Seven Michigan natives invited to NHL Combine for 2014 draft

By Michael Caples –

The NHL released the 119 names they have invited to their combine in preparation for the 2014 draft today, and seven Michigan natives (along with seven current residents) made the list.

The group is headlined by potential first-round pick Dylan Larkin, a Waterford native who is projected highly by various mock drafts. However, Larkin is joined by goaltenders Alex Nedeljkovic (Parma, Ohio) and Brandon Halverson (Traverse City) – who both rank in the top six of North American-born goaltenders available – and top prospects like Josh Jacobs (Shelby Township) and Aaron Haydon (Plymouth).

Here’s the list (in no particular order, Michigan natives bolded):

• Blake Clarke – Saginaw, OHL – Left Wing
• Dylan Sadowy – Saginaw, OHL – Left Wing
• Brandon Halverson – Sault Ste. Marie, OHL – Goaltender
• Matthew Mistele – Plymouth, OHL – Left Wing
• Alex Peters – Plymouth, OHL – Defenseman
• Alex Nedeljkovic – Plymouth, OHL – Goaltender
• Connor Chatham – Plymouth, OHL – Right Wing
• Josh Wesley – Plymouth, OHL – Defenseman
• Darby Llewellyn – Kitchener, OHL – Left Wing
• Aaron Haydon – Niagara, OHL – Defenseman
• Josh Jacobs – Indiana, USHL – Defenseman
• Matt Iacopelli – Muskegon, USHL – Right Wing
• Dylan Larkin – U.S. NTDP, USHL – Center
• Ryan Mantha – Indiana, USHL – Defenseman