Prospect Info: Top 20 Prospects

[The Zetterberg Era]

No you are mistaken.

I know a lot of the Montreal fans are pretty complementary to Ouellet from seeing him a bunch in the Q.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

1. Jarnkrok
2. Nyquist
3. Mrazek
4. Ouellet
5. Tatar
6. Sproul
7. Sheahan
8. Jurco
9. Dekeyser
10. Frk
11. Ferraro
12. Marchenko
13. Backman
14. Tvrdon
15. Pulkkinen
16. Athanaisou
17. Jensen
18. Quine
19. Almqvist
20. Paterson

Prolly something like this for me.

 

[DatsyukToZetterberg]

Alright I'll give it a shot. Nyquist, Smith & Andersson are all graduated for me though on HF's official top 20 they'll still be there IIRC.

1. Tatar
2. Jarnkrok
3. Mrazek
4. Sproul
5. DeKeyser
6. Jurco
7. Ouellet
8. Sheahan
9. Ferraro
10. Frk
11. Backman
12. Jensen
13. Marchenko
14. Athanaisou
15. Lashoff
16. Almqvist
17. Pulkkinen
18. Paterson
19. Tvrdon (If he's health he could be a big riser)
20. De Hass

Think we should wait and do it after the draft so we can include the most recent draft picks...

I think that would be best.

 

[VladTheImpaler]

It is flat-out incredible how much better our pipeline looks in a matter of 3-4 seasons. Fantastic work by our front office.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

1. Jarnkrok
2. Nyquist
3. Mrazek
4. Ouellet
5. Tatar
6. Sproul
7. Sheahan
8. Jurco
9. Dekeyser
10. Frk
11. Ferraro
12. Marchenko
13. Backman
14. Tvrdon
15. Pulkkinen
16. Athanaisou
17. Jensen
18. Quine
19. Almqvist
20. Paterson

Prolly something like this for me.

Didn't sign Quine, so he isn't our prospect anymore, he will re-enter the draft.

 

[sarcastro]

DeKeyser, Nyquist, and Lashoff are still eligible based on the HF criteria:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/whatmakesaprospect/

I don't particularly care for those criteria but we need some kind of standard, so there you go. Andersson has finished his age-24 season so he graduates.

1. Nyquist - playoffs tell the story here, Flip+
2. DeKeyser - looked realgud jumping straight to the NHL, next season is huge
3. Tatar - looks good but can he stick for once?
4. Mrazek - don't need him any time soon but he looks like the real deal
5. Jurco - size, speed, skill, getting stronger - Hossa 2.0?
6. Sproul - huge, rangy, right-shooting CHL defenseman of the year, but can he defend at the pro level?
7. Jarnkrok - too damn skinny but has a lot of skill, 13-14 in the AHL will tell the story
8. Lashoff - has the skating and strength, showed he could play in the NHL, but can he play well in the NHL?
9. Frk - huge year with elite linemates, will he skate well enough for the new NHL?
10. Ouellet - a big step backward offensively this year, is he going to keep developing?
11. Jensen - huge year for him, great skater, good skill, right shot - can he defend at the pro level?
12. Sheahan - still don't like him but at least he salvaged his prospect status with a decent year in GR - will his skating and hands develop?
13. Ferraro - still not convinced but he made big strides this year, could be a Helm-like weapon for the bottom 6 some day?
14. Backman - good year but looks too soft and skinny, can he ever get strong enough and tough enough for the NHL (specifically the East)?
15. Marchenko - see Backman, needs to muscle up and develop a physical game, but is progressing and has promise
16. Tvrdon - seems to have a high ceiling but at some point, getting injured all the time stops being luck and ends a player's career
17. Coreau - I don't know much about him but I like him better than Paterson, so here he is
18. Athanasiou - played better offensively and has the wheels but is he a diva type, and will he be willing to be a grinder?
19. De Haas - who knows, we have like 6 more years to find out if he's a player
20. Pulkkinen - actually belongs in the list below but I couldn't find 20 guys I like. Not enough speed or strength so far but has a chance I suppose.

Guys I don't like at all:

Almqvist - I see the way defensemen are getting crushed in the NHL this year and I kind of hope he doesn't make it, because he could get killed.
Aubry - meh. Filler. Going to be hard to find him ice time with the list of forwards coming to GR.
Bodin - despite his many hits, Hakan swings and misses a lot. This one's a miss.
Callahan - probably gets his ass kicked in the NHL and doesn't have the hands to play 8 minutes a night.
Coetzee - ECHL fodder.
Fournier - beer league fodder.
Marshall - he might get more ice time as a junior and really take off, but so far, meh.
McCollum - El Busto Gigante.
McKee - dude can fight but he doesn't appear to have any other abilities, and he's going to the NCAA where you can't fight. Hmm...
Nedomlel - another dude that can fight but can he play? We'll see. He's got a better chance than McKee.
Dr. Pearce - he's the best goalie-playing doctor I know of.
Paterson - haven't seen him play but he gets scored on like whoa. I don't get it. McCollum was good in that league and is terrible, so...

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

DeKeyser, Nyquist, and Lashoff are still eligible based on the HF criteria:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/whatmakesaprospect/

I don't particularly care for those criteria but we need some kind of standard, so there you go. Andersson has finished his age-24 season so he graduates.

1. Nyquist - playoffs tell the story here, Flip+
2. DeKeyser - looked realgud jumping straight to the NHL, next season is huge
3. Tatar - looks good but can he stick for once?
4. Mrazek - don't need him any time soon but he looks like the real deal
5. Jurco - size, speed, skill, getting stronger - Hossa 2.0?
6. Sproul - huge, rangy, right-shooting CHL defenseman of the year, but can he defend at the pro level?
7. Jarnkrok - too damn skinny but has a lot of skill, 13-14 in the AHL will tell the story
8. Lashoff - has the skating and strength, showed he could play in the NHL, but can he play well in the NHL?
9. Frk - huge year with elite linemates, will he skate well enough for the new NHL?
10. Ouellet - a big step backward offensively this year, is he going to keep developing?
11. Jensen - huge year for him, great skater, good skill, right shot - can he defend at the pro level?
12. Sheahan - still don't like him but at least he salvaged his prospect status with a decent year in GR - will his skating and hands develop?
13. Ferraro - still not convinced but he made big strides this year, could be a Helm-like weapon for the bottom 6 some day?
14. Backman - good year but looks too soft and skinny, can he ever get strong enough and tough enough for the NHL (specifically the East)?
15. Marchenko - see Backman, needs to muscle up and develop a physical game, but is progressing and has promise
16. Tvrdon - seems to have a high ceiling but at some point, getting injured all the time stops being luck and ends a player's career
17. Coreau - I don't know much about him but I like him better than Paterson, so here he is
18. Athanasiou - played better offensively and has the wheels but is he a diva type, and will he be willing to be a grinder?
19. De Haas - who knows, we have like 6 more years to find out if he's a player
20. Pulkkinen - actually belongs in the list below but I couldn't find 20 guys I like. Not enough speed or strength so far but has a chance I suppose.

Guys I don't like at all:

Almqvist - I see the way defensemen are getting crushed in the NHL this year and I kind of hope he doesn't make it, because he could get killed.
Aubry - meh. Filler. Going to be hard to find him ice time with the list of forwards coming to GR.
Bodin - despite his many hits, Hakan swings and misses a lot. This one's a miss.
Callahan - probably gets his ass kicked in the NHL and doesn't have the hands to play 8 minutes a night.
Coetzee - ECHL fodder.
Fournier - beer league fodder.
Marshall - he might get more ice time as a junior and really take off, but so far, meh.
McCollum - El Busto Gigante.
McKee - dude can fight but he doesn't appear to have any other abilities, and he's going to the NCAA where you can't fight. Hmm...
Nedomlel - another dude that can fight but can he play? We'll see. He's got a better chance than McKee.
Dr. Pearce - he's the best goalie-playing doctor I know of.
Paterson - haven't seen him play but he gets scored on like whoa. I don't get it. McCollum was good in that league and is terrible, so...

Paterson is likely to be the #1 tender for the Canadian WJC next year. He gets scored on because that team is terrible. With all the talent possible in the Canadian system he impressed the most and was brought to be groomed for the next years starting gig. Coaches all heap praise on the kid, I know it is pretty easy to make the OHL playoffs, but Saginaw traded their best player and looked willing to tap out and give the spot to Windsor who didn't tank at all. Paterson is the only reason that team made the playoffs and his numbers don't mean a whole lot if you have seen the chances his team gives up.

Almqvist doesn't get hit as much as you would expect, mostly because of hockey IQ, but he probably does need an additional half step to survive at the next level and be a good player. One of the better subtle passers I have seen, great stick almost Rafalski like in that regard. But he does have his work cut out for him.

 

[sully6one]

Callahan will surprise a lot of you I think. I'll maybe make a list later or another day

 

[Unfriendly Ghost]

It is flat-out incredible how much better our pipeline looks in a matter of 3-4 seasons. Fantastic work by our front office.

I know somebody cynical is going to say "Yeah, but they haven't shown anything yet." But to me, the truth is that not all that many teams accumulate this many potential NHLers at one time, and very few do it while still making the playoffs.

Maybe half will make the NHL if we're lucky, and fewer than that will play their intended role... but even then, that's an amazing accomplishment. and that'll be all it takes to keep the team going.

 

[Unfriendly Ghost]

10. Ouellet - a big step backward offensively this year, is he going to keep developing?

I think calling it a big step backward is a little much.

He had 60 points in 63 games last season. He had 41 points in 50 games this season. If you prorate that to 63 games, you get 51 points. So that's a drop, but I hardly call it a huge one, because...

1. Ouellet was injured for a fair amount of the season. The ankle injury that made him slow-as-molasses at the WJC didn't just go away, and he didn't just get it at the WJC. He played hurt for a fair while.

2. Ouellet's team finally picked up defensive depth. Before, it was the Xavier Ouellet show on the blue line. They picked up Carrier and suddenly they didn't need Ouellet to do everything for the team, especially on the PP. Which...

Despite that stuff:

3. Ouellet was a lock for Team Canada. and he impressed while he was there, even with the ankle injury. Granted, it was a crappy Canadian team, but he did pretty darn well, especially in the early going.

4. Ouellet's team was brutal without him. I remember looking at their record while Ouellet was out from injury+WJC, and they went on a pretty crazy cold streak. Something like 3-4 wins in 12-15 games. He was very, very important to that team.

5. Somewhat healthy Ouellet kicked ass in the playoffs. He had 16 points in 15 games, including 7 goals, which tied for the team lead. The goal part should be important because the lack of points during the regular season was mostly a lack of goals, having gone from 21 goals to just 10. This suggests that he can still score them.

Ouellet was 18th in playoff scoring, and #2 in defense scoring. #1 was Konrad Abeltshauser, who played a key role for the powerhouse Halifax Mooseheads. Even so, Abeltshauser only beat him by 4 points in 2 extra games played. and Halifax was DESTROYING teams, sometimes 11 to 1. Put Ouellet on Halifax instead and we'd be looking at about 25 points from him.

He also lead his team with a +7, despite playing the toughest minutes of anybody on BLB.

 

[Henkka]

That Ouellet "step backward" is just because of the injury. Being great again at playoffs was the best quarantee of that.

 

[Henkka]

Guys I don't like at all:

Almqvist - I see the way defensemen are getting crushed in the NHL this year and I kind of hope he doesn't make it, because he could get killed.

Just like Torey Krug has been killed all the time.

 

[joe89]

I feel like we have a very interchangeable pool of talent depending on what you like and how much emphasis you out on NHL readiness, so seeing other's lists is pretty interesting.

I think I'm gonna watch the end of the AHL playoffs first and I probably will exclude the surefire NHLers for next season.

 

[InjuredChoker]

Just like Torey Krug has been killed all the time.

Krug can skate.

 

[probertrules24]

I use a very mathematical or scientific way to rate prospects. Easiest way to explain it is if I like the guy I rate him higher.

I'm including all guys who are playing still. These rankings will change once the draft comes and after training camp when a bunch will be graduated fulltime.

Took a shot at where I rank them and what I think their potential can be.

1. Nyquist - Top 6
2. Tatar - Top 6.
3. Dekeyser - Top 4
4. Jarnkrok - Top 6
5. Mrazek - Starter
6. Andersson - Bottom 6
7. Sheahan - Bottom 6
8. Jurco - Top 6
9. Ferraro - Bottom 6
10. Sproul - Top 2
11. Ouellet - Top 2
12. Pulkkinen - Top 6 - PP specialist
13. Lashoff - #7
14. Almqvist - #6
15. Frk - Top 6 - PP specialist
16. Backman - #4 - #5
17. Tvrdon - Top 6 - Will be one of the highest climbers in the next couple years.
18. Jenson - #4 - #6
19. Marchenko # 5 - #6
20. Paterson - Backup

21. Athanasiou - Bottom 6 but could surprise many.
22. Nedomlel - #5 -#6 - Will climb quickly. One of my favorite prospects.
23. Nicastro - #6 - #7
24. Aubry - 4th line
25. Callahan - 4th line

Only players I see having a shot at a bottom pairing would be De Hass or a number seven goon would be Mckee. If Parkes can impress in his final ELC year he might have a shot at becoming a 4th liner.

26. McCollum
27. Parkes
28. Raedeke
29. Marshall
30. De Hass
31. Coetzee
32. Fournier
33. Hudon
34. Nestrasil
35. Mckee
36. Bodin

Remember this was done with the magic of science.

 

[Henkka]

2. Tatar - Top 6.

7. Sheahan - Bottom 6
8. Jurco - Top 6
9. Ferraro - Bottom 6

Wery wery great rankings. I could say the best I've ever seen anywhere.

But those quoted guys I would finetune a bit.

Tatar - Middle6
Sheahan - Middle6
Jurco - Top3
Ferraro - Middle6

Othervise I have exactly same own "feelings" and ratings and what so ever.

 

[ProPAIN]

I agree with probertrules24, although Athansiou is too low and Tvrdon is a little too high for my liking. Tvrdon didn't play much this season and Athanasiou is probably one our most improved prospects. But overall I think everyone here has the same idea.

 

[probertrules24]

Wery wery great rankings. I could say the best I've ever seen anywhere.

But those quoted guys I would finetune a bit.

Tatar - Middle6
Sheahan - Middle6
Jurco - Top3
Ferraro - Middle6

Othervise I have exactly same own "feelings" and ratings and what so ever.

I agree with probertrules24, although Athansiou is too low and Tvrdon is a little too high for my liking. Tvrdon didn't play much this season and Athanasiou is probably one our most improved prospects. But overall I think everyone here has the same idea.

Thanks Henkka and ProPain, I respect both of your guys opinions as I like to read your posts.

Tatar is one of my favorite prospects and I could see him moving up to the top 6. I do think we see him playing third line for a while as he adds a lot of depth and scoring touch to that line.

Tvrdon and Nedomlel are two of my other favorite prospects. I think Tvrdon may start a little slow next year but by the end of the year he should be ranked just behind Jurco. I think many will be impressed with his size and skill.

I had the chance to watch Nedomlel play over the last couple years and know his coach. I've seen him progress last year compared to the year before when he was putting up points. He was making smarter decisions all over the ice. Many times he chose not to drop the gloves and stay in the play.

ProPain, I do agree that Athansiou had a great year and his speed looks impressive. I just tend to rate guys playing in the pro's or a year older a little higher. The good and bad about trying to rate these guys is we have so many good looking prospects where do you fit them all.

 

[PullHard]

Mine:

1. Tatar
2. Jarnkrok
3. Mrazek
4. Sproul
5. Dekeyser
6. Jurco
7. Jensen
8. Ouellet
9. Backman
10. Tinky Winky
11. Nedomlel
12. Ferraro
13. Frk
14. Marchenko
15. Athanaisou
16. Pulkkinen
17. Paterson
18. Tvrdon
19. Callahan
20. Aubry

The rest, in order(let me know if I missed someone)

Lashoff
Almquist
Nicastro
Marshall
De Haas
Coreau
Who cares at this point...

Feel free to ask questions, and what's your list?

My list would likely look extremely similar, aside from graduating DeKeyser, bumping Ouellet up ~5 spots, and moving Frk up a couple rankings.

 

[ProPAIN]

Thanks Henkka and ProPain, I respect both of your guys opinions as I like to read your posts.

ProPain, I do agree that Athansiou had a great year and his speed looks impressive. I just tend to rate guys playing in the pro's or a year older a little higher. The good and bad about trying to rate these guys is we have so many good looking prospects where do you fit them all.

I understand that it's hard to rate them exactly since there are so many factors to consider (experience, production, improvement from the previous year, etc. etc.). Tvrdon's potential alone should put him in the top 20, but just in my opinion he falls due to not playing. It's not his fault, he got a freaking blood clot, which is just so unlucky. But Athanasiou had proved a lot of his critics wrong from last season and that deserves a top 20 placement. But I fully agree with your ranking and upside otherwise

 

[Henkka]

I want to see Athanasiou first in AHL, before doing any rankings. He could the next Datsyuk if everything goes right. And that's a BIG IF.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I agree with probertrules24, although Athansiou is too low and Tvrdon is a little too high for my liking. Tvrdon didn't play much this season and Athanasiou is probably one our most improved prospects. But overall I think everyone here has the same idea.

Tvrdon has been over a PPGA in Slovakia and the WHL, the injuries are alarming but he didn't need a big jump or trade, he was at good averages even when he went down to injury. They fixed the shoulder and then a blood clot, he and Marchenko though need to stay healthy now.

I will give this warning on those that will run away with what Athanasiou did this year. He doesn't use his linemates well at all and there are rumors of this all over the place in terms of people around the OHL, and I have seen it in the viewings although I do think there are things to be very excited about. I am glad it is working out for him in Barrie and we will see what he can build on next year. But that big jump still put him off pace of Tvrdon in his first year post draft albeit Athanasiou is a much younger guy in terms of age in the draft class.

Tvrdon is a better passer and has a better shot. Certainly Athanasiou can dangle with the best of them and has just fabulous speed, but he is in for an adjustment at each level where that becomes harder and harder to do. Tvrdon's game should translate up each level better as it is more meat and potatoes, but still impressive tools wise.

The thing I really liked about Athanasiou was his playoff run this year.

 

[ProPAIN]

I want to see Athanasiou first in AHL, before doing any rankings. He could the next Datsyuk if everything goes right. And that's a BIG IF.

Is he highly rated for his defensive game though? I've seen comparisons to Helm with better hands, but nothing more. And yeah, I agree, I want to see some of these players at the next level. A lot of players haven't even made the NHL but still put up decent numbers in junior.

 

[Henkka]

Is he highly rated for his defensive game though? I've seen comparisons to Helm with better hands, but nothing more. And yeah, I agree, I want to see some of these players at the next level. A lot of players haven't even made the NHL but still put up decent numbers in junior.

Nope. But if he learns everything. If he takes the right attitude and understanding for the importance of that part of the game. Like Datsyuk did. He was mentored by Yzerman, Fedorov, Larionov and Draper. Selke Trophy winners and great centers who understood the importance od defensive play. Athanasiou could be mentored by Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Helm...

Was Datsyuk rated highly for his defensive game at age of 19 ?

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Is he highly rated for his defensive game though? I've seen comparisons to Helm with better hands, but nothing more. And yeah, I agree, I want to see some of these players at the next level. A lot of players haven't even made the NHL but still put up decent numbers in junior.

His defensive game is a work in progress. He has a tendency to drift out of position or skate himself out of position. Of course with his speed when he is on his horse he is very disruptive on the backcheck and can get in on a hurry on the forecheck. But he needs to improve his technique in most aspects and he has that time, not a true liability, but far from a strength.