Post-Draft here are my top 20 prospects (and before anybody freaks, Siemens isn't on here because he is simply too old at this point):
1. Cale Makar - Everybody knows my opinion on the risk here (and I think it is a lot), but the talent speaks for itself. Every skill you could really want in a puck moving defensemen. The size and translation worries are going to be there until he proves otherwise.
2. Tyson Jost - He is a going to be a really good NHL player. I worry about his size with the role he is going to play and I don't think I am as high on his ceiling as most (1b/2a sort of center). That said, he should be a really good #2C that gives it all on both ends of the ice and puts up ~55 points.
3. Igor Shvyryov - People will think I am off the rails here, but I am very high on this kid. The offensive skill set is elite. He is a hard worker and puts in a really good effort defensively. I really, really hope he gets over to NA. That and how he transitions to NA physicality and ice are my only real questions. He could be a huge get.
4. Nicolas Meloche - Plays a very pro friendly game, mean as hell, plus skater (still needs some work), and has a bit of offensive punch to his game. I think he is a real solid bet to become a middle pairing D with upside for more. He should probably get a full year in the AHL, but he is closer than some believe.
5. Chris Bigras - I'm still a big, big fan of his game. Last year was a bump in the road for a few reasons, and this year he has to come into camp in tip top shape and impress the coaching staff... or I could see him being trade bait.
6. JT Compher - There isn't much to not like here and he will graduate in the fall. His overall skill level and how it translates to the NHL will determine if he is more of a 2nd or 3rd liner. He should be a really good middle 6 player for a while.
7. Conor Timmins - I'm a very big fan of this kid, and really this 5-7 group could be put in any order and I would say too much. Skating needs work, but considering how much it progressed last summer when he worked with his own skating coach... I expect the rest to get worked out. Very smart player with a decent amount of offensive upside. Biggest worry is he is more of a rusher than a passer. If he is held to a strict structure, he might struggle.
8. AJ Greer - Only reason he is this low is simple additions. He really flashed his potential early in the year. If he can be that player consistently, he can be an impact top 6 PF. If he can't he should still make the NHL, but in a lesser role. I think he should spend another half to full season in the AHL to work on that consistency.
9. Cam Morrison - I think the college transition was a little rougher than expected, but he came out on the other side alright. Still produced around where I thought he should. I'm expecting a breakout season for him being around a PPG player and being a fixture on the top line. Needs to work on his agility, and slowing the game down with the puck on his stick (very bull in the China shop mentality). I think there is a lot of promise here for a middle 6 goal scoring forward with some PF tendencies.
10. JC Beaudin - This might ruffle some feathers here, but I think he struggled becoming the 'go-to' guy in RN. A bit like Morrison, I think he came out on the other side okay and thrived in the playoffs. That gives me hope, but it might take a couple pro years for the offense to really come around at a higher level. Tempered expectations for his role in SA should be had. A 30-35 point season while establishing himself as a middle 6 center. As smart as the kid is and with his skating ability, I think a NHL role will be carved out. Just more of a question on which line.
11. Anton Lindholm - I think his ceiling is pretty limited (4/5 at best, but a guy you really want as a 5), but he plays a game I really appreciate. It is very quiet, yet very effective. Little to no offensive upside, but will move the puck well. If only he was a bit bigger...
12. Andrei Mironov - He could easily be up this list. Seems to be a modern throwback sort of D. Great size, nasty to play against, keeps it simple. It doesn't seem there is much offense here, but if he can play a safe and physical game next to a puck mover I think he has a good shot at a bottom 2 pairing role.
13. Rocco Grimaldi - Yeah he is tiny, and I still don't have a lot of confidence in a long-term NHL future... but he has earned a shot at a top 9 role. Very skilled.
14. Spencer Martin - Probably one of the more controversial placements. He started off the year great... got called up and it all fell apart (FTR I don't blame him a ton for this). I want to see a lot more consistency, and I don't think he should be called up outside of an emergency. Let him have a full year in the AHL.
15. Nick Henry - The shoulder issue gives me a bit more hope for him. His struggles in a bigger role could be attributed a bit to that. I like that out of all the wing prospects, he is probably the most versatile. I could see him being a 3rd liner.
16. Denis Smirnov - His frame worries me more than his height, but there is no doubting his skill and scoring potential. Should compete for the Hobey Baker next season and joining the AHL club in 18-19. How he deals with the added physicality will be huge.
17. Nate Clurman - Most of what I have on him is 2nd hand, but I get rave reviews from people I trust and I like what (little) I have seen. Phenomenal skill set and a real good frame to go with it. I'm stoked that he is going to Tri-City and I think he has a real shot of having a 40+ point season there.
18. Josh Anderson - I think he is a bit underrated and probably even a bit low on here. A true throwback D. Puck skills will be an issue and the one that very well could hold him back from a NHL role.
19. Sergei Boikov - I think once he got his feet wet he was pretty damn solid. Not much offense, but moves the puck solidly enough. Good size and can play a physical game. Not sure he has long-term NHL chops, but he should be a really good D for SA next year.
20. Nicky Leivermann - Small, but talented kid. Excellent character and work ethic. Moving up to Penticton will only be good for him next year. He needs the intermediate step to clean up his defensive game and work on his reads, but he could shoot up this list real quick.
HM: Gustav Olhaver - I'm really hoping things just clicked for him... He was beyond terrible here in NA, but seemed to rebound quite well last year. A forward with his size should be given the full allotment of time before giving up on. If he is still progressing, I think he should get a contract before his rights fully expire. At least there are 2 seasons.
HM: Adam Werner - Stole the starting job and then fell back to earth. Hopefully he can find some consistency and build upon the early part of last seasons. The Avs really kinda need him to pan out into something. The goalie depth is bad.
And going by the guidelines we've used Siemens still counts because of the September birthday but a lot of others are too old now like Grimaldi.
