:  Ryan Johansen


After spending the 2022-23 season working on details, Conor Geekie brought his game full circle this past season. The dynamism returned in a top-line role, bolstered by his improved off-puck routes, physicality, and defensive details. He pierced defensive formations by baiting defenders to chase before cutting inside or ripping a pass through them. The goal-scoring also picked up. Developing his cycle creation skills and skating are still important, but he’s tracking as a middle-six centre. (EliteProspects, 2024)