Final CSS rankings: Tips moving up

The NHL’s Central Scouting Service released its final rankings for the 2013 draft this morning, and the Silvertips continued their strong showing with five players making the cut.

Four Everett players were among the 210 North American skaters ranked. Leading the way is Swiss defenseman Mirco Mueller, who came in at ninth. That was three spots higher than he was ranked at the midterm, so his stock has gone up. He’s now the third-ranked WHL skater. The ranking suggests he’s moved solidly into the first round.

Jumping into the fray is defenseman Ben Betker. Betker was unranked at the midterm, but in the final rankings he comes in at 147th. Everett general manager Garry Davidson said after the season ended that Betker seems the likeliest Everett skater to be picked after Mueller.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The other two skaters ranked were defensmen Ayrton Nikkel (149th) and Austin Adam (175th). They both moved up a handful of spots from their midterm rankings, Nikkel from 155th and Adam from 195th. That’s interesting, considering both missed much of the second half because of injuries. Anyway, Betker, Nikkel and Adam are all ranked in the range that makes them borderline for being picked.

The final Everett player ranked was goaltender Austin Lotz, who was 10th among the 35 North American goaltenders ranked. That’s up one spot from the midterm rankings. That ranking makes him a likely mid-round pick.

Among other Everett-related rankings, former Tips prospect Seth Jones came in at No. 1 among North American skaters and is now the favorite to be picked first overall. Former Tips winger Trent Lofthouse, traded to Victoria during the season, came in at 126th among North American skaters.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Stanwood's mixed unified 400-meter relay team -- (from left to right) senior Ciara Beam, sophomore Camrie Ingram, junior Xander Krause and junior Levi Stiers -- poses with their medals and state championship trophy at the WIAA Track & Field Championships in Tacoma, Washington on May 31, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Michael Randall / Stanwood track & field)
Stanwood’s Inclusive Track Field state champions blaze trail

The program takes huge step forward for intellectually disabled athletes and their peers.

Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas, an Archbishop Murphy High School graduate, participates in OTAs at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas talks about new season

The healthy Archbishop Murphy graduate talks about a number of topics at OTAs.

Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participates in a workout on day five of OTAs at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
As Milroe learns, there’s no QB competition for Seahawks

There are obvious similarities between the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback situation… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox infielder Colt Emerson gets a high-five from teammate Lazaro Montes after scoring during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lazaro Montes hits 13th homer, Frogs win

Suisbel and Montes go deep for second straight night.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett. Hovde, who died in 2024, will be inducted into the EvCC Hall of Fame along with others on Thursday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC to induct 5 athletes, 1 team into HOF Thursday

A record-setting rebounder, a dual-threat pitcher, a cross country… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 25-31

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 25-31. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners hits a single during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Seattle. (Stephen Brashear / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh is blasting his way toward a historic season

When the owners of the Seattle Mariners gathered last week for a… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox pitcher Nick Payero throws a pitch during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Montes, Suisbel homer as Frogs win

Lazaro Montes and Luis Suisbel each hit fifth-inning home… Continue reading

Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams (5) puts up a shot over Dallas Wings forward Teaira McCowan (15) at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on June 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm)
Storm brew fourth-quarter run to beat Wings

SEATTLE – Gabby Williams scored 18 points, and the Seattle Storm went… Continue reading

Simon VanderWel of King's throws the shot put during the May 29-31, 2025 Class 1A state track and field meet at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima.  (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
King’s wins boys and girls state high school track titles

King’s High School brought home two state titles on Saturday,… Continue reading

Kimberly Beard of King's prepares to release a throw during the Washington Hammer State Championships at The Evergreen State College in Olympia on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
King’s Kimberly Beard wins state hammer throw title

Kimberly Beard of King’s High School dominated the girls division… Continue reading

Lake Stevens junior Keira Isabelle Tupua winds up to throw the discus at the WIAA Track & Field State Championships in Tacoma, Washington on May 30, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Keira Isabelle Tupua overcomes family turmoil at track & field state

The Lake Stevens junior places top four in two events while missing her biggest supporter.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.