I want to remind all readers that this series of articles rating the junior hockey leagues in North America is based upon independent opinions and analysis of scouts throughout the United States and Canada.
This rating is based upon the 2022-2023 season and nothing more.
The criteria that was used in rating these four leagues, was how do teams within the leagues compare when developing players who move on to the NHL, NCAA, and Canadian University hockey programs.
Again this is not a historical account of each league but a rating based upon last season alone. We hope this series of articles is informative and promotes a healthy discussion.
1. The United States Hockey League.
The USHL has retained the number one ranking for the 2022-2023 season. Simply put, the USHL is out producing every other league when developing NHL draft picks, NCAA players, and alumni who after playing NCAA go on to sign NHL free agent contracts.
No other league is doing it better. The numbers are undeniable. Again in 2023, 51 USHL or USHL alumni were drafted into the NHL. The direct correlation with USHL – NCAA – and leading all groups in the amount of NHL free agent signings carried a significant impact on the voting.
2. The Ontario Hockey League.
With 35 players taken in the NHL draft, the OHL made a statement to the rest of Canada. They are the top league in Major Junior Hockey, and while the others are good, the OHL just does things a little better.
3. The Western Hockey League
The WHL lands at the number 3 position. Barely missing the number two spot, the WHL is improving every year. With 33 players taken in the NHL draft, including some kid named Connor taken number one overall, the WHL keeps making powerful development statements.
4. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The QMJHL while producing the Memorial Cup Champions, and having 12 players selected in the NHL draft, is lagging behind the other leagues when it comes to depth. That depth though is coming, and the QMJHL is greatly improved over the last two seasons.
5. Sweden
The Swedish development system is full of young talent. Taking the best of with the United States and Candian Development models offered, and adding their own elements, Sweden is a powerhouse developing many of the NHL’s future stars.
6. Czech Republic
Known for developing highly skilled offensive players, the Czech game has evolved to one of the more physical leagues in the world resembling a North American pro game more closely than other European leagues.
7. Slovakia
Slovakia is a small country, with a small population, but everyone in the country follows hockey, and every year more and more players are getting looked at.
Write in votes were received for Germany and Slovenia. Russia was not included in this list due to limited viewing and access during the war in Ukraine.
Next week we will publish the results of rating Canadian Junior A and Tier II in the United States.
