CoyotesHFNHL
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- May 30, 2010
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The Top Five prospects for the HFNHL's Arizona Coyotes come from five different countries. NINE different countries are represented in the Top 20. Four of the first ten prospects for the HFNHL Coyotes are new entries to the list. They also have three prospect graduates after this season:
RW - Remi Elie - Dallas Stars (NHL) (LY: 10)
RD - Jake Dotchin - Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) (LY: 6)
LD - Scott Harrington - Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) (LY: NR)
#1 - LC - Logan Brown - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 6'06" 220lbs.
Last Year: #1
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 10th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall in 2016 by the Ottawa Senators
Analysis: Brown retains the top spot in the Coyotes prospect pool for the second year in a row. Logan has dealt with some injuries over the past two seasons, but has dominated the OHL with a combination of size and skill producing 1.5 Points Per Game. This production carried into the playoffs where he nearly reached the 1.5 PPG totals in the OHL Playoffs. He has excellent playmaking ability, creates offense and protects the puck. His offensive instincts along with his size and ability to dominate down the middle at times gives Logan a seemingly endless potential. With all the issues surrounding the NHL's Senators, this could be a positive for Brown who is currently a cheap, skilled option down the middle.
Projection: Top Six Centre
#2 - LD - Olli Juolevi - TPS (lliga) 6'03" 198
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 6th Overall in 2016 by the Colorado Avalanche
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2016 by the Vancouver Canucks
Analysis: Juolevi makes his first appearance after being dealt for Gabriel Vilardi last season. Juolevi took a step back going back to Finland and got off to a slow start. However his play continued to get stronger as the season went on and his confidence grew which included a strong playoff performance with 7 points in 11 games. Juolevi has an excellent first pass and power play quarterback potential. Olli will return to North America, just turning 20 years old two months ago and will push for a spot on the Vancouver Canucks. Juolevi still has a ton of upside and is much younger than he seems after being in the spotlight quite a bit the past two years.
Projection: Top pairing defenseman
#3 - LW - Isaac Ratcliffe - Guelph Storm (OHL) 6'06" 201
Last Year: #5
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 26th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 35th Overall in 2017 by the Philadelphia Flyers
Analysis: The other half of the Coyotes' twin towers up front was also part of the Highway 7 rivalry with Logan Brown. When the Coyotes traded up for Ratcliffe at the 2017 HFNHL Draft, they expected him to slowly develop into a strong top six prospect. They didn't expect him to score 40+ goals in his 18 year old season. Ratcliffe was a dominant offensive player in the OHL this past season and actually outscored the second overall pick Andrei Svechnikov by one goal. Ratcliffe combines size, skill and goal scoring ability to make himself a legitimate top prospect and has moved into the third spot on the Coyotes prospect list. Don't be surprised to see Isaac stick with the NHL's Flyers for at least a few games this fall.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#4 - LW - Dominik Bokk - Vaxjo Lakers (SHL) 6'01" 176
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 16th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes.
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 25th Overall in 2018 by the St. Louis Blues
Analysis: The HFNHL Coyotes are strong on the right wing right now with Phil Kessel and Corey Perry taking care of the wings, but Bokk and Ratcliffe could make the Coyotes strong on the left side for the next several years. Tagged as the player in this draft class who could have a Elias Pettersson type of surge following his NHL draft is a lot to put on a young prospect. But Bokk's offensive upside is through the roof and he has incredibly instincts around the goal area and a strong ability to finish on his scoring chances. Bokk posted a point per game as a 17 year old for Germany's WJC team. He is expected to play next season in the SHL and is another Top Six forward prospect for the HFNHL's Arizona Coyotes.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#5 - W - Denis Gurianov - Texas Stars (AHL) 6'03" 201
Last Year: #4
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 26th Overall in 2015 by the New York Islanders
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall in 2015 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: Gurianov drops one spot on the list, but is a very intriguing prospect. Still only 21 years old, Gurianov has had some highs and lows in two North American seasons. He has outstanding upside with speed, puck skill and finishing ability to go with his 6'03" frame, but can be fairly inconsistent. Mix in the wealth of depth the NHL's Dallas Stars have along with some high powered AHL players that helped lead the team to the AHL's Calder Cup Finals, Gurianov is caught behind more depth than he would be in some other NHL organizations. He still has very high upside of a top six forward, it's just a matter of when he's going to break out.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#6 - RC - Akil Thomas - Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) 5'11" 176
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 35th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 52nd Overall in 2018 by the Los Angeles Kings
Analysis: The first under six foot player on this list for the Coyotes is high skilled forward Akil Thomas. He showed outstanding creativity with the puck, has great patience and is just as effective at scoring as he is setting up goals. Akil has a ton of upside, and a player who at the 2018 NHL Draft Darren Pang compared to Filip Forsberg. Thomas has a strong work ethic and leadership ability to go with his skill and has a lot of upside at the NHL level.
Projection: Top Six Centre
#7 - G - Joseph Woll - Boston College (NCAA) 6'04" 203
Last Year: #9
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 70th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 3rd Round, 62nd Overall in 2016 by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Analysis: Joseph moved up the list two spots. He is our highest ranked goaltender and our highest ranked NCAA commit. Joseph improved on his already impressive numbers in his sophmore season at Boston College. He earned his second straight medal at the WJC helping USA win bronze. He was the starting goaltender for USA and had the third best GAA of anyone who played more than two games at the World Junior Championships. He has great size, technique and positioning. Joseph's upside is high and has all the potential to become a starting goaltender in the NHL.
Projection: Starting Goaltender
#8 - LD - Jonas Siegenthaler - Hershey Bears (AHL) 6'02" 218
Last Year: #7
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 52nd Overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 57th Overall by the Washington Capitals
Analysis: Jonas got his first full season in North America in. As a player who is close to NHL ready, he might have made an appearance on some teams, however the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals were pretty set on defense allowing Jonas to play the full season in Hershey. He has a good shot from the point and plays with a bit of an edge. A well rounded defensive prospect, he doesn't have the upside of a top pairing defenseman, but he certainly has the endurance, skill and size to play a second pairing role in the NHL one day.
Projection: Second Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
#9 - LD - Logan Stanley - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 6'07" 227
Last Year: #14
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 48th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 18th Overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets
Analysis: The second Kitchener Ranger and second 2017 Memorial Cup Champion in the HFNHL Coyotes Top 9 prospects is the only prospect we have that stands taller than Logan Brown and Isaac Ratcliffe, the 6'07" defenseman Logan Stanley. Stanley rises four spots on the list. Stanley's big jump comes primarily from his huge jump in offensive production. Logan showed in his first few years his steady phyiscal shutdown game. However a move to Kitchener opened up Logan's offensive game more than doubling his totals racking up 15 goals with his massive slap shot and nearly posting a point per game in the playoffs. With Logan's offensive game emerging with his already steady defensive game, this strengthens his potential to play a top four role on an NHL blueline one day.
Projection: Second Pairing Shutdown Defender
#10 - FW - David Kampf - Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) 6'02" 194
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 7th Round - 187th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: Signed as an Undrafted Free Agenty by the Chicago Blackhawks
Analysis: Kampf is the definition of a late round steal. Quite possibly the only HFNHL 7th Round pick to play 45+ games in the NHL following the season they were drafted, Kampf had an impressive half season in the AHL which resulted in a promotion to the NHL for the final 46 games of the season. David has good size and plays a strong two-way game. He has good offensive instincts for a 200 foot player which helped him produce offensively. He is four games short of prospect activation and this will likely be his first and only appearance on this list. He doesn't have quite the big time upside of some of the other prospects, but he is likely to step into the HFNHL in 2019-2020 if not early.
Projection: Top Nine two-way forward.
#11 - LD - Jared McIssac - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) 6'01" 190
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round - 54th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 36th Overall in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings
Analysis: McIsaac is a deceptively exciting defenseman who can spring into the rush a surprising amount for a defender of his size and has great patience with the puck to let the play develop and find his options. He is strong defensively with a physical side, but also produces offensively on a regular basis. Jared also possesses leadership ability and is likely going to play a huge part in the Halifax Mooseheads Memorial Cup run in 2019.
Projection: Second Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
#12 - LC - Jason Dickinson - Texas Stars (AHL) 6'02" 205
Last Year: #8
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 50th Overall in 2013 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 29th Overall in 2013 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: Jason slips a bit in the rankings, but he continues to make progress with the Dallas Stars. Just 12 games away from prospect activation, Jason has shown good two-way ability. He is very reliable defensively and is an effective penalty killer. He also has decent offensive potential and is a very well rounded forward prospect.
Projection: Top Nine Two-Way Centre
#13 - FW - Lukas Elvenes - Rogle BK (SHL) 6'01" 173
Last Year: #16
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 64th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 5th Round, 127th Overall in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights
Analysis: Lukas rises three spots in the rankings after being signed by the Vegas Golden Knights last month. He was selected as a bit of a boom or bust prospect, but is showing more boom than bust so far. He spent his 18 year old season playing full time men's league spending most of his time in the SHL posting an impressive 0.74 points per game. Lucas has excellent skating ability. He is over six feet with high end speed, evasive, creative and consistently makes things happen in the offensive zone. He is expected to spend one more year in the SHL before coming over to the AHL. While there is a little more risk in his game, he has top line upside as a prospect.
Projection: Top Six Winger.
#14 - RC - Mason Appleton - Manitoba Moose (AHL) 6'02" 201
Last Year: #15
HFNHL Draft: 6th Round, 171st Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 168th Overall in 2015 by the Winnipeg Jets
Analysis: It's a pretty impressive prospect group when the AHL Rookie of the Year comes in at #14, but Mason Appleton has really boosted his NHL upside. If not for the depth at forward for the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, Mason may stuck with the Jets full time. He has good two-way ability but proved this year he can light up the scoresheet with his shot and his playmaking ability. Mason is a very well rounded forward with size who should find a spot in the Top Nine in the NHL sooner rather than later.
Projection: Top Nine Centre
#15 - W - Albin Eriksson - Skelleftea AIK (SEL) 6'04" 193
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 76th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 44th Overall in 2018 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: The NHL Dallas Stars continue to draft HFNHL Arizona Coyotes prospects and this year's installment is a boom or bust power winger from Sweden. Seeminly coming out of nowhere, Albin established himself as a high upside prospect. Ranked in the first round by the Independent Scouting Service HockeyProspect.com, Eriksson lit up the J20 leagues scoring over 20 goals in 38 games, following up with a 2.00 point per game in the J20 playoffs. He spent over a third of his season in the SHL and performed well despite not putting up numbers. He has a huge frame and a laser release. He has top six goal scoring upside but there is also some bust potential there as he needs to continue to improve his skating. His size may save him from being a total bust if he doesn't boom, but there is big time potential in Eriksson.
Projection: Boom or Bust Top Six Power Winger
#16 - LW - Michael Dal Colle - Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) 6'03" 205
Last Year: #2
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2014 by the San Jose Sharks
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2014 by the New York Islanders
Analysis: The biggest dropper from last year's ranking, Michael had another solid season in the AHL and made his NHL debut but continues to perform below expectations for such a highly rated prospect. Dal Colle may benefit from a chance of scenery at the NHL level as he just doesn't seem to be clicking with the NHL's Islanders organization. He still has top six upside but is now a high risk prospect to reach that goal.
Projection: High Risk Top Six Forward
#17 - LC - Emil Pettersson - Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) 6'02" 163
Last Year: #19
HFNHL Draft: 5th Round, 130th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 155th Overall in 2013 by the Nashville Predators
Analysis: Emil transitioned to the North American game better than most European players and posted impressive numbers in the AHL. He has a good mix of size and skill and he has good potential to make Nashville out of camp this season. He lacks strength but he makes up in a strong compete, speed and the playmaking ability to create offense.
Projection: Top Nine Centre
#18 - W - Joachim Blichfeld - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) 6'03" 181
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 5th Round, 143rd Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 7th Round, 210th Overall in 2016 by the San Jose Sharks
Analysis: Joachim posted a point per game for the Portland Winterhawks this season and for Team Denmark at the World Junior Championships. Blichfeld is a 200 foot forward who works hard down the wings and battles for pucks. He has excellent size and good puck skills. He is expected to go pro next season and should develop into a legitimate NHLer in the next few years.
Projection: Top Nine Two-Way Winger
#19 - LD - Blake Hillman - University of Denver (NCAA) 6'01" 187
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 7th Round, 190th Overall in 2014 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 173rd Overall in 2017 by the Chicago Blackhawks
Analysis: Blake is the second 7th round draft pick of the Coyotes to debut for the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks this season. Hillman was drafted 3 years before the NHL's Blackhawks selected him, and he debuted in four games for the Hawks this season after completing three seasons with the University of Denver. Blake is a steady, smooth shutdown defender with a great stick and a decent physical game. He boosted his offensive numbers but projects as a defender who can eat a lot of minutes in defensive situations.
Projection: #4 Shutdown Defenseman
#20 - G - Tyler Wall - UMass-Lowell (NCAA) 6'03" 203
Last Year: #10
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 58th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 174th Overall in 2016 by the New York Rangers
Analysis: Tyler had a bad case of the sophomore jinx struggling this season and seeing a major drop off in his numbers and losing his starting job. Tyler has good potential and is likely to overcome this season and re-establish himself as a legitimate prospect, one who caught the NCAA by surprise as a freshman just one year earlier.
Projection: Average Starting Goaltender
RW - Remi Elie - Dallas Stars (NHL) (LY: 10)
RD - Jake Dotchin - Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) (LY: 6)
LD - Scott Harrington - Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) (LY: NR)
#1 - LC - Logan Brown - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 6'06" 220lbs.
Last Year: #1
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 10th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall in 2016 by the Ottawa Senators
Analysis: Brown retains the top spot in the Coyotes prospect pool for the second year in a row. Logan has dealt with some injuries over the past two seasons, but has dominated the OHL with a combination of size and skill producing 1.5 Points Per Game. This production carried into the playoffs where he nearly reached the 1.5 PPG totals in the OHL Playoffs. He has excellent playmaking ability, creates offense and protects the puck. His offensive instincts along with his size and ability to dominate down the middle at times gives Logan a seemingly endless potential. With all the issues surrounding the NHL's Senators, this could be a positive for Brown who is currently a cheap, skilled option down the middle.
Projection: Top Six Centre
#2 - LD - Olli Juolevi - TPS (lliga) 6'03" 198
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 6th Overall in 2016 by the Colorado Avalanche
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2016 by the Vancouver Canucks
Analysis: Juolevi makes his first appearance after being dealt for Gabriel Vilardi last season. Juolevi took a step back going back to Finland and got off to a slow start. However his play continued to get stronger as the season went on and his confidence grew which included a strong playoff performance with 7 points in 11 games. Juolevi has an excellent first pass and power play quarterback potential. Olli will return to North America, just turning 20 years old two months ago and will push for a spot on the Vancouver Canucks. Juolevi still has a ton of upside and is much younger than he seems after being in the spotlight quite a bit the past two years.
Projection: Top pairing defenseman
#3 - LW - Isaac Ratcliffe - Guelph Storm (OHL) 6'06" 201
Last Year: #5
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 26th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 35th Overall in 2017 by the Philadelphia Flyers
Analysis: The other half of the Coyotes' twin towers up front was also part of the Highway 7 rivalry with Logan Brown. When the Coyotes traded up for Ratcliffe at the 2017 HFNHL Draft, they expected him to slowly develop into a strong top six prospect. They didn't expect him to score 40+ goals in his 18 year old season. Ratcliffe was a dominant offensive player in the OHL this past season and actually outscored the second overall pick Andrei Svechnikov by one goal. Ratcliffe combines size, skill and goal scoring ability to make himself a legitimate top prospect and has moved into the third spot on the Coyotes prospect list. Don't be surprised to see Isaac stick with the NHL's Flyers for at least a few games this fall.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#4 - LW - Dominik Bokk - Vaxjo Lakers (SHL) 6'01" 176
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 16th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes.
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 25th Overall in 2018 by the St. Louis Blues
Analysis: The HFNHL Coyotes are strong on the right wing right now with Phil Kessel and Corey Perry taking care of the wings, but Bokk and Ratcliffe could make the Coyotes strong on the left side for the next several years. Tagged as the player in this draft class who could have a Elias Pettersson type of surge following his NHL draft is a lot to put on a young prospect. But Bokk's offensive upside is through the roof and he has incredibly instincts around the goal area and a strong ability to finish on his scoring chances. Bokk posted a point per game as a 17 year old for Germany's WJC team. He is expected to play next season in the SHL and is another Top Six forward prospect for the HFNHL's Arizona Coyotes.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#5 - W - Denis Gurianov - Texas Stars (AHL) 6'03" 201
Last Year: #4
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 26th Overall in 2015 by the New York Islanders
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 12th Overall in 2015 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: Gurianov drops one spot on the list, but is a very intriguing prospect. Still only 21 years old, Gurianov has had some highs and lows in two North American seasons. He has outstanding upside with speed, puck skill and finishing ability to go with his 6'03" frame, but can be fairly inconsistent. Mix in the wealth of depth the NHL's Dallas Stars have along with some high powered AHL players that helped lead the team to the AHL's Calder Cup Finals, Gurianov is caught behind more depth than he would be in some other NHL organizations. He still has very high upside of a top six forward, it's just a matter of when he's going to break out.
Projection: Top Six Winger
#6 - RC - Akil Thomas - Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) 5'11" 176
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 35th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 52nd Overall in 2018 by the Los Angeles Kings
Analysis: The first under six foot player on this list for the Coyotes is high skilled forward Akil Thomas. He showed outstanding creativity with the puck, has great patience and is just as effective at scoring as he is setting up goals. Akil has a ton of upside, and a player who at the 2018 NHL Draft Darren Pang compared to Filip Forsberg. Thomas has a strong work ethic and leadership ability to go with his skill and has a lot of upside at the NHL level.
Projection: Top Six Centre
#7 - G - Joseph Woll - Boston College (NCAA) 6'04" 203
Last Year: #9
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 70th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 3rd Round, 62nd Overall in 2016 by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Analysis: Joseph moved up the list two spots. He is our highest ranked goaltender and our highest ranked NCAA commit. Joseph improved on his already impressive numbers in his sophmore season at Boston College. He earned his second straight medal at the WJC helping USA win bronze. He was the starting goaltender for USA and had the third best GAA of anyone who played more than two games at the World Junior Championships. He has great size, technique and positioning. Joseph's upside is high and has all the potential to become a starting goaltender in the NHL.
Projection: Starting Goaltender
#8 - LD - Jonas Siegenthaler - Hershey Bears (AHL) 6'02" 218
Last Year: #7
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 52nd Overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 57th Overall by the Washington Capitals
Analysis: Jonas got his first full season in North America in. As a player who is close to NHL ready, he might have made an appearance on some teams, however the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals were pretty set on defense allowing Jonas to play the full season in Hershey. He has a good shot from the point and plays with a bit of an edge. A well rounded defensive prospect, he doesn't have the upside of a top pairing defenseman, but he certainly has the endurance, skill and size to play a second pairing role in the NHL one day.
Projection: Second Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
#9 - LD - Logan Stanley - Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 6'07" 227
Last Year: #14
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 48th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 18th Overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets
Analysis: The second Kitchener Ranger and second 2017 Memorial Cup Champion in the HFNHL Coyotes Top 9 prospects is the only prospect we have that stands taller than Logan Brown and Isaac Ratcliffe, the 6'07" defenseman Logan Stanley. Stanley rises four spots on the list. Stanley's big jump comes primarily from his huge jump in offensive production. Logan showed in his first few years his steady phyiscal shutdown game. However a move to Kitchener opened up Logan's offensive game more than doubling his totals racking up 15 goals with his massive slap shot and nearly posting a point per game in the playoffs. With Logan's offensive game emerging with his already steady defensive game, this strengthens his potential to play a top four role on an NHL blueline one day.
Projection: Second Pairing Shutdown Defender
#10 - FW - David Kampf - Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) 6'02" 194
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 7th Round - 187th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: Signed as an Undrafted Free Agenty by the Chicago Blackhawks
Analysis: Kampf is the definition of a late round steal. Quite possibly the only HFNHL 7th Round pick to play 45+ games in the NHL following the season they were drafted, Kampf had an impressive half season in the AHL which resulted in a promotion to the NHL for the final 46 games of the season. David has good size and plays a strong two-way game. He has good offensive instincts for a 200 foot player which helped him produce offensively. He is four games short of prospect activation and this will likely be his first and only appearance on this list. He doesn't have quite the big time upside of some of the other prospects, but he is likely to step into the HFNHL in 2019-2020 if not early.
Projection: Top Nine two-way forward.
#11 - LD - Jared McIssac - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) 6'01" 190
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round - 54th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 36th Overall in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings
Analysis: McIsaac is a deceptively exciting defenseman who can spring into the rush a surprising amount for a defender of his size and has great patience with the puck to let the play develop and find his options. He is strong defensively with a physical side, but also produces offensively on a regular basis. Jared also possesses leadership ability and is likely going to play a huge part in the Halifax Mooseheads Memorial Cup run in 2019.
Projection: Second Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
#12 - LC - Jason Dickinson - Texas Stars (AHL) 6'02" 205
Last Year: #8
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 50th Overall in 2013 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 29th Overall in 2013 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: Jason slips a bit in the rankings, but he continues to make progress with the Dallas Stars. Just 12 games away from prospect activation, Jason has shown good two-way ability. He is very reliable defensively and is an effective penalty killer. He also has decent offensive potential and is a very well rounded forward prospect.
Projection: Top Nine Two-Way Centre
#13 - FW - Lukas Elvenes - Rogle BK (SHL) 6'01" 173
Last Year: #16
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 64th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 5th Round, 127th Overall in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights
Analysis: Lukas rises three spots in the rankings after being signed by the Vegas Golden Knights last month. He was selected as a bit of a boom or bust prospect, but is showing more boom than bust so far. He spent his 18 year old season playing full time men's league spending most of his time in the SHL posting an impressive 0.74 points per game. Lucas has excellent skating ability. He is over six feet with high end speed, evasive, creative and consistently makes things happen in the offensive zone. He is expected to spend one more year in the SHL before coming over to the AHL. While there is a little more risk in his game, he has top line upside as a prospect.
Projection: Top Six Winger.
#14 - RC - Mason Appleton - Manitoba Moose (AHL) 6'02" 201
Last Year: #15
HFNHL Draft: 6th Round, 171st Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 168th Overall in 2015 by the Winnipeg Jets
Analysis: It's a pretty impressive prospect group when the AHL Rookie of the Year comes in at #14, but Mason Appleton has really boosted his NHL upside. If not for the depth at forward for the NHL's Winnipeg Jets, Mason may stuck with the Jets full time. He has good two-way ability but proved this year he can light up the scoresheet with his shot and his playmaking ability. Mason is a very well rounded forward with size who should find a spot in the Top Nine in the NHL sooner rather than later.
Projection: Top Nine Centre
#15 - W - Albin Eriksson - Skelleftea AIK (SEL) 6'04" 193
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 3rd Round, 76th Overall in 2018 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 2nd Round, 44th Overall in 2018 by the Dallas Stars
Analysis: The NHL Dallas Stars continue to draft HFNHL Arizona Coyotes prospects and this year's installment is a boom or bust power winger from Sweden. Seeminly coming out of nowhere, Albin established himself as a high upside prospect. Ranked in the first round by the Independent Scouting Service HockeyProspect.com, Eriksson lit up the J20 leagues scoring over 20 goals in 38 games, following up with a 2.00 point per game in the J20 playoffs. He spent over a third of his season in the SHL and performed well despite not putting up numbers. He has a huge frame and a laser release. He has top six goal scoring upside but there is also some bust potential there as he needs to continue to improve his skating. His size may save him from being a total bust if he doesn't boom, but there is big time potential in Eriksson.
Projection: Boom or Bust Top Six Power Winger
#16 - LW - Michael Dal Colle - Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) 6'03" 205
Last Year: #2
HFNHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2014 by the San Jose Sharks
NHL Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall in 2014 by the New York Islanders
Analysis: The biggest dropper from last year's ranking, Michael had another solid season in the AHL and made his NHL debut but continues to perform below expectations for such a highly rated prospect. Dal Colle may benefit from a chance of scenery at the NHL level as he just doesn't seem to be clicking with the NHL's Islanders organization. He still has top six upside but is now a high risk prospect to reach that goal.
Projection: High Risk Top Six Forward
#17 - LC - Emil Pettersson - Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) 6'02" 163
Last Year: #19
HFNHL Draft: 5th Round, 130th Overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 155th Overall in 2013 by the Nashville Predators
Analysis: Emil transitioned to the North American game better than most European players and posted impressive numbers in the AHL. He has a good mix of size and skill and he has good potential to make Nashville out of camp this season. He lacks strength but he makes up in a strong compete, speed and the playmaking ability to create offense.
Projection: Top Nine Centre
#18 - W - Joachim Blichfeld - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) 6'03" 181
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 5th Round, 143rd Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 7th Round, 210th Overall in 2016 by the San Jose Sharks
Analysis: Joachim posted a point per game for the Portland Winterhawks this season and for Team Denmark at the World Junior Championships. Blichfeld is a 200 foot forward who works hard down the wings and battles for pucks. He has excellent size and good puck skills. He is expected to go pro next season and should develop into a legitimate NHLer in the next few years.
Projection: Top Nine Two-Way Winger
#19 - LD - Blake Hillman - University of Denver (NCAA) 6'01" 187
Last Year: NR
HFNHL Draft: 7th Round, 190th Overall in 2014 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 173rd Overall in 2017 by the Chicago Blackhawks
Analysis: Blake is the second 7th round draft pick of the Coyotes to debut for the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks this season. Hillman was drafted 3 years before the NHL's Blackhawks selected him, and he debuted in four games for the Hawks this season after completing three seasons with the University of Denver. Blake is a steady, smooth shutdown defender with a great stick and a decent physical game. He boosted his offensive numbers but projects as a defender who can eat a lot of minutes in defensive situations.
Projection: #4 Shutdown Defenseman
#20 - G - Tyler Wall - UMass-Lowell (NCAA) 6'03" 203
Last Year: #10
HFNHL Draft: 2nd Round, 58th Overall in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes
NHL Draft: 6th Round, 174th Overall in 2016 by the New York Rangers
Analysis: Tyler had a bad case of the sophomore jinx struggling this season and seeing a major drop off in his numbers and losing his starting job. Tyler has good potential and is likely to overcome this season and re-establish himself as a legitimate prospect, one who caught the NCAA by surprise as a freshman just one year earlier.
Projection: Average Starting Goaltender
