Long Term NHL Watch List
| Max Helgeson | Kenai River Brown Bears | NAHL | R | F | 6’1″ | 175 | Uncom. | Anchorage, AK | 2000 | 2020-2021: F |
NAHL: Chippewa Steel, Kenai River, MN Magicians, February 21, 2021: He consistently shows up for the Brown Bears. He at times is relied on as a utility guy, he’s capable of playing in most situations. Where he excels is using his speed along the wall and opening the ice up cutting to the middle. He can score a goal off the rush or use poise and possess the puck. Grade: B
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, February 2021: Max continues to play a pro styled game. It looks like he does the little things naturally and he does them well. His stick continues to be active in defensive situations and he literally stops on every puck. These are traits that pro coaches require and college coaches have to break or set. I like that he’s shooting the puck and making the goalie move or make a save. He generates rebounds and he is very good in the paint. At his size and pace I’m shocked that he’s not committed yet, but someone is going to get a hardnosed player who’s coming into his own.
NAHL February 3rd-5th. Austin, Minot, Fairbanks, Kenai, Fairbanks, Bismarck, MN Wilderness, February 13, 2021: Heads up hockey player, meaning he’s skating with his head up and stickhandles well seeing the ice. Plays fast, stops and starts all over the ice. A skilled player being able to score in tight or from the top of the circles with his shot and creativity. Grade: A-
NAHL: Kenai River, MN Wilderness, MN Magicians, January 27, 2021: Very active forward that thrives around the net. Has a goal scoring touch meaning he’s a threat from anywhere. He possesses the ability to pick corners from far out but also has the creativity to score in other ways. Brings energy to every shift he has, whether it’s driving to the net or hunting on the forecheck. Grade: A
New USA Junior Age Out Report 2021, January 8, 2021: Helgeson possesses very good straight-line speed and uses it to his advantage. His speed is most noticeable on the forecheck and backcheck where he skates with a “hound” like mentality. His versatility is another one of his best assets, being the kind of player who can kill penalties and also be an effective player on the powerplay. His shot is particularly good coming down the wing, in stride, with a quick release and good velocity on the shot. His hands don’t always keep up with his skating speed which causes him to turn the puck over when trying to make a move rather than carrying the puck wide. In the offensive zone, his hockey IQ doesn’t always match his ability as he often misses on good opportunities by simply not recognizing the play.
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, November 2020: Max is a big strong power forward who I feel is really starting to come into his own. He carries the puck confidently with his eyes up looking to make a play, but at the same time seems to understand that making smart reads in the grey areas is what can set him apart. He has the physical size to be a force in front of the other team’s net and it is obvious that he is really starting to enjoy being that net front presence. He’s spinning off contact, battling for rebounds and as we’ve noted his work ethic is off the charts. I love seeing a player who’s figuring it out and Max looks like a sleeper to me. He shows good awareness in the defensive zone, has an active stick and a willingness to eat pucks. Max works on the backcheck and I fee his speed could make him a penalty killer or even a shut down guy at higher levels. It’s work and effort to be that guy, but I think he might have the mentality to really relish that role.
NAHL: MN Magicians, Kenai River, Fairbanks, Chippewa, November 2020: Big power forward that can skate through guys using his size. Skates well for his size blocking defenders with pure power to get past them. Has creativity entering the zone with hands that make him deceptive to who he’s going to pass to. Stands himself well in front of the net. Grade: A
Tier 1 Elite League 18U Playoffs, March 2018: Helgeson is a high end player and a lot of fun to watch. Excellent top end speed with agility to match, he is very difficult to defend against. He has the hands to beat defenders one-on-one with skill and he just as easily can overpower them with strength and speed driving wide to the outside. Heavy wrister with a quick release and can pick corners. Nice playmaking ability and vision.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images