NHL Central Scouting has released its preseason Players To Watch list, and defenseman Josh Hanson of Eagle River rated a mention.

Central Scouting pegged Hanson, 18, as a C prospect -- that means he is viewed as a potential draft pick in rounds 4, 5 or 6 next summer.

Hanson is in his third season with the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks -- that's the team NHLer Brandon Dubinsky of Anchorage played for. In 72 games last season, the 6-3, 200-pound Hanson, who shoots right, put up 13 assists and a +6 rating.

In four preseason games recently, he has furnished one goal, two helpers and a +3.