2020 NHL Draft: OTH November Rankings

1. Alexis Lafreniére

Rimouski Oceanic star forward Alexis Lafreniére, unsurprisingly, sits at the top of our November rankings for the 2020 NHL draft. This position is unchanged from our October rankings. Currently, he is averaging more than two points per game in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season, having amassed 48 points in his first 22 games. Lafreniére offers a complete package as a player with no glaring weaknesses. A more detailed scouting report on Lafreniére is available here. Here is a sample of his elite skill-set below.

2. Quinton Byfield

Coming in at number two on our list is Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League. Byfield is a physical specimen to go along with the elite level skills that he possesses. At present, he is averaging 1.86 points per game and is second in OHL scoring with 41 points in 22 games played. A more detailed look at what Byfield brings to the table is available here. A sample of his skill level is evident in the clip below, which took place at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

3. Lucas Raymond

For the next spot in our rankings, we head to Europe and Swedish sensation Lucas Raymond. Thus far this season, he has played the bulk of his games in the Swedish Hockey League for Frolunda HC. Raymond displays a well-rounded game with few weaknesses. He will undoubtedly be a player that Sweden will be counting on to provide offence at the 2020 World Junior Championships. Raymond was featured in my European Players to Watch article earlier this year.

4. Alexander Holtz

The fourth spot in our 2020 NHL draft rankings coincidentally goes to the other super-Swede, Alexander Holtz. Likewise, Holtz was featured on my list of European players to watch and has spent the majority of his time this season playing in the SHL. His shooting accuracy and quick release, along with his high hockey IQ, are undoubtedly his best assets.

5. Anton Lundell

Yet another talented European prospect occupies the fifth spot in our rankings. Similarly, Anton Lundell also plays in a men’s league, skating for Helsinki in the Finnish Liiga. He played a prominent role for the gold medal-winning Finnish team at the 2019 World Junior Championships. His prowess in the face-off circle, tremendous work ethic and complete 200-foot game are his best attributes. For his scouting report, click on the link provided.

6. Cole Perfetti

The third Canadian-born forward in our top six rankings is Saginaw Spirit center, Cole Perfetti. Following a season where Perfetti posted 37 goals, he has been more of a playmaker thus far in 2019-2020. However, with his seven goals and 26 assists, he is among the scoring leaders in the OHL this season. A detailed scouting report on Perfetti is available here.

7. Tim Stutzle

Consecutive drafts should see a German-born prospect selected in the top ten picks. Tim Stutzle has been sensational playing in the German DEL thus far this season. The swift skating Adler Mannheim forward has 15 points in 18 games this season, which is remarkably only two points off the club lead. His 2020 NHL draft scouting report is worth checking out.

8. Jamie Drysdale

The number eight spot in our rankings finally finds a defenceman. Right-handed shooting Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters in the OHL is the best available defender. His elite skating, ability to quarterback a powerplay and overall defensive game are astonishing, as pointed out in his scouting report.

9. Yaroslav Askarov

Russian goaltending phenom Yaroslav Askarov may very well be a generational netminder. He was the deciding factor in Russia’s gold medal-winning performance over Canada at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He is currently playing for SKA-Neva St. Petersburg in the VHL, a Russian men’s league, where he has posted a respectable 2.39 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in 11 stars. A detailed look at his amazing attributes is available in a previously written future stars article.

10. Marco Rossi

Rounding out our top ten is Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi. The Austrian-born forward in enjoying an astonishing season thus far in the 2019-2020 campaign. If it hadn’t been for a five-game suspension, Rossi would be undoubtedly higher in the OHL scoring race. Currently, Rossi has managed a two-points per game pace, having registered 28 points in 14 games. His creativity, excellent skating and quick release are some of his better qualities, as pointed out in his scouting report.

11. Noel Gunler

A third forward from Sweden finds his way into our rankings and deservedly so. Likewise, to that of Raymond and Holtz, Noel Gunler plays mostly in the SHL, where all young players find it statistically difficult to have success. However, playing in the junior ranks is too easy. Gunler recorded three points in the lone game he played at that level this season. Gunler’s repertoire includes a deadly accurate shot to go along with a quick release, as well as high levels of both creativity and hockey IQ, as pointed out in his scouting report.

12. Hendrix Lapierre

The second-ranked player from the QMJHL makes it onto our rankings at the 12th spot. Playmaking ability is the undeniable strength of Chicoutimi Saguenéens center Hendrix Lapierre. He is averaging slightly over a point-per-game pace with two goals and 15 assists for 17 points in 16 games played. Additional strengths that Lapierre possesses are highlighted in his scouting report.

13. Justin Barron

The second-ranked defenceman appears on our rankings at number 13. Halifax Mooseheads rearguard Justin Barron occupies that spot. Barron finds himself with 15 points in 22 games this season, resulting in him sitting 13th for defencemen scoring in the QMJHL. A solid overall defender used in all situations highlights his scouting report.

14. Dylan Holloway

University of Wisconsin forward Dylan Holloway already has NHL size. The six-foot and 192 pounds forward offers grit and determination to go along with a reasonable skill-set. His excellent skating ability and work ethic, coupled with his size and strength, make him difficult to play against.

15. Jan Mysak

Grabbing the final spot in our top 15 November rankings is Czech-born forward Jan Mysak. Similar to all other European prospects mentioned in our rankings, Mysak is already playing professionally. His HC Litvinov club plays in the Extraliga in the Czech Republic. Mysak is one of the more highly skilled prospects to originate from that country in recent memory.

Honourable Mentions

Other players who received top 15 consideration but narrowly missed our list are; Antonio Stranges, Dylan Peterson and Connor Zary.

Draft rankings contributors: Wally Maz @WallMaz35, Frederik Frandsen @Mr-Frans2603, Rick Warman @statman1956, Gordon Munro @RideThePine89, and Niels Nielsen @hoglanderr

Scouting report contributors: Kyle Pereira @pereirareport, Rick Warman, Gordon Munro, Joshua Rey @JoshuaRey91