3. Jimmy Snuggerud, USA U-18 (NTDP)
NHL Central Scouting: No. 11 (North American skaters)
Snuggerud (6-1, 188) made big strides in his skating this season and has exhibited the tools needed to become a scoring wing in a top-six role at the next level. He was tied for sixth on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) and was second with seven power-play goals in 59 games. The 18-year-old, who is committed to the University of Minnesota in 2022-23, had seven points (three goals, four assists) and one power-play goal in six games to help the United States finish second at the U-18 Worlds.
4. Danila Yurov, Magnitogorsk (RUS)
NHL Central Scouting: No. 7 (International skaters)
A smart, hard-working two-way forward with good vision and compete in all three zones. Yurov (6-1, 178) had no points in 21 games with Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League to begin the season but finished with 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 23 games in Russia's junior league. The 18-year-old can win loose pucks and is physically strong but not overly aggressive, since he's considered a finesse-type player.
5. Jagger Firkus, Moose Jaw (WHL)
NHL Central Scouting: No. 12 (North American skaters)
Firkus (5-10, 151), who displays good vision, deceptive speed and creativity, made a big jump from No. 33 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking in January after finishing 14th in the Western Hockey League with 80 points (36 goals, 44 assists) in 66 regular-season games, and led Moose Jaw with 12 power-play goals and seven game-winning goals. He also had 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 10 WHL playoff games. The 18-year-old, who can play center or wing, had a goal and an assist and was named player of the game for Team White at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kitchener, Ontario, on March 23.
6. Rutger McGroarty, USA U-18 (NTDP)
NHL Central Scouting: No. 22 (North American skaters)
McGroarty (6-1, 204), committed to the University of Michigan in 2022-23, had a goal and an assist and was named MVP of the BioSteel All-American Game on Jan. 17. The 18-year-old was fourth on the NTDP U-18 team with 69 points (35 goals, 34 assists) and was third with six power-play goals in 54 games. The left-handed shot, who is competitive and smart and plays a power-forward game, led the United States with eight goals and had nine points and 34 shots on goal in six games at the U-18 Worlds.