Swiss on the Rise: 12 Hidden Gems to Watch in the 2024 NHL Draft

Could the next Roman Josi be hiding in plain sight? Switzerland's 2024 draft class might hold the answer.

Photo: ESPN

Move over, Auston Matthews. Switzerland hasn't been known as a hockey powerhouse in the past, but that's changing fast. After Genève-Servette won the Champions Hockey League, beating out Sweden's top team, the Swiss National League is climbing in European rankings. The Swiss Men's team even made the gold medal game after upsetting Canada. Switzerland is rapidly establishing itself as a crafty and intelligent hockey nation that has only begun to rise.

While many eyes are focused on the usual suspects in the 2024 NHL Draft, a group of Swiss prospects are flying under the radar, ready to surprise and shatter expectations.

In this series, we'll shine a spotlight on 12 of these hidden gems, each possessing a unique blend of skill, hockey IQ, and untapped potential. From dynamic forwards with lightning-fast hands to smooth-skating defensemen with a knack for shutting down the opposition, these Swiss prospects have the potential to make a significant impact in the years to come.

A beacon of the Swiss hockey program, Muggli's intelligence and on-ice awareness are second to none. He's a fortress in motion, using stellar footwork and smooth pivots to outmaneuver opponents and shut down rushes. A master of anticipation, he disrupts plays with his reach and active stick. While not overly physical, his positional awareness protects the slot and maintains defensive structure. Offensively, Muggli's transition game is a thing of beauty, effortlessly moving the puck up ice and creating opportunities. A smooth operator on the blue line, he possesses an underrated playmaking ability, consistently identifying dangerous passing lanes and contributing under pressure. Muggli projects as a reliable third-pair defenseman with the potential to sneak into the top-4 if he continues to develop his offensive instincts.

A blend of raw talent and inconsistency, Ustinkov's draft stock has dipped due to his hit-or-miss play. His exceptional 4-way skating allows him to create space and evade pressure with ease. However, this reliance on speed can cause him to overcommit and do too much on the play. Despite these issues, Ustinkov brings poise under pressure, particularly in transition. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the pure skill is there with Ustinkov, however, to hit his potential as a 200-foot defenseman, he'll need to improve his decision-making and inject more intensity and competitiveness into his game.

A defensive stalwart who rose to the occasion at the U18 World Championships after Leon Muggli's injury. Meier's physicality shines through in his ability to box out forwards, maintain gap control, and win battles in the corners. He's a natural shooter with a heavy point shot but needs to develop his playmaking abilities to truly round out his game. Meier's work ethic and no-nonsense style of play outshone many of his teammates at the U18s, including Ustinkov. With his solid defensive foundation, Meier projects as a reliable third-pairing defenseman, capable of evolving into a shutdown option on the second pair.

Christian Kirsch, a UMass commit, embodies the poise and focus of a goaltender forging his path to the NHL. Showcasing his skills in Switzerland, Kirsch excelled in international competition, proving his readiness for higher levels. Next season, he joins the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) to learn the North American game before transitioning to NCAA hockey. This move offers increased visibility to NHL scouts if he remains undrafted in 2024. 

The large netminder uses his size effectively, countering mobility issues with precise footwork and a strong butterfly. As the game's pace picks up, improving his patience will be crucial, as he tends to drop early during puck cycles. While his raw physical tools are still developing, Kirsch's stature and fundamental skill set, combined with continued growth, point to a promising future as an NHL goaltender.

The Italian burst onto the WHL scene last season with Spokane, yet slipped through the cracks come draft day. De Luca was dedicated to making an immediate impact on Swiss hockey by leading U20 scoring in the NL and securing second place in U23 scoring. A dynamic transition winger, he has a lightning-quick shot in motion and sets up plays off the rush with finesse. His knack for coasting the perimeter and identifying high-danger lanes is undeniable, though driving himself into the inside lanes more frequently would further improve his game. De Luca has the offensive instincts and blistering speed to drive a third line at an NHL level.

Basile Sansonnens is a shutdown defenseman in the making, showcasing strong four-way skating and exceptional edgework. His physicality along the boards underscores his defensive strength, though he can be challenged by faster wingers and would benefit from increased backward speed and assertiveness. He has a good understanding of passing lanes on the penalty kill, yet his shot-blocking execution requires work. Sansonnens' body checks often lack impact, suggesting the need for additional strength training. Despite these areas for growth, his potential as a reliable defender is undeniable, positioning him as a valuable later-round pick with the potential to blossom into a stalwart shutdown option.

Jamiro Reber made a significant impact this season with a lightning-fast first step and exceptional puck control at top speed. Competing for Switzerland, he consistently generated scoring chances with his rush-shooting abilities and relentless intensity. Reber's game is built on his elite skating and motor, allowing him to blow past defenders and cut to the net with ease. While his offensive style is somewhat predictable, often involving shooting from any angle, he demonstrated improved puck distribution throughout the season. However, Reber struggled against tight defensive pressure. As one of the youngest players in the draft, he has significant potential but needs to work on his agility, decision-making, and offensive variety to break through tougher defensive systems.

Robin Antenen lead the Swiss U20 League in scoring this season, largely due to his pro-level strength and shot release. Given time and space, he'll make opponents pay, powering his way to the net or unleashing a rapid-fire shot in a variety of styles. Away from the puck, Antenen brings a relentless work ethic, battling for possession like a dog with a bone. He has a strong stick and plays with an intriguing level of persistent energy. To maximize his potential, Antenen needs to refine his top-end speed and interior play, as he currently operates as a perimeter player – a dangerous habit on larger ice surfaces. Nevertheless, his raw tools and tenacity suggest he could evolve into a valuable bottom-six energy forward.

Jan Dorthe, a Swiss national, brought his talents to Sweden, competing for Västerås IK in the J20 Nationell and HockeyAllsvenskan during his draft year. The 5-foot-11 center possesses exceptional hockey IQ and excels as a responsible two-way playmaker. He constantly scans the ice for options, wins puck battles, and executes quick plays to set up his linemates. However, Dorthe's lack of speed and low motor often create the illusion that he's coasting through games. While his offensive game may lack flash, Dorthe's intelligent play and responsible nature make him a reasonable late-round gamble, with the potential to develop into a dependable bottom-six checking center.

Rico Gredig is an intelligent, hard-working defensive center who occasionally flashes offensive upside due to his knack for finding dangerous areas and a quick release in motion. He outworks everyone in the corners and around the slot, generating numerous offensive zone turnovers for his team. Defensively responsible, and not at all afraid to finish his checks, Gredig checks all the boxes to become a pesky fourth-line center at the NHL level.

A silky offensive threat, the 5'9 forward may lack top-end speed, but he certainly brings composure and elusiveness. Weber possesses the ability to slow the game down, making the U20 league look like a house league. Against men, he had to work harder for his chances, showing off his intensity, stickhandling, and quick release. He picks corners with precision, driving the offense for the Swiss U20 World Juniors team. Despite being undersized and lacking that top speed, his intelligence, game-processing ability, and natural talent force consideration. Not to mention his development in the above-average SC Bern system.

The Captain of the Swiss U20 World Juniors team, Taibel is a relentless defensive force at center ice. His ability to force turnovers and quickly disrupt plays, coupled with his drive and intensity, make him a valuable asset. His shutdown role was evident both at the World Juniors and in the National League, where he was trusted with neutralizing top competition. While his offensive tools may be limited, his exceptional defensive instincts, faceoff success, and penalty-killing capabilities can’t be overlooked. With the right development, his speed and tenacity could translate into a successful career as an energy-infusing fourth-line center in the NHL.