NHL Draft Class

National Hockey League

Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of @nhldotcom are your go-to resources on the NHL Draft. From ranking top prospects and dissecting team needs to chatting with scouts and executives and conducting mock drafts, NHL Draft Class provides comprehensive and exclusive coverage of the NHL Draft that can’t be found anywhere else.

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152 episodes
Updated June 30

Episodes152

Newest first

Jun 14, 2023 · 34 min
S5: Janne Vuorinen, NHL Central Scouting & Leo Carlsson; European draft prospect analysis
Leo Carlsson, arguably the top draft prospect from Europe, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale (22:55) to discuss his season, whether he's a center or a wing at the next level and how he's overcome some personal adversity to shine on and off the ice. Also on the show is Janne Vuorinen (1:57) of Central Scouting to provide insight on some of the top International players available for the draft.
Jun 8, 2023 · 31 min
S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART II: Adam Fantilli & Will Smith
Adam Fantilli, who could be the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a wide-ranging discussion, including whether he plans to return to Michigan for a second season or jump right into the NHL. The hosts also spent time with William Smith, a likely top-five pick in the draft, to talk about his record-setting World Under-18 Championship and expectations heading into next season at Boston College.
Jun 7, 2023 · 34 min
S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART I: Connor Bedard & Mike Doneghey
Connor Bedard, the expected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale at the NHL Scouting Combine to discuss his season, his expectations for the combine and how much he's starting to learn about the city of Chicago (1:41). The hosts also spent time with Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey (15:38) to talk about their approach to the No. 1 pick as well as No. 19 in the first round, how Chicago approaches the combine and much more.
Jun 1, 2023 · 41 min
S5: David Gregory, NHL Central Scouting; Combine preview and OHL prospect analysis
We preview the NHL Scouting Combine with director of NHL Central Scouting David Gregory, who talks about the event's growth and how many prospects will be taking part. Gregory also discusses some of the top Ontario Hockey League players, including Owen Sound forward Colby Barlow and London defenseman Oliver Bonk, and also shares his opinion on the top two players available for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, Regina forward Connor Bedard and Michigan center Adam Fantilli.
May 25, 2023 · 32 min
S5: Pat Cullen, NHL Central Scouting; Top United States prospect analysis
Pat Cullen of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from playing in the United States, among them forwards William Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, and Warroad High School forward Jayson Shaugabay, who was voted Mr. Hockey in Minnesota. Cullen also touches on the potential for a position change for NTDP forward Danny Nelson.
May 15, 2023 · 24 min
S5: J-F Damphousse, NHL Central Scouting; QMJHL draft prospect analysis
J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting joins the show to discuss the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, among them Sherbrooke right wing Ethan Gauthier, Moncton defenseman Etienne Morin and Halifax center Mathieu Cataford.
May 9, 2023 · 58 min
S5: Mock Draft 1.0; NHL Draft Lottery
The NHL Draft Lottery set the order for the first 16 selections, starting with the Chicago Blackhawks winning the No. 1 pick. That means it's time for the first mock draft of the 2023 NHL Draft season. Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale each believe Connor Bedard will be the first player picked, but after that? You'll have to listen to discover the reason behind their picks.
Apr 27, 2023 · 30 min
S5: Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting; Top goalie prospects
NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top North American goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft, among them Carson Bjarnason of Brandon in the Western Hockey League, Trey Augustine of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and more. There's also a look-ahead to the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery on May 8.
Apr 18, 2023 · 37 min
S5: Dan Marr, VP, NHL Central Scouting; Final Rankings
Dan Marr, VP of NHL Central Scouting, joins the show to discuss the final rankings of North American and International skaters and goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr goes in-depth on how the lists were put together, how much time was spent debating Connor Bedard at No. 1, and discusses why certain players were able to move up from the midterm rankings in January. Hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale also discuss the NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held May 8.
Mar 22, 2023 · 35 min
S5: Brandon Naurato, Michigan men’s hockey coach
University of Michigan coach Brandon Naurato joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss two of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, forwards Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, their growth this season as college freshmen and Michigan’s preparation for the NCAA Tournament. There’s also some Connor Bedard talk, including Mike’s time in Regina with the projected No. 1 pick of the draft, and his mom.
Feb 28, 2023 · 28 min
S5: Brayden Yager joins; Adam Fantilli & NTDP prospect analysis
Brayden Yager of Moose Jaw, No. 5 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss his season (5:45). Yager also discusses what NHL players he tries to pattern his game after, basement hockey battles with his brother Connor, and the famous NHL player he got a stick from as an 8-year-old. Adam and Mike also look at some of the top NTDP prospects and marvel at how Adam Fantilli has remained under the radar despite an incredible NCAA season at Michigan.
Jan 27, 2023 · 50 min
S5: Connor Bedard joins; CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game analysis
Regina forward Connor Bedard (15:20), the projected top pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss playing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Langley, B.C., close to his North Vancouver home. Bedard also talks about moving past his remarkable run at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, his goals for the rest of the season, and if he keeps an eye on the NHL standings. Adam and Mike also discuss their standouts from the Top Prospects Game.
Jan 13, 2023 · 31 min
S5: David Gregory, NHL Central Scouting; Midterm Rankings
NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, and David Gregory of Central Scouting joined hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a behind-the-scenes look at how the rankings came together. Was there any debate about putting Connor Bedard at No. 1? What about NTDP forward William Smith at No. 3? David answers those questions and more during a stop in his busy scouting travels.
Jan 10, 2023 · 34 min
S5: Jason Bukala, Sportsnet scouting analyst
Jason Bukala, former director of amateur scouting for the Florida Panthers and now a scouting analyst for Sportsnet, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to wrap up the 2023 World Junior Championship, discuss the dominance of top NHL Draft prospect Connor Bedard, as well as other draft prospect standouts like Sweden forward Leo Carlson and defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka, Czechia forward Eduard Sale, United States forward Charlie Stramel and Gavin Brindley, and more.
Dec 21, 2022 · 36 min
S5: 2023 World Junior Championship preview
Ryan Kennedy, editor-in-chief of The Hockey news, joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. They discuss tournament predictions, players to watch among the top 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospects, and debate which top draft prospect could be facing more pressure, Canada's Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli.
Nov 1, 2022 · 21 min
S5: Connor Bedard, projected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft
Connor Bedard, projected to be the No. 1 pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, joins the show to discuss his season, how he's handling being in the spotlight, which NHL players he watches and responds to advice from Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid. Bedard also goes in-depth on his preferred stick flex, and where he gets his high work ethic from.
Oct 25, 2022 · 31 min
S5: Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting; Players to Watch list
NHL Draft Class returns for a fifth season with Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, joining Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com to discuss the preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr covers a number of topics, including projected top pick Connor Bedard and what NHL players make the best comparables for the Regina forward. He also talks about KHL forward Matvei Michkov and the questions surrounding his ability to reach the NHL, Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, a few of the top defensemen available and more
Jul 11, 2022 · 38 min
S4: 2022 NHL Draft recap with TSN's Craig Button
The 2022 NHL Draft is in the books, and TSN director of scouting Craig Button joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to review all of it, including the Montreal Canadiens' selection of Juraj Slafkovsky at No. 1, Shane Wright sliding to the Seattle Kraken at No. 4, and which teams Button thought did best during the two days in Montreal. He also previews the 2023 NHL Draft, and provides some unique comparisons for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard of Regina in the Western Hockey League.
Jul 8, 2022 · 32 min
S4: First Round Recap: Juraj Slafkovsky, Simon Nemec, Logan Cooley & Shane Wright join
Adam and Mike recap the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft and discuss their favorite moments, biggest surprises and best stories of a memorable night in Montreal. They are joined by Jurah Slafkovsky (2:05), Simon Nemec (8:40), Logan Cooley (12:29), and Shane Wright (18:45). The guys wrap the episode discussing the facts and figures of the first round.
Jul 4, 2022 · 39 min
S4: Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet; 2022 NHL Draft preview
The 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft is finally here, and Sportsnet draft expert Sam Cosentino joins hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to preview the draft. Cosentino shares his opinion on why he has Juraj Slafkovsky at the top of his draft rankings, if there could be a surprise in the top three selections, how many players from the U.S. National Team Development Program could go in the first round and more.