The Prince George Cougars knew they were getting a potential first-round NHL draft pick when they acquired winger Nikita Popugaev last week in a trade from the Moose Jaw Warriors.
On Wednesday, that possibility became more likely when the big 18-year-old from Moscow, Russia was listed 18th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings.
The six-foot-six, 202-pound Popugaev leads the Cougars in scoring with 24 goals and 57 points.
In seven games with the Cougars since the trade was made, heading into Wednesday's game against Portland, he had two goals and four assists.
Popugaev is among 58 WHL players listed in the midterm report, and is the only Cougar.
Brandon Wheat Kings centre Nolan Patrick, who just returned from an injury that limited him to just eight games this season, is listed first among North American skaters.
Other WHL players in the top 10 are centre Michael Rasmussen, Tri-City Americans,sixth; centre Cody Glass, Portland Winterhawks, eighth; defenceman Jussi Valimaki, Tri-City, ninth
The draft will take place in Chicago, June 23-24.
