NHL Franchise Boys

With the CHL Top Prospects Game in the rearview mirror, it felt like a good time to get into some 2022 draft rankings.

1. Shane Wright, C, Kingston (OHL): He plays a complete game already and if you need points, he can go on a spree. The type of No. 1 center who you want out on the ice in the last minute of play whether you’re up a goal or down a goal.

2. Logan Cooley, C, NTDP (USHL): High-end Minnesota commit combines speed and smarts to create turnovers and burn opponents with his offensive prowess. Still has some growing to do and scouts anticipate another pop in his skating once he does.

3. Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Fin.): Red-hot start to the season saw him blitz the Liiga in scoring. And though he was slowed by a shoulder injury, Kemell played in all situations for JYP. Wicked release and great compete level.

4. David Jiricek, D, Plzen (Cze.): Put on an absolute show early on in the Czech League season, proving he could bring offense, mobility and poise from the back end. Knee surgery has kept him on the shelf, but he was just named to the World Championship training camp.

6. Simon Nemec, D, Nitra (Svk.): Steady, all-around blueliner putting up numbers in Slovakian League after dominating at summer’s under-18 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Some scouts believe he’s the top blueliner in the class, so don’t be shocked if he gets picked before Jiricek.

7. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg (WHL): Scouts call him a “Big Rig” and his combination of size and skill is so tantalizing. Still developing on a loaded Ice squad, I wouldn’t be surprised if a team jumps at him early thanks to the long-term potential.

8. Matt Savoie, C, Winnipeg (WHL): Very skilled, very quick and he has an intense battle level that makes up for his smaller frame. Now, will Savoie be ultimately penalized for his height on draft day? Woe be the teams that pass on him, because they’ll give a rival a great prospect.

9. Cutter Gauthier, LW, NTDP (USHL): I like the versatility Gauthier has shown this year. The Boston College commit has proven he can also play center and has been great on the penalty-kill. His shot is lethal and he has great size to go with it.

11. Denton Mateychuk, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

12. Frank Nazar, RW, NTDP (USHL)

13. Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk (Rus.)

14. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djurgarden (Swe.)

15. Marco Kasper, C, Rogle (SHL)

16. Pavel Mintyukov, D, Saginaw (OHL)

17. Rutger McGroarty, LW, NTDP (USHL)

18. Brad Lambert, RW, TPS (Fin.)

19. Liam Ohgren, RW, Djurgarden (Swe.)

20. Jagger Firkus, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

21. Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec (QMJHL)

22. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, NTDP (USHL)

23. Luca DelBelBelluz, C, Mississauga (OHL)

24. Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current (WHL)

26. Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (Svk.)

27. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omsk (Rus.)

28. Kevin Korchinski, D, Seattle (WHL)

29. Calle Odelius, D, Djurgarden (SHL)

30. Jack D. Hughes, C, Northeastern (NCAA)

31. Maveric Lamoureux, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)

32. Julian Lutz, LW, Munich (DEL)

33. Isaac Howard, LW, NTDP (USHL)

34. Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgarden (Swe.)

35. Cam Lund, RW, Green Bay (USHL)

36. Noah Warren, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

37. Ty Nelson, D, North Bay (OHL)

38. Tristan Luneau, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

39. Matthew Poitras, C, Guelph (OHL)

40. Jordan Gustafsson, C, Seattle (WHL)

Ron MacLean has been on the air for a very long time, but still has some wardrobe malfunctions every once in a while.

During Sunday’s broadcast of the 2022 Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, the Sportsnet host wore an extremely large toque while doing his thing on the desk. It’s likely no one heard a word anyone on the panel said prior to puck drop — all they saw was the hat.

With the unsubtle headwear perched firmly atop his head, MacLean got roasted from all corners of social media as everyone tried to guess what the longtime Hockey Night In Canada host was hiding under there.

Unfortunately, for everyone involved, the beautifully awkward and floppy hat didn’t last long as MacLean made a veteran, on-the-fly adjustment later in the broadcast. You certainly do have to be presentable when talking to Olympic champion and legend Marie-Philip Poulin.

Maybe MacLean is just starting a new trend and wants to be a fashion influencer after retirement.