Ethan Wyttenbach (LW, R, 5’9″, 180, Sioux Falls Stampede, 02/10/2007, Quinnipiac)
Ethan Wyttenbach is a high-skill, puck-dominant forward with a dangerous offensive skill set and top-tier playmaking vision. While undersized by NHL standards, he consistently finds ways to drive play through quickness, edgework, and elite hands. His puck distribution on the power play and his ability to create in tight spaces make him one of the more offensively creative forwards in the USHL this season. However, his game remains inconsistent due to high-risk decision-making, turnover volume, and his struggle to absorb contact at even strength.
Case For Drafting Wyttenbach:
Wyttenbach brings clear offensive value. He averages 2.2 Grade “A” scoring chances per game and converts at a 16% rate, a respectable figure that reflects a combination of skill, anticipation, and net presence. He has scored 23 goals in 43 games, with a significant portion of those goals created off movement and positioning rather than size or brute strength.
He excels with the puck on his stick, particularly on the power play, where his 1.79 completed passes per game that lead to Grade “A” chances stands out as one of the better marks among USHL draft-eligible forwards. His ability to process quickly, execute under pressure, and exploit seams is advanced. His puck control and deception allow him to hold pucks a half-second longer to open up options, and when he’s not forcing plays, he creates quality looks for himself and others.
He’s also an elite anticipator of space and loose pucks, recovering 2.1 loose pucks after shots per game, which indicates high-end game sense and processing speed. He supports the breakout well, stays underneath the puck in transition, and presents clean outlets for his defensemen. Wyttenbach’s skating stride is quick, his edgework is tight, and his open-ice agility makes him hard to track when he cuts laterally or delays in-zone.
Case Against Drafting Wyttenbach:
Wyttenbach’s size (5’9”, 180 lbs) is not disqualifying on its own, but when paired with average pace, limited physical engagement, and poor puck protection under pressure, it becomes a concern. Despite playing 17+ minutes per game and carrying the puck often, he draws just 0.12 penalties per game, suggesting he is not consistently putting defenders in vulnerable situations or forcing mistakes through physical pressure.
His giveaway rate (5.3 per game) reflects his tendency to over-handle, force plays through coverage, or delay too long under pressure. He’ll frequently opt for the high-risk pass or try to beat a defender off the wall instead of simplifying and keeping possession. While some of these habits are tied to confidence and offensive burden, it raises questions about scalability to higher levels.
Additionally, while his shot volume is solid (4.5 attempts, 2.9 on goal per game), he misses the net (1.14 x per-game) or has his shot blocked (0.48 x per-game) at a rate that reduces scoring efficiency. He’s prone to shooting through coverage rather than off timing or using deception, and despite strong shot generation, he needs to improve selection and release variation.
Defensively, while he works to create pressure, he’s limited physically and doesn’t consistently separate opponents from the puck. He gives more hits (0.68 received) than he delivers (0.43) — a trend that’s concerning at his size and one that likely worsens at the next level.
Projection and Development Path:
Wyttenbach projects as an offensive middle-six winger at the collegiate level and a possible depth scorer at the professional level if he can refine his puck management and learn to be more efficient with possession. His playmaking, anticipation, and hands will translate — but his decision-making and strength need significant improvement.
A four-year NCAA development path will benefit him. The off-ice time will allow him to build functional strength and learn how to manipulate pace rather than rely on constant high-skill plays. He should be developed as a power play specialist and secondary scorer with strict coaching on puck decisions and zone management.
NHL Projection:
Ceiling: Middle-six offensive winger with power play utility
Floor: Minor league scorer
Draft Recommendation:
end of 5th–7th Round Grade
Wyttenbach is a “swing-for-offense” pick with some high-end puck skill and power play traits that separate him from the typical USHL winger. His hands, vision, and game processing are strong — but his puck management, physical limitations, and decision-making under pressure must evolve significantly. Draft as a long-term development project with targeted focus on simplifying his game and building strength.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images