Brock
Registered User
Here it is folks. Better late than never. Thanks to all those who helped put this together and contributed to the effort.
Top 50
Organizational Rankings & Top 10's
1. Washington Capitals
Weaknesses: Yes, Jack Eichel is a great building block down the middle, but with Sam Reinhart sliding to the wing, I’m sure the Capitals will focus on adding another quality young center in this year’s draft. It’s definitely an organizational weakness. And while Connor Hellebuyck is amazing, there is absolutely no organizational goaltending depth behind him. That should also be a focus at this year’s draft or through free agency.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
Weaknesses: If we’re picking a weakness, I think it has to be on the blueline. Adam Fox is a quality prospect, but as an undersized defender, he’s no guarantee. And Guhle and Moverare are nice, but likely lack high end potential. So going out and getting another top quality, potential top two pairing defender would be big for the organization and is likely the focus at this year’s draft.
3. Vancouver Canucks
Weaknesses: Really tough to come up with weaknesses for this group. If I'm nitpicking, I'm assuming that GM Sean Keogh would like to improve his goaltending depth at this year's draft or next. Jarry is a great young netminder, but several of the other team's higher picks at the position have faltered as prospects. I would imagine that size could also be a focus too, at the forward position.
4. Florida Panthers
Weaknesses: You need to look down the middle as right now that’s the Panthers’ biggest weakness. And when you combine that with the team’s lack of center depth on the main club, this has to be troubling for the team’s GM. Jankowski, Frederic, and Jake Evans are nice players, but they likely aren’t more than 3rd line guys. The team needs a franchise centre to build around again.
5. Boston Bruins
Weaknesses: Defense and goaltending. Yes the team has Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and John Gibson on the main roster right now, but they need to be supplemented for the Bruins to really regain top from in the East. Adding one more top flight blueline prospect who could form a future top 3 would be ideal. And with Gibson’s fluctuating health, it would be a good idea to add some top flight goaltending prospects to the pipeline in order to have a security blanket for the future.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
Weaknesses: Would guess that with an upcoming high pick in this year’s draft, the Jackets will be looking at defense. Fabbro is a quality prospect, but he’s not likely a top pairing guy. In a defense heavy draft, Columbus has a chance to address their organization’s biggest need. And like any rebuilding team, continuing to build depth will be a focal point. Columbus has a ton of high picks in this year’s draft and if used wisely, could really help to build this team back up quickly.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
Weaknesses: Defense and goaltending will be focal points for improvement. Yes the team already has Provorov, Jones, and Larsson, but having Victor Mete as the only other true bluechip prospect on the back-end may hurt them in the long run. Continuing to add depth at that position is important to keep cap costs down, especially when you can fill the third pair with young defenders on an ELC. And yes, Vasilevsky is maybe the best young goalie in the game, but the team has very little in the pipeline for netminders thanks to the steps backward of guys like Dylan Wells and Evan Fitzpatrick. Continuing to add depth there will be important.
8. New Jersey Devils
Weaknesses: The question is, what center is going to set these scoring wingers up? The Devils really lack any talent down the middle at the prospect level. Sam Bennett could be that guy down the line, but he’s struggled so far in the NHL and that means that the Devils should be focusing on that at this year’s draft. Also need to look at the team’s lack of goaltending prospects behind Rask, who will eventually price himself out of the team’s plans. Lack of depth overall is an issue too. The Devils need to re-focus on adding prospects and providing a clear focus moving forward in this rebuild.
9. Vegas Golden Knights
Weaknesses: I would look the Golden Knights to try to go after a few high end blueline prospects over the next year or two (draft or trade). Ian Mitchell was a solid draft, but more is needed. Like any expansion franchise, depth is going to be something needing improvement. With four second rounders in 2018 that should be addressed nicely.
10. Calgary Flames
Weaknesses: I would say that overall depth has become a bit of an issue for the Flames' group. And with only a 7th rounder in this year's draft currently, that will not improve at the current moment. I think you also have to look at the team's defensive prospects as a weakness. Hronek has had a solid first pro season, but Larsson doesn't look to be a high end NHL player and no other defenders are significant prospects.
11. Dallas Stars
Weaknesses: Defintely have to say that the defensive group here is a weakness. No real gems. Some nice depth, but this team needs to start thinking about building back up it’s blueline with some aging assets on decline. Again, with some high picks upcoming, in a blueline heavy draft, this Stars franchise can have a quick turnaround if they draft wisely.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins
Weaknesses: I think you need to look at the defense and goaltending positions. Cory Schneider isn’t getting any younger (sad to admit because it means we’re getting old), and really only Ville Husso looks like a potential NHL netminder, although the team did use a high pick on Stuart Skinner last year. The Pens have a nice group of young NHL blueliners, but if we’re looking at prospect depth, this is an area that can be addressed. Forsling will be a nice add on an ELC next year, but just how much of an impact can he make? Adding a potential dynamic two-way defender who could be a top 3 guy should be a focus.
13. Anaheim Ducks
Weaknesesses: Depth and high end blueliners are the weaknesses of this Ducks' prospect group. Greenway is the top blueline prospect but he's had a tough year with personal issues keeping him out for the majority of the year. Depth is also an issue and it is what holds this list down on the organizational rankings. With 5 first rounders heading into 2018, that should be corrected though.
14. Colorado Avalanche
Weaknesses: While the depth is terrific, I would argue that this Avalanche prospect group lacks bluechip prospects in a way that most years it does not. Graduations hurt, but once Keller is removed from this list, can we say that any of the players on this list are potential impact HFNHL’ers? No first or second round picks this year either, so that bluechipper isn’t going to come for a few years. I think in particular, you need to look on defense. Zboril has had only a mediocre first pro season and Borgman may not end up being more than a third pairing guy. So adding a top defender prospect may be a priority.
15. Arizona Coyotes
Weaknesses: I'm sure coming into the season, Yessie thought his goaltending depth was a strength, but Joseph Woll and Tyler Wall haven't had the best years in the NCAA. And a few of his other big time prospects like Gurianov, Dal Colle, and Dickinson have also massively disappointed despite being high draft picks.
16. Buffalo Sabres
Weaknesses: With the blueline set for the future, it’s time to address the forward group and goaltending. With three first rounders this year, the team can really focus on adding to that area, especially finding a franchise forward to build around like Svechnikov or Zadina. We also need to look at the team’s goaltending situation with really no prospects in the pipeline and no solid starter on the pro club. Maybe using one of those first rounders to acquire a young goaltender could be a good way to help this team in the future.
17. Carolina Hurricanes
Weaknesses: With an aging blueline and an aging starting netminder, you have to believe that GM Darryl Solly wants to improve those parts of his prospect pool. Honka and Gildon are solid defensive prospects, but both likely aren’t top 3 defenders at the NHL level and the team needs to add that bluechip player. And with little to nothing in the pipeline or goaltending, perhaps the Canes could look at moving one of their young centers for a netminder to spell Sweet Lou.
18. Montreal Canadiens
Weaknesses: This Montreal franchise used to be known for their prospect depth, but I think that this current edition is lacking in that department, at least in comparison to previous years. And this Montreal team has traded away most of its picks in the next two drafts, so that may not improve much moving forward. With an aging Pekka Rinne in net, the team’s lack of goaltending prospects is also a surprise and is something I would expect the team to try to rectify (especially since all those UDFA’s signed have yet to work out).
19. Toronto Maple Leafs
Weaknesses: Depth is the first thing that jumps out. A lot of the team’s mid rounders have not worked out in recent years, leaving this prospect list incredibly top heavy. I think you also need to look at the blueline, specifically. Jake Bean is far from a sure thing (at least in this writer’s opinion), and behind him is only the undersized David Quenneville.
20. Chicago Blackhawks
Weaknesses: The forward group overall is relatively weak for the Hawks. Jason Robertson is a nice prospect and he had a solid year, but outside of him, we’re looking at more longer shots. This is especially true down the middle where Chicago has little to speak of in the pipeline. I think we also need to look at overall prospect depth as an issue.
21. New York Rangers
Weaknesses: The pro team is basically Zach Werenski and aging veteran defenders that will likely be moved. And Chad Krys is a nice defensive prospect, but the depth just isn’t there in the organization right now and will likely be the focus at this year’s draft. Have to believe the Rangers are hoping for the lottery balls to come up DAHLIN.
22. Minnesota Wild
Weaknesses: Depth in the organization has really taken a hit in recent years and this should be a focal point. And while Erik Brannstrom is a solid defensive prospect; a true boom or bust guy; his lack of size makes me wish that the Wild had more than just Spencer and Cairns behind him in the position.
23. Winnipeg Jets
Weaknesses: While the team has great depth and solid prospects at every position, I guess the question that needs to be asked is, are any of these guys truly bluechippers? Will any be first line players? It’s tough to acquire those types of assets when you’re a playoff team, but Winnipeg likely will want to try and hit more home runs by drafting higher risk guys in the coming years to try and get the bluechipper while remaining competitive behind Connor McDavid.
24. Detroit Red Wings
Weaknesses: Centre, Centre, and more centres. This Wings team has a big hole down the middle on the pro club and in the prospect pool. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed. Hard for those wings to find success in the goal scoring department if no one gets them the puck. Continuing to add depth to the organizational pool should also be a focus.
25. St. Louis Blues
Weaknesses: For years, the Blues had one of the league’s top farm systems. But the talent level has certainly dropped over the last few years, at least on paper (we all know that Nick Quain has a tendency to pull rabbits out of the hat, cough Yanni Gourde, cough). No question that St. Louis’ forward group is the biggest weakness here. Tufte and Abramov are nice prospects for sure, but neither seems like a sure bet. In particular, a quality potential top 6 center has to be on the list or the Blues at the draft this year.
26. Ottawa Senators
Weaknesses: Pretty much everything else. Depth is a major issue. This may not be rectified any time soon either. The team doesn’t have a first day pick in the next TWO drafts. Defense is also an issue moving forward. Outside of Trouba, the defense is aging and expensive. Being able to inject some good, young contracts into that group would help Ottawa avoid cap issues in the future.
27. Nashville Predators
Weaknesses: One of only three team’s in the HFNHL without a top 50 prospect or HM. So I guess you need to look at this list and ask if there is truly a bluechip prospect who could develop into top player for the Predators? Alex Kerfoot has had an excellent NHL rookie season, but I do wonder if the Preds would want more down the middle moving forward. Additionally, with so many quality defensive first blueline prospects, would an elite puck moving defender fit well into the organizational pool? Look for Nashville to address these things at this year’s draft.
28. Los Angeles Kings
Weaknesses: The lack of a true goaltending prospect hurts and should be a focus moving forward, even with Braden Holtby manning the pipes on the main team. Additionally, the aforementioned lack of a bluechip prospect could hurt this cap team in a few years. Some solid prospects, but perhaps none that could be elite difference makers.
29. New York Islanders
Weaknesses: Depth is the biggest issue here. The Islanders seem destined for a retool or rebuild in the next year or two, and this will need to be the team’s biggest focus, especially with only a couple late round picks remaining for this year’s draft as they push for one last Cup attempt. It all starts at forward where the team needs to rebuild an aging core. There are some decent organizational options right now, but none likely possess more than 3rd line upside.
30. Edmonton Oilers
Weaknesses: Depth definitely has to be considered a weakness at this point. Under relatively new management, Edmonton has worked to rebuild this area, but fans will need to be patient. Without a top 50 prospect, you also have to look at that lack of "bluechip" or surefire prospect. Additionally, size is an issue. Many of the Oilers' top prospects are undersized, so adding size, especially upfront, has to bea focus moving forward.
31. San Jose Sharks
Weaknesses: No doubt the Sharks have sacrificed their prospect pool to make a run the last few seasons and it shows as San Jose clearly has the weakest group of prospects in the HFNHL. With no first or second rounder the next two years, that may not improve either. Depth is a major weakness with guys in the top 5 not making any other HFNHL's top 10. Goaltending prospects are also a major weakness. Ditto for talent on the blueline.
Top 50
- Nico Hischier
- Clayton Keller
- Matthew Barzal
- Brock Boeser
- Elias Pettersson
- Charlie McAvoy
- Mikhail Sergachev
- Jesse Puljujarvi
- PL Dubois
- Thomas Chabot
- Casey Mittelstadt
- Nolan Patrick
- Kyle Connor
- Dylan Strome
- Miro Heiskanen
- Cale Makar
- Eeli Tolvanen
- Sam Steel
- Ilya Samsonov
- Martin Necas
- Tyson Jost
- Filip Chytil
- Alex Debrincat
- Olli Juolevi
- Cody Glass
- Robert Thomas
- Jesper Bratt
- Lias Andersson
- Logan Brown
- Alex Nylander
- Jordan Kyrou
- Kiefer Bellows
- Brandon Montour
- Henrik Borgstrom
- Carter Hart
- Nick Suzuki
- Kiril Kaprizov
- Danton Heinen
- Gabriel Vilardi
- Alex Tuch
- Erik Brannstrom
- Owen Tippett
- Luke Kunin
- Klim Kostin
- Jake Bean
- Daniel Sprong
- Michael Rasmussen
- Jakub Vrana
- Kailer Yamamoto
- Adrian Kempe
- Jake Oettinger
- Will Butcher
- Timothy Liljegren
- Adam Fox
- Victor Mete
- Kristian Vesalainen
- Dante Fabbro
- Joel Eriksson Ek
- Christian Fischer
- Jack Roslovic
Organizational Rankings & Top 10's
1. Washington Capitals
- Charlie McAvoy (6)
- Miro Heiskanen (15)
- Alex Debrincat (23)
- Brandon Montour (33)
- Christian Fischer (HM)
- Kevin Roy
- Robert Hagg
- Blake Speers
- Jeremy Bracco
- Justin Kloos
Weaknesses: Yes, Jack Eichel is a great building block down the middle, but with Sam Reinhart sliding to the wing, I’m sure the Capitals will focus on adding another quality young center in this year’s draft. It’s definitely an organizational weakness. And while Connor Hellebuyck is amazing, there is absolutely no organizational goaltending depth behind him. That should also be a focus at this year’s draft or through free agency.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
- Kyle Connor (13)
- Gabriel Vilardi (39)
- Jake Oettinger (HM)
- Adam Fox (HM)
- Kristian Vesalainen (HM)
- Jack Roslovic (HM)
- Jonathan Dahlen
- Ilya Sorokin
- Josh Ho-Sang
- Nikolay Goldobin
Weaknesses: If we’re picking a weakness, I think it has to be on the blueline. Adam Fox is a quality prospect, but as an undersized defender, he’s no guarantee. And Guhle and Moverare are nice, but likely lack high end potential. So going out and getting another top quality, potential top two pairing defender would be big for the organization and is likely the focus at this year’s draft.
3. Vancouver Canucks
- Thomas Chabot (10)
- Robert Thomas (26)
- Jakub Vrana (48)
- Tristan Jarry
- Adam Gaudette
- Jake Walman
- Henri Jokiharju
- Connor Timmins
- John Quenneville
- Boris Katchouk
Weaknesses: Really tough to come up with weaknesses for this group. If I'm nitpicking, I'm assuming that GM Sean Keogh would like to improve his goaltending depth at this year's draft or next. Jarry is a great young netminder, but several of the other team's higher picks at the position have faltered as prospects. I would imagine that size could also be a focus too, at the forward position.
4. Florida Panthers
- Cale Makar (16)
- Jesper Bratt (27)
- Jordan Kyrou (31)
- Kiefer Bellows (32)
- Mark Jankowski
- Denis Malgin
- Ryan Donato
- Trent Frederic
- Travis Dermott
- Dennis Cholowski
Weaknesses: You need to look down the middle as right now that’s the Panthers’ biggest weakness. And when you combine that with the team’s lack of center depth on the main club, this has to be troubling for the team’s GM. Jankowski, Frederic, and Jake Evans are nice players, but they likely aren’t more than 3rd line guys. The team needs a franchise centre to build around again.
5. Boston Bruins
- Pierre Luc Dubois (9)
- Nolan Patrick (12)
- Tyson Jost (21)
- Mitchell Stephens
- Antoine Morand
- Parker Wotherspoon
- Will Bitten
- Austin Wagner
- Eric Cornel
- Ryan Mantha
Weaknesses: Defense and goaltending. Yes the team has Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and John Gibson on the main roster right now, but they need to be supplemented for the Bruins to really regain top from in the East. Adding one more top flight blueline prospect who could form a future top 3 would be ideal. And with Gibson’s fluctuating health, it would be a good idea to add some top flight goaltending prospects to the pipeline in order to have a security blanket for the future.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Sam Steel (18)
- Nick Suzuki (36)
- Adrian Kempe (50)
- Dante Fabbro (HM)
- Morgan Frost
- Kole Lind
- Anthony Stolarz
- Jujhar Khaira
- Zach Sanford
- Josh Leivo
Weaknesses: Would guess that with an upcoming high pick in this year’s draft, the Jackets will be looking at defense. Fabbro is a quality prospect, but he’s not likely a top pairing guy. In a defense heavy draft, Columbus has a chance to address their organization’s biggest need. And like any rebuilding team, continuing to build depth will be a focal point. Columbus has a ton of high picks in this year’s draft and if used wisely, could really help to build this team back up quickly.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
- Cody Glass (25)
- Henrik Borgstrom (34)
- Victor Mete (HM)
- Taylor Raddysh
- Joni Ikonen
- Tyler Benson
- Peter Cehlarik
- Justin Bailey
- Adam Mascherin
- Josh Brook
Weaknesses: Defense and goaltending will be focal points for improvement. Yes the team already has Provorov, Jones, and Larsson, but having Victor Mete as the only other true bluechip prospect on the back-end may hurt them in the long run. Continuing to add depth at that position is important to keep cap costs down, especially when you can fill the third pair with young defenders on an ELC. And yes, Vasilevsky is maybe the best young goalie in the game, but the team has very little in the pipeline for netminders thanks to the steps backward of guys like Dylan Wells and Evan Fitzpatrick. Continuing to add depth there will be important.
8. New Jersey Devils
- Kirill Kaprizov (37)
- Owen Tippett (42)
- Daniel Sprong (46)
- Timothy Liljegren (HM)
- Ryan Pulock
- Timo Meier
- Ville Pokka
- Graham McPhee
- Yegor Rykov
- Matej Machovsky
Weaknesses: The question is, what center is going to set these scoring wingers up? The Devils really lack any talent down the middle at the prospect level. Sam Bennett could be that guy down the line, but he’s struggled so far in the NHL and that means that the Devils should be focusing on that at this year’s draft. Also need to look at the team’s lack of goaltending prospects behind Rask, who will eventually price himself out of the team’s plans. Lack of depth overall is an issue too. The Devils need to re-focus on adding prospects and providing a clear focus moving forward in this rebuild.
9. Vegas Golden Knights
- Alex Tuch (40)
- Kailer Yamamoto (48)
- Tyler Parsons
- Andreas Johnson
- Julien Gauthier
- Ian Mitchell
- Maxime Comtois
- Shane Bowers
- Givani Smith
- Malcolm Subban
Weaknesses: I would look the Golden Knights to try to go after a few high end blueline prospects over the next year or two (draft or trade). Ian Mitchell was a solid draft, but more is needed. Like any expansion franchise, depth is going to be something needing improvement. With four second rounders in 2018 that should be addressed nicely.
10. Calgary Flames
- Mathew Barzal (3)
- Oliver Bjorkstrand
- Valeri Nichushkin
- Ryan Poehling
- Filip Hronek
- Jacob Larsson
- Dominik Simon
- Ukka-Pekka Luukonen
- AJ Greer
- Tanner Kaspick
Weaknesses: I would say that overall depth has become a bit of an issue for the Flames' group. And with only a 7th rounder in this year's draft currently, that will not improve at the current moment. I think you also have to look at the team's defensive prospects as a weakness. Hronek has had a solid first pro season, but Larsson doesn't look to be a high end NHL player and no other defenders are significant prospects.
11. Dallas Stars
- Nico Hischier (1)
- Alex Nylander (30)
- Thatcher Demko
- Brett Howden
- Nick Merkley
- Brett Lernout
- Mike Amadio
- Markus Davidsson
- Luc Snuggerud
- Gavin Bayreuther
Weaknesses: Defintely have to say that the defensive group here is a weakness. No real gems. Some nice depth, but this team needs to start thinking about building back up it’s blueline with some aging assets on decline. Again, with some high picks upcoming, in a blueline heavy draft, this Stars franchise can have a quick turnaround if they draft wisely.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Brock Boeser (4)
- Eeli Tolvanen (17)
- JT Compher
- Gustav Forsling
- Jaret Anderson-Dolan
- Boo Nieves
- Adam Ruzicka
- Ville Husso
- Sasha Chmelevski
- Gustav Lindstrom
Weaknesses: I think you need to look at the defense and goaltending positions. Cory Schneider isn’t getting any younger (sad to admit because it means we’re getting old), and really only Ville Husso looks like a potential NHL netminder, although the team did use a high pick on Stuart Skinner last year. The Pens have a nice group of young NHL blueliners, but if we’re looking at prospect depth, this is an area that can be addressed. Forsling will be a nice add on an ELC next year, but just how much of an impact can he make? Adding a potential dynamic two-way defender who could be a top 3 guy should be a focus.
13. Anaheim Ducks
- Elias Pettersson (5)
- Jesse Puljujarvi (8)
- James Greenway
- Noah Gregor
- John Gilmour
- Spencer Foo
- Blake Pietila
- Joey Laleggia
- Mason MacDonald
- Matthew Boucher
Weaknesesses: Depth and high end blueliners are the weaknesses of this Ducks' prospect group. Greenway is the top blueline prospect but he's had a tough year with personal issues keeping him out for the majority of the year. Depth is also an issue and it is what holds this list down on the organizational rankings. With 5 first rounders heading into 2018, that should be corrected though.
14. Colorado Avalanche
- Clayton Keller (2)
- Jakub Zboril
- Rasmus Asplund
- Carl Grundström
- Linus Ullmark
- Vitek Vanecek
- Victor Olofsson
- Andreas Borgman
- Viktor Ejdsell
- Joni Tuulola
Weaknesses: While the depth is terrific, I would argue that this Avalanche prospect group lacks bluechip prospects in a way that most years it does not. Graduations hurt, but once Keller is removed from this list, can we say that any of the players on this list are potential impact HFNHL’ers? No first or second round picks this year either, so that bluechipper isn’t going to come for a few years. I think in particular, you need to look on defense. Zboril has had only a mediocre first pro season and Borgman may not end up being more than a third pairing guy. So adding a top defender prospect may be a priority.
15. Arizona Coyotes
- Olli Juolevi (24)
- Logan Brown (29)
- Logan Stanley
- Denis Gurianov
- Isaac Ratcliffe
- Remi Elie
- Michael Dal Colle
- Jason Dickinson
- Joseph Woll
- Mason Appleton
Weaknesses: I'm sure coming into the season, Yessie thought his goaltending depth was a strength, but Joseph Woll and Tyler Wall haven't had the best years in the NCAA. And a few of his other big time prospects like Gurianov, Dal Colle, and Dickinson have also massively disappointed despite being high draft picks.
16. Buffalo Sabres
- Mikhail Sergachev (7)
- Anders Bjork
- Nic Hague
- Samuel Morin
- Gabriel Carlsson
- Cliff Pu
- Evgeny Svechnikov
- Jordan Greenway
- Vili Saarijarvi
- Laurent Dauphin
Weaknesses: With the blueline set for the future, it’s time to address the forward group and goaltending. With three first rounders this year, the team can really focus on adding to that area, especially finding a franchise forward to build around like Svechnikov or Zadina. We also need to look at the team’s goaltending situation with really no prospects in the pipeline and no solid starter on the pro club. Maybe using one of those first rounders to acquire a young goaltender could be a good way to help this team in the future.
17. Carolina Hurricanes
- Lias Andersson (28)
- Joel Eriksson Ek (HM)
- Colin White
- Julius Honka
- Hudson Fasching
- Max Gildon
- Ivan Lodnia
- Casey Fitzgerald
- David Farrance
- Aapeli Rasanen
Weaknesses: With an aging blueline and an aging starting netminder, you have to believe that GM Darryl Solly wants to improve those parts of his prospect pool. Honka and Gildon are solid defensive prospects, but both likely aren’t top 3 defenders at the NHL level and the team needs to add that bluechip player. And with little to nothing in the pipeline or goaltending, perhaps the Canes could look at moving one of their young centers for a netminder to spell Sweet Lou.
18. Montreal Canadiens
- Filip Chytil (22)
- Vince Dunn
- Philippe Myers
- Max Jones
- Aleksi Heponiemi
- Nikita Scherbak
- Alexandre Texier
- Joona Koppanen
- Brandon Hickey
- Giovanni Fiore
Weaknesses: This Montreal franchise used to be known for their prospect depth, but I think that this current edition is lacking in that department, at least in comparison to previous years. And this Montreal team has traded away most of its picks in the next two drafts, so that may not improve much moving forward. With an aging Pekka Rinne in net, the team’s lack of goaltending prospects is also a surprise and is something I would expect the team to try to rectify (especially since all those UDFA’s signed have yet to work out).
19. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Martin Necas (20)
- Jake Bean (45)
- Igor Shesterkin
- Ivan Barbashev
- Yakov Trenin
- Cam Morrison
- Pascal Laberge
- David Quenneville
- Alex Dergachyov
- Jansen Harkins
Weaknesses: Depth is the first thing that jumps out. A lot of the team’s mid rounders have not worked out in recent years, leaving this prospect list incredibly top heavy. I think you also need to look at the blueline, specifically. Jake Bean is far from a sure thing (at least in this writer’s opinion), and behind him is only the undersized David Quenneville.
20. Chicago Blackhawks
- Ilya Samsonov (19)
- Jason Robertson
- Josh Mahura
- Mario Ferraro
- Samuel Montembeault
- Lucas Johansen
- Matthew Strome
- Daniel Vladar
- Dryden Hunt
- Brayden Burke
Weaknesses: The forward group overall is relatively weak for the Hawks. Jason Robertson is a nice prospect and he had a solid year, but outside of him, we’re looking at more longer shots. This is especially true down the middle where Chicago has little to speak of in the pipeline. I think we also need to look at overall prospect depth as an issue.
21. New York Rangers
- Casey Mittelstadt (11)
- Michael McLeod
- Tanner Laczynski
- Warren Foegele
- Chad Krys
- Calvin Petersen
- Jack Dugan
- Jonathan Ang
- Matthew Villalta
- Rem Pitlick
Weaknesses: The pro team is basically Zach Werenski and aging veteran defenders that will likely be moved. And Chad Krys is a nice defensive prospect, but the depth just isn’t there in the organization right now and will likely be the focus at this year’s draft. Have to believe the Rangers are hoping for the lottery balls to come up DAHLIN.
22. Minnesota Wild
- Dylan Strome (14)
- Erik Brannstrom (41)
- Anthony Cirelli
- Marcus Pettersson
- Denis Smirnov
- Elvis Merzlikins
- Maksim Zhukov
- Matt Spencer
- Vehni Vehvilainen
- Matthew Cairns
Weaknesses: Depth in the organization has really taken a hit in recent years and this should be a focal point. And while Erik Brannstrom is a solid defensive prospect; a true boom or bust guy; his lack of size makes me wish that the Wild had more than just Spencer and Cairns behind him in the position.
23. Winnipeg Jets
- Luke Kunin (43)
- Kale Clague
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Valentin Zykov
- Steve Santini
- Vladislav Kamenev
- Oliver Kylington
- Ian McCoshen
- Spencer Martin
- Ryan Lindgren
Weaknesses: While the team has great depth and solid prospects at every position, I guess the question that needs to be asked is, are any of these guys truly bluechippers? Will any be first line players? It’s tough to acquire those types of assets when you’re a playoff team, but Winnipeg likely will want to try and hit more home runs by drafting higher risk guys in the coming years to try and get the bluechipper while remaining competitive behind Connor McDavid.
24. Detroit Red Wings
- Klim Kostin (44)
- Rasmus Andersson
- Kasperi Kapanen
- Pierre Olivier Joseph
- Dillon Dube
- Jon Gillies
- Ostap Safin
- Caleb Jones
- Alexei Lipanov
- Ty Lewis
Weaknesses: Centre, Centre, and more centres. This Wings team has a big hole down the middle on the pro club and in the prospect pool. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed. Hard for those wings to find success in the goal scoring department if no one gets them the puck. Continuing to add depth to the organizational pool should also be a focus.
25. St. Louis Blues
- Will Butcher (HM)
- Riley Tufte
- Vitali Abramov
- Mackenzie Blackwood
- Tyler Steenbergen
- Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
- Mikey Anderson
- Anthony DeAngelo
- Jeremy Helvig
- Christian Jaros
Weaknesses: For years, the Blues had one of the league’s top farm systems. But the talent level has certainly dropped over the last few years, at least on paper (we all know that Nick Quain has a tendency to pull rabbits out of the hat, cough Yanni Gourde, cough). No question that St. Louis’ forward group is the biggest weakness here. Tufte and Abramov are nice prospects for sure, but neither seems like a sure bet. In particular, a quality potential top 6 center has to be on the list or the Blues at the draft this year.
26. Ottawa Senators
- Danton Heinen (38)
- Michael Rasmussen (47)
- Brendan Lemieux
- Libor Hajek
- Michael McNiven
- Carsen Twarynski
- Guillaume Brisebois
- Scott Wedgewood
- Dereck Baribeau
- Mason Geertsen
Weaknesses: Pretty much everything else. Depth is a major issue. This may not be rectified any time soon either. The team doesn’t have a first day pick in the next TWO drafts. Defense is also an issue moving forward. Outside of Trouba, the defense is aging and expensive. Being able to inject some good, young contracts into that group would help Ottawa avoid cap issues in the future.
27. Nashville Predators
- Alex Kerfoot
- Callan Foote
- Filip Gustavsson
- Troy Terry
- Urho Vaakanainen
- Dylan Samberg
- Felix Sandstrom
- Andrew Mangiapane
- Kyle Capobianco
- Mathieu Joseph
Weaknesses: One of only three team’s in the HFNHL without a top 50 prospect or HM. So I guess you need to look at this list and ask if there is truly a bluechip prospect who could develop into top player for the Predators? Alex Kerfoot has had an excellent NHL rookie season, but I do wonder if the Preds would want more down the middle moving forward. Additionally, with so many quality defensive first blueline prospects, would an elite puck moving defender fit well into the organizational pool? Look for Nashville to address these things at this year’s draft.
28. Los Angeles Kings
- Travis Sanheim
- Tage Thompson
- Jesper Boqvist
- Kyle Wood
- Jack Studnicka
- Janne Kuokkanen
- Mitch Vande Sompel
- Noah Juulsen
- Tucker Poolman
- Jack Kopacka
Weaknesses: The lack of a true goaltending prospect hurts and should be a focus moving forward, even with Braden Holtby manning the pipes on the main team. Additionally, the aforementioned lack of a bluechip prospect could hurt this cap team in a few years. Some solid prospects, but perhaps none that could be elite difference makers.
29. New York Islanders
- Carter Hart (35)
- Samuel Girard
- Joey Anderson
- Frederik Gauthier
- Jeremy Roy
- Jeremy Lauzon
- Matej Tomek
- Matthew Murray
- Frederic Allard
- Colby Sissons
Weaknesses: Depth is the biggest issue here. The Islanders seem destined for a retool or rebuild in the next year or two, and this will need to be the team’s biggest focus, especially with only a couple late round picks remaining for this year’s draft as they push for one last Cup attempt. It all starts at forward where the team needs to rebuild an aging core. There are some decent organizational options right now, but none likely possess more than 3rd line upside.
30. Edmonton Oilers
- Juuso Valimaki
- Madison Bowey
- German Rubtsov
- Filip Chlapik
- Brendan Leipsic
- Sebastian Aho
- Maxim Mamin
- Kirill Ustimenko
- Sergei Tolchinsky
- Martins Dzierkals
Weaknesses: Depth definitely has to be considered a weakness at this point. Under relatively new management, Edmonton has worked to rebuild this area, but fans will need to be patient. Without a top 50 prospect, you also have to look at that lack of "bluechip" or surefire prospect. Additionally, size is an issue. Many of the Oilers' top prospects are undersized, so adding size, especially upfront, has to bea focus moving forward.
31. San Jose Sharks
- Andrei Altybarmakyan
- Dominic Turgeon
- Julius Nattinen
- Dominik Kubalik
- Jonas Rondbjerg
- Vladislav Gavrikov
- Anthony Richard
- Colby Cave
- Markus Nurmi
- Gage Ausmus
Weaknesses: No doubt the Sharks have sacrificed their prospect pool to make a run the last few seasons and it shows as San Jose clearly has the weakest group of prospects in the HFNHL. With no first or second rounder the next two years, that may not improve either. Depth is a major weakness with guys in the top 5 not making any other HFNHL's top 10. Goaltending prospects are also a major weakness. Ditto for talent on the blueline.