John Williams, NHL Central Scouting; Top Western Hockey League prospects

John Williams, NHL Central Scouting; Top Western Hockey League prospects

Author: National Hockey League May 15, 2026 Duration: 32:23
NHL Draft Class shines the spotlight on the top prospects in the Western Hockey League with NHL Central Scouting senior western scout John Williams joining co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale. What separated a loaded class of defensemen that includes Prince George's Carson Carels and Prince Albert's Daxon Rudolph? John also discusses what he likes about twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruck, JP Hurlbert, and Mathis Preston and more.

Ever wonder about the journey from a promising teenager to a name called at the podium? NHL Draft Class, presented by the National Hockey League, pulls back the curtain on that exact process. This isn't just a rundown of rankings; it's a series of conversations that get into the grit and character of the next generation of hockey stars. You'll hear directly from the prospects themselves-their training routines, personal motivations, and the nerves of draft day. The audio goes beyond the stats with analysis from scouts and league insiders who break down what makes each player unique, from a defenseman's hockey IQ to a forward's release. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a backstage pass to the most pivotal moment in a young athlete's career. It captures the anticipation, the strategy from team war rooms, and the raw emotion of dreams becoming reality. For anyone fascinated by the future of the sport and the human stories behind the jerseys, this series offers a compelling, insider's perspective on how a draft class is built.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

NHL Draft Class
Podcast Episodes
S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART II: Adam Fantilli & Will Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Adam Fantilli, who could be the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale for a wide-ranging discussion, including whether he plans to return to Michigan for a second sea…
S5: NHL Scouting Combine - PART I: Connor Bedard & Mike Doneghey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
Connor Bedard, the expected No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, sat down with co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale at the NHL Scouting Combine to discuss his season, his expectations for the combine and how much he'…
S5: Mock Draft 1.0; NHL Draft Lottery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:51
The NHL Draft Lottery set the order for the first 16 selections, starting with the Chicago Blackhawks winning the No. 1 pick. That means it's time for the first mock draft of the 2023 NHL Draft season. Co-hosts Adam Kime…
S5: Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting; Top goalie prospects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top North American goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft, among them Carson Bjarnason of Brandon in the Western…
S5: Dan Marr, VP, NHL Central Scouting; Final Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:35
Dan Marr, VP of NHL Central Scouting, joins the show to discuss the final rankings of North American and International skaters and goalies for the 2023 NHL Draft. Marr goes in-depth on how the lists were put together, ho…
S5: Brandon Naurato, Michigan men’s hockey coach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
University of Michigan coach Brandon Naurato joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss two of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, forwards Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley, their growth this seas…
S5: Brayden Yager joins; Adam Fantilli & NTDP prospect analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Brayden Yager of Moose Jaw, No. 5 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss his season (5:45). Yager also discusses what NHL players…