The WHL is a hotbed for talent -- there’s no denying that. It’s especially true this season, with an exceptional group of draft-eligible talent headlined by Connor Bedard.

This early-season edition of the Scout’s Notebook covers a pair of mobile, dynamic defencemen, two top prospects who have taken their playmaking to new heights, and a top 2022 blue-liner who can’t stay off the ice.  

First up, a nearly unrivalled play-killer who echoes the reigning WHL Defenceman of the Year.