We make our way to the WHL with our next player in the top 20, David Lewandowski, who is coming off a strong junior season in the Western Hockey League.

The German product was selected in the second-round of the CHL import draft to the Saskatoon Blades in 2024.

Lewandowski put up 15 goals and 39 points in 52 games during his WHL rookie season in 2024-2025, which also happened to be his first year of NHL draft eligibility. The Blades forward also suited up for Team Germany in the under-18 tournament, as well as the World Juniors. The Edmonton Oilers took the power forward in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL draft, and he ramped up his production in the 2025-2026 season.

After getting almost a full WHL season under his belt, Lewandowski came into his draft-year plus-one season prepared for what the North American game can bring. The 117th overall selection was not only a point-per-game player, but also led the Saskatoon Blades in points with 17 goals and 65 points in 57 games. In 11 playoff games, the left-shot winger scored four goals and finished with nine points.

Once again, Lewandowski played a big part for team Germany in international play. At the World Juniors, the playmaking winger had a goal to go along with three assists in his five games. Even in his first and only AHL game this year Lewandowski found his way onto the scoresheet.

Getting onto the scoresheet wasn’t a problem at all for the Blades forward. During his draft season, I noted how strong of a playmaker Lewandowski was, and it continued to get stronger throughout the season. Whether it is on his backhand or forehand, the savvy playmaker can make a difficult pass look easy.

I also found that Lewandowski’s shot took a bit of a step this year. During his first WHL season, he was always looking to pass off, unless it was on the power play where he likes to use his one-timer. Not only is the shooting mentality more aggressive, but Lewandowski has seemed to add some extra velocity behind his shot.

The final area of strength I want to talk about is Lewandowski’s ability to create contact, protect the puck, and play along the wall. Through two years of following his game, puck protection and creating contact is a fundamental he has down to a tee. Whenever Lewandowski has pressure on his backside, he looks even more poised than being in open ice. It is, by far, my favourite attribute of his.

I think any coach would love how the 19-year-old forward gets inside position on players and stays there. So why is he at number 16?

I have two main concerns and the first one is very well documented. Lewandowski’s skating and overall pace of play is a red flag for me. It was a worry of mine the day he became an Edmonton Oiler and I was hoping that it would improve. However, it did not.

I will be monitoring if the skating can take the desperate jump it needs. Lewandowski has always been a project play for me and I can still see a path for him to be a bottom-six/depth role player. After this year in the WHL, I would love to see at least two years in the AHL before there is any conversation around him being called up, but if he can handle the pace of the AHL, then I think there is a solid chance he can suit up in some NHL games around 24.

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