It took a little longer to finish than we anticipated but it's here. Welcome to the 2015 HFNHL Prospect Handbook!
First of all, let me say, I now have a greater appreciation for all the work Brock put in over the years doing this (Thanks Brock!). The Handbook was always one of my favorite reads, and after a few years without, Matthew and I began discussing the idea of putting one together. After getting Brock's blessing, I roped Miller in, and the three of us got to work. Even with the workload split up it was still more than I expected. Hopefully everyone enjoys reading. Please offer your feedback, strike up some discussion and let us know what you think. With three of us contributing to one project you'll get a few different styles of writing and ranking.
Lets get on to the good stuff!
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2015 HFNHL Prospect Handbook
The Handbook includes a Top 50 Prospect Ranking, Organizational Ranking and Top 10 Prospects by Team. Previous editions can be found here: 2011, 2010, 2009.
Method used for each section:
Top 50 Prospect Ranking
Lists were compiled and players were given points for their ranking. A ranking of 1 was given 50 points, 2 was given 49, all the way down to the last prospect with 1 point. Points were added and the 50 prospects with the highest totals made the cut. Lists were provided by Ville, Mike, Pasi, Roy, Matt Kowalchuk, Robb, Brock, Jon, Jeff M, Matthew and myself. Thanks to everyone for your contributions.
Eligibility criteria was as follows:
1) Player must be 25 years OR younger as per December 31, 2015 (meaning 1990 and up born players are eligible).
2) Skaters cannot have played more than 50 games of NHL action previous to the 2014-15 NHL season. Goalies cannot have played more than 25 games. This means that current NHL rookies (ala Johnny Gaudreau) are still eligible!
3) Players can be on teams prospect lists or rosters. It does not matter. This is to allow any player eligible under the above criteria to be included, regardless of whether they have been signed as undraftees or depth.
Organizational Ranking
The three of us each created a ranking of organizational prospects, the rankings were combined in the same fashion as the Top 50 Ranking giving us a composite ranking of the 30 HFNHL teams.
Top 10 Prospects by Team
We split this up with each of us taking on 10 teams. The prospects that made the Top 50 list were the base for each team then we filled out the rest based on our opinions. Our views may vary so let us know what you liked and didn't like.
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Top 50 Prospects
1 Aaron Ekblad
2 Filip Forsberg
3 Jonathan Drouin
4 Sam Reinhart
5 Sam Bennett
6 Leon Draisaitl
7 John Gaudreau
8 Darnell Nurse
9 Ryan Strome
10 Andrei Vasilevski
11 John Gibson
12 William Nylander
13 Curtis Lazar
14 Nikolaj Ehlers
15 Michael Dal Colle
16 Teuvo Teravainen
17 Griffin Reinhart
18 Max Domi
19 Dylan Larkin
20 Anthony Mantha
21 Josh Morrissey
22 Derrick Pouliot
23 Tomas Hertl
24 Evgeny Kuznetsov
25 Jake Virtanen
26 David Pastrnak
27 Rasmus Ristolainen
28 Bo Horvat
29 Andre Burakovsky
30 Nikita Zadorov
31 Anthony Duclair
32 Kevin Fiala
33 Shea Theodore
34 Robby Fabbri
35 Ryan Pulock
36 Alexander Wennberg
37 Tanner Pearson
38 Haydn Fleury
39 Kerby Rychel
40 Sonny Milano
41 Brandon Gormley
42 Nic Petan
43 Julius Honka
44 Nick Ritchie
45 Madison Bowey
46 John Klingberg
47 Damon Severson
48 Malcolm Subban
49 Scott Laughton
50 Mirco Mueller
Honorable Mentions
HM Kasperi Kapanen
HM Oliver Bjorkstrand
HM Zach Fucale
HM Jakub Vrana
HM Dmitrij Jaskin
HM Brendan Perlini
HM Tomas Jurco
HM Mikhail Grigorenko
HM Kevin Hayes
HM Oscar Klefbom
HM Riley Sheahan
HM Nikita Scherbak
HM Adrian Kempe
HM Samuel Morin
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HFNHL Organizational Ranking
1. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Strengths: This is one the best groups of prospects ever assembled in HFNHL history. It has something of everything; elite skilled forwards and two-way forwards, a top goaltender, exciting puck moving defenseman as well as two-way defenseman.
And this list doesn’t include top prospects and young NHL’ers like Seth Jones, Adam Larsson, Dmitri Kulikov, David Rundblad, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, Vincent Trochek, Conner Bleackley, Eddie Lack, and Henrik Samuelson. Phew.
Weaknesses: The only problem for the Lightning is time. They are still several seasons away from all these players making an impact. But this weakness is probably going to turn into a strength, as the Lightning will have a few more years of high picks in draft yet to come. Patience will be required.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sam Bennett (5)
2) Andrei Vasilevski (10)
3) Teuvo Teravainen (16)
4) Anthony Mantha (20)
5) Tomas Hertl (23)
6) Ryan Pulock (35)
7) Tomas Jurco (HM)
8) Morgan Klimchuk
9) Calle Jarnkrok
10) Viktor Rask
2. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Strengths: Top end offensive talent with Kuznetsov and Pastrnak is impressive. Even beyond them, Sheahan and Rieder are having impressive starts to their NHL careers. Ristolainen headlines a trio of quality defense prospects and could anchor the team for the next 10 years.
Weaknesses: The one glaring weakness in a system with so much talent is a top end goaltending prospect. There are a couple project goalies in the pipeline, but after the trade of Rask, I think this needs to be addressed.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Evgeny Kuznetsov (24)
2) David Pastrnak (26)
3) Rasmus Ristolainen (27)
4) Riley Sheahan (HM)
5) Cody Ceci
6) Slater Koekkoek
7) Alex Tuch
8) Tobias Rieder
9) Devin Shore
10) Brandon Halverson
3. WINNIPEG JETS
Strengths: The Jets are a good 15 deep in terms of prospects with legitimate shots to be NHL players, not to mention Galchenyuk, Ellis & Gudbranson already on the pro roster. The real strength is up front where Ehlers & Rattie are smaller offensive stars, Horvat & De La Rose play strong all-around games and Gauthier is the big bodied checking presence. Subban and the finally emerging Pickard give a couple great options in net. The future looks good in Winnipeg.
Weaknesses: It’s hard to find any sort of weakness in the Jets system, but relative to the talent at forward and in goal, the Jets lack a matching high end defense prospect. There are plenty of options coming on the blueline but they look to be more of the #3-5 types than top pairing guys.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Nikolaj Ehlers (14)
2) Bo Horvat (28)
3) Malcolm Subban (48)
4) Jason Zucker
5) Calvin Pickard
6) Fredrik Gauthier
7) Jacob De La Rose
8) Jarred Tinordi
9) Ty Rattie
10) Vladislav Kamenev
4. BOSTON BRUINS
Strengths: Two of the best Prospects in hockey, Jonathan Drouin and John Gibson, are locked in the Bruins stable. Both J.D. and J.G. Will be paying dividends sooner rather than later. Prospects at all positions with NHL talent. 4 prospects in the top 50 is the second highest team total. The future looks bright with top talent to draw from.
Weaknesses: Forwards with average to below average size, injury concerns are always greater wither slighter framed players. Later round drafted players will need some luck to have an impact.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Jonathan Drouin (3)
2) John Gibson (11)
3) Haydn Fleury (38)
4) Nic Petan (42)
5) Hunter Shinkurak
6) Marko Dano
7) Jordan Schmaltz
8) Brett Pesce
9) Ryan Collins
10) Eric Cornel
5. OTTAWA SENATORS
Strengths: When GM Jeff Miller took over the Senators, the prospect list was the shambles and ranked near the bottom of the league. After countless trades and some good draft picks this list is markedly better. It features players from every position that offer a variety of different play styles. Nylander is ultra-skilled, Virtanen a big bodied sniper, Theodore a smooth skating defender and Heatherington a rock. Hutchinson coming into his own in the NHL gives the Sens a perhaps unexpected boost in net.
Weaknesses: With all the recent work there aren’t a lot of weaknesses left. Depth outside the top 10 falls off pretty quickly but a couple extra early picks will go a long way to address that.
Top 10 Prospects
1) William Nylander (12)
2) Jake Virtanen (25)
3) Shea Theodore (33)
4) Kevin Hayes (HM)
5) Michael Hutchinson
6) Dillon Heatherington
7) Sebastien Collberg
8) Jamie Oleksiak
9) Chris Driedger
10) Oskar Sundqvist
6. COLORADO AVALANCHE
Strengths: One of the best teams in the league also has one of the best group of prospects. It should go without saying that Avalanche will be in a strong competitive position for the foreseeable future. With a great blend of size, speed and skill the Avalanche prospect defenseman are pillars of Colorado's prospects. The forwards of note have a distinct European flavor, High end puck skills and offensive prowess.
Weaknesses: Not alot of bruised fruit on the ole prospect tree, but the system lacks goaltenders. I'm sure this will be addressed at some point.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Darnell Nurse (8)
2) Andre Burakovsky (29)
3) Brandon Gromley (41)
4) Shayne Gotisbehere
5) Nathan Bealieau
6) Richard Rakell
7) Phillip Danault
8) Artturi Lehkonen
9) Josh Jooris
10) Christian Folin
7. CALGARY FLAMES
Strengths: Strong European flavor to top prospects. With 3 of the top 50 prospects the Flames prospects could be bringing their game to Calgary very soon. A nice mix of prospects at all positions in varied developmental stages. Dylan Larkin was on a lot of teams radars at the draft last year and most were hoping he would fall, the Flames couldn't pass and have to this point have not been disappointed. Larkin was arguably the best forward at the WJC. Size is not in short supply at the forward position as the Flames are putting something in their prospects water.
Weaknesses: An obvious love for the European prospects GM Kershaw might be reading the draft guide books of current and former NHL Blue Jackets GM s Jarmo Kekalainen and Doug MacLean. GM Kershaw is showing the least amount of love to Canadian Prospects and Canadians still make up the majority of NHL players so the Flames draft and prospect plans defy conventional thought. Keep an eye on this out of the box approach to team architecture.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Dylan Larkin (19)
2) John Klingberg (46)
3) Mirco Mueller (50)
4) Oliver Bjorkstrand (HM)
5) Vyacheslav Leshchenko
6) Oscar Dansk
7) Anders Lee
8) Ville Pokka
9) Austin Watson
10) Justin Kirkland
8. VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Strengths: One of the deepest, quality rich prospect pools in the league. Shockingly not one prospect ranked in the top 50, Haters gonna hate I guess. Maybe the names aren't the first names thought of when thinking top prospects but most teams would love to have these players. Top caliber talent at all positions.
Weaknesses: Not being more charitable in dealing some of the stockpiled talent to less fortunate teams at discount prices.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Jacub Vrana (HM)
2) Jake Allen
3) Emile Poirier
4) Anton Slepyshev
5) Beau Bennett
6) J.T. Miller
7) Jake McCabe
8) Tommy Vanelli
9) Adam Erne
10) Brendan Lemieux
9. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Strengths: The system isn’t as strong as a year ago because of the the graduation of MacKinnon, Murray, Bjugstad and Maata. Still, up front there is some high skill level, with several potential top 6 players. Domi seems to relish making the doubters wrong. Strome is in the NHL now and biding his ice-time as continues to learn. On the blueline Kevin Connauton is staking a claim as a legit NHL’er and Martin Jones is considered by some as the best goalie not currently starting in the NHL.
Weakness: Goaltending prospects. The Penguins have Jones but he’s stuck behind some quality goalies. But LA has proven they will trade a goalie prospect if they need to when they did it with Bernier.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Ryan Strome (9)
2) Max Domi (18)
3) Brendan Perlini (HM)
4) Martin Jones
5) JT Compher
6) Brendan Gaunce
7) Frankie Corrado
8) Kevin Connauton
9) Joonas Donskoi
10) Gustav Forsling
10. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Strengths: Some very attractive forwards with high-skill sets that might be boom or bust, but the boom will be high. Plenty of depth here and success with late picks like Nick Paul who has emerged into the consciousness with his gold medal in the WJHC. Madison Bowey was a value pick who’s value just keeps climbing. Some good goaltenders although they’re young and a few years away. Overall, considering average draft position, this is a list that is far better than it could be.
Weaknesses: Defensively there is little in the blue chip category other than Bowey. Sproul is stuck in a deep system and his play has dropped off. Sielfoff is a smaller defenseman with no offensive upside. Griffith may be in the NHL but he’s struggled of late. In goal there are some high picks who could emerge but they’re still a long way off. Kelsey Murphy Miles
Top 10 Prospects
1) Robby Fabri (34)
2) Madison Bowey (45)
3) Josh Ho-Sang
4) Mike McCarron
5) Nick Paul
6) Matt Murray
7) Ryan Sproul
8) Mark Jankowski
9) Alex Nedelijkovic
10) Colin Miller
11. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Strengths: Some excellent prospect graduations weaken this list but it still have five excellent forwards at the top of the list. Gaudreau is a Calder candidate and perhaps the most exciting new talent in the NHL. Wennberg has surprised and will develop in the NHL. Point continues to prove people wrong every time he steps up a level, like at the World Juniors once he got his shot. Kempe and McNeil continue to improve.
Weaknesses: On this list - defenseman. But that’s because Vatanen, Merrill, and Gelinas are all recent graduates. Goalkeeping is another area of difficulty even though Jacob Markstrom has gone a long way to resurrect his career this season. Some of the other good goalie talent like Dansk was traded away.
Top 10 Prospects
1) John Gaudreau (7)
2) Alexander Wennberg (36)
3) Adrian Kempe (HM)
4) Brayden Point
5) Mark McNeill
6) Nicolas Aube-Kubel
7) Mario Lucia
8) Chris Bigras
9) Alexandre Goulet
10) Scott Mayfield
12. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Strengths: Size, speed and skill at the forward positions. Players at various stages of development for the future Top 9 forwards of the Blues. High volume of NHL Senators Prospects. Diverse leagues from which prospects play in.
Weaknesses: Lack of Top 4 defensive prospects with 2 way ability. Prospect goaltending depth and goalies with high ceiling talent. Affinity for Bryan Murray drafted players may or may not pay off huge.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Anthony Duclair (31)
2) Kerby Rychel (39)
3) Anthony Deangelo
4) Johan Larsson
5) Mark Stone
6) Charles Hudon
7) Matt Puempel
8) Shane Prince
9) Stefan Noesen
10) Lucas Wallmark
13. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Strengths: Draisaitl gives the Flyers a potential future star, so long as the NHL Oilers don’t mess him up. Depth on defense is solid with a good mix of offensive, two-way and physical players. Mrazek and Ortio round out a balanced system in goal to one day replace a perpetually on the trade block Varlamov.
Weaknesses: Outside of Draisaitl the Flyers lack quality offensive prospects. Weal has piled up points in the AHL but it remains to be seen if he can translate his game to the NHL. Regardless of any potential system weaknesses, GM Alvaro Silvan has proven he isn’t shy about making trades to address needs.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Leon Draisaitl (6)
2) Mathew Dumba
3) Petr Mrazek
4) Brayden McNabb
5) Adam Clendening
6) Roland McKeown
7) Esa Lindell
8) Nikita Tryamkin
9) Jeremy Morin
10) Andrej Sustr
14. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Strengths: Despite the recent graduation of Trouba and Jenner, the Sharks have some elite level prospects at the top of the list with the best young defenseman in the league. Dal Colle offers scoring potential from the wing. Gavrikov opened some eyes with the rest of the Russian D core in the world juniors. McIntyre (Gothberg) is an underrated goalie prospect who is having a great season. Underrated and tiny but Nikolishin is excellent in the WHL and should get a look in the upcoming NHL draft.
Weaknesses: After the top two players there is a real dearth of any potential high end NHL players. Lacks goalie prospects aside from McIntyre. The Sharks have traded away a lot of picks over the years, both the high end ones and those in later rounds. This philosophy seemed to have changed for one season and the reward was the best defenseman of his generation. They’ll have to keep it up because a return to the old ways will once again ravage the long term potential of the franchise. No 1st rounder again this upcoming draft and only a 2nd rounder of consequence.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Aaron Ekblad (1)
2) Michael Dal Colle (15)
3) Vladislav Gavrikov
4) Zane McIntyre
5) Stephen Johns
6) Axel Homstrom
7) Tanner Richard
8) Mackenzie Maceachern
9) Andreas Athanasiou
10) Ivan Nikolishin
15. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Strengths: Top 6 forwards, Top 4 defensemen and starting caliber goalies. Sam Reinhart is the obvious jewel of the Capitals prospects but Curtis Lazar is stealing the hearts of fans who watched his game at the WJC. Alot of first and second round talent that if develops as drafted could make Washington a force in the future.
Weaknesses: No prospects ready to make a major impact at the NHL level. Lazar and Reinhart made their clubs out of camp but Reinhart was returned and Lazar has struggled to find his game against bigger, stronger, faster competition. Outside of the top 10 there are alot of long term project and long shot prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sam Reinhart (4)
2) Curtis Lazar (13)
3) Connor Hellebuyck
4) Alex Khokhlachev
5) Magnus Hellberg
6) Jesse Blacker
7) Robert Hagg
8) Duncan Siemans
9) Hunter Smith
10) Jaedon Descheneau
16. BUFFALO SABRES
Strengths: Some very interesting prospects on a list that is quite strong in depth while lacking high end flair. Four very good defenseman and several NHL calibre forwards on this list - and something of everything; offensive Dmen, 2-way guys and defensive specialists. Up front there is size, big risky upside and solid depth. Nick Ritchie will have to prove he’s more than just a big body.
Weaknesses: No high end goalie prospects is worrying as Luongo ages. Getting a top 6 type forward with less risk than the present crop would make a big difference. No impact forwards here and perhaps none that even show top 6 qualities is a worry.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Derrick Pouliot (22)
2) Nick Ritchie (44)
3) Samuel Morin (HM)
4) Connor Murphy
5) Brian Dumoulin
6) Joel Armia
7) Chase de Leo
8) Tyler Pitlick
9) Brett Pollock
10) Ryan Fitzgerald
17. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Strengths: Prospects who have tasted the NHL: Pearson, Ouellet, McIlrath,Pageau, etc. Forward prospects capable of playing on multiple lines. Excellent skating forwards in the system offers players a better chance of having a pro career. Potential top 4 minute eating multi situational defensemen. Long term project players whose roles in the future aren't yet defined.
Weaknesses: Not a lot of high ceiling prospects with the possible exceptions of Nikita Scherbak and true dark horse Christian Dvorak(has been a hot name lately on prospect lists). The Goaltending cupboard is very bare.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Tanner Pearson (37)
2) Dmitri Jaskin (HM)
3) Nikita Scherbak (HM)
4) Xavier Ouellet
5) Christian Dvorak
6) Dylan McIlrath
7) J-G Pageau
8) Zach Mitchell
9) Sebastian Wannstrom
10) Martin Reway
18. ARIZONA COYOTES
Strengths: Quality prospects at the forward and defence positions. Varied skill sets amongst the position groups. Prospects at various stages of development. Top picks have turned into top prospects. Great balance of skill and grit amongst the skating prospects.
Weaknesses: For the most part it’s still early their development but the goaltending prospects will have to prove starter worthy at the highest level.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Nikita Zadarov (30)
2) Oscar Klefbom (HM)
3) Brett Ritchie
4) Nikolay Goldobin
5) Scott Harrington
6) Jason Dickinson
7) Jonathon MacLeod
8) Dylan Sadowy
9) Nick Cousins
10) Phil DiGiuseppe
19. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Strengths: High ceiling forwards at various stages of development with special attention to Kevin Fiala after a very strong WJC the Blackhawks got a steal. Eric Comrie looked composed and steady on the big stage at the WJC as well and makes the Hawks goaltending look bright. Scott Laughton getting to the NHL again this year it only a matter of time before his all round game sticks in the NHL. Pro calibre players at all positions with NHL bloodlines.
Weaknesses: The Blackhawks will need to look at offensive minded defensemen in the next couple drafts as the system is lacking a true puck toter from the back end. Lacking NHL ready prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Kevin Fiala (32)
2) Scott Laughton (49)
3) Eric Comrie
4) Adam Tambellini
5) Phil Samuelsson
6) Petr Straka
7) Chandler Stephenson
8) Brett Bulmer
9) Alex Schoenborn
10) David Musil
20. NEW YORK RANGERS
Strengths: The player most likely to win the Calder, Filip Forsberg is an elite player in the making. Beyond that there are few high draft picks and several roll the dice 2nd rounders that haven’t made it. Late drafting has dug up some potential NHL’ers and patience shows some players like McKenzie and Cunningham who are on the verge of challenging for NHL jobs.
Weaknesses: After Forsberg there is a massive drop off in potential. There are some decent prospects but weaknesses at all 3 positions and no other impact blue chippers in the pipeline. Tyler Biggs seems to be flaming out in Toronto.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Filip Forsberg (2)
2) Nick Schmaltz
3) Craig Cunningham
4) Andy Welinski
5) Stefan Matteau
6) Curtis McKenzie
7) Max Friberg
8) Seth Helgeson
9) Tristan Jarry
10) Zach Sanford
21. CAROLINA HURRICANES
Strengths: While they may not look like future stars, Honka, Fasching & Campbell give the Canes some good options at the three different positions. McCann has a strong all-around game with some potential to be more if the Canucks don’t ruin him. I’m still a believer in Campbell but he needs to stay healthy.
Weaknesses: Barkov’s graduation hurts the top-end strength and recent trades of Jesper Fast and Miikka Salomaki hurt depth. Beyond the top 4 I would consider the rest to be depth rather than potential impact players for the most part. Fortunately the Canes have a few 1st round picks to bolster the top end talent.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Julius Honka (43)
2) Hudson Fasching
3) Jack Campbell
4) Jared McCann
5) Patrik Nemeth
6) Mike Reilly
7) Jayce Hawryluk
8) Jordan Binnington
9) Linus Arnesson
10) Matt Finn
22. ANAHEIM DUCKS
Strengths: The Ducks have a lot of irons in the fire and did well adding several college FA’s to bolster the system. Reinhart and Fucale give them a couple solid pieces to build around and there are a number of forwards with character that could fill out the bottom 6.
Weaknesses: The Ducks lack top end offensive talent with the graduation of Lindholm as the players left all have questions. Will Moroz develop an offensive game at the pro level? Can Audette or Tynan overcome size concerns? Also need to add some defensive depth behind Reinhart, which will be difficult given the Ducks penchant for trading away all their draft picks.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Griffin Reinhart (17)
2) Zach Fucale (HM)
3) Adam Lowry
4) Ryan Haggerty
5) Vaclav Karabacek
6) Mitch Moroz
7) Chad Ruhwedel
8) Daniel Audette
9) TJ Tynan
10) Daniel Carr
23. MINNESOTA WILD
Strengths: A few quality forwards and defenseman that should become NHL regulars but Sonny Milano aside, there is little in the way of flashy upside amongst this group. Milano has had to adapt to the OHL this season and returned from the World Juniors with a bang, scoring 4 points for the Whalers. The defenseman are all solid and Dysin Mayo is such a talent with the puck that he offers serious potential to be a difference maker in new NHL; it may not be an easy road though. Quenton Howden is underrated and is close to being NHL ready.
Weaknesses: With no high end goaltenders in the system and Troy Grosenick barely making this list due to eligibility (he’s 25) it might be time for the Wild to address this area in the next few drafts. Also the Wild lack any real bluechip challengers to a top 6 forward or top 4 Dman pairings, Milano aside. They’ll have to rely on graduates (and under 25’s) Mikael Granlund, Mikkel Boedker, Tommy Wingels, Jonas Brodin, and Zach Bogosian to carry them through for a while longer.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sonny Milano (40)
2) Quinton Howden
3) Colton Sissons
4) Dysin Mayo
5) Nate Schmidt
6) Marcus Pettersson
7) Tyler Wotherspoon
8) Troy Grosenik
9) Adam Gilmour
10) Jackson Houck
24. LOS ANGELES KINGS
Strengths: Sanheim is really climbing the prospect ranks over the last couple years and has taken his offensive game to another level this year. Plenty of other defensive depth below him gives the Kings a number of different options down the road.
Weaknesses: With all the graduations over the last 3 years it’s hard to keep churning out highly touted prospects and this list shows that. While a number of the Kings prospects probably fly under the radar there’s little in the way of safe bets and no quality goaltending prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Travis Sanheim
2) Ryan Hartman
3) Taylor Beck
4) Andrew Copp
5) Mattias Backman
6) Alex Guptill
7) Mattias Janmark
8) Colton Parayko
9) Jaccob Slavin
10) Rourke Chartier
25. DETROIT RED WINGS
Strengths: Deceptively good crop of prospects despite the lack of top 50 and HM mentions and impact playergs. Goaltending is a strength, there are some very real NHL prospects here in Kapisalo and Grabauer, players who are developing well. Kapanen is a divisive player, some love him and some hate him but he has the skill to be top 6 in the NHL. There are other sure fire NHL’ers amongst the forwards, though bottom 6 potential. Granlund has impressed in Calgary and Morrow has improved on D.
Weaknesses: The forwards look to be a lot of NHL’ers but there is little in the way of ‘elite’ types or players who are considered impact.. Players who were high picks like Tyler Cuma but failed in making the NHL have hurt the depth of the list. Morrow aside, you have to wonder if there are any other defenseman here who could ever play in the NHL.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Kasperi Kapanen (HM)
2) Joe Morrow
3) Jon Gillies
4) Phillip Grubauer
5) Ryan Spooner
6) Markus Granlund
7) Joonas Korpisalo
8) Landon Ferraro
9) Michal Jordan
10) Chris Terry
11) Ben Hankowski
26. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Strengths: Morrissey and Barbashev give the Leafs a couple more potential game breakers. Valiev is having a strong season and his stock is rising while Hishon continues to find his game in the AHL.
Weaknesses: Recent graduations wreak havoc to the depth of the Leafs system. With such a strong pro roster they might just have enough time to draft some more help here, especially on defense and in goal.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Josh Morrissey (21)
2) Ivan Barbashev
3) Igor Shesterkin
4) Rinat Valiev
5) Joey Hishon
6) Scott Kosmachuk
7) Jyrki Jokipakka
8) Radel Fazleev
9) Shane Gersich
10) Tim Schaller
27. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Strengths: The true strength of the Devils system is in all the young roster players that make up the core of the franchise. Players like Tavares, Tarasenko, Hamonic, Nelson and DeKeyser are all under 25 and will be in NJ for a long time. Buchnevich, Pulkkinen, Aberg and Bodie are all players with strong offensive instincts that could be big if things go right.
Weaknesses: If the Devils can avoid temptation and not trade away picks for a playoff push they could add some much needed depth, as beyond the top 5, there isn’t much left in the system. Adding some defensive & goaltending talent should be top priority.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Pavel Buchnevich
2) Teemu Pulkkinen
3) Pontus Aberg
4) Mat Bodie
5) Mark Visentin
6) Andrey Pedan
7) Nathan Walker
8) Matt Mackenzie
9) Simon Fernholm
10) Matej Machovsky
28. DALLAS STARS
Strengths: Damon Severson jumped from the WHL to the NHL this season, a rare thing for a defenseman and indicative of just how good he can be. Has a find offensive touch and is a real find. Thatcher Demo is one of the elite goaltender prospects and his having a wonderful sophomore season. Zach Hymen is one of the few late picks that shows promise, and he’s really exploded this season and must now be considered a legitimate top 2 centerman NHL prospect.
Weaknesses: It is a short list of genuine NHL prospects. Players like Alex Burmistrov, Alex Plante and Greg Nemisz highlight the lack of depth, these players are all 1st rounders who have flamed out, really hurting the long term ambitions of this club. The Stars like to trade away their high end picks but under new management they will have to keep hold of more of them and hit some home runs with the middle and late round picks to improve this list.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Damon Severson (47)
2) Thatcher Demko
3) Zach Hyman
4) Reid Gardiner
5) Ryan MacInnis
6) Tim Bozon
7) Jordan Subban
8) Luc Snuggerud
9) Adam Helwka
10) Michael Amadio
29. EDMONTON OILERS
Strengths: The Oilers have sacrificed some prospect depth for an improved roster and it shows in this years rankings. Grigorenko is having a strong season in the AHL now that he’s allowed to play there and Lessio is getting an extended look with the Coyotes. Marchenko may not excel in any one area but he has the all-around game to be a NHL defender.
Weaknesses: Beyond Grigorenko, and maybe Tolchinsky, the rest of the Oilers prospects are generally depth types and/or long shots to make an impact. They can use some help on defense more than anything and will need to spend some time rebuilding this list yet again.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Mikhail Grigorenko (HM)
2) Lucas Lessio
3) Alexei Marchenko
4) Sergei Tolchinksy
5) Antoine Bibeau
6) Greg Chase
7) Max Reinhart
8) Shane Eiserman
9) Sebastian Aho
10) Greg McKegg
30. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Strengths: No Shortage of potential bottom 6 forwards and bottom pairing defensemen. The Blue Jackets had a couple prospects make their NHL debuts (Tierney, Nestrasil) this season so there is some hope. Anthony Stolarz still projects as a good pro with excellent size and reflexes, more seasoning in the Ahl is needed to refine his game. The wildcard of the bunch is Nikolai Prokhorkin, with good size, skill and an un-Russian fondness for the physical aspects of the game he could make a difference in the NHL the main road block remains his presence in the KHL.
Weaknesses: Lack of prospective Top 6 forwards, top 4 Dmen and goaltending depth. As Columbus is always in playoff contention year in year out they have sacrificed high picks and touted prospects in search of championship glory. GM Emerson will need to continue to unearth late round gems in order to keep a prospect pool of useful players.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Chris Teirney
2) Anthony Stolarz
3) Andrej Nestrasil
4) Nikolai Prokhorkin
5) Ben Thomson
6) Brady Austin
7) Avery Peterson
8) Gabriel Dumont
9) Patrice Cormier
10) Carl Klingberg
First of all, let me say, I now have a greater appreciation for all the work Brock put in over the years doing this (Thanks Brock!). The Handbook was always one of my favorite reads, and after a few years without, Matthew and I began discussing the idea of putting one together. After getting Brock's blessing, I roped Miller in, and the three of us got to work. Even with the workload split up it was still more than I expected. Hopefully everyone enjoys reading. Please offer your feedback, strike up some discussion and let us know what you think. With three of us contributing to one project you'll get a few different styles of writing and ranking.
Lets get on to the good stuff!
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2015 HFNHL Prospect Handbook
The Handbook includes a Top 50 Prospect Ranking, Organizational Ranking and Top 10 Prospects by Team. Previous editions can be found here: 2011, 2010, 2009.
Method used for each section:
Top 50 Prospect Ranking
Lists were compiled and players were given points for their ranking. A ranking of 1 was given 50 points, 2 was given 49, all the way down to the last prospect with 1 point. Points were added and the 50 prospects with the highest totals made the cut. Lists were provided by Ville, Mike, Pasi, Roy, Matt Kowalchuk, Robb, Brock, Jon, Jeff M, Matthew and myself. Thanks to everyone for your contributions.
Eligibility criteria was as follows:
1) Player must be 25 years OR younger as per December 31, 2015 (meaning 1990 and up born players are eligible).
2) Skaters cannot have played more than 50 games of NHL action previous to the 2014-15 NHL season. Goalies cannot have played more than 25 games. This means that current NHL rookies (ala Johnny Gaudreau) are still eligible!
3) Players can be on teams prospect lists or rosters. It does not matter. This is to allow any player eligible under the above criteria to be included, regardless of whether they have been signed as undraftees or depth.
Organizational Ranking
The three of us each created a ranking of organizational prospects, the rankings were combined in the same fashion as the Top 50 Ranking giving us a composite ranking of the 30 HFNHL teams.
Top 10 Prospects by Team
We split this up with each of us taking on 10 teams. The prospects that made the Top 50 list were the base for each team then we filled out the rest based on our opinions. Our views may vary so let us know what you liked and didn't like.
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Top 50 Prospects
1 Aaron Ekblad
2 Filip Forsberg
3 Jonathan Drouin
4 Sam Reinhart
5 Sam Bennett
6 Leon Draisaitl
7 John Gaudreau
8 Darnell Nurse
9 Ryan Strome
10 Andrei Vasilevski
11 John Gibson
12 William Nylander
13 Curtis Lazar
14 Nikolaj Ehlers
15 Michael Dal Colle
16 Teuvo Teravainen
17 Griffin Reinhart
18 Max Domi
19 Dylan Larkin
20 Anthony Mantha
21 Josh Morrissey
22 Derrick Pouliot
23 Tomas Hertl
24 Evgeny Kuznetsov
25 Jake Virtanen
26 David Pastrnak
27 Rasmus Ristolainen
28 Bo Horvat
29 Andre Burakovsky
30 Nikita Zadorov
31 Anthony Duclair
32 Kevin Fiala
33 Shea Theodore
34 Robby Fabbri
35 Ryan Pulock
36 Alexander Wennberg
37 Tanner Pearson
38 Haydn Fleury
39 Kerby Rychel
40 Sonny Milano
41 Brandon Gormley
42 Nic Petan
43 Julius Honka
44 Nick Ritchie
45 Madison Bowey
46 John Klingberg
47 Damon Severson
48 Malcolm Subban
49 Scott Laughton
50 Mirco Mueller
Honorable Mentions
HM Kasperi Kapanen
HM Oliver Bjorkstrand
HM Zach Fucale
HM Jakub Vrana
HM Dmitrij Jaskin
HM Brendan Perlini
HM Tomas Jurco
HM Mikhail Grigorenko
HM Kevin Hayes
HM Oscar Klefbom
HM Riley Sheahan
HM Nikita Scherbak
HM Adrian Kempe
HM Samuel Morin
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HFNHL Organizational Ranking
1. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Strengths: This is one the best groups of prospects ever assembled in HFNHL history. It has something of everything; elite skilled forwards and two-way forwards, a top goaltender, exciting puck moving defenseman as well as two-way defenseman.
And this list doesn’t include top prospects and young NHL’ers like Seth Jones, Adam Larsson, Dmitri Kulikov, David Rundblad, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, Vincent Trochek, Conner Bleackley, Eddie Lack, and Henrik Samuelson. Phew.
Weaknesses: The only problem for the Lightning is time. They are still several seasons away from all these players making an impact. But this weakness is probably going to turn into a strength, as the Lightning will have a few more years of high picks in draft yet to come. Patience will be required.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sam Bennett (5)
2) Andrei Vasilevski (10)
3) Teuvo Teravainen (16)
4) Anthony Mantha (20)
5) Tomas Hertl (23)
6) Ryan Pulock (35)
7) Tomas Jurco (HM)
8) Morgan Klimchuk
9) Calle Jarnkrok
10) Viktor Rask
2. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Strengths: Top end offensive talent with Kuznetsov and Pastrnak is impressive. Even beyond them, Sheahan and Rieder are having impressive starts to their NHL careers. Ristolainen headlines a trio of quality defense prospects and could anchor the team for the next 10 years.
Weaknesses: The one glaring weakness in a system with so much talent is a top end goaltending prospect. There are a couple project goalies in the pipeline, but after the trade of Rask, I think this needs to be addressed.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Evgeny Kuznetsov (24)
2) David Pastrnak (26)
3) Rasmus Ristolainen (27)
4) Riley Sheahan (HM)
5) Cody Ceci
6) Slater Koekkoek
7) Alex Tuch
8) Tobias Rieder
9) Devin Shore
10) Brandon Halverson
3. WINNIPEG JETS
Strengths: The Jets are a good 15 deep in terms of prospects with legitimate shots to be NHL players, not to mention Galchenyuk, Ellis & Gudbranson already on the pro roster. The real strength is up front where Ehlers & Rattie are smaller offensive stars, Horvat & De La Rose play strong all-around games and Gauthier is the big bodied checking presence. Subban and the finally emerging Pickard give a couple great options in net. The future looks good in Winnipeg.
Weaknesses: It’s hard to find any sort of weakness in the Jets system, but relative to the talent at forward and in goal, the Jets lack a matching high end defense prospect. There are plenty of options coming on the blueline but they look to be more of the #3-5 types than top pairing guys.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Nikolaj Ehlers (14)
2) Bo Horvat (28)
3) Malcolm Subban (48)
4) Jason Zucker
5) Calvin Pickard
6) Fredrik Gauthier
7) Jacob De La Rose
8) Jarred Tinordi
9) Ty Rattie
10) Vladislav Kamenev
4. BOSTON BRUINS
Strengths: Two of the best Prospects in hockey, Jonathan Drouin and John Gibson, are locked in the Bruins stable. Both J.D. and J.G. Will be paying dividends sooner rather than later. Prospects at all positions with NHL talent. 4 prospects in the top 50 is the second highest team total. The future looks bright with top talent to draw from.
Weaknesses: Forwards with average to below average size, injury concerns are always greater wither slighter framed players. Later round drafted players will need some luck to have an impact.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Jonathan Drouin (3)
2) John Gibson (11)
3) Haydn Fleury (38)
4) Nic Petan (42)
5) Hunter Shinkurak
6) Marko Dano
7) Jordan Schmaltz
8) Brett Pesce
9) Ryan Collins
10) Eric Cornel
5. OTTAWA SENATORS
Strengths: When GM Jeff Miller took over the Senators, the prospect list was the shambles and ranked near the bottom of the league. After countless trades and some good draft picks this list is markedly better. It features players from every position that offer a variety of different play styles. Nylander is ultra-skilled, Virtanen a big bodied sniper, Theodore a smooth skating defender and Heatherington a rock. Hutchinson coming into his own in the NHL gives the Sens a perhaps unexpected boost in net.
Weaknesses: With all the recent work there aren’t a lot of weaknesses left. Depth outside the top 10 falls off pretty quickly but a couple extra early picks will go a long way to address that.
Top 10 Prospects
1) William Nylander (12)
2) Jake Virtanen (25)
3) Shea Theodore (33)
4) Kevin Hayes (HM)
5) Michael Hutchinson
6) Dillon Heatherington
7) Sebastien Collberg
8) Jamie Oleksiak
9) Chris Driedger
10) Oskar Sundqvist
6. COLORADO AVALANCHE
Strengths: One of the best teams in the league also has one of the best group of prospects. It should go without saying that Avalanche will be in a strong competitive position for the foreseeable future. With a great blend of size, speed and skill the Avalanche prospect defenseman are pillars of Colorado's prospects. The forwards of note have a distinct European flavor, High end puck skills and offensive prowess.
Weaknesses: Not alot of bruised fruit on the ole prospect tree, but the system lacks goaltenders. I'm sure this will be addressed at some point.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Darnell Nurse (8)
2) Andre Burakovsky (29)
3) Brandon Gromley (41)
4) Shayne Gotisbehere
5) Nathan Bealieau
6) Richard Rakell
7) Phillip Danault
8) Artturi Lehkonen
9) Josh Jooris
10) Christian Folin
7. CALGARY FLAMES
Strengths: Strong European flavor to top prospects. With 3 of the top 50 prospects the Flames prospects could be bringing their game to Calgary very soon. A nice mix of prospects at all positions in varied developmental stages. Dylan Larkin was on a lot of teams radars at the draft last year and most were hoping he would fall, the Flames couldn't pass and have to this point have not been disappointed. Larkin was arguably the best forward at the WJC. Size is not in short supply at the forward position as the Flames are putting something in their prospects water.
Weaknesses: An obvious love for the European prospects GM Kershaw might be reading the draft guide books of current and former NHL Blue Jackets GM s Jarmo Kekalainen and Doug MacLean. GM Kershaw is showing the least amount of love to Canadian Prospects and Canadians still make up the majority of NHL players so the Flames draft and prospect plans defy conventional thought. Keep an eye on this out of the box approach to team architecture.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Dylan Larkin (19)
2) John Klingberg (46)
3) Mirco Mueller (50)
4) Oliver Bjorkstrand (HM)
5) Vyacheslav Leshchenko
6) Oscar Dansk
7) Anders Lee
8) Ville Pokka
9) Austin Watson
10) Justin Kirkland
8. VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Strengths: One of the deepest, quality rich prospect pools in the league. Shockingly not one prospect ranked in the top 50, Haters gonna hate I guess. Maybe the names aren't the first names thought of when thinking top prospects but most teams would love to have these players. Top caliber talent at all positions.
Weaknesses: Not being more charitable in dealing some of the stockpiled talent to less fortunate teams at discount prices.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Jacub Vrana (HM)
2) Jake Allen
3) Emile Poirier
4) Anton Slepyshev
5) Beau Bennett
6) J.T. Miller
7) Jake McCabe
8) Tommy Vanelli
9) Adam Erne
10) Brendan Lemieux
9. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Strengths: The system isn’t as strong as a year ago because of the the graduation of MacKinnon, Murray, Bjugstad and Maata. Still, up front there is some high skill level, with several potential top 6 players. Domi seems to relish making the doubters wrong. Strome is in the NHL now and biding his ice-time as continues to learn. On the blueline Kevin Connauton is staking a claim as a legit NHL’er and Martin Jones is considered by some as the best goalie not currently starting in the NHL.
Weakness: Goaltending prospects. The Penguins have Jones but he’s stuck behind some quality goalies. But LA has proven they will trade a goalie prospect if they need to when they did it with Bernier.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Ryan Strome (9)
2) Max Domi (18)
3) Brendan Perlini (HM)
4) Martin Jones
5) JT Compher
6) Brendan Gaunce
7) Frankie Corrado
8) Kevin Connauton
9) Joonas Donskoi
10) Gustav Forsling
10. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Strengths: Some very attractive forwards with high-skill sets that might be boom or bust, but the boom will be high. Plenty of depth here and success with late picks like Nick Paul who has emerged into the consciousness with his gold medal in the WJHC. Madison Bowey was a value pick who’s value just keeps climbing. Some good goaltenders although they’re young and a few years away. Overall, considering average draft position, this is a list that is far better than it could be.
Weaknesses: Defensively there is little in the blue chip category other than Bowey. Sproul is stuck in a deep system and his play has dropped off. Sielfoff is a smaller defenseman with no offensive upside. Griffith may be in the NHL but he’s struggled of late. In goal there are some high picks who could emerge but they’re still a long way off. Kelsey Murphy Miles
Top 10 Prospects
1) Robby Fabri (34)
2) Madison Bowey (45)
3) Josh Ho-Sang
4) Mike McCarron
5) Nick Paul
6) Matt Murray
7) Ryan Sproul
8) Mark Jankowski
9) Alex Nedelijkovic
10) Colin Miller
11. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Strengths: Some excellent prospect graduations weaken this list but it still have five excellent forwards at the top of the list. Gaudreau is a Calder candidate and perhaps the most exciting new talent in the NHL. Wennberg has surprised and will develop in the NHL. Point continues to prove people wrong every time he steps up a level, like at the World Juniors once he got his shot. Kempe and McNeil continue to improve.
Weaknesses: On this list - defenseman. But that’s because Vatanen, Merrill, and Gelinas are all recent graduates. Goalkeeping is another area of difficulty even though Jacob Markstrom has gone a long way to resurrect his career this season. Some of the other good goalie talent like Dansk was traded away.
Top 10 Prospects
1) John Gaudreau (7)
2) Alexander Wennberg (36)
3) Adrian Kempe (HM)
4) Brayden Point
5) Mark McNeill
6) Nicolas Aube-Kubel
7) Mario Lucia
8) Chris Bigras
9) Alexandre Goulet
10) Scott Mayfield
12. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Strengths: Size, speed and skill at the forward positions. Players at various stages of development for the future Top 9 forwards of the Blues. High volume of NHL Senators Prospects. Diverse leagues from which prospects play in.
Weaknesses: Lack of Top 4 defensive prospects with 2 way ability. Prospect goaltending depth and goalies with high ceiling talent. Affinity for Bryan Murray drafted players may or may not pay off huge.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Anthony Duclair (31)
2) Kerby Rychel (39)
3) Anthony Deangelo
4) Johan Larsson
5) Mark Stone
6) Charles Hudon
7) Matt Puempel
8) Shane Prince
9) Stefan Noesen
10) Lucas Wallmark
13. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Strengths: Draisaitl gives the Flyers a potential future star, so long as the NHL Oilers don’t mess him up. Depth on defense is solid with a good mix of offensive, two-way and physical players. Mrazek and Ortio round out a balanced system in goal to one day replace a perpetually on the trade block Varlamov.
Weaknesses: Outside of Draisaitl the Flyers lack quality offensive prospects. Weal has piled up points in the AHL but it remains to be seen if he can translate his game to the NHL. Regardless of any potential system weaknesses, GM Alvaro Silvan has proven he isn’t shy about making trades to address needs.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Leon Draisaitl (6)
2) Mathew Dumba
3) Petr Mrazek
4) Brayden McNabb
5) Adam Clendening
6) Roland McKeown
7) Esa Lindell
8) Nikita Tryamkin
9) Jeremy Morin
10) Andrej Sustr
14. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Strengths: Despite the recent graduation of Trouba and Jenner, the Sharks have some elite level prospects at the top of the list with the best young defenseman in the league. Dal Colle offers scoring potential from the wing. Gavrikov opened some eyes with the rest of the Russian D core in the world juniors. McIntyre (Gothberg) is an underrated goalie prospect who is having a great season. Underrated and tiny but Nikolishin is excellent in the WHL and should get a look in the upcoming NHL draft.
Weaknesses: After the top two players there is a real dearth of any potential high end NHL players. Lacks goalie prospects aside from McIntyre. The Sharks have traded away a lot of picks over the years, both the high end ones and those in later rounds. This philosophy seemed to have changed for one season and the reward was the best defenseman of his generation. They’ll have to keep it up because a return to the old ways will once again ravage the long term potential of the franchise. No 1st rounder again this upcoming draft and only a 2nd rounder of consequence.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Aaron Ekblad (1)
2) Michael Dal Colle (15)
3) Vladislav Gavrikov
4) Zane McIntyre
5) Stephen Johns
6) Axel Homstrom
7) Tanner Richard
8) Mackenzie Maceachern
9) Andreas Athanasiou
10) Ivan Nikolishin
15. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Strengths: Top 6 forwards, Top 4 defensemen and starting caliber goalies. Sam Reinhart is the obvious jewel of the Capitals prospects but Curtis Lazar is stealing the hearts of fans who watched his game at the WJC. Alot of first and second round talent that if develops as drafted could make Washington a force in the future.
Weaknesses: No prospects ready to make a major impact at the NHL level. Lazar and Reinhart made their clubs out of camp but Reinhart was returned and Lazar has struggled to find his game against bigger, stronger, faster competition. Outside of the top 10 there are alot of long term project and long shot prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sam Reinhart (4)
2) Curtis Lazar (13)
3) Connor Hellebuyck
4) Alex Khokhlachev
5) Magnus Hellberg
6) Jesse Blacker
7) Robert Hagg
8) Duncan Siemans
9) Hunter Smith
10) Jaedon Descheneau
16. BUFFALO SABRES
Strengths: Some very interesting prospects on a list that is quite strong in depth while lacking high end flair. Four very good defenseman and several NHL calibre forwards on this list - and something of everything; offensive Dmen, 2-way guys and defensive specialists. Up front there is size, big risky upside and solid depth. Nick Ritchie will have to prove he’s more than just a big body.
Weaknesses: No high end goalie prospects is worrying as Luongo ages. Getting a top 6 type forward with less risk than the present crop would make a big difference. No impact forwards here and perhaps none that even show top 6 qualities is a worry.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Derrick Pouliot (22)
2) Nick Ritchie (44)
3) Samuel Morin (HM)
4) Connor Murphy
5) Brian Dumoulin
6) Joel Armia
7) Chase de Leo
8) Tyler Pitlick
9) Brett Pollock
10) Ryan Fitzgerald
17. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Strengths: Prospects who have tasted the NHL: Pearson, Ouellet, McIlrath,Pageau, etc. Forward prospects capable of playing on multiple lines. Excellent skating forwards in the system offers players a better chance of having a pro career. Potential top 4 minute eating multi situational defensemen. Long term project players whose roles in the future aren't yet defined.
Weaknesses: Not a lot of high ceiling prospects with the possible exceptions of Nikita Scherbak and true dark horse Christian Dvorak(has been a hot name lately on prospect lists). The Goaltending cupboard is very bare.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Tanner Pearson (37)
2) Dmitri Jaskin (HM)
3) Nikita Scherbak (HM)
4) Xavier Ouellet
5) Christian Dvorak
6) Dylan McIlrath
7) J-G Pageau
8) Zach Mitchell
9) Sebastian Wannstrom
10) Martin Reway
18. ARIZONA COYOTES
Strengths: Quality prospects at the forward and defence positions. Varied skill sets amongst the position groups. Prospects at various stages of development. Top picks have turned into top prospects. Great balance of skill and grit amongst the skating prospects.
Weaknesses: For the most part it’s still early their development but the goaltending prospects will have to prove starter worthy at the highest level.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Nikita Zadarov (30)
2) Oscar Klefbom (HM)
3) Brett Ritchie
4) Nikolay Goldobin
5) Scott Harrington
6) Jason Dickinson
7) Jonathon MacLeod
8) Dylan Sadowy
9) Nick Cousins
10) Phil DiGiuseppe
19. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Strengths: High ceiling forwards at various stages of development with special attention to Kevin Fiala after a very strong WJC the Blackhawks got a steal. Eric Comrie looked composed and steady on the big stage at the WJC as well and makes the Hawks goaltending look bright. Scott Laughton getting to the NHL again this year it only a matter of time before his all round game sticks in the NHL. Pro calibre players at all positions with NHL bloodlines.
Weaknesses: The Blackhawks will need to look at offensive minded defensemen in the next couple drafts as the system is lacking a true puck toter from the back end. Lacking NHL ready prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Kevin Fiala (32)
2) Scott Laughton (49)
3) Eric Comrie
4) Adam Tambellini
5) Phil Samuelsson
6) Petr Straka
7) Chandler Stephenson
8) Brett Bulmer
9) Alex Schoenborn
10) David Musil
20. NEW YORK RANGERS
Strengths: The player most likely to win the Calder, Filip Forsberg is an elite player in the making. Beyond that there are few high draft picks and several roll the dice 2nd rounders that haven’t made it. Late drafting has dug up some potential NHL’ers and patience shows some players like McKenzie and Cunningham who are on the verge of challenging for NHL jobs.
Weaknesses: After Forsberg there is a massive drop off in potential. There are some decent prospects but weaknesses at all 3 positions and no other impact blue chippers in the pipeline. Tyler Biggs seems to be flaming out in Toronto.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Filip Forsberg (2)
2) Nick Schmaltz
3) Craig Cunningham
4) Andy Welinski
5) Stefan Matteau
6) Curtis McKenzie
7) Max Friberg
8) Seth Helgeson
9) Tristan Jarry
10) Zach Sanford
21. CAROLINA HURRICANES
Strengths: While they may not look like future stars, Honka, Fasching & Campbell give the Canes some good options at the three different positions. McCann has a strong all-around game with some potential to be more if the Canucks don’t ruin him. I’m still a believer in Campbell but he needs to stay healthy.
Weaknesses: Barkov’s graduation hurts the top-end strength and recent trades of Jesper Fast and Miikka Salomaki hurt depth. Beyond the top 4 I would consider the rest to be depth rather than potential impact players for the most part. Fortunately the Canes have a few 1st round picks to bolster the top end talent.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Julius Honka (43)
2) Hudson Fasching
3) Jack Campbell
4) Jared McCann
5) Patrik Nemeth
6) Mike Reilly
7) Jayce Hawryluk
8) Jordan Binnington
9) Linus Arnesson
10) Matt Finn
22. ANAHEIM DUCKS
Strengths: The Ducks have a lot of irons in the fire and did well adding several college FA’s to bolster the system. Reinhart and Fucale give them a couple solid pieces to build around and there are a number of forwards with character that could fill out the bottom 6.
Weaknesses: The Ducks lack top end offensive talent with the graduation of Lindholm as the players left all have questions. Will Moroz develop an offensive game at the pro level? Can Audette or Tynan overcome size concerns? Also need to add some defensive depth behind Reinhart, which will be difficult given the Ducks penchant for trading away all their draft picks.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Griffin Reinhart (17)
2) Zach Fucale (HM)
3) Adam Lowry
4) Ryan Haggerty
5) Vaclav Karabacek
6) Mitch Moroz
7) Chad Ruhwedel
8) Daniel Audette
9) TJ Tynan
10) Daniel Carr
23. MINNESOTA WILD
Strengths: A few quality forwards and defenseman that should become NHL regulars but Sonny Milano aside, there is little in the way of flashy upside amongst this group. Milano has had to adapt to the OHL this season and returned from the World Juniors with a bang, scoring 4 points for the Whalers. The defenseman are all solid and Dysin Mayo is such a talent with the puck that he offers serious potential to be a difference maker in new NHL; it may not be an easy road though. Quenton Howden is underrated and is close to being NHL ready.
Weaknesses: With no high end goaltenders in the system and Troy Grosenick barely making this list due to eligibility (he’s 25) it might be time for the Wild to address this area in the next few drafts. Also the Wild lack any real bluechip challengers to a top 6 forward or top 4 Dman pairings, Milano aside. They’ll have to rely on graduates (and under 25’s) Mikael Granlund, Mikkel Boedker, Tommy Wingels, Jonas Brodin, and Zach Bogosian to carry them through for a while longer.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Sonny Milano (40)
2) Quinton Howden
3) Colton Sissons
4) Dysin Mayo
5) Nate Schmidt
6) Marcus Pettersson
7) Tyler Wotherspoon
8) Troy Grosenik
9) Adam Gilmour
10) Jackson Houck
24. LOS ANGELES KINGS
Strengths: Sanheim is really climbing the prospect ranks over the last couple years and has taken his offensive game to another level this year. Plenty of other defensive depth below him gives the Kings a number of different options down the road.
Weaknesses: With all the graduations over the last 3 years it’s hard to keep churning out highly touted prospects and this list shows that. While a number of the Kings prospects probably fly under the radar there’s little in the way of safe bets and no quality goaltending prospects.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Travis Sanheim
2) Ryan Hartman
3) Taylor Beck
4) Andrew Copp
5) Mattias Backman
6) Alex Guptill
7) Mattias Janmark
8) Colton Parayko
9) Jaccob Slavin
10) Rourke Chartier
25. DETROIT RED WINGS
Strengths: Deceptively good crop of prospects despite the lack of top 50 and HM mentions and impact playergs. Goaltending is a strength, there are some very real NHL prospects here in Kapisalo and Grabauer, players who are developing well. Kapanen is a divisive player, some love him and some hate him but he has the skill to be top 6 in the NHL. There are other sure fire NHL’ers amongst the forwards, though bottom 6 potential. Granlund has impressed in Calgary and Morrow has improved on D.
Weaknesses: The forwards look to be a lot of NHL’ers but there is little in the way of ‘elite’ types or players who are considered impact.. Players who were high picks like Tyler Cuma but failed in making the NHL have hurt the depth of the list. Morrow aside, you have to wonder if there are any other defenseman here who could ever play in the NHL.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Kasperi Kapanen (HM)
2) Joe Morrow
3) Jon Gillies
4) Phillip Grubauer
5) Ryan Spooner
6) Markus Granlund
7) Joonas Korpisalo
8) Landon Ferraro
9) Michal Jordan
10) Chris Terry
11) Ben Hankowski
26. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Strengths: Morrissey and Barbashev give the Leafs a couple more potential game breakers. Valiev is having a strong season and his stock is rising while Hishon continues to find his game in the AHL.
Weaknesses: Recent graduations wreak havoc to the depth of the Leafs system. With such a strong pro roster they might just have enough time to draft some more help here, especially on defense and in goal.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Josh Morrissey (21)
2) Ivan Barbashev
3) Igor Shesterkin
4) Rinat Valiev
5) Joey Hishon
6) Scott Kosmachuk
7) Jyrki Jokipakka
8) Radel Fazleev
9) Shane Gersich
10) Tim Schaller
27. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Strengths: The true strength of the Devils system is in all the young roster players that make up the core of the franchise. Players like Tavares, Tarasenko, Hamonic, Nelson and DeKeyser are all under 25 and will be in NJ for a long time. Buchnevich, Pulkkinen, Aberg and Bodie are all players with strong offensive instincts that could be big if things go right.
Weaknesses: If the Devils can avoid temptation and not trade away picks for a playoff push they could add some much needed depth, as beyond the top 5, there isn’t much left in the system. Adding some defensive & goaltending talent should be top priority.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Pavel Buchnevich
2) Teemu Pulkkinen
3) Pontus Aberg
4) Mat Bodie
5) Mark Visentin
6) Andrey Pedan
7) Nathan Walker
8) Matt Mackenzie
9) Simon Fernholm
10) Matej Machovsky
28. DALLAS STARS
Strengths: Damon Severson jumped from the WHL to the NHL this season, a rare thing for a defenseman and indicative of just how good he can be. Has a find offensive touch and is a real find. Thatcher Demo is one of the elite goaltender prospects and his having a wonderful sophomore season. Zach Hymen is one of the few late picks that shows promise, and he’s really exploded this season and must now be considered a legitimate top 2 centerman NHL prospect.
Weaknesses: It is a short list of genuine NHL prospects. Players like Alex Burmistrov, Alex Plante and Greg Nemisz highlight the lack of depth, these players are all 1st rounders who have flamed out, really hurting the long term ambitions of this club. The Stars like to trade away their high end picks but under new management they will have to keep hold of more of them and hit some home runs with the middle and late round picks to improve this list.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Damon Severson (47)
2) Thatcher Demko
3) Zach Hyman
4) Reid Gardiner
5) Ryan MacInnis
6) Tim Bozon
7) Jordan Subban
8) Luc Snuggerud
9) Adam Helwka
10) Michael Amadio
29. EDMONTON OILERS
Strengths: The Oilers have sacrificed some prospect depth for an improved roster and it shows in this years rankings. Grigorenko is having a strong season in the AHL now that he’s allowed to play there and Lessio is getting an extended look with the Coyotes. Marchenko may not excel in any one area but he has the all-around game to be a NHL defender.
Weaknesses: Beyond Grigorenko, and maybe Tolchinsky, the rest of the Oilers prospects are generally depth types and/or long shots to make an impact. They can use some help on defense more than anything and will need to spend some time rebuilding this list yet again.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Mikhail Grigorenko (HM)
2) Lucas Lessio
3) Alexei Marchenko
4) Sergei Tolchinksy
5) Antoine Bibeau
6) Greg Chase
7) Max Reinhart
8) Shane Eiserman
9) Sebastian Aho
10) Greg McKegg
30. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Strengths: No Shortage of potential bottom 6 forwards and bottom pairing defensemen. The Blue Jackets had a couple prospects make their NHL debuts (Tierney, Nestrasil) this season so there is some hope. Anthony Stolarz still projects as a good pro with excellent size and reflexes, more seasoning in the Ahl is needed to refine his game. The wildcard of the bunch is Nikolai Prokhorkin, with good size, skill and an un-Russian fondness for the physical aspects of the game he could make a difference in the NHL the main road block remains his presence in the KHL.
Weaknesses: Lack of prospective Top 6 forwards, top 4 Dmen and goaltending depth. As Columbus is always in playoff contention year in year out they have sacrificed high picks and touted prospects in search of championship glory. GM Emerson will need to continue to unearth late round gems in order to keep a prospect pool of useful players.
Top 10 Prospects
1) Chris Teirney
2) Anthony Stolarz
3) Andrej Nestrasil
4) Nikolai Prokhorkin
5) Ben Thomson
6) Brady Austin
7) Avery Peterson
8) Gabriel Dumont
9) Patrice Cormier
10) Carl Klingberg
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