Casey Mittelstadt's stock continues to rise. The former Eden Prairie star and Gophers recruit climbed to No. 3 among North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting's final draft rankings released Tuesday.

Mittelstadt is the highest-rated skater outside of the Canadian Hockey League and one of the highest-rated Minnesotans in draft rankings history. The forward was ranked No. 5 in the midterm rankings.

Several Minnesota high school standouts, Gophers recruits and top college hockey freshman produced in the State of Hockey were also recognized in the final rankings.

Among them is Jake Oettinger, Boston University's star freshman goaltender from Lakeville, who is North America's top goalie prospect. The 6-4, 212-pounder improved his midterm ranking of No. 3 among goalies after a standout college hockey season.

JASON GONZALEZ