Photo credit: Davin Beer
The 2024 NHL Draft is set to take place on June 28 and 29 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nev. NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings include 10 players that played in the BCHL last year.
Leading up to the draft, we will share interviews with the prospects about the draft process and a variety of other subjects.
The BCHL’s 2024 NHL Draft coverage is presented by Chevrolet.
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Brooks Bandits forward Logan Sawyer had a tremendous first season of junior hockey in 2023-24.
The Orangeville, Ont. product put up nearly a point per game in the BCHL with 19 in 20 contests, then took his game to another level in the postseason. Sawyer caught fire, scoring seven goals and adding eight assists for 15 points in 12 playoff games. Those numbers led the Alberta playoffs and earned himself recognition as the Most Valuable Player in the postseason.
Next up, he has his eyes set on the NHL Draft, coming in as the top-ranked player from the Alberta teams.
We discuss the draft with Sawyer, as well as his year in Brooks and his thoughts on being a multi-sport athlete.
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BCHL: This was your first year in Brooks. What can you say about playing for that organization?
Sawyer: It was a great experience, getting to play with such good players and so much talent. It was a pleasure each and every single day. It just makes you want to be better.
BCHL: You are one of three Bandits players listed by Central Scouting, the others being Nathan Free and Keith McInnis. What was it like playing with those other two players?
Sawyer: Nathan and I played on the same line most of the year, so I got to know him pretty well. He’s a great player. He’s super skilled and super fast and also has a really good shot. He’s a great guy and I loved playing with him. Keith came from Waterloo [of the USHL] during the season. He’s the nicest guy on our team. He brings energy for the boys every single game. He’s got a big body and a good shot and likes to get better each day.
BCHL: How did you manage to handle the added pressure of it being your draft year last year, while still managing to produce like you did?
Sawyer: It’s obviously cool to see your name on those lists, but you just try not to think of it a lot. For me, I just kept on playing my game and proving to myself that I was good enough to have my name on those lists. I didn’t want it to distract me at all.
BCHL: If you were speaking to an NHL general manager or scout, how would you describe your game and how would it translate to the next level?
Sawyer: I’m a skilled offensive forward. I have really good hockey IQ, so I use that to my advantage. I’m consistently able to make high-skilled plays at a high speed. Whenever I’m on the ice, I’m usually an offensive threat. I worked on my 200-foot game this year, so I put in a lot of work on the defensive side of the puck. I think I’m just going to keep on developing that, so I can turn into a complete player. I expect to be the same player in the next stage. I know that I’m good enough to do that.
BCHL: What would it mean to you and your family if you were to get drafted?
Sawyer: It would be special. It would be an honour. For my family, my mom, my dad and my brother, it would be a special moment. It would be a dream come true for sure.
BCHL: You also play lacrosse at a high level in the summer. How do you think playing another sport works to your advantage?
Sawyer: I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was three years old. I love it. It helps me get my mind off of hockey for a bit during the offseason. It also helps you stay in tune with your body and keeps you in good shape. It allows me to develop different skills that I’m able to also put towards my game in hockey.
