• PROSPECT-UPDATE ARCHIVE
Only a handful of prospects in action on Tuesday, and the most interesting games were played in Europe's Champions League, which resumed its tournament-format season. Three players eligible for the 2018 NHL draft took part in Champions League action, and the two listed below both turned in impressive games. These are 17- and 18-year-olds playing in a highly competitive format against men. This kind of experience, especially when they can hold their own, is pricelss at this stage of their careers.
With so few in action, only two are featured here for Tuesday. This duo is a real Swedish delight:
RASMUS DAHLIN -- You kind of expect to see Dahlin's name on this list whenever he plays, but the truth is that he is facing major-league competition at a young. The real story is that he is showing he belongs at this level, which kind of makes him a men against boys when he goes down to junior or in the upcoming World Junior Championship. Dahlin had seven shots and played a whopping 19:36 (again, he's only 17!) in Gothenburg's 5-1 Champions League win over Gap, a French team. This was the most icetime he has had in four Champions League games. (Note: Second appearance on this list in 2017-18)
DAVID GUSTAFSSON -- The Central Scouting preliminary ratings came out on Tuesday, and Gustafsson, who has been playing regularly against men in the SHL, didn't have the juice for an 'A' rating like his countryman Dahlin, although first-round status could be in his future. On Tuesday, he boosted his stock in Champions League play, going 10-for-16 on faceoffs in an impressive 12:09 of icetime. Best of all, his Jonkoping team held on for a 2-1 shootout win over Trinec. Gustafsson takes a lot of draws in the SHL, and obviously, the coaches trust him on faceoffs in the Champions League, too. Don't be surprised if he is a high pick in June, since he is already playing in the big league. (Note: Second appearance on this list in 2017-18)