Florian Elias (5-8, 170), C, Mannheim (GER): The C-rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s players to watch list for January scored nine points (four goals, five assists) while averaging 22:48 in five games to help Germany finish sixth at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he played on a line with Ottawa Senators rookie Tim Stutzle and Buffalo Sabres prospect John-Jason Peterka. Elias has scored four points (two goals, two assists) in 13 games with Mannheim of Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Germany’s top professional league.
“Florian has decent speed, smooth hands and he is a very good playmaker with fine offensive instincts,” NHL director of European scouting Goran Stubb said. “He’s smart, makes good decisions and compensates for his lack of size with his vision and understanding of the game.”
Scott Morrow (6-2, 198), D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (HIGH-MN):One of the top high school players on the draft board, Morrow has scored 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 19 games for Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota. The right-shot defenseman, a B-rated skater, is committed to play at the University of North Dakota next season.
“Morrow has very good quickness and elusiveness with the puck, has a strong stride, and is quick in transition,” Central Scouting’s Greg Rajanen said. “He’s got good vision in finding open teammates and is a very good decision-maker with the puck. He supports the rush well and is becoming a solid two-way defender.”
Francesco Pinelli (6-0, 184), C, Kitchener (OHL): The A-rated skater has one assist in four games on loan with Jesenice of the Alps Hockey League. Last season he was fourth among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 59 games with Kitchener.
“Francesco is an elite skater with top-end speed and is an excellent puck pursuit player,” Central Scouting’s Joey Tenute said. “He’s got a great work ethic and a high compete level, and is a strong, 200-foot, reliable two-way player. He can make plays at top speed and contributes on the power play and penalty kill.”
Ryan Ufko (5-10, 178), D, Chicago (USHL): The dynamic right-handed shot, a B-rated skater, is second among USHL defensemen with 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) and first with 16 power-play points (three goals, 13 assists) in 30 games. Ufko is committed to play at the University of Massachusetts in 2022-23.
“He’s an active, skill-type defender from the back end, quick and elusive and mobile with puck,” Rajanen said. “He gets up and supports the rush well and has nice one-time ability. He’s more of a contain-style defender and uses his partner well.”
Photo credit: Christian Wahlgren, Frolunda
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