Updated Top 20 Prospect Thread

[Brock]

Seems like we get a run of these every year post WJC's. Thought I'd be the trend setter and we could do a whole thread of them (as I selfishly love reading them).

Florida Panthers

Graduates from the preseason list include Matt Murray and Colin Miller, making this list a little bit thinner.

1. Troy Stecher (new) - Defense
Winning the lottery for him appears to be quite the coup for my franchise, which has struggled to develop young defenders in recent years (causing me to pay for them on the trade or FA market). Looks like the real thing for the Canucks. Top 5 in rookie ice time and already playing a top 4 role.

2. Mike McCarron (2) - Forward
Contributing for the Canadiens in the wake of all their injuries. With the way he's been playing, I would imagine that he's up for good now. Likely the franchise's future 3rd line center.

3. Jake Guentzel (8) - Forward
Thought my ranking of him on my last list was a bit aggressive (after a great pro debut in the AHL playoffs). But apparently not. Not only leads AHL rookies in scoring, but is first in the entire AHL with 18 goals. Even produced in a brief NHL stint. Looks like a legit NHL scoring prospect.

4. Mark Jankowski (7) - Forward
It's been a long wait for the former HFNHL (and NHL) first rounder, but it seems to be paying off. Top 5 in AHL rookie scoring at almost a point per game and leading the Stockton Heat in scoring. Doesn't look like I'll have to wait much longer.

5. Dennis Cholowski (5) - Defense
A high upside guy that I'll have to be patient with, but he's having a solid freshman season for St. Cloud State, averaging 0.5 points per game.

6. Trent Frederic (15) - Forward
A surprise NHL first round pick, that is proving thus far to be worthy of that distinction. His 12 points in 10 games for Wisconsin gives him a top 5 ppg average for all freshman (higher than a guy like Tyson Jost for example).

7. Travis Dermott (6) - Defense
Having a decent first pro season in the AHL for Toronto. Offensive game hasn't translated extremely well thus far, but he's contributing in other ways. Still a very solid prospect.

8. Adam Fox (16) - Defense
Having one heck of a freshman season for Harvard, where he's putting up some pretty historical numbers (leads the nation in ppg average for defenders). Undersized, but he's looked good for the U.S. at the WJC's and is only going to climb this list in the future it looks like.

9. Jordan Kyrou (11) - Forward
Kyrou is having an excellent post draft season where he leads the Sarnia Sting in scoring. The elusive offensive wizard is one of the OHL's best skaters and has great potential for the next level.

10. Denis Malgin (HM) - Forward
The surprise prospect of the year for me. Was shocked when he made the NHL this year as a 19 year old. Heck, he could still have played in the WJC's for Switzerland this year. Instead he's taking a regular shift (over a guy like Jared McCann) in Florida and playing well. Looks like a steal at this point.

11. Vince Hinostroza (12) - Forward
Has transferred a very strong rookie season in the AHL last year, to a full time NHL role this year. Has started to see increased ice time for the Hawks of late and is producing. Not sure what to make of his NHL future, but so far so good.

12. Ryan Donato (14) - Forward
The second Harvard player on this list, Donato has been fantastic this year, taking a big step forward offensively in his sophomore season. With 15 points in 12 games, Donato is establishing himself as more than just a checking line player.

13. Givani Smith (18) - Forward
Having an excellent post draft season for Guelph, where he's already close to eclipsing his previous high in goals. A throwback power forward, Smith plays the game extremely hard, but has the hands to be an offensive contributor.

14. Wade Allison (19) - Forward
Has been one of the most impressive freshmen in the NCAA this year. His 9 goals are top 5 for freshmen and he's been one of Western Michigan's most consistent players. Looks like a steal for where the NHL's Flyers took him.

15. Matt Grzelcyk (13) - Defense
Falls a spot from my previous rankings, but that has more to do with other players' performances. His 15 points is tied for 6th among rookie AHL defenders, but his +15 rating is first and has already earned him a brief call up to the Bruins.

16. Alex Nedeljkovic (9) - Goaltender
Having a really rough first pro season, which is bound to bring up concerns over whether his lack of size will prevent him from being a legit NHL netminder. But I still believe in his abilities. It can be a tough transition for goalies sometimes.

17. Nick Paul (4) - Forward
Definitely the biggest faller on the list. Still a solid pro prospect, but it's becoming pretty apparent that he's going to be a checking line player and not necessarily a top 6 forward.

18. Paul LaDue (new) - Defense
Another lottery win from the NCAA FA pool, LaDue is having an excellent freshman AHL season. He was a last cut from Kings camp and is tied with Matt Grzelcyk for 6th in rookie defenseman scoring. A future powerplay QB perhaps?

19. Jake Evans (17) - Forward
Having another solid year for Notre Dame where he has established himself as one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. Wonder if he turns pro after his junior season this year or returns as a senior next year.

20. Ryan Sproul (HM) - Defense
A long time Panthers prospect, Sproul is finally getting his shot at the NHL level (because he's waiver eligible). Results have been inconsistent and he's part of a carousel of young defenseman on the Wings roster. Has shown enough offensively to suggest he could be an NHL player.

Honorable Mentions:
Mason MacDonald (10)
Dmtyro Timashov (20)
Matthew Peca (HM)
Markus Hannikainen (HM)
Martins Dzierkals (HM)
Jamie Phillips (HM)
Mackenzie Weegar (HM)

Click to read more...

 

[kasper11]

Well, the Devils don't have 20 prospects, but here are my top 10:

1. Pavel Buchnevich - RW
Was one of the top young players in the KHL the past few years, and got off to a good start this year with 8 points in his first 10 games before injuries sidelined him. He has all sorts of skill with the puck and is an excellent skater. Could blossom into a top-line winger.

2. Travis Konecny - C
Surprising addition to the Flyers this year, as the thought had been that he needed an additional year. Konecny is a bit undersized, but has excellent hockey sense and puck skills. He projects as a two-way puck distributing center in the mold of Frans Nielsen.

3. Daniel Sprong - LW
After he made the Penguins out of camp, but was used sparingly, he was returned to juniors where he once again dominated. He returned to the pros in time to score 5 goals in 10 AHL playoff games. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sustained during the playoffs has caused Sprong to miss all of the 2016-17 season so far. A great skater with good puck skills and a wicked shot, he projects as a top-6 goal scoring winger.

4. Kirill Kaprizov - LW
He's small and he's Russian. Those are the only reasons why Kapirzov lasted until the 108th pick of the 2015 draft. Since the draft, Kaprizov has been one of the best U20 players in KHL history, with only Tarasenko scoring more in the league at such a young age. Not content to play at an All Star level in the second best league in the world, Kaprizov has been one of the top forwards in the World Juniors, currently second in the tournament in scoring. He has world-class skills, and the biggest question at the moment seems to be when he will come over the North America.

5. Yegor Rykov - D
Another Russian player having a great WJC, Rykov is currently second among defensemen in scoring in the tournament. Despite not putting up much offense in the KHL, Rykov projects as a two-way defenseman with good size and puck skills. Rykov is a regular for SKA St. Petersburg, despite being one of the youngest players on the team.

6. Lukas Sedlak - C
Although not a scorer, the 23 year old center has put up monster possession numbers in his rookie year for the surprising Blue Jackets. He could be a replacement for Cizikas should the center price himself out of New Jersey.

7. Pontus Aberg - LW
Fast and skilled, Aberg is having his best AHL season to date, even earning a 9-game call up with the Preds. He has yet to prove he can be a scorer at the NHL level, however, and his defensive game isn't good enough to carry him. Could be a 2nd line winger, or a career AHL/SHLer.

8. Ville Pokka - D
Classic jack of all trades, master of none, Pokka is undersized but sees the ice well and plays a solid game in both ends of the ice. He played for Finland in the World Cup and has been one of the top defenseman for Rockford the past two years, but has yet to get a callup to the NHL.

9. Lukas Jasek - RW
After putting up monster numbers in the Czech junior league last year, Jasek has played much of this season in the men's league where it's tough to earn ice time. He hasn't scored in 5 WJC games either. Jasek is a bit undersized, but he can skate and is willing to go into the dirty areas.

10. Jonne Tamella - RW
Tamella is undersized but is an excellent skater. After playing in La Liiga as an 18 year old, Tamella came across the pond to play in the OHL only to aggravate a knee injury in his second game. It remains to be seen how his talent will translate to the NA game.

Honorable Mention:
Sam Anas (C)
Casey Bailey (C)
Sebastian Olsen (LW)
Kenney Morrisson (D)
Andre Pedan (D)

 

[Vagrant]

Washington Capitals

1. Matthew Tkachuk
2. Charlie McAvoy
3. Frank Vatrano
4. Brandon Montour
5. Blake Speers
6. Jack Roslovic
7. Oskar Sundqvist
8. Alex DeBrincat
9. Jeremy Bracco
10. David Cotton
11. Kevin Roy
12. Graham Knott
13. Chase Priskie
14. Conor Garland
15. Connor Hurley

 

[MatthewFlames]

1 (1) Mathew Barzal - NY Islanders (NHL)/Seattle (WHL) - Drafted 8th Overall, 2015
Barzal made the Islanders but only played in two games (where he looked overmatched without the puck) and was sent down a month into the season. He picked up where he left off in the WHL, and is currently one of the top forwards on Team Canada in the WJC.

2 (2) Oliver Bjorkstrand - Columbus (NHL)/Cleveland (AHL) - Drafted 55th Overall, 2013
Bjorkstrand started this season in the NHL, but like his rookie pro year, started cold and was soon dispatched to the AHL. Has improved of late, got another NHL call up, but is still another season or two away, especially given how well the Blue Jackets have performed.

3 (3) Jimmy Vesey - NY Rangers (NHL) - Drafted 194th Overall, 2011
Vesey has been as expected in his rookie NHL season. Still has room to grow, and his two way game needs maturing. The Rangers are giving him every opportunity to succeed. With 19 points so far, he’ll be a useful addition next season to the Flamettes.

4 (4) Anthony-John Greer - San Antonio (AHL) - Drafted 79th Overall, 2015
Greer has to be one of the more pleasant surprises of the season. As a 19-year-old, he was the best forward in the AHL early in the season for the Avs organization. That earned him an unexpected NHL call-up, where he looked the part. Could be a NHL regular much sooner than anticipated.

5 (NEW) Markus Nutivaara - Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) - Drafted 131st Overall, 2016
Nutivaara wowed everyone in camp with his puck skills from the back end, and the Blue Jackets gave him a shot in their top six, where he’s come along nicely. Plays bottom pairing minutes, despite the occasional defensive lapse, he’s been steady. Growing in confidence, he could eventually be a top 4 D-man, with PP skills.

6 (6) Taylor Leier - Philadelphia (NHL)/Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) - Drafted 173rd Overall, 2012
Taylor Leier continues to improve. Looked good in his ten NHL games so far, snagging his first NHL goal, but ice-time has been hard to come by.

7 (8) William Carrier - Buffalo Sabres (NHL) - Drafted 42nd Overall, 2013
William Carrier is an NHL rookie and it looks like he’s staying. Despite his lack of scoring so far, the Sabres have kept him in the top 6, and kept feeding him a ton of minutes. He’s done all the little things right, and is strong on the boards and defensively, and his skating has improved. Now, he just needs the puck to start going in.

8 (10) Laurent Brossoit - Bakersfield (AHL) - Drafted 158th Overall, 2011
Brossoit continues to wait his turn for a job in the NHL. Being on one of the leagues worst AHL squads isn’t helping his prospects.

9 (7) Justin Kirkland - Milwaukee (AHL) - Drafted 39th Overall, 2014
Kirkland couldn’t find ice-time in his first pro season in the AHL to start the season. A stint in the ECHL warmed up his start and he’s now back in the AHL. It took him 17 games to get his first AHL goal.

10 (10) Dominik Simon - Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL) - Drafted 65th Overall, 2016
It was a slow start to the season for Simon, but he’s continuing to develop. Probably a few years away from the NHL.

11 (NEW, RETURN) Gemel Smith - Dallas/Texas Stars (NHL/AHL) - Acquired via trade for Mark Borowiecki
As a 3rd year pro who’d shown little, not much was expected from Smith. But he’d re-dedicated himself to the game and made the Stars out of training camp. In his early NHL days he show’d tremendous hustle, and quickly became a fan favorite. Back in Texas now, but with a scoring line role, he’s looking like a future NHL’er, albeit a bottom 6 guy.

12 (11) Oscar Dansk - Rogle, (SHL) - Acquired in trade for Nicholas Backstrom
Dansk continues to plug away in Sweden, and with the competition in net for the Blue Jackets - who knows what will happen with his career.

13 (15) Cameron Hughes - University of Wisconsin (NCAA) - Drafted 159th, 2015
Hughes is having a nice year playing with Luke Kunin. Still only 20, he’s got one more year in the NCAA’s next season.

14 (NEW) Brandon Hagel - Red Deer (WHL) - Drafted 90th Overall, 2016
Hagel is a competitor, and he has hands too. Already scored more goals (by 5) than his entire last season, is in the top 40 scoring in the WHL despite playing on a middling squad.

15 (NEW) Nicholas Caamano - Flint (OHL) - Drafted 127th Overall, 2016
Caamano surprised everyone by bolting out of the gate with a ton of early season points. Despite coming back to earth somewhat, he’s been an important part of Flint’s revival.

16 (15) Vaclav Karabacek - Rochester (AHL) - Acquired in trade for Nick Holden
Karabacek started his rookie pro year riding the pine in the AHL, was send down to the ECHL to play on a scoring line, and excelled. Recent call up back to the AHL.

17 (12) Stanislav Galiev - Hershey (AHL) - Acquired in trade for Milan Hejduk
Not really sure what to make of Galiev anymore. He has special skating ability and is great with the puck. But his stature and just about every other part of his game isn’t NHL viable. In the final year of his contract. Will he go to the KHL or get another shot in NA?

18 (18) Ryan Culkin - Stockton (AHL) - Drafted 139th Overall, 2012
Culkin impressed again in training camp. But he’s just one giant injury waiting to happen. And sure enough it has. Limited to a handful of AHL games again.

19 (NEW) Tanner Kaspick - Brandon (WHL) - Drafted 102nd Overall - 2016
Kaspick has already matched his point totals from his draft year. An assistant captain for the Wheat Kings, he’s having a very good year.

20 (NEW) Connor Bunnaman - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - Drafted 83rd Overall - 2016
Has already matched last seasons goal totals, despite not being a top line forward. Projects to be a bottom 6 player in the NHL.

 

[Vagrant]

Any other entries, folks? Awesome to see the organizational depth of teams and how you rate your prospects. Especially post WJC, which is the star maker for a lot of young players.

Happy for my Team USA guys in Bracco, Roslovic, McAvoy, and DeBrincat. Wait, scratch that last one.

 

[PasiK]

San jose sharks top 10

1. Juuse Saros
2. Anthony Mantha
3. Julien Gauthier
4. Alex Tuch
5. Timo Meier
6. Michael Dal Colle
7. Lucas Carlsson
8. Andreas Athanasiou
9. Axel Holmstrom
10. Julius Nattinen
11. Stephen Johns
12. Ross Colton
13. Maxkenzie Maceachern
14. Tanner Richard
15. Dominic Turgeon
16. Gustav Possler
17. Zane Mcintyre
18. Matej Stransky
19.Leon Bristedt
20. Vladislav Gavrikov

 

[Ohio Jones]

HFNHL COLUMBUS PROSPECT RANKING Jan 2017

Not an exciting list, I'm afraid...

1. W Anthony Beauvillier (2)
2. G Anthony Stolarz (5)
3. W Adrian Kempe (1)
4. C Chris Tierney (4)
5. RD Dante Fabbro (3)
6. W Josh Leivo (7)
7. W Andrei Nestrasil (8)
8. C/W Jujhar Khaira (9)
9. LD Patrick Sieloff (10)
10. C Zach Sanford (12)
11. RD Nicolas Meloche (13)
12. LD Rob O'Gara (14)
13. G Charlie Lindgren (17)
14. C Mark McNeill (11)
15. C/W Nikolai Prokhorkin (6)

 

[HFNHLOilers]

1) Kyle Connor

After tearing up preseason, he looked NHL ready. I expected him to have a half decent season. However he struggled though showed signs of what is to come. Returned to the AHL now tearing it up. With Laine out hurt, i wouldnt be shocked to see him called up.

2) Jon Gillies

Gillies has had an up and down season in stockton, well the team can score its defense is hit and miss. Hes healthy so thats a big plus.

3) Brandon Lepsic

I could very well see him being packaged away for a defender. The guy has nothing left to prove at the AHL level, hes even played well at the NHL level. However such a deep team on the wings they have no place for him on the Leafs roster.

4) Kaspari Kapanen

Another winger stuck in the AHL due to a deep set of wingers. Not as NHL proven as Lepsic, but is enjoying another great year with the Marlies. Another player they could use as trade bait leading into the deadline.

5) Caleb Jones

Probably my biggest riser, hes become a huge piece of Portland back end. He also helped on USA WJC squad win gold. I choose him seeing more than i felt he had shown, seems to be paying off so far.

6) Dillion Dube

Undersized but plenty of skill. Alot more small skilled guys are making the NHL now a days, but it doesnt mean hes a sure thing. Had a good WJC though he couldnt seem to buy a goal for Canada.

7)Austim Czarnik

Actually could rise up this list more, having a decent rookie season in Boston playing a limited role. A small skilled forward, who seems buried by the old regimes big and tough system.

8)Nick Schnieder

Big raw talent, goalies are a huge unkown but seems alot of guys are big on what he could bring one day. Not amazing stats in the WHL, but leads the WHL in wins.

9)Sebastian Collberg

Looking more and more like he will never see the NHL on a full time system. The once promising two way forward, still has some upside and is still too young to give up on. But for now like alot of the 2012 draft is a disapointment.

10) Dylan Blujus

Having an okay AHL career so far, projects to be nothing more than a bottom pairing guy somewhere down the road. If he can sustain this development.

 

[Dempsey]

Top 20 prospects for the LA Kings:

1 D Travis Sanheim
2 D Kyle Wood
3 W Tage Thompson
4 D Noah Juulsen
5 W Ryan Hartman
6 C Janne Kuokkanen
7 W Joseph Blandisi
8 D Brett Kulak
9 D Connor Hobbs
10 C Kevin Stenlund
11 D Tucker Poolman
12 C Dylan Gambrell
13 D Mitchell Vande Sompel
14 C Christoffer Ehn
15 C Rourke Chartier
16 D Tim Heed
17 W Nikita Korostelev
18 D Jesper Lindgren
19 D Filip Berglund
20 D Brycen Martin

 

[Dr.Sens(e)]

Blues prospect depth has rather suddenly shifted heavily to the blueline, with the top 4 and 6 of the top 10 prospects being d-men. Solid prospect depth overall, although light on blue chip elite talent.

1. Anthony DeAngelo (1): Surprising breakthrough with the ‘Yotes this season, producing like a top pairing guy. But not surprising a suspension has derailed what was otherwise a stellar NHL debut. A work in progress, but upside to be sure.
2. Rasmus Andersson (5): has become a #1 d-man as an AHL rookie and looks like a solid two-way horse as early as next season.
3. Jakub Zboril (6): Not a sexy skillset, but still projects as a solid top 4 blueliner with decent skill and grit.
4. Nikita Zaitsev (17): A top four blueliner out of the gate for the Leafs, projects to be a solid point producer for years to come.
5. Charles Hudon (4): has produced when given the opportunity at the NHL, but those opportunities have remained limited.
6. Miles Wood (16): Showing his elite speed is at the NHL level and showing grit while scoring goals.
7. Kerby Rychel (2): The clock is ticking on Rychel, who continues to be a decent AHL scorer, but has yet to force his way into the NHL.
8. Will Butcher (9): One of the top rear-guars in the NCAA, as a solid two-way game that should translate to the pros well.
9. Adam Pelech (8): Has played well in limited NHL action. Projects as more of a stay at home defender.
10. Drake Caggiula (10): Injuries slowed the rookie, but playing well in a bottom 6 role.
11. Matt Puempel (3): scratched, waived, picked-up, scratched…hat trick? Streaky scorer getting a limited chance with the Rags.
12. Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (11): Solid as a sophomore for Boston. Two way center.
13. Vitali Abramov (12): Producing gaudy numbers in the Q, but questions whether it will translate to the pros. Surprise omission from Team Russia at WJC. Politika, da?
14. Lucas Wallmark (14): The transition to NA complete, one of the top scorers on his AHL team as a rookie.
15. Riley Tufte (7): Offseason wrist injury didn’t helped this skilled project of a man child debut in the NCAA. Really struggling.
16. Stefan Noesen (19): Back from the dead? Scored first NHL goal and may yet carve out a bottom 6 role at the NHL level.
17. Mackenzie Blackwood (13): Some struggles as a 20 year old AHL rookie, but thrown into the fire as the team’s start with Wedgewood out for the year.
18. Blake Coleman (21): Dominating two-way player at the AHL level may get a NHL look this season.
19. Nicolas Kerdiles (18): Concussion has set him back – hasn’t played since training camp.
20. William Lagession (20): Continues to develop in the NCAA. Big strong stay-at-home defender.

HM: Jeremy Helvig, Linus Lindstrom, Christian Jaros, Grayson Downing, Ben Harpur, Mikael Wikstrand, Joseph Maronius, Travis Barron, Brad Morrison

 

[Tom HFNHL Stars]

Stars Prospect List:

No Real Order: (grads Tomas Hertl and Damon Severson)

1) Alex Nylander (Top scorer WJC 2017) First team all tourney.
2) Thatcher Demko (Future num1 goalie NHL)
3) Nicolas Roy (WJC 2017 team Canada)
4) Jordan Subban (Top D scorer AHL Canucks)
5) Brett Howden (Late cut 2017 Can WJC)
6) Andrew Nielsen (24 points as an AHL D rookie with Toronto)
7) Gavin Bayreuther (undrafted BUT TOP NCAA D Scorer in NCAA)
8) Mikail Vorobyov (2nd top scorer 2017 WJC Team Russia)
9) Nick Merkley (Late cut 2017 WJC Team Canada)
10) Brett Lernout (played one game in NHL with Habs...Playing well in AHL)
11) Mike Amadio (AHL playing well as a rookie)
12) Ryan Mac Innis (1st year AHL pro)
13) Adan Helewka (1st year AHL pro)
14) Paul Bittner (1st year AHL pro)
15) Chris Martenet (6'7 D man playing in CHL)
16) Reid Gardiner (undrafted signed with Pit NHL)

 

[Hossa]

Canucks Top 20:

1) Thomas Chabot: Acquired in 2015 Draft, 28th overall

An obvious number one having an outstanding season so far. MVP of the World Juniors and playing just as well in the Q. Elite blueline prospect and one of the best prospects around in my opinion.

2) Jakub Vrana: Acquired in 2014 Draft, 28th overall

Just finished a month in Washington where he performed quite well. Back in the AHL where he's one of the top goal scorers as a 20 year old. Seems a matter of time until he joins the Capitals' run and gun offence.

3) Mike Matheson: Acquired in 2012 Draft: 35th overall

Heading towards graduation, Matheson has carried forward the momentum of being named Top D-man at the Worlds into a solid rookie season, playing in the top 4 most nights. How high end the offence becomes still an open question.

4) Tristan Jarry: Acquired in a trade

A recent acquisition and new entry onto the list, Jarry came over for Jake Allen a few months ago. Is having a lights out season in the AHL and seems poised to back-up Matt Murray whenever Fleury moves on.

5) John Quenneville: Acquired in 2014 Draft, 35th overall

Has transitioned surprisingly well to the pro game, near a point per game as a rookie in a low scoring league. Performed fine in a two game call-up. Still looks like Henrique 2.0.

6) Jake Walman: Acquired in 2014 Draft: 69th overall

Nationality scandal is over but unresolved until he gets invited to the Worlds someday. For now continues to be one of the best players in college hockey, although production is a bit down from last year's breakout campaign.

7) Zach Senyshyn: Acquired in 2015 Draft: 41st overall

The last cut from the Canadian WJC team, Senyshyn is not a perfect player, but he sure does score goals, with 24 in 31 games already this year, despite health issues at the start.

8) Anton Slepyshev: Acquired in 2012 Draft: 82nd overall

Much better second season in North America so far for Slepyshev, who has shown good flashes in Edmonton and been dominant in the AHL. Probably a matter of time until he settles as a complimentary middle six winger.

9) Adam Erne: Acquired in 2013 Draft: 21st overall

Just finished his first NHL recall after an up and down season. Similar to Senyshyn - streaky power forward who scores goals in bunches.

10) Nick Baptiste: Acquired in 2013 Draft: 52nd overall

Another power winger who scores goals, Baptiste is less toolsy but so far more effective than Erne at the AHL level, with 17 goals and 25 points in 28 games this year. Solid in 12 NHL games too.

11) Dominik Masin: Acquired in a trade

So-so rookie campaign for Masin in the AHL, mostly playing in the top 4 with some PK time but no offence so far. Still profiles as a more mobile Filip Kuba down the line.

12) Jayce Hawryluk: Acquired in a trade

Another newcomer to the list, having been acquired in the Brenden Dillon deal. Has only played four games in the AHL due to injury, and could slide up or down as season unfolds.

13) Will Borgen: Acquired in 2015 Draft: 116th overall

After a surprising emergence as a freshman, Borgen has continued to perform as a sophomore at St. Cloud. Mobile transitional defender with some offence but who often goes unnoticed in a good way.

14) Jack Dougherty: Acquired in 2014 Draft: 34th overall

Similar to Masin, Dougherty is faring capably as a rookie d-man in the AHL. Two-way skills, mobile and part of the Nashville blueline factory.

15: Emile Poirier: Acquired in 2013 Draft: 26th overall

Seems to have lost his way in the AHL since a stellar rookie campaign. Lower down on the call-up list in Calgary and maybe due for a change of scenery.

16) Adam Gaudette: Acquired in 2016 Draft: 176th overall

Aggressive ranking for a breakout prospect this year. For the unfamiliar, Gaudette is a 6'1" sophomore centre who has put up 30 points in 19 games for Northeastern. Improved skating and he's in the top 10.

17) Boris Katchouk: Acquired in 2016 Draft: 26th overall

HFNHL first rounder in 2016, Katchouk has had a good but not great season so far. Up and down offensively but 19 goals in the OHL is not bad.

18) Andrew Peeke: Acquired in 2016 Draft: 72nd overall

Another 2016 pick, Peeke is having a very good freshman campaign with 10 points in 21 games from the blueline. Mobile and poised, probable for the US WJC team next year.

19) Scott Wilson, Nikita Soshnikov and Tyler Graovac

Always hard to place these older prospects who break-in to the league. Wilson seems to be a solid NHL player for the near future, but unclear if his goal scoring upside ultimately transfers. Graovac has surprisingly emerged as a fourth liner in Minnesota. I forgot Soshnikov in the first draft of this list, and slotted him in here, but think he probably has enough upside to rate higher if I had a do-over.

20: Philippe Desrosiers, Marek Langhamer, and Markus Hogberg

Three goalies, take your pick. Desrosiers, as a former CHL Goalie of the Year, is the big name, but he's had the worst season. Langhamer has a .915 SV% in the AHL but is struggling for playing time. Hogberg has emerged this year as one of the best goalies in the SHL.

Honourable Mentions: Dennis Yan, Jacob Moverare, Kalle Kossila, Linus Hulstrom, Artur Kayumov, Tommy Vannelli, Jimmy Lodge, Carl Dahlstrom, Cole Ully, Tobias Lindberg, William Lockwood

 

[Fan.At]

For the Preds. Former Preds top prospects can be found on Douglas' list

1. Mikko Rantanen (C) FIN 212 6'4 NHL Colorado Avalanche
2. Brayden Point (C) CAN 165 5'11 NHL Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Filip Gustavsson (G) SWE 185 6'2 SHL Luleå HF
4. Chris Bigras (D) CAN 190 6'1 AHL San Antonio Rampage
5. Tyler Motte (F) USA 187 5'9 NHL Chicago Blackhawks
6. Andrew Mangiapane (LW) CAN 183 5'10 AHL Stockton Heat
7. Mathieu Joseph (RW) CAN 165 6'1 QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs
8. Francis Perron (F) CAN 165 6'0 AHL Binghamton Senators
9. Adin Hill (G) CAN 198 6'4 AHL Tucson Roadrunners
10. Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (RW) CAN 187 5'11 AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms
11. Niklas Hansson (D) SWE 181 6'0 SHL HV71
12. Guillaume Brisebois (D) CAN 174 6'2 QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders
13. Troy Terry (F) USA 168 5'11 NCAA Univ. of Denver
14. Deven Sideroff (RW) CAN 172 5'11 WHL Kamloops Blazers
15. Steve Michalek (G) USA 205 6'3 AHL Iowa Wild
16. Sean Kuraly (C) USA 205 6'2 AHL Providence Bruins
17. Scott Mayfield (D) USA 218 6'5 AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers
18. Sami Niku (D) FIN 176 6'0 Liiga JYP
19. Carter Verhaeghe (C) CAN 181 6'1 AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers
20. Garrett Pilon (C) CAN 174 5'10 WHL Kamloops Blazers

edit: notable is the rise of tyler motte from relatively unknown to one of the top guys. in his time in the nhl he has shown two-way ability as well as a knack for putting up points (which was gone after he was out injured...). also interesting is that lower picks are among my top prospects. motte, mangiapane, joseph, perron were all later picks who have cracked my top ten. not sure if that is a good sign or no....

 

[Canuck09]

Based on the NHL debuts at the top of this list things are going to be pretty different come next season and I better hope the guys I have continue to develop. There's elite talent in the top 4 then a huge drop to the next group of 2-3, then a lot of quality depth that could go either way.

1. (1) Auston Matthews - C - Acquired: Drafted 1.1.2016
Don't think I need to say much other than...Hi Keith!

2. (2) Patrik Laine - W - Acquired: Drafted 1.2.2016
Was producing better than I could have hoped for before getting rocked by a monster hit. Hopefully the concussion doesn't set him back long term.

3. (4) Ivan Provorov - D - Acquired: Drafted 1.6.2015
Had a few rookie moments early but has been very solid the last month or two. Leads the Flyers team in TOI and is playing in all situations.

4. (3) Jesse Puljujarvi - W - Acquired: Drafted 1.3.2016
He's been so disappointing he falls a whole spot from my last ranking. Two out of three picks isn't so bad right? Finally sent down to the AHL, which is where I hope he stays the rest of the season, if only to stagger my contracts a little going forward.

5. (5) Ryan Pulock - D - Acquired: Drafted 1.13.2013
Slowed by injury to start the season yet again is back playing in the AHL. The Islanders are going to have to make a decision with him soon as he's eligible to be picked in the expansion draft.

6. (6) Jacob Larsson - D - Acquired: Drafted 2.46.2015
Had a strong camp, got a look in the NHL to start the season, sent to the AHL then finally loaned back to the SHL to finish the season. Still like what I see in this all-around D.

7. (9) Adam Mascherin - W - Acquired: Drafted 2.41.2016
Tearing up the OHL with 27-41-68 in only 39 games. Size and/or skating will be what stop him from a potential NHL career not scoring ability.

8. (7) Tyler Benson - W - Acquired: Drafted 2.32.2016
Rebounding from an injury riddled draft year to help lead a yet again terrible Giants team. I feel confident in drafting a pro player here just a matter of whether he produces offense worthy of a 32nd pick.

9. (10) Henrik Borgstrom - C - Acquired: Drafted 3.61.2016
A surprise 1st round pick of the Panthers, Borgstrom is going to be a long term project. Leads his U of Denver team in scoring with 12-10-22 in 16 games as a Freshman.

10. (8) Justin Bailey - W - Acquired: Drafted 2.53.2013
Has followed up an incredible finish in the AHL last season with a strong start there again this year. Scored his 1st NHL goal in a recent call up. May be a streaky middle six scorer if I'm lucky.

11. (12) Filip Hronek - D - Acquired: Drafted 2.51.2016
Drafted as a small/skill puck moving D he's backing that up to start his OHL career with 5-20-25 in 30 games for Saginaw to lead his team in D scoring.

12. (14) Ryan Graves - D - Acquired: Drafted 5.143.2014
Continues to improve a bit every season. Will never be a top pair guy but has size and a booming shot that could lead to a #4-6 role in the NHL at some point.

13. (19) Peter Cehlarik - W - Acquired: Drafted 3.77.2013
Made the move to NA this year and leads the Baby Bruins in goal scoring. Unlikely to produce a ton of offense in the NHL but could be a guy who can play anywhere in a lineup and contribute in a few different roles.

14. (20) Victor Mete - D - Acquired: Drafted 3.75.2016
I was cautious with his post-draft ranking but really like what I see/read about Mete so I'm bumping him up based on his skill. With smaller D starting to have success in the NHL I'm hopeful he continues that trend.

15. (11) Maxim Letunov - C - Acquired: Drafted 3.78.2014
Trending the wrong direction Letunov hasn't picked up where he left off last season in the NCAA.

16. (16) Anton Forsberg - G - Acquired: Drafted 5.142.2012
Recent call up after McElhinney was waived he's been very good in the AHL yet again. Hasn't looked all that great in his NHL action but he clearly has game. Hoping for a change of scenery so he isn't stuck behind Bobrovsky forever.

17. (HM) Erik Foley - W - Acquired: Drafted 3.69.2015
Solid all around player producing a little more offense as a Sophmore in the NCAA. Made Team USA for the WJC.

18. (HM) Morgan Klimchuk - W - Acquired: Drafted 1.29.2013
Resurrected from the dead as he's started producing offense in the AHL.

19. (HM) Brandon Gignac - W - Acquired: Draft 4.108.2016
Recently signed his ELC with the NJ Devils.

20. (17) Juho Lammikko - W - Acquired: Drafted 2.56.2014
AHL rookie will need some time to grow his game.

HM: Gabriel Gagne (13), Henrik Samuelsson (15), Evan Fitzpatrick (18)

 

[BlueAndWhite]

The Jets graduated Bo Horvat, Nikolaj Ehlers, Calvin Pickard and Sven Andrighetto this past off-season.

Jets Top 20 Prospects

1.) F Connor McDavid
A little unfair to still have McDavid on the sidelines but that 3 year rookie max will come in handy with 1.5 seasons of NHL ratings.

2.) D Brady Skjei
Already playing a top four role for the Rangers in the NHL with almost 20 pts in his rookie half season.

3.) F Luke Kunin
Just captained the US WJC team to gold, on pace to improve his goals, assists and total points in his second year of college hockey. Went to college early, wouldn't surprise me if he made the Wild earlier than expected (2019?).

4.) F Vlad Kamenev
Just had his first cup of coffee with the Predators. He plays pretty much all over the ice and in all situations. Could be a fixture on the Predators as early as next season.

5.) F Tyler Bertuzzi
The little buzzsaw that comes alive in the playoffs, was on track to become a full-time NHLer (earlier than I anticipated) until a high ankle sprain had him sidelined for 5 weeks

6.) G Carter Hart
Lost the WJC job, won the WJC job. The reigning CHL goaltender of the year currently has a 1.77 GAA and .930 SV% (albeit on a powerhouse team). See you in 5 years Carter.

7.) D Steven Santini
3 pts in his first 7 NHL games (including the obligatory "I scored my first NHL goal off my butt" goal) is a pretty solid start for a more conservative d-man.

8.) D Ian McCoshen
2 way d-man is off to a slow start offensively in his AHL rookie year but has played well overall based on reports. Slow Simmer.

9.) D Oliver Kylington
Impressive second AHL season as a 19 year old. Still got a lot to learn on the defensive end but it appears he's not a headcase and is "coach-able". Slow simmer Part 2

10.) D Kale Clague
Missed some games due to injury but tracking well to potentially be a steal for me. Rose to the occasion after P. Myers went down to injury at the WJC and played some godly minutes in the elimination games (FYI, God is a relative 8 on an icetime scale from 0 to Thomas Chabot)

11.) D Derek Forbort
FINALLY. And he has offense ?

12.) F Jacob De La Rose
He can play in the NHL based on his size, skating and defensive ability but does he have any offense at all ? TBD.

13.) G Malcolm Subban
NHL GAA of 5.81 and SV% of .727 (small sample size alert) Trending downward after that throat injury. Probably ranked higher than he should be.

14.) F Nathan Bastian
On pace to increase his offensive totals in all categories in the OHL. Slow simmer Part 3

15.) D Alex Carrier
Having a very good rookie season in the AHL at 19. Might get a cup of coffee in the NHL, as soon as this weekend.

16.) D Ryan Lindgren
Won a gold medal with the US WJC but missed the gold medal game due to injury. Gets the job done in his own end, dependable. He'd be a slam dunk NHLer if he was just a bit bigger. Slow simmer Part 4.

17.) F Valentin Zykov
Had a brutal AHL rookie year cut short by injury. Playing slightly better for a terrible AHL team. He's a year away from being on the road to redemption.

18.) G Spencer Martin
Really good numbers in his first AHL year as a starter. But he's part of the Colorado organization, so abandon all hope ...

19.) D Sean Day
Heh. SUPER SLOW SIMMER.

20.) F Pavel Kraskovsky
Apparently he's good. ANd he plays with men.



HM:
Tim Gettinger - who knew that Gettinger would be the best offensive performer out of a group of Senyshyn*, Katchouk and Kopacka

Freddie Gauthier - Babcock might turn this pumpkin into .. a David Steckel

Brett McKenzie - Hi Brock!

 

[Tom HFNHL Stars]

No Real Order: (grads Tomas Hertl and Damon Severson)

1) Alex Nylander (Top scorer WJC 2017) First team all tourney.
2) Thatcher Demko (Future num1 goalie NHL)
3) Nicolas Roy (WJC 2017 team Canada)
4) Jordan Subban (Top D scorer AHL Canucks)
5) Brett Howden (Late cut 2017 Can WJC)
6) Andrew Nielsen (24 points as an AHL D rookie with Toronto)
7) Gavin Bayreuther (undrafted BUT TOP NCAA D Scorer in NCAA)
8) Mikail Vorobyov (2nd top scorer 2017 WJC Team Russia)
9) Nick Merkley (Late cut 2017 WJC Team Canada)
10) Brett Lernout (played one game in NHL with Habs...Playing well in AHL)
11) Mike Amadio (AHL playing well as a rookie)
12) Ryan Mac Innis (1st year AHL pro)
13) Adan Helewka (1st year AHL pro)
14) Paul Bittner (1st year AHL pro)
15) Chris Martenet (6'7 D man playing in CHL)
16) Reid Gardiner (undrafted signed with Pit NHL)

1a) Zach Hyman who is playing well in NHL with the Leafs. (forgot Hyman)