Ste Anne’s Zach Lansard shoots up NHL draft list

Zach Lansard’s reputation as an NHL prospect is certainly growing.

The 2008-born forward from Ste Anne rose the NHL Central Scouting rankings, moving up from potential late-round pick to 72nd among all North American skaters in the most recent rankings.

If that ranking reflects NHL teams’ internal ratings, he could be selected in the third round, the same as fellow Eastman draft pick Owen Martin last year.

Through 39 games this season, Lansard had 15 goals and 21 assists for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League.

“It’s a dream come true for every kid (to be drafted to the NHL), but I try not to pay too much attention to it,” Lansard said in an interview earlier this season.

“I’m trying to take it day by day, slowly get better, stay consistent throughout the year.”

Beausejour’s Brek Liske, who also played for the Eastman Selects program, was rated as the 34th best North American skater. He’s part of a powerhouse Everett team that leads the Western Conference by 12 points as of writing.

The only other Manitoban in the rankings in Cypress River’s Carson Carels, who is having a spectacular season for Prince George. The defenseman is the third rated North American skater for this year’s draft.

The Pats currently are eighth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Eastman has had a strong recent history in the NHL draft, with two first round picks in 2022 (Denton Mateychuk and Owen Pickering) and Martin’s selection by the Winnipeg Jets in last year’s draft.