Ohio Jones
Game on...
Quick note on ranking methodology – I rank based on a combination of potential, probability and proximity. Potential is weighted most, but the closer a prospect is to the NHL the more confident the projection. By the same token, a Russian prospect playing at home may appear lower due to the the "KHL" effect.
(Rank Position Name Acquired)
1. LW Kaapo Kakko (1/2 2019) – The hockey gods smiled on Columbus when the #6 ball was selected to move up to #2 in this summer’s entry draft. Enough ink has been spilt about Kakko over the past couple of years, nothing I need to add here, except to say his addition gives the system an elite, impact prospect on the wing where previously I didn’t have any sure things. He’ll star on Broadway this year, and every year thereafter for HFNHL Columbus.
2. C/RW Nick Suzuki (1/13 2017) – Suzuki found another level in the playoffs this season, showing more intensity and competitiveness than most observers had been willing to give him. This has improved his upside projection as well as his proximity – he has an outside shot of making the Habs this year as a play driver in a top-6 role, and his long-term projection looks even better than when he was drafted. The real question is whether he remains at center, where the Habs suddenly have lots of prospect depth, or makes the move to RW to create plays off the half-boards.
3. RD Dante Fabbro (1/14 2016) – Fabbro wrapped up a stellar NCAA career with BU by forgoing his senior year to sign with Nashville, where he played 10 games between the regular season and playoffs, followed by a confident-looking appearance at the World Championships. He is already penciled into a job with the Preds’ starting 6 next season, and projects out as a minute-eating top-3 D who does all the little things right at both ends of the ice.
4. C Sam Steel (Trade) – Steel jumps up ahead of Frost and Smith on the strength of his already being on Anaheim’s roster and showing strong development throughout this past season. As the Ducks continue their retool he stands to earn more ice time; for now he’s being penciled in as their third-line pivot. His upside is as more of a second liner/second PP guy, but it remains to be seen what he makes of this opportunity.
5. C Morgan Frost (2/52 2017) – Frost is another who projects out as more of a second-line guy, but he may actually have more offensive upside than Steel, after another dominating season in the OHL which saw him put up almost two points per game, coupled with a breakout performance at the World Juniors. Right now he’s probably at least a season removed from getting a look with the Flyers, but the talent is there and he could move up this list ahead of either Steel or Suzuki when the times comes.
6. LD Ty Smith (1/10 2018) – Smith slips a bit in our rankings just because of the steps forward the prospects around him made, but in a way that’s misleading because it doesn’t reflect just how dominating he was in the WHL (building on a very strong audition at Devils’ camp to start the year). He has a better shot to make the NHL out of camp this season, but his path became more complicated with the Devils’ acquisition of PK Subban. Whether he starts there or not, we expect he will finish the year in New Jersey and never look back.
7. L/RW Jonathan Dahlen (Trade) – Requested a trade from Vancouver after he was unhappy with his use in Utica, he joins an organization in San Jose that has shown plenty of ability to develop players, and that values the assets he brings to the table. While he lacks a top gear, his hands and skating make him an intriguing prospect.
8. RD Jett Woo (1/29 2018) – A throwback defender who intimidates with his physical presence, but can also keep up with the play at both ends and move the puck well. Woo notched more than a point per game with Moose Jaw before being traded after the season to the Hitmen, where he is expected to take a victory lap of the Dub before heading to Utica to start his pro career. His development curve appears to be on track to making Vancouver’s top-4 in the next 2-3 years.
9. C Morgan Geekie (3/74 2017) – Geekie adapted to the AHL far faster than expected, posting 46 points in 73 games with Charlotte, and adding 18 points in 19 playoff games to finish second in playoff scoring (and top scoring rookie) to help lead Charlotte to the Calder Cup Championship. The experience will do wonders for his prospects as he challenges for a roster spot with Carolina this fall.
10. LW Jakub Lauko (2/40 2018) – Getting more comfortable as the season went on – his first in North America – Lauko led the QMJHL playoffs in rookie scoring, and was a difference maker in leading Rouyn-Noranda in scoring with 8 points in five games to hoist the 2019 Memorial Cup. He’s an intriguing playmaking prospect on the wing for a veteran Boston lineup that will be looking for injections of youth in the coming seasons.
11. C/W Nikolai Prokhorkin (4/94 2012) – At 26 years old, Prokhorkin is long in the tooth for a prospect, but after having spent the last six seasons playing in Russia, he has finally returned to North America to try his luck with the Kings again. As one of only five KHL scorers to produce at a point-per-game pace last season, it’s hoped ‘Porky’ – who has won both a Gagarin Cup and Olympic Gold – can slot right into a top-6 or top-9 role with Los Angeles – possibly centering a line with former Russian linemate Ilya Kovalchuk.
12. G Lukas Dostal (3/71 2018) – Had a good showing at Anaheim’s development camp last year, then took it to another level, earning top honours at the World Juniors by posting a 1.25 gaa and .957 save% to carry his Czech team past the round robins. With less-than-ideal size Lukas relies on his agility, instincts and fast hands – it remains to be seen whether his style can play at the highest levels. Has lots of time to develop, as Anaheim has plenty of goalies ahead of him in the system, including Olle Eriksson-Ek and fellow HFNHL Jackets Anthony Stolarz and Kevin Boyle.
13. LD Jacob Bryson (FA 2019) – When Bryson was drafted in the NHL in 2017, he had obvious offensive skills but lacked size and strength. After two more years of development in the NCAA highlighted by captaining the Friars’ Frozen Four appearance, Bryson may not have added much size, but his strength has improved along with his two-way play – and his hockey sense will continue to be his main weapon when defending. The acquisition of Henri Jokijarhu from Chicago suggests he’ll have the opportunity to continue his development in Rochester rather than getting rushed to Buffalo, and he’s expected to be a key contributor to the Amerks’ offence this year.
14. LW Joe Snively (FA 2019) – A Hobey Baker nominee the past two seasons, the Yale grad signed with his hometown Capitals this spring, and will play 2019-20 in Hershey. Like Bryson, he makes up in mobility and creativity what he lacks in size. He turned around and scored in his first AHL game, and seven points in 9 games to go with a +3. Not a bad pro audition! He should continue to play a scoring role for Hershey in his first full pro season.
15. LD Nikolai Knyzhov (FA 2019) – Like Prokhorkin, Knyzhov returns to North America after a few successful seasons in Russia, despite being only 21. Knyzhov is an old-school hard rock defenceman who the Sharks are counting on to bring speed and physical play. He may never hit double digits in points in a pro season, but he will help keep the puck out of your net – and help opponents reconsider their life choices along the way. The Sharks have a spot available on the third pairing if he impresses at camp, otherwise he’ll head to the Barracuda.
16. RD Nicolas Meloche (2/50 2015) – Meloche showed good development in his second year of AHL play, demonstrating increasing confidence on offence while continuing to bring a good blend of size, strength and mobility. But the big blueliner finds himself increasingly buried behind the Avs’ elite young blueliners and prospects, headlined by Cale Makar, Samuel Girard and 2019 draft selection Bowen Byram. He might end up being floated in trade at some point this season, hopefully moving to a team with a clearer path to NHL minutes. For now, he just needs to keep getting better.
17. G Isaiah Saville (3/68 2019) – Just skip up to Lukas Dostal at #12 – that’s basically the book on Saville: immensely talented and mobile, but a bit on the small side for a modern goalie. The USHL’s GOTY also won Gold with the US at the World Junior A challenge, and will now head to UNO to continue his development. If a smaller goalie can still be successful in this era, Saville (and Dostal) will be on the shortlist (pun intended!) to prove it.
18. RW Kirill Marchenko (3/68 2018) – Big, skilled winger bounced all over Russia this year, playing and producing on four different teams across three leagues, plus more than 20 international games. He’s got one more year under contract in Russia, but the hope is he’ll come over afterwards and challenge for opportunities with the Jackets’ NHL cousins.
19. C Cole Fonstad (3/91 2018) – Small, skilled forward had another strong season for Prince Albert, but struggled a bit in the playoffs, where it’s clear he was playing through injury. He showed enough to earn a Team Canada Summer Showcase invite, but the same lingering injury is preventing him from attending. The hope is he comes back healthy next season and takes his game up a notch, so he may still get a shot at taking part in the WJC.
20. C Adam Beckman (3/75 2019) – Quoting myself: “Beckman started slow but came on strong as the season progressed. Wicked one-timer from the circles but can score in tight too. Raw project needs to fill out and add strength to be stronger on the puck and more willing to engage in the corners. Work in progress has top-6 upside.” Beckman returns to Spokane to lead the Chiefs and strengthen his chances at earning a pro career.
HM (Alphabetical)
RD Seth Barton (6/164 2018)
LD Xavier Bernard (4/107 2018)
LD Samuel Bolduc (3/76 2019)
RW Nikolai Chebykin (3/68 2015)
LD Cam Dineen (Trade)
LW Eric Florchuk (4/119 2018)
G Erik Kallgren (FA 2019)
LW Ethan Keppen (3/87 2019)
RW Kole Lind (2/50 2017)
RD Cole Moberg (4/99 2019)
C Josh Nodler (7/192 2019)
G Keith Petruzzelli (2/50 2017)
RD Mitch Reinke (FA 2018)
LW Henrik Rybinski (5/148 2019)
LW Jeffrey Truchon-Viel (FA 2019)
(Rank Position Name Acquired)
1. LW Kaapo Kakko (1/2 2019) – The hockey gods smiled on Columbus when the #6 ball was selected to move up to #2 in this summer’s entry draft. Enough ink has been spilt about Kakko over the past couple of years, nothing I need to add here, except to say his addition gives the system an elite, impact prospect on the wing where previously I didn’t have any sure things. He’ll star on Broadway this year, and every year thereafter for HFNHL Columbus.
2. C/RW Nick Suzuki (1/13 2017) – Suzuki found another level in the playoffs this season, showing more intensity and competitiveness than most observers had been willing to give him. This has improved his upside projection as well as his proximity – he has an outside shot of making the Habs this year as a play driver in a top-6 role, and his long-term projection looks even better than when he was drafted. The real question is whether he remains at center, where the Habs suddenly have lots of prospect depth, or makes the move to RW to create plays off the half-boards.
3. RD Dante Fabbro (1/14 2016) – Fabbro wrapped up a stellar NCAA career with BU by forgoing his senior year to sign with Nashville, where he played 10 games between the regular season and playoffs, followed by a confident-looking appearance at the World Championships. He is already penciled into a job with the Preds’ starting 6 next season, and projects out as a minute-eating top-3 D who does all the little things right at both ends of the ice.
4. C Sam Steel (Trade) – Steel jumps up ahead of Frost and Smith on the strength of his already being on Anaheim’s roster and showing strong development throughout this past season. As the Ducks continue their retool he stands to earn more ice time; for now he’s being penciled in as their third-line pivot. His upside is as more of a second liner/second PP guy, but it remains to be seen what he makes of this opportunity.
5. C Morgan Frost (2/52 2017) – Frost is another who projects out as more of a second-line guy, but he may actually have more offensive upside than Steel, after another dominating season in the OHL which saw him put up almost two points per game, coupled with a breakout performance at the World Juniors. Right now he’s probably at least a season removed from getting a look with the Flyers, but the talent is there and he could move up this list ahead of either Steel or Suzuki when the times comes.
6. LD Ty Smith (1/10 2018) – Smith slips a bit in our rankings just because of the steps forward the prospects around him made, but in a way that’s misleading because it doesn’t reflect just how dominating he was in the WHL (building on a very strong audition at Devils’ camp to start the year). He has a better shot to make the NHL out of camp this season, but his path became more complicated with the Devils’ acquisition of PK Subban. Whether he starts there or not, we expect he will finish the year in New Jersey and never look back.
7. L/RW Jonathan Dahlen (Trade) – Requested a trade from Vancouver after he was unhappy with his use in Utica, he joins an organization in San Jose that has shown plenty of ability to develop players, and that values the assets he brings to the table. While he lacks a top gear, his hands and skating make him an intriguing prospect.
8. RD Jett Woo (1/29 2018) – A throwback defender who intimidates with his physical presence, but can also keep up with the play at both ends and move the puck well. Woo notched more than a point per game with Moose Jaw before being traded after the season to the Hitmen, where he is expected to take a victory lap of the Dub before heading to Utica to start his pro career. His development curve appears to be on track to making Vancouver’s top-4 in the next 2-3 years.
9. C Morgan Geekie (3/74 2017) – Geekie adapted to the AHL far faster than expected, posting 46 points in 73 games with Charlotte, and adding 18 points in 19 playoff games to finish second in playoff scoring (and top scoring rookie) to help lead Charlotte to the Calder Cup Championship. The experience will do wonders for his prospects as he challenges for a roster spot with Carolina this fall.
10. LW Jakub Lauko (2/40 2018) – Getting more comfortable as the season went on – his first in North America – Lauko led the QMJHL playoffs in rookie scoring, and was a difference maker in leading Rouyn-Noranda in scoring with 8 points in five games to hoist the 2019 Memorial Cup. He’s an intriguing playmaking prospect on the wing for a veteran Boston lineup that will be looking for injections of youth in the coming seasons.
11. C/W Nikolai Prokhorkin (4/94 2012) – At 26 years old, Prokhorkin is long in the tooth for a prospect, but after having spent the last six seasons playing in Russia, he has finally returned to North America to try his luck with the Kings again. As one of only five KHL scorers to produce at a point-per-game pace last season, it’s hoped ‘Porky’ – who has won both a Gagarin Cup and Olympic Gold – can slot right into a top-6 or top-9 role with Los Angeles – possibly centering a line with former Russian linemate Ilya Kovalchuk.
12. G Lukas Dostal (3/71 2018) – Had a good showing at Anaheim’s development camp last year, then took it to another level, earning top honours at the World Juniors by posting a 1.25 gaa and .957 save% to carry his Czech team past the round robins. With less-than-ideal size Lukas relies on his agility, instincts and fast hands – it remains to be seen whether his style can play at the highest levels. Has lots of time to develop, as Anaheim has plenty of goalies ahead of him in the system, including Olle Eriksson-Ek and fellow HFNHL Jackets Anthony Stolarz and Kevin Boyle.
13. LD Jacob Bryson (FA 2019) – When Bryson was drafted in the NHL in 2017, he had obvious offensive skills but lacked size and strength. After two more years of development in the NCAA highlighted by captaining the Friars’ Frozen Four appearance, Bryson may not have added much size, but his strength has improved along with his two-way play – and his hockey sense will continue to be his main weapon when defending. The acquisition of Henri Jokijarhu from Chicago suggests he’ll have the opportunity to continue his development in Rochester rather than getting rushed to Buffalo, and he’s expected to be a key contributor to the Amerks’ offence this year.
14. LW Joe Snively (FA 2019) – A Hobey Baker nominee the past two seasons, the Yale grad signed with his hometown Capitals this spring, and will play 2019-20 in Hershey. Like Bryson, he makes up in mobility and creativity what he lacks in size. He turned around and scored in his first AHL game, and seven points in 9 games to go with a +3. Not a bad pro audition! He should continue to play a scoring role for Hershey in his first full pro season.
15. LD Nikolai Knyzhov (FA 2019) – Like Prokhorkin, Knyzhov returns to North America after a few successful seasons in Russia, despite being only 21. Knyzhov is an old-school hard rock defenceman who the Sharks are counting on to bring speed and physical play. He may never hit double digits in points in a pro season, but he will help keep the puck out of your net – and help opponents reconsider their life choices along the way. The Sharks have a spot available on the third pairing if he impresses at camp, otherwise he’ll head to the Barracuda.
16. RD Nicolas Meloche (2/50 2015) – Meloche showed good development in his second year of AHL play, demonstrating increasing confidence on offence while continuing to bring a good blend of size, strength and mobility. But the big blueliner finds himself increasingly buried behind the Avs’ elite young blueliners and prospects, headlined by Cale Makar, Samuel Girard and 2019 draft selection Bowen Byram. He might end up being floated in trade at some point this season, hopefully moving to a team with a clearer path to NHL minutes. For now, he just needs to keep getting better.
17. G Isaiah Saville (3/68 2019) – Just skip up to Lukas Dostal at #12 – that’s basically the book on Saville: immensely talented and mobile, but a bit on the small side for a modern goalie. The USHL’s GOTY also won Gold with the US at the World Junior A challenge, and will now head to UNO to continue his development. If a smaller goalie can still be successful in this era, Saville (and Dostal) will be on the shortlist (pun intended!) to prove it.
18. RW Kirill Marchenko (3/68 2018) – Big, skilled winger bounced all over Russia this year, playing and producing on four different teams across three leagues, plus more than 20 international games. He’s got one more year under contract in Russia, but the hope is he’ll come over afterwards and challenge for opportunities with the Jackets’ NHL cousins.
19. C Cole Fonstad (3/91 2018) – Small, skilled forward had another strong season for Prince Albert, but struggled a bit in the playoffs, where it’s clear he was playing through injury. He showed enough to earn a Team Canada Summer Showcase invite, but the same lingering injury is preventing him from attending. The hope is he comes back healthy next season and takes his game up a notch, so he may still get a shot at taking part in the WJC.
20. C Adam Beckman (3/75 2019) – Quoting myself: “Beckman started slow but came on strong as the season progressed. Wicked one-timer from the circles but can score in tight too. Raw project needs to fill out and add strength to be stronger on the puck and more willing to engage in the corners. Work in progress has top-6 upside.” Beckman returns to Spokane to lead the Chiefs and strengthen his chances at earning a pro career.
HM (Alphabetical)
RD Seth Barton (6/164 2018)
LD Xavier Bernard (4/107 2018)
LD Samuel Bolduc (3/76 2019)
RW Nikolai Chebykin (3/68 2015)
LD Cam Dineen (Trade)
LW Eric Florchuk (4/119 2018)
G Erik Kallgren (FA 2019)
LW Ethan Keppen (3/87 2019)
RW Kole Lind (2/50 2017)
RD Cole Moberg (4/99 2019)
C Josh Nodler (7/192 2019)
G Keith Petruzzelli (2/50 2017)
RD Mitch Reinke (FA 2018)
LW Henrik Rybinski (5/148 2019)
LW Jeffrey Truchon-Viel (FA 2019)
