Saskatoon product and Spokane centre Berkly Catton tops the list of six W-H-Lers among 28 players overall identified Wednesday as “A” prospects for next year’s N-H-L Draft.

The list compiled by N-H-L Central Scouting breaks the prospects down into “A”, “B”, “C” and “W” categories for players expected to be picked in the first round, second and third round, fourth and fifth round plus the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively. Prince Albert product and Regina forward Tanner Howe and P-A Raiders’ forward Ryder Ritchie are, also, “A” prospects. In total, 63 W-H-L players were ranked in the preliminary list, including a pair of Blades in the “W” category in goaltender Evan Gardner and defenceman Morgan Tastad. Following is the complete list of W-H-L players with the news release from the league…..

NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING NAMES 63 WHL PLAYERS TO PRELIMINARY PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST FOR 2024 NHL DRAFT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023

Calgary, Alta. –  The Western Hockey League announced today 63 WHL players have been named to NHL Central Scouting’s ‘Preliminary Players to Watch’ List for the 2024 NHL Draft.

The ‘Preliminary Players to Watch’ List was announced Wednesday morning by NHL Central Scouting.

2024 NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS – VIDEO & PHOTO ASSETS

NHL Central Scouting identifies players with a rating system that includes five categories. The ‘A’ category indicates players projected to be first-round candidates. The ‘B’ rating indicates players projected to be second- or third-round candidates, and the ‘C’ rating indicates players projected to be fourth- or fifth-round candidates. New this year, NHL Central Scouting has introduced the ‘W’ rating, which indicates players projected to be sixth- or seventh-round candidates. Finally, the ‘LV’ rating represents players who have not had sufficient viewings, due to injury.

Six WHL players earned ‘A’ ratings including Spokane Chiefs forward Berkly Catton, Regina Pats forward Tanner Howe, Edmonton Oil Kings forward Adam Jecho, Medicine Hat Tigers forward Cayden Lindstrom, Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie, and Calgary Hitmen defenceman Carter Yakemchuk.

Eight WHL players were given ‘B’ ratings, including Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla and Prince George Cougars forward Terik Parascak.

A total of 17 WHL players were given ‘C’ ratings.

All 22 WHL Clubs are represented in the ‘Preliminary Players to Watch’ List. Leading all WHL Clubs, the Spokane Chiefs have six players listed while the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers boast five players each. Three WHL Clubs have four players listed, including the Prince Albert Raiders, Tri-City Americans and Vancouver Giants. Five WHL Clubs are represented by three players on the list, nine WHL Clubs have two players on the list, and two WHL Clubs have a single player on NHL Central Scouting’s list.

A total of 37 WHL forwards find themselves on the list, joined by 19 WHL defencemen and seven WHL goaltenders.

The 63 WHL players listed leads the entire Canadian Hockey League. In total, 161 CHL players are listed including 62 from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and 36 from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

2023-24 NHL Central Scouting ‘Preliminary Players to Watch’ List – WHL Players