CALGARY, Alta. – National Hockey League Central Scouting released Monday its preliminary Players to Watch List as a prelude to the upcoming 2019 NHL Draft and 16 current Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) skaters are among those ranked.

Topping the CJHL contingent is Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) forward and 2017-18 CJHL Rookie of the Year Alex Newhook, who is ranked on the A Skaters list, which indicates him as a potential first round selection for the 2019 NHL Draft this June in Vancouver.

Two other CJHLers were tabbed in the B Skaters category that has them as possible second or third round selections.

They are centre Massimo Rizzo of the Penticton Vees (BCHL) and defenceman Layton Ahac, who is a member of the Prince George Spruce Kings.

As for the remaining 13 players, they were all listed in the C Skaters group as possible fourth, fifth or six round draft picks.

Of note, CJHL alumni Brendan Budy and Sean Comrie, who are both entering their freshman year at Denver University (NCHC), are also on the watch list.

Budy, a left winger, spent the past two seasons in CJHL with the Langley Rivermen (BCHL) while Comrie skated the previous two years for the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL).

Both players competed for Team West in last season's CJHL Prospects Game in Mississauga, Ont.

The 2019 CJHL Prospects Game goes Tuesday, Jan. 22 in Okotoks, Alta.

The following are the CJHL skaters on the NHL CS preliminary Players to Watch List: