any idea where this guy might be headed?
update on Hamilton: Scott Wheeler mentioned Beckett Hamilton in
an article today about WJC team canada and other prospect related chat-
- I reported last week that breakout Avalanche third-rounder and Red Deer Rebels captain Beckett Hamilton was being pursued by the NCHC schools you’d expect, but there was some belief he might also sign. It’s sounding more and more like it’s going to be Denver. These things are never official until the players themselves announce it, and even then they’re liable to change, but that’s where multiple college sources think it has landed.
missed the word last week on multiple NCHC teams but if hes potentially closer to signing being at DU makes sense, there are a lot of connections w the Avs beyond just the proximity.
also mentioned is projected 2027 first round pick Jaakko Wysick has told teams he won't decide anything until after the Memorial Cup, which is being hosted by Guelph
if you want to know some of the info on the canada wjc stuff, tl;dr:
- Stocks down: Carels and Verhoeff, Jackson Smith. Latter two are in danger of not making it, Smith is very out of favor w Hockey Canada. Verhoeff is a bubble guy so if he makes it, he would be in a lower role than previous international experiences, but he's been the 7th D and played his way up the lineup in the past. imo hes improved from the dreadful start Carels has had rough games but not as bad.
- One of the guys pushing them out is Ryan Lin, who isn't pointing it up w DU atm but looks very poised, which is a rare trait in young D. HC loves him
- The Ruck twins (NoDak) haven't played their way into a likely world junior spot. didnt get a WJSS invite. they'll be eligible next year though
- scouts are unimpressed with the forward group especially in the bottom 6
the other college hockey focus thing was a bit on 2027 projected 1st round pick Jamie Glance (BU), who has looked great with Saint John.
