2022 Top Prospects: Christmas Edition

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – DECEMBER 2: Aidan Hreschuk #7 of the Boston College Eagles skates against the Providence College Friars during NCAA hockey at Kelley Rink on December 2, 2022 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The game ended in a 1-1 tie with the Friars winning in a shootout. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /

(HM) D Aidan Hreschuk, Boston College (NCAA), Acquired via Trade March 2022

Originally a third round pick (#94 overall) of the Carolina Hurricanes, Hreschuk was acquired at last year’s trade deadline for Max Domi. He looked to be trending upward and was even on the team USA radar for the World Juniors – but his production has taken a nose dive this season. Through 15 NCAA games, the California native has 0 points and a -10 rating. We’ll have to keep an eye on his progress to see where he stands moving forward.

(HM) C Josh Dunne, Cleveland Monsters (AHL), signed as a free agent March 2021

Josh is an easy one to update: he’s playing for the Blue Jackets right now. He’s scoreless through 2 games – but has 5 goals, 11 points and 31 penalty minutes in 24 AHL games. The big, physical center gives the team a bottom-six option whenever he’s called upon.

20. (20, no change) D Eric Hjorth, HC Vita Hästen (Allsvenskan), 4th round (#104 overall), 2019 NHL Draft

21 year old Eric Hjorth remains in the Allsvenskan, where he has just 1 goal and 7 points in 27 games this season. At this point in his development, it’s a bit concerning that he hasn’t yet made it to the top tiers in Europe; so his status as an NHL prospect seems to be waning with each passing month.

19. (19, no change) D Ole Bjorgvik-Holm, Cleveland Monsters (AHL), 5th round, 145th overall, 2020 NHL Draft

Ole Bjorgvik-Holm made the jump to professional hockey this fall, and he’s a bit of a rarity in this system: a big, defensive minded defenseman. He’s chipped in two assists for the Monsters through 16 games played; but the most important thing here is adjusting to the pace of pro hockey, and learning how to shut down more talented players.

Oct 3, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm (94) gets the pass away against Carolina Hurricanes center Jamieson Rees (81) during the third period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

18. (18, no change) RW Kirill Dolzhenkov, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL – RUS), 4th round (#109 overall), 2022 NHL Draft

Dolzhenkov has played in 5 KHL games so far (held pointless) – but spends most of his time in the MHL, Russia’s junior league. In 30 games with the junior club, he’s scored 12 goals and 29 points, adding 13 minutes in penalties. The hulking winger (6’6″, 240 pounds) is a longer-term prospect who has silky smooth hands, can score goals in bunches, and will be an intriguing piece to watch because of this rare combination of size and skill.

17. (17, no change) D Guillaume Richard, Providence College (NCAA), 4th round (#101 overall), 2021 NHL Draft

You don’t notice Guillaume Richard on the ice all that much, and that’s a compliment to his game. He’s a quiet defender who does a nice job breaking up plays and creating transition for his team. Though he has just 1 goal and 4 points through 18 NCAA games, he’s an improving asset who will most likely become a pro player in some capacity.

16. (11, -5) C Tyler Angle, Cleveland Monsters (AHL), 7th round (#212 overall), 2019 NHL Draft

Falling in a big way is Cleveland Monsters center Tyler Angle. Prior to the draft we considered him a top-10 prospect within the organization; he was just one year removed from a point-per-game season in the AHL – as a 20 year old. But after scoring 37 points in 71 games last year, he continues to trend in the wrong direction, with just 4 goals and 9 points through 21 games this year. Still, he’s a center in an organization that is pretty thin at the position, so if he can rediscover his scoring touch, he’ll be right back on the big club’s radar.

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