2022 NHL Draft: Players to watch

It's August 2021 and the most recent draft class just had their time in the sun. You'd think most scouts would be taking a little breather to regroup after one of the most challenging assessment periods ever.

You would be mistaken.

The Ivan Hlinka tournament fired up on Aug. 2, and this is our first focused look at some of these 16- and 17-year-olds. And thanks to the wonders of video and tertiary notes, I'm already prepared to provide you all with a healthy dose of players to watch for this class. A class, by the way, that is already looking poised to dwarf the interest and skill that was contained in by the 2021 group. 

As you'll notice, this list isn't ranked. However, I start out with the big fish in Shane Wright because he deserves to be at the top of any discussion around this class. List or not. In addition to his absolute stunning star potential, there are several players who boast some electric stuff upfront. And even more defenders with top-two and top-four upsides, especially on the right side. Something we don't see every class.

Without further, settle in and check out who is coming down the pike for next year's 2022 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal.