I'll break this down as best I can...
Forwards not in pro hockey
1. Lavoie - Big RH forward with a great shot.
Didn't bother with other forwards, as they wouldn't crack the top 10 anyway.
Forwards entering their first year pro:
1. McLeod - I think there's a small chance he becomes a top 6 complimentary LW. Slim chance, but it's there. Has the size, speed, and range of skills to be groomed for 3C duties.
2. Maksimov - He strikes me as a 'top 6 or bust' type. I think he'll transition reasonably well to the AHL given that he's a physical player with a pro-ready shot with underrated passing.
Forwards entering their second year of pro hockey:
1. Benson - Pretty good showing in his AHL rookie year given his missed development time. Has a shot at complimenting a line in the top 6, but more likely a middle-6 guy imo.
2. Yamamoto - His first year was all over the place. Still has decent upside, but is still adapting to pro hockey.
3. Marody - Despite putting up the best numbers of the three, he's older & has a few NCAA years under his belt. Too much skill for the 4th line, I wonder if he finds his way onto Edmonton's 3rd line.
Defenseman not in pro hockey
1. Broberg - Amazing upside, but also very raw.
Also have some guys in the NCAA. Don't feel like ranking if they're not signed.
Defenseman entering their first year pro:
1. Bouchard - Fits our needs like a glove, looking forward to following his progression.
2. Samorukov - I wouldn't have him ahead of Bouchard, but pretty close. The way he stepped up after the WJC was something else. Had what, 28 points in 24 playoff games?
Defenseman with pro hockey experience:
1. Jones - Top 4 upside imo. I liked how he played in his call-up. Did well before being thrown to the wolves.
2. Bear - Love his puck moving ability. How much has his defensive game progressed since his call-up?
3. Lagesson - He strikes me as a guy who can anchor the 3rd pairing and not stressing when he is called upon to play top 4 minutes in a shutdown role due to injury.
Putting it all together
1. Bouchard
2. Samorukov
3. Broberg - Have him lower than 'Rukov bc he's so raw and Sam demonstrated a very complete, dominant game.
4. Lavoie - Higher than other forwards because I have more faith in his ability to become a permanent fixture in the top 6. Lavoie is someone I was very high on, so it could also be shiny new toy syndrome.
5. Benson - Very impressive rookie season considering his circumstances.
6. Jones - Some on here aren't too high on him, but I think he's got good upside.
7. McLeod - I like McLeod's chances of being a productive part of the team more than Yams.
8. Yamamoto - Staying healthy and scoring a bunch of goals would vault him up pretty quickly.
9. Bear - See these two defensemen as players with distinct roles on the 3rd pairing if they make it.
10. Lagesson
Edit: Forgot about Persson... he'd be among Bear and Lagesson on that list for me.
