NHL Central Scouting today announced an updated Players to Watch List for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Four AJHL players were named to the list, including two players originally included on the initial list in October.
Brooks Bandits defenceman Luke Bast (Red Deer, AB) and Grande Prairie Storm forward Zachary Okabe (Okotoks, AB) remained as ‘C’ prospects, while Okotoks Oilers forward Quinn Olson (Calgary, AB) and Canmore Eagles forward Alex Young (Calgary, AB) are new additions.
All four players were rated as ‘C’ prospects, indicating a likely 4th / 5th / 6th round selection. A total of 19 players from the CJHL were identified on the updated list.
Each of the four AJHL skaters have committed to the NCAA: Luke Bast (North Dakota), Zachary Okabe (St Cloud State), Quinn Olson (Minnesota-Duluth), Alex Young (Colgate).
Cale Makar (Brooks Bandits) is the highest-ever drafted player from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, chosen fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. 88 players have been drafted directly from the Alberta Junior Hockey League since 1980.
The 2019 NHL Draft will be held on June 21?22, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.
