

An 18-year-old native of London, Ont., McConnell-Barker was originally chosen fourth overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, while this past offseason he heard his name called by the Rangers 97th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Playing an intelligent, two-way game, the budding centre put together a strong first season with the Soo Greyhounds that saw him offer strong secondary scoring support to the tune of 49 points through 68 appearances, good for fifth in team scoring. The 18-year-old was chosen by the Rangers in the fifth round of this summer’s NHL Draft. Not lost on the scoresheet, Barbashev also backs up his play offensively where last season he finished third in team scoring with 42 points in 59 outings, helping him to earn a spot on the QMJHL’s All-Rookie Team. Joining the club after being selected in the opening round of the 2020 CHL Import Draft, the Russian right-wing is a strong forechecker who brings a physical element.

Louis Blues forward and former Moncton Wildcats skater Ivan Barbashev, the younger suits up for the same junior club and has shown much of the same offensive flair. CHL Prospect Pipeline highlights those who played in 2021-22, who were born in 2001 or later, and are signed by or on the reserve list of an NHL club.
