bob Simmons.
    
    
    
    "We're thrilled to bring Carson into our organization. He's a player we identified early on in the season in the draft process leading up to the 2023 WHL Draft and as you said he really came on. His leadership stood out. Carson put his team on his back in more than one occassion. He's a leader and a great person. His character is off the charts." Bob Simmons Director Of Scouting Prince George Cougars. Prince George made the second round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs this year too.
    
    
    
16. Moose Jaw Warriors: Aaron Sawatzky, D, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 172 lb Aaron Sawatzky had 10 goals, 28 assists, and 38 points in 33 games with the Airdrie Xtreme Under 15 AAA Team in 2022-2023. Aaron Swatzky also had 1 goal, 7 assists, and 8 points in 9 games with the Airdrie Xtreme Under 15 AAA team in the 2023 AEHL Playoffs. Aaron Sawatzky was the quarterback on the power play for center Riley Boychuk the second overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft played on. Aaron Sawatzky was the first line defenseman on that team helping Boychuk on both the power play and penalty killing unit.
    
    
    
    Moose Jaw has a top fifteen draft prospect who may go in the top 10 of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft with Denton Mateychuk, who was Moose Jaw's 2019 first round pick in the 2019 WHL Draft three years ago. Connor Schmidt will learn under Denton Mateychuk next year and that will do wonders for his game moving forward considering that Moose Jaw has developed a factory for defensemen through the NHL Draft. Aaron Sawatzky gets to learn under Denton Mateychuk who enters his final WHL season and Connor Schmidt giving the Moose Jaw Warriors quite the core on the blue line.
    
    
    
    Aaron Sawatzky has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Aaron Sawatzky is someone who looks like a very promising two-way defenseman and he'll only get better going to a situation like Moose Jaw where he'll learn under Denton Mateychuk and Connor Schmidt. He's a very smooth skater and is one of the best two-way defenseman in the 2023 WHL Draft. He can control the game in all three zones.
    
    
    
    "Very exciting. You get a quality player in Aaron. We're always looking for a good defenseman that can make a good first pass." Jason Ripplinger GM of the Moose Jaw Warriors. My guess is Aaron Sawatzky is going to develop at his own pace before coming in as the eventual replacement to Denton Mateychuk on the Moose Jaw Warriors next season.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Portland Winterhawks: Griffin Darby, D, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 150 lb Griffin Darby had 6 goals, 29 assists, and 35 points in 28 games with the Swift Current Broncos Under 15 Team in the SAAHL in 2022-2023. Griffin Darby had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 4 games during the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Griffin Darby has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Griffin Darby is a transitional defenseman that was the team captain of the Swift Current Broncos Under 15 Team in the SAAHL as he moves through the blue lines with pace and grace. He's a tempo based player whose calm, but plays with a lot of fire and intensity despite this. He can play in all three zones like a lot of defenseman in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    "With Griffin we feel that he's got a great chance to be a top pair defenseman in our organization. He's got a strong foundation and skills along with the ability to skate with the puck. When you're making a first round selection you're hoping you hang on to that pick. Griffin will elevate all the players around him. Great personality, leadership, energy guy. He will be in the room every day. We're really fortunate to add him to our group." Mike Coughlin Director Of Scouting for the Portland Winterhawks on the thought process of drafting Griffin Darby.
    
    
    
    Griffin Darby won't be eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2027, but he goes to a Portland Winterhawks team that had two defensemen drafted in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Portland is a team that has had great historical success with defenseman in the Western Hockey League.
    
    
    
    Griffin Darby is probably going to challenge Landon Dupont to be the top defenseman drafted in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. The 2024 NHL Entry Draft, 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and 2027 NHL Entry Draft all look strong on the blue line. The best defenseman in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft right now has to be Matthew Schaefer who went first overall in the 2023 OHL Draft, but there's no guarantee that Schaefer goes early in 2025 since he's not currently listed on Elite Prosepcts Top 64 for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
18. Red Deer Rebels: Beckett Hamilton, C, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 150 lb Beckett Hamilton had 39 goals, 44 assists, and 83 points in 29 games with the the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2022-2023. Beckett Hamilton had 21 goals, 12 assists, and 33 points in 9 games during the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs. Beckett Hamilton played on the same line as Dayne Beuker has the versatility to play left winger, center, and right winger despite being projected as a center in the WHL.
    
    
    
    Beckett Hamilton has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Dayne Beuker was the captain of the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL while Beckett Hamilton was the alternate captain with both centers showcasing outstanding leadership traits.
    
    
    
    "We really thought that Beckett came on in the second half and even the playoffs. He's been the highest producing forwards in both goals and points in the playoffs. He can make plays. He can be a driver out there with a little bit of hardness. We think he can be a really good player for us. Yeah I think he's a big moment player. With his shooting and passing ability we felt he's a guy that we couldn't pass on." Shaun Sutter Associate GM of the Red Deer Rebels on the Red Deer Rebels drafting Beckett Hamilton in the 2023 WHL Draft. Beckett Hamilton will take over for Kalan Lind at some point and Beckett Hamilton is a guy who could be a big time star for the Red Deer Rebels giving Red Deer potentially their first big time star since Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who went first overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Brandon Wheat Kings: Giorgos Pantelas, D, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 183 lb Giorgos Pantelas had 14 goals, 43 assists, and 57 points in 61 games with the Rink Hockey Academy Under 15 Team on Kelowna in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Giorgos Pantelas had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Giorgos Pantelas has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's a big player who was teammates with Keaton Verhoeff on the blue line complimenting him. He's got great hands, great skill, and can make plays under pressure.
    
    
    
    "We're really excited about this player. He's a big kid. He skates well. Reads the play well. He's multi faceted in so many ways. Getting to know the family a bit, he comes from a great group of people. He can move the puck, defends well, and not afraid to engage physically, so we think he's a great addition to our group." Chris Moulton Director of Hockey Operations for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Moulton announced Giorgos Pantelas as the ninteenth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
20. Everett Silvertips: Caine Wilkie, C, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-6 155 lb Caine Wilkie had 28 goals, 43 assists, and 71 points in 29 games with the Saskatoon Stallions Under 15 Team in the SAAHL in 2022-2023. Caine Wilkie had 5 goals, 7 assists, and 12 points in 4 games during the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Caine Wilkie has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Caine Wilkie was eighth in scoring and showcased his hockey IQ. He's a pitbull, he's very comptitive and fiery. He plays bigger than his frame. Disruptive and causes turnovers according to Taylor Green whose the president of hockey operations in the WHL.
    
    
    
    "We love the style that he plays with. We think that style is a nice fit here with Everett. He's a very skilled forward, tenacious. We really like the pedigree he brings for us." Mike Fraser assistant general manager of the Everett Silvertips. Mike Fraser announced the Everett Silvertips tenth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Medicine Hat Tigers: Markus Ruck, C, (2026) A+ Grade
    
    
    The Saskatoon Blades originally owned this pick in the 2023 WHL Draft. The Medicine Hat Tigers traded the twenty ninth pick the ninety seventh pick, and a 2024 second round pick to move up into the back end of the first round for this selection. With the twenty first pick the Medicine Hat Tigers selected center Markus Ruck who is the twin brother of Liam Ruck the right winger on the Okanagan Hockey Academy that the Medicine Hat Tigers took ninth overall.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 145 lb Markus Ruck had 22 goals, 65 assists, and 87 points in 22 games the Okanagan Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Markus Ruck also had 6 goals, 6 assists, and 12 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Markus Ruck has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Marukus Ruck led the CSSHL in assists his game is similar to that of Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks. He sees the ice very well
    
    
    
    The Medicine Hat Tigers first line will consist of Gavin McKenna at left wing, Markus Ruck at center, and Liam Ruck at right winger. The Medicine Hat Tigers will have that trio until the 2026 NHL Entry Draft when McKenna goes first overall. We will see those guys play together at some point this season with all three forwards being established first line players on the Medicine Hat Tigers by 2024 at the very latest.
    
    
    
    "You can't have one brother without the other. Their both unbelievable players. Markus Ruck his skill his chemistry with Liam Ruck is second to none." Bobby Fox director of Hockey Operations for the Medicine Hat Tigers.
    
    
    
22. Spokane Chiefs: Carter Esler, G, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 132 lb Carter Esler is considered the top goalie in the 2023 WHL Draft. Carter Esler is the front runner to be the first goalie drafted in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
    Carter Esler posted a 2.73 goals against average and a .918 save percentage in 19 starts with the Okotoks Oilers Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2021-2022 in his first year as a starting goalie. Carter Esler had a 2.26 goals against average and a .928 save percentage in 8 games during the 2022 AEHL Playoffs. Carter Esler had a 2.98 goals against average and a .925 save percentage in 21 starts with the Okotoks Oilers Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2022-2023. Carter Esler had a 2.56 goals against average and a .936 save percentage in 9 games during the 2023 AEHL Playoffs. Carter Esler also went 3-0-0 with a 0.34 goals against average and a .987 save percentage recording 2 shutouts in 3 starts during the 2023 Alberta Cup.
    
    
    
    Carter Esler has elite athleticism for a goalie. He's got a lot of experience too with 40 games of experience as a starter over two years. He's also got experience in 17 playoff games in the AEHL as well as 3 starts in the 2023 Alberta Cup giving him 20 total playoff games as a starting goalie if you take his Alberta Cup information into consideration. Carter Esler could easily be a first round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft if he develops in Spokane and there's also good chance he will be the first goalie off of the board in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. He's really calm and he's a winner. He's driven he's focused.