Alexander Donovan (RW, R, 5’11”, 170, Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, 04/08/2007, Denver)
Alexander Donovan is a dynamic right-shot winger with a balanced blend of skill, pace, and goal-scoring instinct. He posted 91 points (45 goals, 46 assists) in 58 games for Shattuck St. Mary’s U18, leading the offensive charge for one of the most competitive prep programs in North America. He followed up his regular season performance with a dominant showing at the 2025 USA Hockey U18 Nationals, adding 5 goals and 5 assists in 6 games while demonstrating a consistent ability to drive play, finish chances, and create under pressure.
Donovan averaged 14:53 of ice time per game, including over 2 minutes on the power play and limited penalty kill usage (0:21/game). His offensive profile is highlighted by a shooter’s mentality (4.4 shot attempts/game), a deceptive release, and consistent scoring chance generation (3.3 SC/game). He was more dangerous as a finisher than a playmaker (0.73 PSP/game), but his 85% passing rate and 2.8 shots on goal per game tell us he’s a winger who can connect plays and sustain possession. His 10% scoring chance conversion rate reflects good touch, though there’s room to grow in accuracy, release and shot efficiency. While not overly physical, he plays through contact effectively, wins battles at a moderate rate (43%), and consistently gets to the net front in both rush and cycle play.
Why Donovan Should Be Drafted
1) Natural Goal Scorer with a Pro Release
Donovan’s ability to score from different situations — off the rush, in traffic, and with quick one-timers — separates him from other prep-level scorers. He sells deception with shoulder movement and subtle toe drags to change the angle and he can get pucks off in stride. His release is quick, heavy, and difficult to read.
2) Skates with Power and Control
He’s an above-average skater with a clean, efficient stride, strong edge control, and the ability to roll off contact. He can carry speed through the neutral zone and push defenders back, and as he adds muscle, this component of his game will only improve.
3) Competes in High-Traffic Areas
While he’s not a physical winger, Donovan is willing to go to hard areas. He scored goals in tight off rebounds, redirections, and crease presence at Nationals, and he has a nose for tracking pucks and beating defenders to loose change.
4) Offensive Versatility and Confidence
He can score, pass, or play off the puck. His ability to play both as a finisher and a secondary playmaker makes him projectable in multiple roles at the next level — whether in a top-six scoring look or in a complimentary role on a fast paced checking line.
Why Donovan May Not Be Drafted
1) Strength and Battle Compete Are Still Developing
Despite consistent effort, Donovan won just 43% of puck battles — an average that must improve for an NHL-bound winger. At 5’11”, 180 lbs, he’ll need to add strength and explosiveness to elevate his puck protection, improve net-front positioning, and absorb contact more consistently.
2) Needs to Round Out Defensive Game
With only 0:21 of shorthanded time per game and minimal defensive zone puck impact (0.32 blocked shots/game), Donovan is still developing a clear identity as a 200-foot forward who can play in a shut-down role. To play higher in the lineup at the pro level, he’ll need to improve his detail without the puck.
3) Slightly One-Dimensional Offensively at Times
Donovan leans heavily on his shot and finishing instincts. His pre-shot passing (0.73/game) and assist totals benefit from offensive pressure and time/space rather than primary creation. At higher levels, more play-driving ability will be required to sustain his scoring touch.
4) Played Primarily at the Prep Level
While his production and performance at Shattuck and Nationals were excellent, he hasn’t faced consistent USHL competition. How quickly he adapts to USHL and NCAA pace and physicality will be key to determining long-term projectability.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Middle-six NHL winger with scoring upside and second-unit power play potential
Development Track: 1–2 years in North American junior hockey and 2 years at the NCAA level (University of Denver), focusing on strength development, pace adjustment, and rounding out his 200-foot game. Likely 3–4 year development timeline with potential AHL seasoning after college.
Draft Range: 4th–6th Round
Verdict: Donovan is a legitimate scoring winger with pro release mechanics, a quick brain in transition, and competitive drive around the net. While he’s not a physical force or elite playmaker, his instincts, touch, and speed give him a real chance to earn an NHL contract and play in a middle-six role that provides consistent secondary offense. His commitment to Denver gives him an ideal environment to develop. He should be targeted in the mid-to-late rounds by organizations seeking goal-scoring depth with upside.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images