I really don't take issue with any of the top 7. I do take issue with the fact that Lehtonen, Ward and Getzlaf are considered prospects, but that's another rant for another time. (I did enjoy it more when Calder eligibility was the dividing line; but the staff did a good job with the current standards).
I remember, back when Calder eligibility was the cut-off point, people complained, saying that it was too restrictive. I did not. But it goes to show you can't please everybody.
I think Getzlaf is a little bit high, I'd rate him below Brule and Ward. But there's no doubt about it: Getzlaf is a prototype in the making, the standard for the big, all-round centre with high-end offensive upside. He and Carter will be two of the game's best for years to come.
Malkin, of course, should be No. 1. Among those who I define as prospects, Brule, J. Johnson, E. Johnson and Backstrom would round out the top five. I don't view Semin as a prospect anymore, and I think he's very overrated. I think he's a really talented kid, a potential 40-goal scorer, but not top 10. Even under HF's more generous prospect cut-off, there are quite a few that are better. I'd put O'Sullivan and Backstrom ahead of Semin.
The most noticeable omission is Devon Setoguchi. If he returns to the Dub this year, he could lead the league in scoring. If the Dub enforces an obstruction crackdown, Setoguchi will produce eye-popping numbers. (Peter Kalus is another player who will post big numbers in the Dub if he returns). I think Setoguchi has the potential to be a 40-goal scorer, while providing a good, gritty game. Another omission is Mike Green. He's small, but he has plenty of talent, and isn't afraid to get involved physically. He'll impress a lot of people in Washington this year.
Brian Lee was taken much earlier than most expected in the 2005 Draft. He was largely a "project" pick. He is not in Marc Staal's class. Marc Staal is one of the best defensive prospects out there, likely No. 3 behind Erik and Zach Johnson. He's so calm and steady. Staal's going to be one of the best defensive defencemen in the league, a guy who can shut down the opposition's top line, while chipping in 35-40 points per season. (Think Scott Hannan with more offensive upside). As for Bourdon, his junior performances haven't overly impressive, but he's been spectacular for Canada in two major international tournaments. While his decision-making process is iffy at times, he skates well, he has good size and a howitzer of a shot. When he doesn't get too fancy, he makes a good first pass, and controls his own zone.