Four of the top teams in the CHL are set to meet in Kamloops this week for the 2023 Memorial Cup.
The Memorial Cup is the final tournament in the Canadian major junior hockey season. The Kamloops Blazers are the hosts of the competition and are joined by the champions of the three CHL leagues: the Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), the Peterborough Petes (OHL) and the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL).
There are going to be plenty of NHL prospects at the tournament, as all four clubs are filled with draft picks. But which players are going to make the biggest impact at the games?
The Sporting News takes a look at the top 10 players participating in the 2023 Memorial Cup.
MORE: Memorial Cup 2023 schedule, standings, results
Top 10 NHL prospects at the 2023 Memorial Cup
1. Dylan Guenther, Seattle
The Thunderbirds acquired Guenther from the Edmonton Oil Kings at the WHL trade deadline to help with their offense, and boy has he delivered. Guenther had nearly a goal a game during Seattle's run to a WHL title, recording 16 goals and 28 points in 19 games to lead the Thunderbirds to a championship.
The Coyotes prospect owns a wicked shot that makes him a dangerous power-play weapon, but he's always a threat to score with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone.
2. Logan Stankoven, Kamloops
Entering the 2023 Memorial Cup, no one had more playoff points among the teams remaining than Stankoven. The Stars prospect finished the WHL playoffs with 30 points, including 20 assists, in just 14 games for Kamloops.
The 2022 CHL Player of the Year lacks size but makes up for it everywhere else. He's elite in the faceoff dot and can drive play down the middle.
3. Olen Zellweger, Kamloops
Zellweger is without a doubt the top defenseman out of the four teams competing at the Memorial Cup. The Ducks prospect led the Blazers in goals during the WHL playoffs with 11, adding 18 assists to total 29 points in just 14 games.
Kamloops made a deal with the Everett Silvertips to bring in the smooth-skating defenseman to bolster the roster ahead of the Memorial Cup, and he has not disappointed. Zellweger plays top minutes while contributing at both ends of the ice.
4. Justin Robidas, Quebec
Robidas played an essential role in the Remparts securing the 2023 QMJHL championship. Acquired midseason from the Val-d'Or Foreurs, Robidas finished the regular season third on the team in points but elevated his game in the playoffs, registering 11 goals and 27 points in 18 games for Quebec.
The Canadiens prospect is the son of former NHL defenseman Stephane Robidas. He carries a high hockey IQ that is demonstrated in his two-way game for Quebec.
5. Brennan Othmann, Peterborough
Othmann has played a pivotal role for the Petes after he was acquired by Peterborough in a deadline trade with the Flint Firebirds. The Rangers draft pick averaged over a point per game during the OHL postseason, recording eight goals and 25 points in 23 games.
The winger can contribute often on the scoresheet, but he also is a bruising player to play against, constantly looking to engage in physical play.
6. Thomas Milic, Seattle
Milic made a name for himself at the 2023 World Juniors, backstopping Canada to a gold medal. He continued his impressive 2022-23 campaign by not only hoisting a WHL championship but he was also named WHL Playoffs MVP.
The undrafted goaltender started every game for the Thunderbirds in their playoff run, compiling a 1.95 GAA and a .933 SV%. He's by far the hottest goaltender entering the Memorial Cup.
7. Jared Davidson, Seattle
Davidson has been a consistent performer for Seattle all season long. The Canadiens prospect led the Thunderbirds in points and goals in the regular season, and continued his scoring spree in the playoffs, recording 11 goals and 23 points in 19 games.
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Centering Seattle's second line, Davidson has evolved into an elite, two-way player. His defensive game was always there, but he has improved his offensive game to be an all-around threat.
8. James Malatesta, Quebec
It will be hard to find a player who plays with a higher motor than Malatesta. The Remparts forward is constantly buzzing around the ice, making him an impactful player on the rush and on the forecheck.
The Blue Jackets draft pick led Quebec in goals during the playoffs with 14, including seven in the championship series. He was awarded the QMJHL playoff MVP honors as a result of his efforts.
9. Tucker Robertson, Peterborough
Right behind Othmann in points on Peterborough is Robertson. The Kraken prospect finished the OHL playoffs with nine goals and 22 points after leading the Petes in points during the regular season.
Robertson is an extremely well-rounded center who uses his defensive prowess to transition the puck up ice and generate offense.
10. Brad Lambert, Seattle
When you have a scorer like Guenther on your wing, you're going to put up points. That's what Lambert did for Seattle, leading the Thunderbirds with 20 assists during the WHL playoffs. The Jets prospect finished second on the team in points with 26, trailing only Guenther.
Lambert joined the team in January, as Winnipeg elected to send him back to juniors rather than finish out the season in the AHL. It's worked wonders for the Finnish prospect and has certainly benefited Seattle as well.
Honorable mentions: Avery Hayes (Peterborough), Michael Simpson (Peterborough), Owen Beck (Peterborough), Caeden Bankier (Kamloops), Kevin Korchinski (Seattle), Zachary Bolduc (Quebec), Nathan Gaucher (Quebec)
