Scout's Notebook: The top finishers from the 2022 NHL Draft class

Last week we took a nice long look at some of the best skaters from the 2022 draft. Today, we’re leaving knee bend and extension/recovery form for pre-loading, hand placement and power generation. 

That’s right, it’s time we explore some of the best shooters from this crop of talent and what makes them so dangerous. 

Just like skating, we could spend an entire article just breaking down the fundamental movements that go into a perfect shot. There are so many intricate movements that come together to generate power from the legs, core, arms and wrists. 

Taking a stationary wrister on the power-play will look different than an in-flight release. A one-timer in motion will look demonstrably different than a quick snapper  But the coolest thing about all of these shots is that if you’re smart enough and have diligence, you can master the required elements through hard work and repetition. 

An example of the intricacies of shooting the puck can be found in Elias Pettersson. As a draft-eligible talent, the then 18-year-old was seen to have a below-average shot. It lacked power and quickness. After being selected fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks, he decided to overhaul his shot. He broke it down into 17 different movements and made a concerted effort to blend them together in a biometrically pleasing manner. The result? He now owns one of the fiercest wrist and one-timers on the planet. 

Now, let’s check out how some of the best 2022 kids rip the biscuit.