17. (12) C Hunter McKown 6’1″, 205 pounds. Undrafted, signed as a free agent spring 2023. Projection: middle six two-way center. Stats: 9g-15a-24pts, 53gp for Cleveland (AHL). Will return to the Monsters next season. How we ranked him: Curtis (17), Matt (16), Mike (16)
Why we ranked him here: McKown didn't put up huge offensive numbers in Cleveland this season, but he still had a pretty seamless transition year after turning pro.
Another natural center in the system, he's shown a penchant for being a puck hound. Combined with his quick release and heavy shot; McKown has the size and all around game to become an effective two-way center in the NHL. We hope to see more offense from him in the AHL next year.
16. (11) LW Mikael Pyyhtia 6’0″, 160 pounds. 4th round (#114 overall), 2020 NHL Draft. Projection: middle six scoring winger. Stats: 7g-21a-28pts, 60gp for Cleveland (AHL). Will return to the Monsters next season. How we ranked him: Curtis (16), Matt (15), Mike (17)
Why we ranked him here: Pyyhtia never looks out of place, no matter where you put him in the lineup or what you ask him to do. He can play in a checking role, or be a productive complimentary player on a scoring line.
He'll never drive the offense for a line, but he's an intelligent winger who has a quick release and decent playmaking skills. I can see him being an effective third line winger in the NHL, and he looks ready for a longer look at an NHL job to me. The only question I have is whether or not he'll get that chance with this organization.