Spotlight: 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup - Pt.3

Final Takeaways from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup - Pt.3

As we move into the final installment of this series on the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, it’s time to turn our attention to the last group of standout players who made their mark during the tournament. In Part 1, I introduced the tournament's importance and spotlighted Radim Mrtka and Blake Fiddler, two defensemen who could be on Utah Hockey Club’s radar. In Part 2, I expanded on that list with five more promising prospects, each showing potential for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Now, in Part 3, I’ll wrap up with the final batch of players who deserve recognition for their performances. These players, like those before them, showcased skills and qualities that make them intriguing candidates for The Utah Hockey Club as they look to bolster their future roster at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Let’s dive into the last set of standouts from this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

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Standout Players

#1 Jackson Smith - Canada - 6’3” - LD

(Credit: Tri-City Americans/WHL)

Jackson Smith is a big, strong left-shot defenseman who brings a powerful presence to the ice. He’s an agile skater, and has a strong will to drive the play north, often barreling through the neutral zone with the puck and charging toward the opposition's net. Smith is already playing with a level of physicality that’s impressive for his age, using his strength to deliver punishing reverse checks that catch forwards off guard. He’s a physical force in front of his goalie, defending the slot with authority and showing no hesitation in dishing out a brutal cross-check to clear the crease when needed. This kind of toughness is exactly what Utah Hockey Club values in their blueliners, making Smith a natural fit, even though they really need a right-shot defensemen. If he continues to develop, Smith could be a perfect pick for Utah in the mid-first round as a playoff bubble team.