With the 2022-23 season now well underway, National Hockey League Central Scouting has released it’s preliminary watch list for next summer’s NHL Entry Draft.
The list includes 12 players with BC Hockey League ties, and among them is Cranbrook Bucks 18-year-old forward Donovan Frias.
An import from Hudson, Massachusetts, Frias has been given a ‘C’ prospect rating, which projects him to be selected between the fourth and sixth rounds at the upcoming draft.
Frias has played to a point-per-game pace so far this season, scoring three goals and adding four assists in seven appearances.
He is one of four current Cranbrook players committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Yale University — a list which also includes his twin brother Julian.
In a news release from the Bucks, head coach and general manager Ryan Donald expressed his approval of Frias being recognized for the work he’s put in.
“We are excited for Donovan to be identified as an NHL draft prospect with the release of the Central Scouting list this week. It is a great feather in his cap as a young hockey player to receive this recognition relative to his peers. We have been impressed with Donovan’s progression as a young man and hockey player since arriving here in Cranbrook, and look forward to continuing in his development this season.”
Ryan Donald on Donovan Frias
Frias has missed the Bucks past three games due to an injury, but when he’s been in the lineup, he’s been an important piece to the puzzle.
The eye test matches the production numbers for Frias — who seems poised to accomplish great things during his time in Cranbrook.
Bucks Network 