Thanks to a big weekend, the Western Michigan sophomore now leads the NCHC in scoring. Hear about him, plus news on Victor Mete, Joe Veleno and more

The news is coming fast and furious in the prospect world these days. With world junior camps on the horizon, Canada got a big boost when the Montreal Canadiens decided to loan out defenseman Victor Mete, who has been pretty good for a bad Habs team this year. Elsewhere, colleague Mikael Lalancette had a huge scoop when he revealed that Joe Veleno, one of the top 2018 draft prospects in the QMJHL, will be traded from Saint John to Drummondville for a bunch of picks once the league’s trade window opens on Dec. 18. We’ve also got the World Jr. A Challenge going on in Nova Scotia right now, so let’s get to the list.

Grigori Denisenko, LW, Loko Yaroslavl (Rus.) – Scouts were very excited to see Denisenko at the World Jr. A Challenge, as he got hurt in the first game of the summer’s Ivan Hlinka tournament. Denisenko dazzled in his WJAC opener with three points, using his quickness, great hands and creativity to punish Canada East. He’s got the talent to be a first-rounder this year. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Wade Allison, RW, Western Michigan Broncos (NCHC) – Thanks to his big weekend against Miami, Allison has passed teammate Colt Conrad for the conference scoring lead with 25 points in 19 games. The Philadelphia Flyers pick blends strength and skill for a great package and Allison nabbed NCHC offensive player of the week honors with five points in two games, including a natural hat trick. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Anthony Cirelli, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL) – A clutch two-way player who always seems to step up at the right time, Cirelli is currently enjoying his first season of pro hockey with the Crunch. The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect was just named AHL player of the week in fact, on the strength of seven points in his past three games – all wins, all on the road. NHL arrival: 2018-19

Adam Mascherin, LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) – He was snubbed by Canada’s world junior squad but that hasn’t slowed down Mascherin. The dynamic, undersized Florida Panthers pick is currently riding a seven-game point streak (longest for an OHLer this season) in which he has collected 14 points for the division-leading Rangers. NHL arrival: 2019-20

Alexander Romanov, D, Krasnaya Armiya Moscow (Rus.) – A blueliner who can also line up as a forward, Romanov obviously has dynamic portions to his game. Playing defense at the WJAC, he has already shown off his power play skills, his passing and his shot. Romanov is up for the 2018 draft. NHL arrival: 2020-21

Drake Batherson, C, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) – The best news for Batherson is that he hasn’t seemed to miss a step since missing time with a wrist injury. The late bloomer with high hockey IQ is getting a shot at Canada’s world junior squad and with 39 points in 24 games, the Ottawa Senators pick is one of the most potent threats in the ‘Q’ right now. NHL arrival: 2020-21

K’Andre Miller, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL) – The University of Wisconsin commit earned USHL defenseman of the week honors thanks to his third multi-point game in seven league outings. A big, athletic kid who can contribute at both ends of the ice, the 2018 draft prospect has been a solid contributor on a very good NTDP team. NHL arrival: 2021-22

Cole Kehler, G, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – Kehler struggled early in his WHL career with Kamloops, even going down to the BCHL for a season. But the 6-foot-4 netminder has really found his range in Portland and this year he’s been one of the best around. A lefty with a sweet glove hand, Kehler just earned himself a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Kings and sports a .931 save percentage. NHL arrival: 2021-22

Jack Perbix, RW, Elk River Elks (Minn. HS) – A wiry kid with good speed and playmaking ability, Perbix has put up 14 points (11 assists) in his first four games of the season for Elk River. The Notre Dame commit plays with a nasty edge and he’ll be one to watch for the 2018 draft this summer. NHL arrival: 2022-23

Jeremy Swayman, G, University of Maine Black Bears (Hockey East) – One of the bigger surprises on the USA world junior camp roster, Swayman is showing why he got a bid. The 6-foot-2 freshman netminder is coming off a blistering weekend that saw him stop 95 pucks in a pair of wins against Quinnipiac, giving the Boston Bruins pick a .927 save percentage on the season. NHL arrival: 2022-23