The right-shot center (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters presented by BioSteel, won Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect, Top Scorer, and David Branch Player of the Year awards after leading the WHL in goals (71), points (143), shots on goal (360), points per game (2.51) and goals per game (1.24) in 57 regular-season games. He finished tied for the league lead in assists (72) and game-winning goals (11). He was plus-39, won 53.6 percent of face-offs and had 45 power-play points.