The Hlinka Gretzky Cup signals the start of the scouting season. The tournament represents an invaluable opportunity to get an early read on players from eight nations as they compete against their peers in close to a best-on-best setting.

Not only do NHL organizations get to see how European and North American prospects match up against each other, but it’s also an opportunity to meet the players personally and start to learn about their off-ice makeup and build relationships.

The annual tournament, which takes place in Edmonton, Alberta, between August 5 and 10, has a slate of 18 games. The teams are split into Groups A and B, each loaded with talent.

Let's get right into it.