Goaltender Jacob Ingham always had the potential but now he’s putting it all together for the Steelheads. Learn more about the Los Angeles Kings prospect, plus players from around the world in our weekly wrap of who’s next.
Jacob Ingham|Graig Abel/Getty Images
I had a special mission this week: for an upcoming issue of the magazine, I went on my own scouting road trip. The drive took me to OHL games in Niagara and Hamilton with a USHL tilt in Youngstown in between. I talked to real NHL scouts while I was on the road about what their process is like, but also what the lifestyle itself entails. Look for that issue to come out in a few weeks. So for this edition of Prospect NTK, I’m gonna go a bit heavier on the leagues I saw live this week, but we’ve also got the NCAA Beanpot winner and some international results. So let’s get to it.
Jacob Ingham, G, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL): Ingham was brilliant against Niagara in my viewing, exuding a level of confidence that had previously eluded him. The Los Angeles Kings prospect has great size and athleticism, which he has really put together recently. Ingham was named OHL player of the week thanks to three wins and a .956 save percentage during that stretch. NHL arrival: 2023-24
Jack Studnicka, RW, Niagara IceDogs (OHL): Since arriving in Niagara via trade from Oshawa, Studnicka has put up an impressive 23 points in 15 games. The Boston Bruins prospect plays a terrific 200-foot game and his talent, work ethic and smarts make him a dangerous penalty-killer. He’s the kind of guy you want on the ice in the dying seconds of a game. NHL arrival: 2019-20
Cayden Primeau, G, Northeastern Huskies (Hockey East): For the second straight year, the Huskies won the Beanpot and for the second straight year, Primeau was the goalie of record. This time, the big Montreal Canadiens pick was named MVP of the Boston showdown, saving 33 shots in a clinching win over Boston College. NHL arrival: 2023-24
Jack Malone, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL): The first-line center on the Phantoms, Malone is playing with Buffalo pick Brett Murray, one of the top scorers in the league. Malone has a great set of hands in tight and a nice frame to build off. The 2019 draft prospect is a Cornell commit and is up to 39 points in 36 games. NHL arrival: 2023-24
Nikita Okhotyuk, D, Ottawa 67’s (OHL): I’ve been watching Okhotyuk for a couple years now and he has always impressed with his defensive play. But watching him against Hamilton, I was also impressed with how confident the 2019 draft prospect is with the puck. He’s also a pretty good skater, which never hurts. NHL arrival: 2020-21
Adam Najman, C, Benatky nad Jizerou (Cze.): Playing for the Czechs at the Five Nations in Sochi, Najman showed off some great anticipation and finishing skills. The 2019 draft prospect is currently on loan to Benatky in the Czech League’s second tier, though he did make his Extraliga debut with Bili Tygri already this season. NHL arrival: 2022-23
Josh Lopina, C, Lincoln Stars (USHL): The Stars are in a rebuild right now and traded away their top draft prospect, Shane Pinto. But that means more spotlight for Lopina, another 2019 hopeful who is playing in all situations and has a quick shot. The UMass commit has nine points in his past eight games and has really upped his offensive game. NHL arrival: 2023-24
Yegor Spiridonov, C, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (Rus.): A standout early for the Russians at the Five Nations, Spiridonov is a big center who plays a tenacious game and works hard to get the puck off the opposition. The 2019 draft prospect has been about a point-per-game player back in Russia’s junior league and goes to the net for offense. NHL arrival: 2022-23
Trey Fix-Wolansky, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): The Oil Kings are riding high in the Central Division, with just-as-hot Medicine Hat right behind them. Fix-Wolansky has continued his excellent season with eight points in his past five games and the Columbus Blue Jackets pick is still one of the top scorers in the league, thanks in part to his wicked release. NHL arrival: 2020-21
Will Lockwood, LW, University of Michigan Wolverines (BigTen): The Maize and Blue aren’t exactly a juggernaut this season, but they did just sweep a series with arch-rival Michigan State – and that counts for something in Ann Arbor. Lockwood, the talented and diligent Vancouver Canucks pick, had four points in that series and ha 10 points in his past 10 games. NHL arrival: 2020-21
Be the first to comment