Your Top 20 Detroit Prospects

[GoAwayDanCleary]

So we all voted on the top 30 Red Wing prospects a few weeks ago, but I thought it would be interesting to see everyone's individual rankings. Here is mine:


1. Calle Jarnkrok - C - 21 - 6'0, 176lbs - Brynäs (Elitserien)
2. Tomas Tatar - LW/RW - 22 - 5'10, 176lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
3. Xavier Ouellet - D - 19 - 6'0, 187lbs - Blainville-Broisband (QMJHL)
4. Petr Mrazek - G - 20 - 6'1, 184lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
5. Tomas Jurco - RW - 20 - 6'2, 193lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
6. Riley Sheahan - C - 21 - 6'2, 212lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
7. Ryan Sproul - D - 19 - 6'3, 186lbs - Sault Sainte Marie (OHL)
8. Landon Ferraro - C/RW - 21 - 6'0, 174lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
9. Joakim Andersson - C - 23 - 6'2, 206lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
10. Mattias Backman - D - 20 - 6'2, 169lbs - Linkoping (SEL)
11. Jake Paterson - G - 18 - 6'2, 183lbs - Saginaw (OHL)
12. Teemu Pulkkinen - RW - 21 - 5'11, 183lbs - Jokerit (FIN)
13. Martin Frk - RW - 19 - 6'0, 193lbs - Halifax (QMJHL)
14. Nick Jensen - D - 22 - 6'0, 193lbs - Saint Cloud State (NCAA)
15. Alexei Marchenko - D - 20 - 6'2, 183lbs - CSKA Moscow (KHL)
16. Adam Almqvist - D - 21 - 5'10, 174lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
17. Marek Tvrdon - LW - 19 - 6'2, 217lbs - Vancouver (WHL)
18. Andreas Athanasiou - LW/C - 18 - 6'0, 179lbs - Barrie (OHL)
19. Brian Lashoff - D - 22 - 6'3, 212lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)
20. Thomas McCollum - G - 23 - 6'2, 215lbs - Grand Rapids (AHL)

***Excluding Smith and Nyquist

Click to read more...

 

[ProPAIN]

Pretty much the same, except for Athanasiou who should be higher, Andersson a little lower and Frk higher.

 

[InjuredChoker]

Pretty much the same, except for Athanasiou who should be higher, Andersson a little lower and Frk higher.

Yup. Would also raise Tvrdon a bit but that's just my homerism on him.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

Pretty much the same, except for Athanasiou who should be higher, Andersson a little lower and Frk higher.

Yeah a lot of the later guys are pretty flexible in terms of rank.

Guys like Marchenko and Pulkkinen were tough because they're such wild cards.

 

[newfy]

Funny seeing Ouellet that high now considering pretty much everyone besides me hated that pick and were ranking Sproul higher by prospect camp. Shows how much internet posters should judge picks when they havent even seen the guys play lol

Ouellet is deserving of that three spot now, hes pretty stellar at the world juniors after being out from injury so long. Mrazek continues proving he deserves to be up there, even though goalies are so risky

After seeing them in the AHL this season Sheahan should be ahead of Jurco. Jurco has flashy skill but Sheahan is much better defensively and is really starting to produce

I would probably have Jensen and Frk ahead of Pulkkinen. Frk and Pullkinen are similar but I think Frk's physcality and size will prove more valuable. Jensen seems like he might take off in the AHL and get some good publicity

Awesome seeing Ferraro where he is too when everyone who didnt watch him had already called him a bust too

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

Funny seeing Ouellet that high now considering pretty much everyone besides me hated that pick and were ranking Sproul higher by prospect camp. Shows how much internet posters should judge picks when they havent even seen the guys play lol

Ouellet is deserving of that three spot now, hes pretty stellar at the world juniors after being out from injury so long. Mrazek continues proving he deserves to be up there, even though goalies are so risky

After seeing them in the AHL this season Sheahan should be ahead of Jurco. Jurco has flashy skill but Sheahan is much better defensively and is really starting to produce

I would probably have Jensen and Frk ahead of Pulkkinen. Frk and Pullkinen are similar but I think Frk's physcality and size will prove more valuable. Jensen seems like he might take off in the AHL and get some good publicity

Awesome seeing Ferraro where he is too when everyone who didnt watch him had already called him a bust too

I'm a huge Ouellet fan and I think he is definitely our 3rd best prospect at the moment. I can't really point out a comparable pro player to him but I'm sure there's a couple out there.

EDIT: Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Sheahan and Jurco were kind of a toss-up but I gave the edge to Jurco because his ceiling is much higher than Sheahan. Sheahan is the safer prospect of the two. He is tremendous in his own zone and is starting to display that offensive prowess people have been talking about but he had never really shown it until now.

I'm one of the few who still believes Pulkkinen can develop into something, though its not very likely. I think he may "boom" in Grand Rapids whenever he gets there. He's been working hard and has improved his skating and defense and he's been producing at a PPG for the past 20 or so games.

 

[newfy]

I'm a huge Ouellet fan and I think he is definitely our 3rd best prospect at the moment. I can't really point out a comparable pro player to him but I'm sure there's a couple out there.

EDIT: Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Sheahan and Jurco were kind of a toss-up but I gave the edge to Jurco because his ceiling is much higher than Sheahan. Sheahan is the safer prospect of the two. He is tremendous in his own zone and is starting to display that offensive prowess people have been talking about but he had never really shown it until now.

I'm one of the few who still believes Pulkkinen can develop into something, though its not very likely. I think he may "boom" in Grand Rapids whenever he gets there. He's been working hard and has improved his skating and defense and he's been producing at a PPG for the past 20 or so games.

I always see that Vlasic comparison but dont really agree with it. Vlasic had one big offensive season on a really high powered offensive team. I see Ouellet as more then just a 15-25 point dman in the NHL. Ouellet is also a bit meaner, I dont think that he will be a bully in the NHL but hes a hard nosed guy and willing to fight. Vlasic hasnt shown that at all in his game either.

Ouellet is more Brad Stuart then he is Vlasic, or maybe Dan Hamhuis

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

I always see that Vlasic comparison but dont really agree with it. Vlasic had one big offensive season on a really high powered offensive team. I see Ouellet as more then just a 15-25 point dman in the NHL. Ouellet is also a bit meaner, I dont think that he will be a bully in the NHL but hes a hard nosed guy and willing to fight. Vlasic hasnt shown that at all in his game either.

Ouellet is more Brad Stuart then he is Vlasic, or maybe Dan Hamhuis

Yeah that's a better comparison, Vlasic was just off the top of my head. Either way I think the kid has a really bright future ahead of him.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I think Ouellet is a lot like Vlasic, just because he fights from time to time and plays with a little bit more jam doesn't change that.

Where I get that from is his passing and positional play. He is a smart player and he rarely makes mistakes. The kind of guy a coach trusts in any situation. I don't know that he will be as good as Vlasic defensively, but as pointed out he plays with a little more physical nature and has a better shot.

But they both are very crisp passers, strong in their positioning and coaches seem to trust them immediately. While being less than ideal size when drafted they both have filled out and play larger than their frame.

A lot of people forget because we never though of him that way and by that time the role was never asked of him but Stuart was supposed to be more than he is. He was a top 5 (#3 overall in 1998) draft pick blessed with tons of raw talent. When it didn't pan out offensively he used those to become a very good stay at home type. But to be honest Brad Stuart was thought to be more than he is, even early in his career in San Jose he showed significantly more offense.

 

[Debrincat93]

Mine.

1. Calle Jarnkrok - Center
2. Tomas Tatar - Left Wing
3. Xavier Oullet - Defense
4. Tomas Jurco - Right Wing
5. Petr Mrazek - Goaltender
6. Riley Sheahan - Center
7. Ryan Sproul - Defense
8. Joakim Andersson - Center
9. Landon Ferraro - Center
10. Teemu Pulkkinen - Left Wing
11. Martin Frk - Right Wing
12. Jake Paterson - Goaltender
13. Adam Almqvist - Defense
14. Mattias Backman - Defense
15. Andreas Anthanasiou - Left Wing
16. Alexei Marchenko - Defense
17. Nick Jensen - Defense
18. Alan Quine - Center
19. Marek Tvrdon - Left Wing
20. Max Nicastro - Defense

 

[Debrincat93]

If Oullet was a Vlasic/Hamhuis clone, i would take that **** all day.

I also think Ferraro is showing great strides this year and could become a useful NHLer if given a proper shot. Kid has the talent and the bloodlines, i'm very pleased to see where this could progress.

On another note, Jarnkrok is going to be a damn stud.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

Mine.

1. Calle Jarnkrok - Center
2. Tomas Tatar - Left Wing
3. Xavier Oullet - Defense
4. Tomas Jurco - Right Wing
5. Petr Mrazek - Goaltender
6. Riley Sheahan - Center
7. Ryan Sproul - Defense
8. Joakim Andersson - Center
9. Landon Ferraro - Center
10. Teemu Pulkkinen - Left Wing
11. Martin Frk - Right Wing
12. Jake Paterson - Goaltender
13. Adam Almqvist - Defense
14. Mattias Backman - Defense
15. Andreas Anthanasiou - Left Wing
16. Alexei Marchenko - Defense
17. Nick Jensen - Defense
18. Alan Quine - Center
19. Marek Tvrdon - Left Wing
20. Max Nicastro - Defense

Yeah pretty similar to mine. I wasn't sure about Quine though since I've never seen him or heard much about him. RWC has him at #19 in his ranking.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

1.) Calle Järnkrok

2.) Tomáš Tatar
3.) Petr Mrázek
4.) Xavier Ouellet
5.) Riley Sheahan
6.) Ryan Sproul (highest PPGA of any OHL d-man)
7.) Tomas Jurco (I know it is low, but more for what they other guys have done, though I expected more)
8.) Landon Ferraro
9.) Martin Frk (Please stop the stupid penalties Frk )
10.) Joakim Andersson
11.) Mattias Bäckman
12.) Nick Jensen
13.) Jake Paterson
14.) Teemu Pulkkinen
15.) Marek Tvrdoň (needs to get healthy)
16.) Alexi Marchenko (needs to play more)
17.) Andreas Athanasiou
18.) Brian Lashoff (very quietly having a great season in my opinion)
19.) Adam Almqvist (Really coming on down in GR)
20.) Alan Quine

 

[Debrincat93]

Yeah pretty similar to mine. I wasn't sure about Quine though since I've never seen him or heard much about him. RWC has him at #19 in his ranking.

I honestly do not like Jensen (anymore), Tvrdon's injury is bad, and Max is nothing more than a 6th dman so with Quine being on a realllllly bad team, i gave him the benefit of the doubt he could develop into something OK. 99% sure it wont happen but he's got more upside then the others.

 

[19 for president]

*** Totally based on gut feeling**

This is done a little strangely but this is mostly based on who I think will have the most NHL impact. The top 10 are ones I think will for sure make the NHL. I ranked these guys more on what I think they are safe bets to be, more so than total upside. For example Smith has more upside than Oullete but I think the latter is more likely to settle as a solid dependable top pairing dman. The latter 10 are those I have serious questions about making the NHL, and are ranked purely on potential.

My sure bets

1. Nyquist- I think he going to be an absolutely dynamic NHL winger. I fully expect him to be a 30/50 type of player.

2. Mrzaek- The guy just continues to put up at every level and every situation. Plus he has the attitude to be the next great euro goaltender. He has a Hasek like compete level, and I think he might have the skills to back it up (not at a Hasek level mind you). I think he has starter written all over him.

3. Xavier Oullete- He is just such a solid all around player. He has 1st pair 2 way dman written all over him. I don't think he'll ever top much over 40 pts at an NHL level but his grittiness and leadership ability will make up for the lack of elite offensive ability.

4. Brendan Smith- I rank Oullete over him only because I question if Smith will ever be able to grasp the defensive game enough to be a true elite player. I'd say he has the higher top level of the two but I think Oullete is the safer pick of the two. At worst I'd say Smith is probably a 50 pt, 15/20 goal PP specialist, which isn't bad at all.

5. Calle Jarnkrok- I think he'll be a fantastic 2nd line center, but I don't quite see him ever gaining enough physicality to dominate at an NHL level. I think he tops out at 70pts most of which will be PP points. I see him as a Saku Koivu level player (not necessarily playing style).

6. Tomas Tatar- Somewhere in between Hudler and Kozzie. IE an amazing 3rd liner and a very solid 2nd liner. He'll never anchor a line himself but I could see him being one of those clutch matchup players that scores crucial goals. Plus I just love the kids love of the game.

7. Mattias Backman- I think he is going to surprise a lot of people and develop into a really solid defensive top 4 dman with a good first pass. He'll be a minute eater and those are crucial.

8. Ryan Sproul- PP specialist 4/5 dman. His shot will get him to the NHL, if his defensive game follows watch out.

9. Riley Sheahen- Keith Primeau light. I think he'll be a very solid 2/3rd line player that is fantastic on the PK, can put up some points, but can't be relied upon a consistent offensive player.

10. Landon Ferraro- 3rd/ 4th liner. Has a bit of a scoring touch ala Malts in his prime, but mostly known for his great pk work and energy play.

HM: Lashoff and Andersson- I see both being NHL/AHL tweener guys so while I think they'll get some NHL games I don't see them as permanent players.

Boom/ Bust guys: Some of these guys have more potential than the top 10 guys, but I just have serious doubts that they will ever make the NHL.

11. Tomas Jurco- The guy could be the best offensive prospect we have in the system but he has a ton of questions. If he doesn't make it as a top 6 guy, I doubt he ever makes it. Give him a few more years in the AHL and my opinion could easily change.

12. Alexei Marchenko- Injuries and lack of playing time are starting to derail his development process. If he gets to the AHL soon or at least gets some playing time in the KHL he could develop into a top 4, but at this point he has a ton to prove.

13.. Martin Frk- Great shot and some physicality to boot. Doesn't seem to quite be able to put it all together and seems to have some major focus issues.

14. Adam Almqvist- Guy has great offensive vision but he is still tiny, and isn't an elite skater. If he can develop the physicality he could really surprise and make the NHL in a PP QB role. He has a long way to go on the strength scale however.

15. Andreas Athanasiou- They say his skating will get him to the AHL, but I don't know if I buy that entirely. I just think he has to continue showing consistency before I call him a sure thing.

16. Teemu Pulkinen- I see him as a PP specialist at best. He has a great shot but I just don't see him as a true top 6 player.

17. Marek Tvrdon- Another player that could have a solid future ahead of him but injuries are starting to cut into his development time. If he can get and stay healthy I could see him as a 2/3 liner that is in the new mold of PF like Franzen.

18. Nicklas Jensen- Good skating dman that may or may not be able to translate his game to the AHL level.

19. Luis Aubry- Eventually he has to start bulking up. His size will give him a chance in the NHL as a 4th liner if he stops being a beanpole. Without the dominating size though I question if he'll ever even get a sniff.

20.. Alan Quine- I see him more an a solid CHL guy that doesn't really develop into much.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

*** Totally based on gut feeling**

This is done a little strangely but this is mostly based on who I think will have the most NHL impact. The top 10 are ones I think will for sure make the NHL. I ranked these guys more on what I think they are safe bets to be, more so than total upside. For example Smith has more upside than Oullete but I think the latter is more likely to settle as a solid dependable top pairing dman. The latter 10 are those I have serious questions about making the NHL, and are ranked purely on potential.

My sure bets

1. Nyquist- I think he going to be an absolutely dynamic NHL winger. I fully expect him to be a 30/50 type of player.

2. Mrzaek- The guy just continues to put up at every level and every situation. Plus he has the attitude to be the next great euro goaltender. He has a Hasek like compete level, and I think he might have the skills to back it up (not at a Hasek level mind you). I think he has starter written all over him.

3. Xavier Oullete- He is just such a solid all around player. He has 1st pair 2 way dman written all over him. I don't think he'll ever top much over 40 pts at an NHL level but his grittiness and leadership ability will make up for the lack of elite offensive ability.

4. Brendan Smith- I rank Oullete over him only because I question if Smith will ever be able to grasp the defensive game enough to be a true elite player. I'd say he has the higher top level of the two but I think Oullete is the safer pick of the two. At worst I'd say Smith is probably a 50 pt, 15/20 goal PP specialist, which isn't bad at all.

5. Calle Jarnkrok- I think he'll be a fantastic 2nd line center, but I don't quite see him ever gaining enough physicality to dominate at an NHL level. I think he tops out at 70pts most of which will be PP points. I see him as a Saku Koivu level player (not necessarily playing style).

6. Tomas Tatar- Somewhere in between Hudler and Kozzie. IE an amazing 3rd liner and a very solid 2nd liner. He'll never anchor a line himself but I could see him being one of those clutch matchup players that scores crucial goals. Plus I just love the kids love of the game.

7. Mattias Backman- I think he is going to surprise a lot of people and develop into a really solid defensive top 4 dman with a good first pass. He'll be a minute eater and those are crucial.

8. Ryan Sproul- PP specialist 4/5 dman. His shot will get him to the NHL, if his defensive game follows watch out.

9. Riley Sheahen- Keith Primeau light. I think he'll be a very solid 2/3rd line player that is fantastic on the PK, can put up some points, but can't be relied upon a consistent offensive player.

10. Landon Ferraro- 3rd/ 4th liner. Has a bit of a scoring touch ala Malts in his prime, but mostly known for his great pk work and energy play.

HM: Lashoff and Andersson- I see both being NHL/AHL tweener guys so while I think they'll get some NHL games I don't see them as permanent players.

Boom/ Bust guys: Some of these guys have more potential than the top 10 guys, but I just have serious doubts that they will ever make the NHL.

11. Tomas Jurco- The guy could be the best offensive prospect we have in the system but he has a ton of questions. If he doesn't make it as a top 6 guy, I doubt he ever makes it. Give him a few more years in the AHL and my opinion could easily change.

12. Alexei Marchenko- Injuries and lack of playing time are starting to derail his development process. If he gets to the AHL soon or at least gets some playing time in the KHL he could develop into a top 4, but at this point he has a ton to prove.

13.. Martin Frk- Great shot and some physicality to boot. Doesn't seem to quite be able to put it all together and seems to have some major focus issues.

14. Adam Almqvist- Guy has great offensive vision but he is still tiny, and isn't an elite skater. If he can develop the physicality he could really surprise and make the NHL in a PP QB role. He has a long way to go on the strength scale however.

15. Andreas Athanasiou- They say his skating will get him to the AHL, but I don't know if I buy that entirely. I just think he has to continue showing consistency before I call him a sure thing.

16. Teemu Pulkinen- I see him as a PP specialist at best. He has a great shot but I just don't see him as a true top 6 player.

17. Marek Tvrdon- Another player that could have a solid future ahead of him but injuries are starting to cut into his development time. If he can get and stay healthy I could see him as a 2/3 liner that is in the new mold of PF like Franzen.

18. Nicklas Jensen- Good skating dman that may or may not be able to translate his game to the AHL level.

19. Luis Aubry- Eventually he has to start bulking up. His size will give him a chance in the NHL as a 4th liner if he stops being a beanpole. Without the dominating size though I question if he'll ever even get a sniff.

20.. Alan Quine- I see him more an a solid CHL guy that doesn't really develop into much.

I was thinking the same about Jarnkrok. From everything I've heard he's a PP specialist who's going to make his living off of it.

I don't know about Aubry, he's been really unimpressive in the AHL this season, although he wasn't terrible the first few games. Your right he definitely needs to bulk up a lot.

I actually see Ferraro as a poor man's Dan Cleary. I think he'll be able to pot 20 goals a year and play up and down the lineup, if he reaches his full potential of course.

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

1.) Calle Järnkrok

2.) Tomáš Tatar
3.) Petr Mrázek
4.) Xavier Ouellet
5.) Riley Sheahan
6.) Ryan Sproul (highest PPGA of any OHL d-man)
7.) Tomas Jurco (I know it is low, but more for what they other guys have done, though I expected more)
8.) Landon Ferraro
9.) Martin Frk (Please stop the stupid penalties Frk )
10.) Joakim Andersson
11.) Mattias Bäckman
12.) Nick Jensen
13.) Jake Paterson
14.) Teemu Pulkkinen
15.) Marek Tvrdoň (needs to get healthy)
16.) Alexi Marchenko (needs to play more)
17.) Andreas Athanasiou
18.) Brian Lashoff (very quietly having a great season in my opinion)
19.) Adam Almqvist (Really coming on down in GR)
20.) Alan Quine

I haven't seen or heard enough about Jensen to know what he projects to be... What do you think he'll become?

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I haven't seen or heard enough about Jensen to know what he projects to be... What do you think he'll become?

I really like the way he plays the game. He can skate like few can. Keeps his head up and makes sound passes. With all the PP guys I don't think he is going to get a crack there, but he is a right handed shot and slots in nicely with some of the guys. He doesn't shy away from physical contact and because of how he closes with his speed occasionally he just outright levels guys. If he can mold his defense and become more of a stay at home type with great speed I think we have something, because I think he can do that. I just like a lot of his raw tools and at 6'1" and probably over 200 lbs by the time he gets to the NHL he has some things in his favor. Have seen him compared to another famous member of his university in Bret Hedican. Not a huge leap considering how well both skate. By no means a certain thing, but he has NHL skating right now and that will help a lot as he rounds out his game.

 

[RedWingsNow*]

1. Xavier Ouellet
2. Tomas Tatar
3. Calle Jarnkrok
4. Alexei Marchenko
5. Petr Mrazek
6. Ryan Sproul
7. Tomas Jurco
8. Riley Sheahan
9. Landon Ferraro
10. Tomas McCollum
11. Andreas Athanasiou
12. Mattias Backman
13. Teemu Pulkkinen
14. Martin Frk
15. Adam Almqvist
16. Joakim Andersson
17. Nick Jensen
18. Marek Tverdon
19. Jake Paterson
20. Brian Lashoff

 

[GoAwayDanCleary]

1. Xavier Ouellet
2. Tomas Tatar
3. Calle Jarnkrok
4. Alexei Marchenko
5. Petr Mrazek
6. Ryan Sproul
7. Tomas Jurco
8. Riley Sheahan
9. Landon Ferraro
10. Tomas McCollum
11. Andreas Athanasiou
12. Mattias Backman
13. Teemu Pulkkinen
14. Martin Frk
15. Adam Almqvist
16. Joakim Andersson
17. Nick Jensen
18. Marek Tverdon
19. Jake Paterson
20. Brian Lashoff

Why Marchenko so high?

 

[joe89]

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

- Not a list built on upside alone. Bias towards guys playing pro. Bias especially towards those who are already doing well or have a track record, because once you're performing with men a lot of the initial risk goes out the window. I'm cautiously optimistic with goaltenders, doesn't mean I'm not high on Mrazek.

My biggest risers(if compared to the start of the year): Ferraro, Backman.
My biggest fallers: Sheahan, Pulkkinen.

 

[RedWingsNow*]

Why Marchenko so high?

Because I he's got surefire NHL talent, IMO. He's already playing a fairly significant role on a pretty good team that could beat some NHL teams, IMO.

 

[Henkka]

1. Xavier Ouellet
2. Petr Mrazek
3. Ryan Sproul
4. Calle Järnkrok
5. Landon Ferraro
6. Tomas Tatar
7. Riley Sheahan
8. Tomas Jurco


Can't put the guys in order after these. Ranking is about potential organizational impact overall in NHL.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Because I he's got surefire NHL talent, IMO. He's already playing a fairly significant role on a pretty good team that could beat some NHL teams, IMO.

Don't know if you have noticed but he has lost a significant role again. They changed coaches and he is really struggling for ice-time once again.

 

[newfy]

I honestly do not like Jensen (anymore), Tvrdon's injury is bad, and Max is nothing more than a 6th dman so with Quine being on a realllllly bad team, i gave him the benefit of the doubt he could develop into something OK. 99% sure it wont happen but he's got more upside then the others.

Why dont you like him anymore? Hes one of the best skating prospects on the wings, can throw big hits and has put up solid numbers in the NCAA. Isnt he top 5 for defensive scoring in the NCAA this season?

He was never a really high end prospect but for a 5th rounder he looks like he could still be an NHLer

Because I he's got surefire NHL talent, IMO. He's already playing a fairly significant role on a pretty good team that could beat some NHL teams, IMO.

A fairly significant role to me would mean he plays more then 11 minutes a game, especially for a dman. He just got done sitting out the entire third period of a game didnt he?