With the NHL entry draft right around the corner, we’re taking a look at some players with Champions Hockey League experience who could see themselves playing across the pond in the near future. All players included have played in at least two CHL games with many most likely continuing with their respective clubs for the upcoming season.
Up first is Slovakian left-winger Juraj Slafkovský from TPS Turku. At 192 cm and 99 kg, Slafkovský already possesses the size and could have an immediate impact. Last season Slafkovský suited up for his first CHL campaign, where he notched one assist in four games. The 18-year-old is slated to go 3rd overall but has even managed to crack the top spot in some rankings. To his credit, the Košice-native already has success at the international level achieving, among other accolades, an Olympic bronze medal and he had a dominant showing during TPS’s run in the Liiga playoffs.
This next pick helped his club to the European Trophy in their debut season when Rögle Ängelholm defeated CHL veterans Tappara Tampere in the 2022 CHL Final. Projected to be selected in the middle of the first round, Marco Kasper had a prodigious season in last year’s tournament scoring six points (2G,4A) in 12 games while playing fourth line minutes. The Austrian center's speed is definitely one of his stand-out traits, and he used it to good effect often helping his team to create chances on the rush. Kasper also did his part during the SHL playoffs potting three goals and adding three assists for six points in 13 contests.
“His tenacious pursuit of pucks, his formidable physicality, and exemplary play from the hash marks down earned him instant trust from the Rögle coaching staff.”Cam Robinson, EP Rinkside on Marco Kasper's play
Ranked 12th among European defencemen by NHL Central Scouting, Skellefteå AIK’s Elias Salomonsson skated in two games last year for the Swedish side where he picked up one assist. The 186 cm, 83 kg right shot is contracted with Skellefteå until the 23/24 season but if selected could certainly see himself abroad sooner rather than later. Having not even turned 18 yet, Salomonsson is already showing signs of becoming a top pair defencemen with his smooth transition game and excellent passing ability. Couple that with his solid two-way play and the Swedish D-man has all the trappings for success at the NHL level.
Rounding out this selection of 2022 draftees is Swiss-born forward Dario Allenspach who currently plays for EV Zug. In last season’s CHL, the 19-year-old laced up for six games where he managed one goal and one assist. The dynamic center/wing also had four points in 15 playoff games in Switzerland’s NL and is a two-time NL champion. Allenspach is currently under contract with Zug until the 23/24 season.
Honourable Mention
While he’s not participating in this year’s iteration, another defenceman expected to be drafted early is Lian Bichsel of Leksands IF. In last year's CHL, Bichsel managed one goal in eight games played as he helped his team to the Quarter-Finals where they were eventually undone by a tough Frölunda Gothenburg club. Standing at an impressive 196 cm, Bichsel's large frame gives him a towering presence on the ice and he is capable of using his long reach to interrupt the rush and close gaps quickly. The Olten, Switzerland native is slated to go later in the first round and could end up being a good bargain pick-up when all is said and done.