The top end of the Millers Top 10 prospect pool is very forward heavy, which has led to
speculation that the club prefers to draft a Defenseman with the 6th overall pick in the 2026
Draft.
Berkly Catton, LW/C - Catton endured a trying NHL rookie season, in no small part to the turgid
system used by his coach Lane Lambert. Most of his production came when playing LW with
either Matty Beniers or Shane Wright as the Center, and that’s likely where he’ll see his playing
time unless Wright is traded. He is still viewed as a top line forward by Millers management and
will spend this season in the minors.
2. Axel Sandin-Pellika, D - Sandin started well in his NHL rookie season but the stress of
partnering with a loose cannon like Ben Chiarot ultimately caught up with him, and he finished
the campaign in the AHL. ASP is likely to play a 3rd pairing role next year in the NHL and
hopefully his LD will be more positionally disciplined. He should still see plenty of PP time for the
Red Wings. For the Millers he’ll join Catton in Northern Kentucky as he looks to fulfill his top 4 D
ceiling.
3. Matthew Wood, LW/C - Wood had a very productive NHL rookie season with 17 goals and
30 points in 71 games. He handled a move to Center quite well, despite his skating grading out
as average to below. There really isn’t a role for him on the Millers in the upcoming season so
he will also ply his trade near the Ohio River, but a top 6 role in a couple of years seems likely.
4. Alexander Zharovsky, RW - Played the majority of the KHL season as an 18 year old and
put up 16 goals and 42 points in 59 games. At 6’2 he has the height but could use some more
muscle. Perhaps the most purely skilled prospect in the Millers system, his ETA is the 2028-29
season.
5. Emmitt Finnie, LW/C - Coming from seemingly nowhere, the 7th rounder broke camp with
the Red Wings and played on the top line for a good part of the season. As is typical with most
rookies his scoring dropped off precipitously along with the rest of his teammates, but his speed
and effort kept him in the lineup. Long-term it’s likely a middle 6 role, with PK and PP duties.
He’ll add to the NKY stockpile of prospects before assuming a full-time role in the 27-28 season.
6. Ryan Greene, LW/C - Much like Finnie, Greene surprisingly broke camp with Chicago and
spent the entire season in the NHL, often playing with Connor Bedard. Greene’s strength is his
2 way game, as the former 2nd rounder saw lots of PK time. His projection is as a 3rd line
Center and penalty-killer who can move up the lineup when necessary. Amongst all the Millers
rookies Greene’s defensive chops give him the best chance to see some time in the lineup this
upcoming season.
7. Yegor Zavragin, G. - Another Russian, he’s already appeared in 55 KHL games across 3
seasons as a 20-year old. He’s likely 2 seasons away from his North American debut, but he
has Number One Goalie potential.
8. Blake Fiddler, D - Last year’s 1st round pick really did not progress as much as hoped for
offensively. His defense is still solid and he moves well for a big guy, but he does not project to
be much of a scorer. He’s likely a shutdown guy at the highest level. Expect to see him up in
about 2 years.
9. Henry Brzustewicz, D - Not quite the level of prospect as his brother Hunter, Henry still
projects as a solid 2nd pairing all situations Defenseman. He’s likely 3 years away from a full-
time role.
10. Sawyer Mynio, D - A sleeper, the unheralded Mynio held his own in his AHL rookie
season, and his strong hockey sense, mobility and calm game show potential as a 3rd pair NHL
Defenseman.
Honorable Mentions: Jesse Kiiskinen, RW; Alexei Medvedev, G; Riley Patterson, C; Carson
Wetsch, RW; Brady Peddle, D; Brent Solomon, RW; Cole McKinney, C. Kieren Dervin, C.
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