Prospects Analysis: Season Preview

As part of our continued prospect coverage to begin the upcoming 2017-18 season, this piece breaks down the prospect pools of each team in the Atlantic Division. If a player has a number next to his name, it is his overall ranking on the top-200 list heading into the year.

(Note: players with 25 games or more of NHL regular season experience are not eligible for list.)

ATLANTIC DIVISION

BOSTON BRUINS

1.  Charlie McAvoy - D, Boston University-NCAA (12)
2. Zachary Senyshyn - F, Sault Ste. Marie-OHL (24)
3. Jake DeBrusk - F, Providence-AHL (78)
4. Anders Bjork - F, Notre Dame-NCAA (87)
5. Trent Frederic - F, University of Wisconsin-NCAA (92)
6. Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson - F, Boston University-NCAA (99)
7. Urho Vaakanainen - D, JYP-Finland (131)
8. Jakub Zboril - D, Saint John-QMJHL (141)
9. Ryan Donato - F, Harvard-NCAA (155)
10. Malcolm Subban - G, Providence-AHL (162)
Sleeper: Joona Koppanen - F, Ilves Jr.- Finland

Overview: The Bruins system is light in regards to goaltending depth, but heavy everywhere else. Their forward group features a mix of high-end talent and guys who should develop into useful role players. Legitimate defensive prospects like Ryan Lindgren and Matt Grzelczyk aren't listed here. 

Vaakanainen has a good chance of developing into a useful two-way defender at the NHL level. It will be interesting to see if he can add a bit more offense to his game this year in Finland. Perhaps he was just exhausted at the end of a long season, but Zboril's play at the Memorial Cup was highly concerning. The only times that he was noticeable was for all the wrong reasons. You never want to judge a kid on a small sample size, but I don't see a high-end talent here. Donato finished his sophomore season at Harvard with 21 goals and 40 points in 36 games. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he will be mentioned as a Hobey Baker Award candidate by the time his collegiate career is over. I still believe that Subban could develop into at least an average starting goaltender at the NHL level, but it won't be with the Bruins. A moved to another organization is best for all involved at this point. Koppanen put up insane numbers (23 goals, 54 points in 38 games) in the Finnish junior league. The competition he faced on a nightly basis was clearly lousy, but Koppanen checks in at 6-foot-5 and he has good hands. 

BUFFALO SABRES

1.   Alex Nylander - F, Rochester-AHL (45)
2- Cliff Pu - F, London-OHL (46)
3. Casey Mittelstadt - F, Green Bay-USHL (52)
4. Brendan Guhle - D, Prince George-WHL (134)
5. Rasmus Asplund - F, Farjestad-Sweden (137)
6. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - G, HPK Jr.-Finland (173)
7. Victor Antipin - D, Magnitogorsk-KHL (194)
8. Casey Fitzgerald - D, Boston College-NCAA
9. Marcus Davidsson - F, Djurgardens-Sweden
10. Hudson Fasching - F, Rochester-AHL
Sleeper: Vasili Glotov - F, Cape Breton-QMJHL

Overview:  Buffalo has a middling prospect pool, and their best player (Nylander) had a terrible year. The system is seven or eight deep. It thins out considerably after that.

I love Guhle and have ranked him as a top-100 prospect in the past, but my current thinking is that he just doesn't have the ceiling of a top-pairing defender. Nonetheless, I expect at least a decade of solid NHL service. It could begin as early as this year. Buffalo wanted to get Asplund over to North America this year, but he will spend one final season in Sweden. He has been playing against men the last three years, so I don't expect much of an adjustment period when he finally does come over. Buffalo's selection of Luukkonen at #54 overall this past June was a smart one. There isn't much goaltending depth in the system. The 24-year-old Antipin spent the last five seasons in the KHL. He is small (5-foot-11) and shifty and I would be shocked if he wasn't getting 15-plus minutes per game for the Sabres right out of the game. Much like the majority of his teammates, Fitzgerald's play was inconsistent this past season. He is an offensive defenseman who is an asset on the power play, but he still struggles to defend in his own zone. He will serve as captain for the Eagles this year. Davidsson posted just nine points in 45 games for Djurgardens this past year. The Sabres will be crossing their fingers that he gets more playing time in the upcoming campaign. Fasching is a big body (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) that likes to get in on the forecheck and bang. His ultimate role is likely that of a depth player and penalty-killer. Glotov posted 50 points in 64 games in his first QMJHL season. He needs to add a good 15-20 pounds of muscle to play as a professional, but he has a high hockey IQ and terrific vision with the puck.  

DETROIT RED WINGS

1.  Evgeni Svechnikov - F, Grand Rapids-AHL (16)
2. Filip Hronek - D, Saginaw-OHL (72)
3. Vili Saarijarvi - D, Mississauga-OHL (86)
4. Michael Rasmussen - F, Tri-City-WHL (122)
5. Givani Smith - F, Guelph-OHL (154)
6. Dennis Cholowski - D, St. Cloud State-NCAA (171)
7. Joe Hicketts - D, Grand Rapids-AHL (199)
8. Axel Holmstrom - F, Skelleftea-Sweden
9. Jordan Sambrook - D, Erie-OHL
10. Robbie Russo - D, Grand Rapids-AHL
Sleeper: Chase Pearson F, University of Maine-NCAA

Overview:  I like the top-half of Detroit's system and I would have liked it even more if they didn't spend their first round pick last year on a guy who I don't think a ton of in Cholowski. The Wings have solid depth despite the fact they never pick high in the draft. 

Rasmussen was drafted ninth-overall by Detroit in June. He is 6-foot-5 and is very adept at finishing around the net, but he struggles to score at even-strength and I'm not sold on his skating. Smith is built like a linebacker on skates. He is tough, physical, and is more than willing to stand up for his teammates. He's a project, but he has a high ceiling if he ever is able to put it all together. Cholowski had 12 points in 36 games in his lone season at St. Cloud State and he signed his entry-level deal with Detroit in April. I see a guy who is unlikely to reach his ceiling, although I know others who feel differently. Hicketts' lack of size will always be an issue, but I'm supremely confident that he can be a power play asset at the NHL level. Detroit mine as well give him a chance and see what they have. He could be a useful player even if they have to limit his minutes at even strength. The fact Holmstrom has a chance to turn into an NHL regular is pretty impressive considering he was a seventh-round pick in 2014. He should begin this season in the AHL. Sambrook will finally get a chance to display his talents for Erie with OHL Defenseman of the Year Darren Raddysh turning pro. Expect a healthy increase on last season's (40 points in 61 games) numbers. Russo played 19 games for the Wings last season and didn't record a point. He is probably nothing more than a very good minor-leaguer. A sniper who plays a gritty game, Pearson scored 14 goals in 36 games in his freshman season at Maine. Expect further improvement this coming year. 

FLORIDA PANTHERS

1.  Henrik Borgstrom - F, Denver University-NCAA (20)
2. Owen Tippett - F, Mississauga-OHL (63)
3. Adam Mascherin - F, Kitchener-AHL (79)
4. Henrik Haapala - F, Tappara-Finland (101)
5. Ian McCoshen - D, Springfield-AHL (183)
6. Aleksi Heponiemi - F, Swift Current-WHL (196)
7. Max Gildon - D, US NTDP
8. Maxim Mamin - F, CSKA Moscow-KHL
9. Samuel Montembeault - G, Blainsville-Boisbriand-QMJHL
10. Jonathan Ang - F, Peterborough-OHL
Sleeper: Riley Stillman - D, Oshawa-OHL

Overview:  The Panthers system is chock full of guys with high ceilings, who in most cases, are unlikely to reach them. The signing of Haapala as a free agent gave Florida a guy who figures to contribute immediately. 

Haapala led the Finnish league in assists (45) en route to being named league MVP. He has a history with Panthers star Aleksander Barkov and it's possible he is ready to fill a top-six role right out of the gate for Florida. McCoshen is going to provide Florida with many years of solid, unspectacular service. He is a big kid (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) who doesn't try to do too much offensively. He could easily spend the bulk of this season in the NHL. Heponiemi was named WHL Rookie of the Year after posting 86 points in 72 games for Swift Current. He is small (5-foot-10) and shifty. Gildon is a long-term upside play. He is more tools than performance at this point. He is off to the University of New Hampshire this fall. Although Mamin has spent the last three years in the KHL, it was just this past season that he began to produce offensively (25 points in 42 games). The Panthers immediately pounced and signed him to an entry-level deal. He is going to have a chance to crack the roster out of training camp. Montembeault has the size (6-foot-3) that all NHL teams covet. He was inconsistent at times during his junior career, but there are reasons to be optimistic moving forward. He will play this season in the AHL.  Ang has gotten considerably better in each of his three OHL seasons. He's an offensive player, but his lack of size could make it difficult to succeed as a pro. Stillman remains a long shot, but his puck-moving ability make him a prospect to keep an eye on. 

MONTREAL CANADIENS

1.  Victor Mete - D, London-OHL (85)
2. Noah Juulsen - D, Everett-WHL (151)
3- Ryan Poehling - F, St. Cloud State-NCAA (170)
4. Joni Ikonen - F, Frolunda-Sweden (175)
5. Charles Hudon - F, Hamilton-OHL
6. Martin Reway - F, DNP (illness)
7. Nikita Scherbak - F, St. John's-AHL
8. Will Bitten - F, Hamilton-OHL
9. Michael McNiven - G, Owen Sound-OHL
10. Hayden Hawkey - G, Providence University-NCAA
Sleeper: Jeremiah Addison - F, Windsor-OHL

Overview: The trade of Mikhail Sergachev to Tampa Bay in the Jonathan Drouin deal robbed the Habs of the only elite prospect in their system. Their is depth up front and in goal, but the blueline needs replenishing.

 Juulsen has the look of a solid all-around defenseman who can help a team in a number of areas. He doesn't excel at anything, but he has no apparent weaknesses. Poehling was one of the youngest players in college hockey this past season, but he still managed just 13 points in 35 games. The Habs are counting on a sophomore jump that I'm not entirely convinced is coming. Ikonen is an undersized, offensive-minded center. He initiates physical contact more than he gets credit for, but it's not a big part of his game. Hudon is a fringe top-100 prospect based upon talent alone, but I'm not convinced that the Habs will give him any realistic chance to contribute this coming season. Reway missed all of last season due to an illness. It was a scary situation, but is apparently fit to play. What the Habs can realistically expect from him after so much time away from the game remains to be seen. He should make is AHL debut this fall. A trade of Scherbak would be best for all parties involved. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his two pro seasons, but consistency remains a major issue. Bitten is most likely a solid junior player and nothing more. His offensive numbers dropped across the board this past season. McNiven was named OHL Goaltender of the Year in 2016-17. Not bad for a guy who was never drafted. Finally given the lion's share of the playing time for Providence, Hawkey responded with a 2.19 GAA and .913 save percentage in 39 games. He is the key to success for the Friars.  Addison was one of Windsor's best players en route to their Memorial Cup Championship. A seventh-round pick in 2015, he will play this coming season in the AHL. 

OTTAWA SENATORS

1.  Thomas Chabot - D, Saint John-QMJHL (10)
2. Logan Brown - F, Windsor-OHL (21)
3. Colin White - F, Boston College-NCAA (25)
4. Filip Chlapik - F, Charlottetown-QMJHL (66)
5. Shane Bowers - F, Waterloo-USHL (148)
6. Filip Ahl, F-Regina-WHL (169)
7-Alex Formenton - F, London-OHL (186)
8. Max Lajoie - D, Swift Current-WHL
9. Andreas Englund - D, Binghamton-AHL
10. Ben Harpur - D, Binghamton-AHL
Sleeper: Christian Wolanin - D, University of North Dakota-NCAA

Overview: Ottawa's system is top-heavy and lacks depth. It was difficult to come up with eight names that project to be average NHL players, let alone ten. There is no goaltending depth in the system whatsoever.

Bowers is a hard worker with decent puck skills, but he just doesn't produce enough offensively for my liking. He is off to Boston University. Ahl got off to a quick start with Regina before fading in the second half. He finished strong and played well in the playoffs, but I expected more than the 28 goals and 48 points he produced in the 54 games he played. Formenton was the fastest skater available in this past June's draft. He struggles to finish around the net and he has no other notable NHL traits, but it's difficult to not turn into a useful player when you can skate like that. Lajoie is a simple, responsible two-way defender. He thinks the game very well and is mobile. Englund and Harpur are essentially the same player - big, hulking defenders who offer next to nothing offensively. Englund is stronger defensively, while Harpur moves a bit better. Neither is anything more than a depth option over the long-term. Wolanin posted 22 points in 37 games for UND last year. He has decent size (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) and decent puck skills.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

1.  Mikhail Sergachev - D, Windsor-OHL (14)
2. Taylor Raddysh - F, Erie-OHL (37)
3. Mitchell Stephens - F, London-OHL (83)
4. Anthony Cirelli - F, Erie-OHL (89)
5. Cal Foote - D, Kelowna-WHL (160)
6. Mathieu Joseph - F, Saint John-QMJHL (161)
7. Alexei Lipanov - F, Balashika-Russia (167)
8-  Brett Howden - F, Moose Jaw-WHL (180)
9. Connor Ingram - G, Kamloops-WHL (193)
10. Libor Hajek - D, Saskatoon-WHL
Sleeper: Dennis Yan - F, Shawinigan-QMHJL

Overview:  The Lightning may have more legitimate NHL prospects in their system than any other team. There is crazy depth at every position - particularly forward. Defensemen such as Erik Cernak and Dominik Masin aren't listed here.

Foote's skating is a concern, but the rest of his game is solid. He competes hard and has a terrific shot. Joseph came out of nowhere to crack the Canadian World Junior roster and led Saint John to the QMJHL Championship. He has terrific speed, gives 100% every single shift and should be a terrific role player as a pro. Lipanov isn't your typical young Russian. His game is about grit and toughness as opposed to speed and skill. Howden had a very good year for Moose Jaw (38G, 81P in 58GP) but I'm not convinced he has the skill level to be a top-six forward at the NHL level. Either way, he is a decent prospect. Ingram had another strong season for Kamloops (2.44 GAA, .927 save percentage) and split time with Philadelphia's Carter Hart at the World Juniors for Canada. Hajek is your typical stay-at-home defender. He is a huge kid (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) who will be asked to play tough minutes down the road. Yan has been overshadowed by some of the other forwards in the system, but he tallied 46 goals in Shawinigan last season and he will get a chance to turn pro this fall. 

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

1.  Jeremy Bracco - F, Windsor-OHL (31)
2. Timothy Liljegren - D, Rogle-Sweden (36)
3. Carl Grundstrom - F, Frolunda-Sweden (91)
4. Joseph Woll - G, Boston College-NCAA (109)
5. Kasperi Kapanen - F, Toronto-AHL (113)
6. Travis Dermott - D, Toronto-AHL (132)
7. Adam Brooks - F, Regina-WHL (158)
8. Yegor Korshkov - F, Yaroslavl-KHL
9. Eemeli Rasanen - D, Kingston-OHL
10. Ian Scott - G, Prince Albert-WHL
Sleeper: Andrew Nielsen - D, Toronto-AHL

Overview:  Toronto obviously has a crazy amount of young talent on their NHL roster and there is more help on the way. They could still use some high-end defensive prospects and another depth goalie, but the team is undoubtedly trending in the right direction.

Woll is massive (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), tracks pucks well, and showed far more good than bad in his freshman season at Boston College. There is an outside chance he could be ready to turn pro after one more season with the Eagles. I like Kapanen, but I think he is eventually going to be best served as a role player who can help the Leafs in a multitude of areas. He clearly has offensive talent and he can play an agitating style when he wants to. Dermott will make his living as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman. His issue is his ability to handle the physicality of opposing forwards. Brooks led the WHL in assists (85) and has 250 points over his last two seasons with Regina. He might be nothing more than an elite junior player, but it's worth keeping an eye on to see if his success can translate to the pros. Korshkov has 19 points in 36 games as a 20-year-old in the KHL. His KHL contract reportedly runs though this coming season. Rasanen is 6-foot-7 and has a huge shot. The rest of his game remains a work in progress, but there are tools to work with here. Scott's poor numbers (3.69 GAA, .895 save percentage) were the result of playing for one of the worst teams in the CHL. The Leafs love his size (6-foot-3). Nielsen had 14 goals in his first full AHL season. He isn't a great skater, so he projects as nothing more than a third-pairing defender who can chip in some offense.

METROPOLITAN DIVISON

CAROLINA HURRICANES

1.  Jake Bean - D, Calgary-WHL (35)
2. Janne Kuokkanen - F, London-OHL (42)
3. Martin Necas - F, Brno-Czech (68)
4. Nicolas Roy - F, Chicoutimi-QMJHL (84)
5. Julien Gauthier - F, Saint John-QMJHL (88)
6. Haydn Fleury - D, Charlotte-AHL (98)
7. Warren Foegele - F, Erie-OHL (120)
8. Lucas Wallmark - F, Charlotte-AHL (139)
9. Aleksi Saarela - F, Lukko-Finland (143)
10. Callum Booth - G, Saint John-QMJHL
Sleeper: Matt Filipe - F, Northeastern-NCAA

Overview: Carolina has plenty of depth up front. They're a bit light on defense, but that is less of a concern since they have several quality, young defenseman on their NHL roster. They would be best served to add another goaltending prospect or two.

Foegele barely averaged a point-per-game this past season that he split between OHL Erie and Kingston (he played much better with the Otters), but he scored 13 goals in 22 playoff games en route to being named OHL Playoff MVP. He is a big body with good hands and he is due to play this coming season in the AHL. Wallmark got into two games with Carolina this past season and posted 46 points in 67 games for AHL Charlotte. He spent three years playing professionally in Sweden before coming to North America so there doesn't appear to be much left for him to prove in the minors. Saarela, who signed his entry-level contract with Carolina last June and came over from the Rangers in the Eric Staal trade, spent one final year in Finland before finishing the season in the AHL. He posted six goals and ten points in nine games for the Checkers and he has the potential to develop into a second-liner. Booth played considerably better following a midseason trade from Quebec to St. John. He will get his first taste of professional hockey in 2017-18. Filipe posted nine goals in his freshman season at Northeastern. He showed signs of improvement throughout the season and a 15-goal sophomore campaign appears to be within reach. 

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

1.  Pierre-Luc Dubois - F, Blainsville-Boisbriand-QMJHL (29)
2. Vitali Abramov - F, Gatineau-QMJHL (57)
3. Sonny Milano - F, Cleveland-AHL (126)
4. Andrew Peeke - D, Notre Dame-NCAA (142)
5. Gabriel Carlsson - D, Linkoping-Sweden
6. Alexandre Texier - F, Grenoble-France
7. Kevin Stenlund - F, HV71-Sweden
8. Ryan Collins - D, University of Minnesota-NCAA
9. Emil Bemstrom - F, Leksands-Sweden
10. Daniil Tarasov - G, Toplar Ufa-Russia
Sleeper: Kale Howarth - F, Trail-BCHL

Overview: It's a good thing that the Jackets have some quality young players on their NHL roster (Zach Werenski, Cam Atkinson, Seth Jones, Alex Wennberg, etc) because their system is top-heavy and lacks depth. The struggles of Milano have set the system back considerably.  

Milano hasn't improved enough defensively to earn the trust of coach John Tortorella and he is quickly trending towards non-prospect status. It's a shocking fall from grace for a kid with an insane amount of natural ability. Still just 21 years old, the other 30 teams in the league should throw out some low ball offers in hopes of acquiring Milano and hoping his regains the form that made him the 16th overall pick in 2014. There were more good moments than bad in Peeke's freshman season at Notre Dame, but there are areas of his game that must be cleaned up. Still, big defensemen with some offensive ability are difficult to come by. Carlsson came over after his Swedish season ended and got into two regular season and five playoff games for the Jackets. He is a huge kid (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) who is going to be a third-pairing, penalty killing type guy. Scouts were split on Texier in this past June's draft. On one hand, he played well against men in France as a kid, on the other; he hasn't flashed much high-end skill.  Stenlund posted 13 goals in the Swedish league as a 20-year-old. He is a big bodied forward (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) who has a chance to turn into a quality prospect.  Collins plays almost exactly the same game as Carlsson, although he is a bit bigger and has a slightly lesser chance of becoming a useful NHL player. Guys like that aren't sexy players, but they are valuable to their teams. Collins signed with the Jackets in April after his junior season at the University of Minnesota. Bemstrom has been a consistent point producer for his junior club in Sweden, but it means little until he starts putting up numbers in their top league. Tarasov is a massive goaltender (6-foot-5) that missed all of last season due to a growth issue that required part of his shin be removed. Howarth will play one more season in the BCHL before heading to the University of Connecticut. 

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

1.  Nico Hischier - F, Halifax-QMJHL (3)
2. Michael McLeod - F, Mississauga-OHL (37)
3. Will Butcher - D, University of Denver (70)
4. Blake Speers - F, Sault Ste. Marie-OHL (100)
5. Joey Anderson - F, University of Minnesota-Duluth-NCAA (114)
6. Yegor Rykov - D, SKA St. Petersburg-KHL (156)
7. John Quenneville - F, Albany-AHL (159)
8. Jesper Boqvist - F, Brynas-Sweden
9. Mackenzie Blackwood - G, Albany-AHL
10. Nathan Bastian - F, Mississauga-OHL
Sleeper: Jesper Bratt - F, AIK-Sweden

Overview: Not surprisingly, the depth of the Devils system looks a whole lot better after you add a first overall pick (Hischier) and the top available collegiate free agent (Butcher) to the mix. Their top-ten doesn't feature much high-end talent outside of those two and Michael McLeod, but they have six or seven prospects who can comfortably be projected as NHL regulars.

Anderson averaged nearly a point per game (37 points in 39 games) in his freshman season at UMD and he was a key role player for Team USA's Gold Medal-winning World Junior team. Anderson plays a hard game and he excels at carving out space down low. Rykov was one of Russia's best players at the World Juniors and of the best defensemen in the entire tournament. He took a regular shift for St. Petersburg of the KHL this past season and there is no current timetable for his debut in North America. Quenneville's strong professional debut in the AHL (46 points in 58 games) earned him a 12-game trial with New Jersey. I remained unconvinced that he will develop into a top-six forward at the NHL level, but I am more optimistic than I was a year ago at this time. Boqvist, the 36th-overall pick in this past June's draft, is a shifty playmaker who has struggled with consistency issues. Blackwood's first AHL season was average (2.55 GAA, .907 save percentage), but he played better in the playoffs. The Devils have very little depth in net. Bastian put up worse numbers across the board this past season for OHL Mississauga than he did the season before. I thought he was a reach when he was taken 41st overall in 2016. I don't see any noticeable NHL traits other than a kid with a large frame. Bratt is small, shifty, and has shown an ability to make plays with the puck in Sweden's second-tier league. He is slated to make his North American debut this fall - likely with New Jersey's new AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

1.  Mathew Barzal - F, Seattle-WHL (6)
2. Josh Ho-Sang - F, Bridgeport-AHL (19)
3. Ilya Sorokin - G, CSKA Moscow-KHL (26)
4. Ryan Pulock - D, Bridgeport-AHL (49)
5. Kieffer Bellows - F, Boston University-NCAA (75)
6. Michael Dal Colle - F, Bridgeport-AHL (94)
7. Linus Soderstrom - G, HV71-Sweden (104)
8. Otto Koivula - F, Ilves-Finland (164)
9. Devon Toews - D, Bridgeport-AHL
10. Robin Salo - D, Sport-Finland
Sleeper: Collin Adams - F, Muskegon-USHL

Overview:  The fact that the Islanders have at least a dozen legitimate prospects in their system is cancelled out by the fact their management has shown no ability to develop younger players. Their handling of Barzal and Pulock has been questionable at best and Dal Colle has seen his stock crater since he was the 5th overall pick in 2014. 

Soderstrom signed his entry-level deal in May after posting a 1.34 GAA and .943 save percentage in 22 games for HV71 in Sweden this past season. He is expected to return overseas for this upcoming year, but he has the tools to develop into a starting NHL goaltender. One of my favorite players in last year's draft, Koivula was named Rookie of the Year in the Finnish league after racking up 30 points in 50 games for Ilves. He's a huge kid (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) with quick hands. Toews made the AHL All-Rookie team last season after posting 45 points in 76 games for Bridgeport. He should spend some portion of this upcoming season in the NHL. Salo has average puck skills, average size, and he's average defensively. He's basically an average player. Adams is smaller than his listed size of 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, but he has had back-to-back strong offensive seasons in the USHL. He will try to replicate that success at the University of North Dakota in the fall.

NEW YORK RANGERS

1.  Igor Shestyorkin - G, SKA St. Petersburg-KHL (25)
2. Lias Andersson - F, HV71-Sweden (96)
3. Sean Day - D, Windsor-OHL (103)
4. Filip Chytil - F, Zlin-Czech (130)
5. Adam Huska - G, University of Connecticut-NCAA (157)
6. Ryan Gropp - F, Seattle-WHL (163)
7. Neal Pionk - D, University of Minnesota-Duluth-NCAA (181)
8. Tyler Wall - G, University of Massachusetts-Lowell-NCAA
9. Alexei Bereglazov - D, Magnitogorsk-KHL
10. Sergey Zborovskiy - D, Regina-WHL
Sleeper: Vince Pedrie -D, Penn St.-NCAA

Overview:  The Rangers system is much deeper than it gets credit for, although he lacks high-end talent. They have a lot of depth in goal (which is good with King Henrik trending towards the finish line) and the system has been bolstered considerably by collegiate free agent signings. Players such as Ryan Graves and Boo Nieves, who aren't listed here, remain legitimate NHL prospects. 

Day improved immensely following his early-season trade to Windsor. He was a key cog in the Spitfires Memorial Cup Championship and his natural ability is evident. He is one of the best skating prospects in the league. It's just a matter of putting it all together on a consistent basis. Chytil was one of the youngest players selected in the most recent draft. He is still growing into his body, but he has a ton of physical projection. Huska was a bit up and down in his freshman season at UConn, but he is a big kid who tracks pucks well. He might be ready to turn pro after just one more season with the Huskies. Gropp was eligible to play last season in the AHL but he looked so poor in training camp that the Rangers shipped him back to WHL Seattle and he responded with his best junior season (35 goals, 84 points in 66 games) following a slow start. Pionk would have been one of the most highly sought after collegiate free agents but no one expected him to leave Minnesota-Duluth. The Rangers beat out more than a dozen teams for his services. An undersized, offensive puck-mover, he could crack the NHL roster later in the year. Wall, a sixth-round pick in 2016, entered the season as an afterthought and ended it was one of the best goaltenders in Hockey East after posting a 2.06 GAA and .918 save percentage in 37 games for UMass-Lowell. The 23-year-old Bereglazov signed with the Rangers this summer after spending the last three seasons in the KHL. He offers little offensively, but he has a long reach and should be a competent depth defender. I expect him begin this season in New York since his contract has a KHL opt-out clause. Zborovskiy finished this past season with a ridiculous plus-72 rating for WHL Regina. He also posted 40 points in 63 games. The offensive production isn't going to be there when he turns pro this year, but I like his chances of developing into an NHL regular in a depth role. Pedrie was a sneaky under-the-radar signing by GM Jeff Gorton. He had two strong offensive seasons at Penn State and posted five points in nine games at the end of the season for AHL Hartford after signing his entry-level deal. 

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

1.  Nolan Patrick - F, Brandon-WHL (4)
2. Travis Sanheim - D, Lehigh Valley-AHL (18)
3. Oskar Lindblom - F, Brynas-Sweden (28)
4. Philippe Myers - D, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL (53)
5. Carter Hart - G, Everett-WHL (64)
6. German Rubtsov - F, Chicoutimi-QMJHL (76)
7. Felix Sandstrom - G, Brynas-Sweden (115)
8. Isaac Ratcliffe - F, Guelph-OHL (128)
9. Mikhail Vorobyov - F, Salavat Yulaev-KHL (133)
10. Wade Allison - F, Western Michigan University-NCAA (192)
Sleeper: David Bernhardt - D, Djurgardens-Sweden

Overview:  Long known for having one of the worst prospect pools in the league, the Flyers have overhauled their system in a major way. There is depth at all three positions, led by the defense. This Flyers list doesn't even include guys like goaltender Anthony Stolarz, Hobey Baker Award finalist Mike Vecchione and World Junior Gold Medalist Tanner Laczynski. 

I wouldn't be surprised if Sandstrom is the highest rated goaltender in the Flyers system a year from now. He had a strong season for Brynas in Sweden and he played exceptionally well for Sweden at the World Juniors. He could be playing in North America as soon as 2018-19. Ratcliffe is a massive kid (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) who's entire projection rests on his ability to get stronger. He was the 35th overall pick this past June. Vorobyov got minimal ice time for Salavat Yulaev in the KHL and his production (11 points in 44 games) reflected that. On the bright side, he led the World Juniors in assists with ten and raised his stock considerably throughout the tournament. He signed with the Flyers in late April and should spend this season in the AHL. With 29 points in 36 games, Allison's freshman season at Western Michigan went as well as anyone could have hoped. He is a big, strong kid who is capable of winning puck battles all over the ice. Taken 199th overall last summer, Bernhardt probably should have been a fourth or fifth rounder. He has size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) and some offensive ability. He will remain with Djurgardens this season.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

1.  Daniel Sprong - F, Charlottetown-QMJHL (62)
2. Filip Gustavsson - G, Lulea-Sweden (146)
3. Kasper Bjorkqvist - F, Providence University-NCAA
4. Tristan Jarry - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-AHL
5. Zach Aston-Reese - F, Northeastern-NCAA
6. Lukas Bengtsson - D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-AHL
7. Clayton Phillips - D, Fargo-USHL
8. Zachary Lauzon - F, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL
9. Tommy DiPauli - F, Notre Dame-NCAA
10. Linus Olund - F, Brynas-Sweden
Sleeper: Nikita Pavlychev - F, Penn St.-NCAA

Overview:  The Pittsburgh system looks much like you would expect for a team that plays for the Stanley Cup seemingly every year - awful. There is one potential star (Sprong), two guys who might develop into above average prospects (Gustavsson, Bjorkqvist) and a bunch of long shots. I had a difficult time coming up with ten names that might possess NHL value some day. 

The main issue with Gustavsson is consistency. He played well in the Swedish junior league and was mediocre during his brief 15-game with the Lulea's main club. He is a talent, but remains a long-term project. Bjorkvist's numbers during his freshman season at Providence (3 goals, 9 points in 30 games) were ugly. He played better in the second half of the season, so hopefully the strong finish is a sign of things to come. Jarry started one game for the Pens last season. I think he will eventually settle in as Matt Murray's backup - nothing more. Aston-Reese had 31 goals and 63 points in his season senior at Northeastern. Eligible to sign with any team as an undrafted free agent, he choose Pittsburgh in mid-March. The odds are against him being a useful NHL contributor, but he is well worth the risk as a free agent. Bengtsson was limited to just 16 AHL games last season. He is a strong puck-mover, but he needs to stay healthy. Phillips is a decent puck-mover who appears to have a fairly low ceiling. The drafting of Lauzon at #51 overall in June baffled many. He was the #143 ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. Di Pauli was originally a fourth round pick of Washington in 2012 but he elected to play four years at Notre Dame and sign with the Pens as a free agent last summer. He scored just two goals and 21 AHL games and the only reason he is ranked here is because of the lack of depth in the system. Olund is a heady player who can help out on the power play. He may be ready to come over to North America after just one more season in Sweden. Pavlychev had six goals and 13 points in his freshman season at Penn State. He doesn't have much potential, but 6-foot-7 centers don't grow on trees. Maybe he can develop into a fourth-liner.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

1.  Ilya Samsonov - G, Magnitogorsk-KHL (9)
2. Jakub Vrana - F, Hershey-AHL (11)
3. Madison Bowey - D, Hershey-AHL (79)
4. Connor Hobbs - D, Regina-WHL (97)
5. Lucas Johansen - D, Kelowna-WHL (135)
6. Christian Djoos - D, Hershey-AHL (147)
7. Jonas Siegenthaler - D, Zurich-Swiss
8. Shane Gersich - F, University of North Dakota-NCAA
9. Riley Barber - F, Hershey-AHL
10. Vitek Vanecek - G, Hershey-AHL
Sleeper: Chase Priskie - D, Quinnipiac-NCAA

Overview: Washington has little offensive depth in their system, but they have a potential franchise goaltender in Samsonov and at least three guys who project as second-pairing defenders or better. 

Johansen didn't have a very good season. His offensive numbers were down across the board, although he showed a bit better commitment to defending at times. He is such a good skater that he will be a valuable NHL player even if he isn't putting up a ton of points. Djoos, who didn't do much offensively in his first season in Hershey, led all AHL defensemen in assists this past season with 45. He remains rail thin and he struggles in his own zone, but his ability to join the rush is evident. Siegenthaler looks like a depth defenseman. He has size (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) and he skates well enough to get the puck out of his own end. Gersich had a terrific sophomore season at North Dakota. I wouldn't be shocked if he averages more than a point-per-game this coming year. Barber was a terrific collegiate player and has put up strong numbers in the AHL, but the odds are against him turning into a useful NHL player. Vanecek spent the majority of last season as Hershey's starting goalie. His play was up and down, but he won't turn 22 years old until January. Priskie has had two steady, consistent seasons at Quinnipiac. He will serve at the Bobcats captain in 2017-18.

CENTRAL DIVISION

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

1.  Alex DeBrincat - F, Erie-OHL (32)
2. Henri Jokiharju - D, Portland-WHL (112)
3. Ville Pokka - D, Rockford-AHL (149)
4. Graham Knott - F, Windsor-OHL (198)
5. Alexandre Fortin - F, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL
6. Artur Kayumov - F, Yaroslavl-MHL
7. Evan Barratt - F, US NTDP
8. John Hayden - F, Rockford-AHL
9. Dennis Gilbert - D, Notre Dame-NCAA
10. Ian Mitchell - D, Spruce Grove-AJHL
Sleeper: Wouter Peeters - G, Jokerit Jr. - Finland

Overview: Chicago has made some shrewd free agent signings to help bolster a system that didn't have a first round pick in 2015 or 2016. With so many high-priced players on their NHL roster, the 'Hawks need to incorporate young, cheap options into their lineup in order to be successful.

Jokiharju is a smooth skater and a smart puck-mover. I like his chances of developing into a useful NHL player. Pokka has played three full AHL seasons and is yet to play an NHL game. It is nearly impossible to believe. A pro since 2011-12, I am still firmly of the belief that he could be helping some NHL team's power play right now. Chicago has clearly shown that they have no use for him. Knott played far better this past season than he did two years ago (the trade from Niagara to Windsor was a catalyst), but he is still inconsistent. He has the tools to be a dominant power forward, but it's nothing more than brief glimpses at this point. Fortin was signed as undrafted free agent and nearly cracked Chicago's roster out of training camp last year. His QMJHL numbers (52 points in 52 games) were ordinary, but he isn't going to make his living as a point producer as a professional. Kayumov is a skilled Russian who is still waiting for a chance to play full-time for his KHL club in Yaroslavl. Barratt is a max-effort player who is a below-average skater. The Penn State commit is crafty with the puck on his stick. Hayden plays a hard, heavy game and has decent hands. His ultimate role is likely that of a third-liner. Gilbert had no goals in 40 games for Notre Dame, although he did add 22 assists. He has size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and skates well. Mitchell's biggest issue is a lack of size. He is an offensive defenseman, but he may not be talented enough to make up for his slight frame. Mitchell is off to the University of Denver. On top of having an exceptional name, Peeters is a quality goaltender. A native of Belgium, Peeters will play this season with Youngstown of the USHL.

COLORADO AVALANCHE

1.  Tyson Jost - F, University of North Dakota-NCAA (13)
2. Cale Makar - D, Brooks-AJHL (23)
3. A.J. Greer - F, San Antonio-AHL (125)
4. J.T. Compher - F, San Antonio-AHL (150)
5. Alexander Kerfoot - F, Harvard University-NCAA
6. Conor Timmins - D, Sault Ste. Marie-OHL (168)
7. Cam Morrison - F, Notre Dame-NCAA (185)
8. Andrei Mironov - D, Moscow Dynamo-KHL
9. Nicolas Meloche - D, Charlottetown-QMJHL
10. Nick Henry - F, Regina-WHL
Sleeper: Denis Smirnov - F, Penn St.-NCAA

Overview: Colorado has the worst roster in the entire NHL and one of the worst prospect pools. It's a bad, bad combination and there is no immediate solution on the horizon. They were unable to come to terms with Hobey Baker Award winning defenseman Will Butcher, but they softened the blow slightly by winning the sweepstakes to sign Kerfoot in late August.

Greer posted 15 goals in 63 games in his first AHL season. He has size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), strength, and a good set of hands. The odds are worse than 50/50 that Compher will ever score enough to be a top-six forward, but he can kill penalties, is a smart player, and has the potential to develop into a future captain at some point down the line. Kerfoot, a Hobey Baker Award finalist this past year, was a fifth round pick of the Devils in 2012. He played four seasons at Harvard and joined Colorado as an unrestricted free agent. His upside is limited, but I imagine he is ready for immediate NHL duty in a depth role. Timmins is calm and composed with the puck. His upside is limited, but he rarely makes mistakes or puts his teammates in a bad position. Morrison posted 24 points in 40 games in his freshman season at Notre Dame. He is at a school that does everything they can to suppress offense, so don't be surprised if his numbers don't improve all that much this season. Mironov spent the last five seasons playing in the KHL. He signed with the Avalanche in May and may very well be asked to play a prominent role right away. Meloche scored 16 goals in his final QMJHL season. He joins the rush extremely well and could move through the system quickly. Henry scored 35 goals for Regina this past season. He finished the year with a plus-32 rating and possess a strong all-around offensive game. The 20-year-old Smirnov had been passed over in the draft in the past. He had a big freshman season at Penn State (19 goals, 47 points in 39 games) and has a high ceiling that he is extremely unlikely to ever reach.

DALLAS STARS

1.  Miro Heiskanen - D, HIFK-Finland (17)
2. Julius Honka - D, Texas-AHL (39)
3. Riley Tufte - F, University of Minnesota-Duluth-NCAA (90)
4. Jake Oettinger - G, Boston University-NCAA (108)
5. Denis Guryanov - F, Texas-AHL (111)
6. Jason Robertson - F, Kingston-OHL (145)
7. Roope Hintz - F, HIFK-Finland
8. Colton Point - G, Colgate University-NCAA
9. Gavin Bayreuther - D, St. Lawrence University-NCAA
10. Fredrik Karlstrom - F- AIK-Sweden
Sleeper: Joe Cecconi - D, University of Michigan-NCAA

Overview: Dallas' system looks a whole lot better after the addition of Heiskanen and Oettinger. Tufte, Guryanov, and Robertson all have high ceilings and low floors. The Stars are in pretty good shape when you take into account all the talent that is currently on their NHL roster.

Oettinger was the only goaltender in this past June's draft that I had a first-round grade on. He flashed far more good than bad in his freshman season at BU and Dallas' signing of Ben Bishop to a long-term contract will allow Oettinger plenty of time to develop. Guryanov's first AHL season (12 goals, 27 points in 57 games would have to be considered a success. His offensive tools are evident, but consistency and defensive awareness remain an issue. The later two will have to improve before he gets a realistic shot with the NHL club. Robertson is a pure sniper with skating issues. He has a big shot and excels on the power play, but he really lumbers around the ice. Hintz signed his entry-level deal in May and should play this season in North America. He is a big body (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) and a smart player who should develop into a third-liner who can add 12-15 goals per season. Point played just ten games for Colgate, but he looked strong when given an opportunity. We won't get a true read on his abilities until he is asked to shoulder a heavier work load. Bayreuther drew massive interest as an undrafted collegiate free agent after four years at St. Lawrence University. I wouldn't be shocked if he played NHL games at some point this coming season. Karlstrom is one player in the system that has a chance to take a significant step forward in 2017-18. He will be tested this year when he gets his first taste of the Sweden's top league. Cecconi was a key member of Team USA's Gold Medal-winning World Junior team. He offers nothing offensively, but he is a bruising defenseman who is strong in his own end. This will be his junior season with the Wolverines.

MINNESOTA WILD

1.  Kirill Kaprizov - F, Salavat Yulaev-KHL (5)
2. Jordan Greenway - F, Boston University-NCAA (33)
3. Luke Kunin - F, University of Wisconsin-NCAA (65)
4. Joel Eriksson Ek - F, Farjestad-Sweden (97)
5. Ivan Lodnia - F, Erie-OHL (121)
6. Gustav Bouramman - D, Sault Ste. Marie-OHL
7. Louis Belpedio - D, Miami (Ohio)-NCAA
8. Kaapo Kahkonen - G, Lukko-Finland
9. Mason Shaw - F, Medicine Hat-WHL
10. Justin Kloos - F, University of Minnesota-NCAA
Sleeper - Dmitri Sokolov - F, Sudbury-OHL

Overview: The depth of the Wild's forward group is the envy of the league. The list tails off heavily after the first five names and there is no high-level defensive or goaltending prospects in the system, but other clubs would kill for half of what Minnesota has up front.

Lodnia was one of my favorite players available in the most recent draft. He has far more talent than his numbers (57 points in 66 games) with Erie would indicate and I expect a hefty increase in production as his role expands this season. Bouramman's drop in production is concerning when you take into account that he played for a good team in Sault Ste. Marie. He isn't physical, so he isn't going to be a ton of use to the Wild if he isn't helping out offensively. Minnesota against tried to get Belpedio to leave Miami (Ohio) and he again declined. The Wild now run the risk of him becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer if they can't get him signed. Kahkonen has been a full-time starter in the Finnish league for the last two years. He has the size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) that NHL teams covet. Shaw is an undersized playmaker who is likely nothing more than a very good junior player. Kloos will turn 24 years old at the end of November, so he has to hit the ground running in his first AHL if he has any hope of making it to Minnesota. Sokolov scored 48 goals for Sudbury while playing nearly the entire season as an 18-year-old. He was the 196th overall pick last summer.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

1.  Eeli Tolvanen - F, Sioux City-USHL (27)
2. Vladislav Kamenev - F, Milwaukee-AHL (30)
3. Juuse Saros - G, Nashville-NHL (34)
4. Dante Fabbro - D, Boston University-NCAA (51)
5. Yakov Trenin - F, Gatineau-QMJHL (107)
6. Pontus Aberg - F, Milwaukee-AHL (138)
7. Samuel Girard - D, Shawinigan-QMJHL (166)
8. Frederick Gaudreau - F, Milwaukee-AHL
9. Grant Mismash - F, US NTDP
10. David Farrance - D, US NTDP
Sleeper: Emil Pettersson - F, Vaxjo-Sweden

Overview: Nashville's system is crazy deep, and features a mix of high-probability prospects and longer-term upside plays. They have built up both their NHL roster and their prospect pool in the correct way.

Trenin has size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds and terrific hands. He is also still struggling with bringing his "A" game every night. His ceiling is that of a  top-50 prospect. Aberg has world-class speed and appears to be a lock to be a useful NHL player in some capacity. Girard led all QMJHL defensemen in points with 75. He has 130 assists over the past two seasons. He is essentially a forward playing defense, but Girard isn't far away from helping the Nashville power play. Gaudreau is going to get overhyped because of what he did in the playoffs, but he should help Nashville this coming season as a bottom-six forward. Mismash got better as the season progressed and by the end of the year he was one of the US NTDP's most important players. He has a very high hockey-IQ and is committed to the University of North Dakota. Farrance, a Boston University commit, is an undersized, puck-moving defender who is built for the "new NHL". Pettersson posted 38 points in 51 SHL games this past year and he is due to begin this coming season in the AHL.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

1.  Tage Thompson - F, University of Connecticut-NCAA (43)
2. Jake Walman - D, Providence University-NCAA (50)
3. Vince Dunn - D, Chicago-AHL (59)
4. Klim Kostin - F, Moscow Dynamo-KHL (67)
5. Ville Husso - G, Chicago-AHL (69)
6. Jordan Kyrou - F, Sarnia-OHL (80)
7. Jordan Schmaltz - D, Chicago-AHL (174)
8. Robert Thomas - F, London-OHL (200)
9. Nolan Stevens - F, Northeastern-NCAA
10. Evan Fitzpatrick - G, Sherbrooke-QMJHL
Sleeper: Niko Mikkola - D, KalPa-Finland

Overview: The Blues system is in pretty good shape considering they have been one of the better teams in the league over the past many years. Their top six is particularly impressive. It thins out quickly after that however and depth is an issue.

Schmaltz spent the majority of the season in the AHL, although he did get into nine regular games with the Blues. I think he will develop into a good fourth-defenseman who can help out on the power play. Thomas is as defensively responsible as any forward who was taken this past June. He thinks the game at an extremely high level, but his long-term upside is limited. Injuries limited Stevens to just 17 games for Northeastern, but he was highly productive (10G, 22P) when healthy. The Blues will have to get him under contract next summer or they run the risk of him becoming an unrestricted free agent. Fitzpatrick was the 59th overall selection in 2016, but the numbers throughout his junior career have been abysmal. He has size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), but little else. I'm not expecting a sudden breakthrough. Mikkola has a long reach and tends to keep things simple with the puck on his stick. He is slated for at least two more seasons in his native Finland.

WINNIPEG JETS

1.  Kyle Connor - F, Manitoba-AHL (7)
2. Erik Foley - F, Providence University-NCAA (82)
3. Kristian Vesalainen - F, Frolunda-Sweden (129)
4. Jack Roslovic - F, Manitoba-AHL (153)
5. Logan Stanley - D, Windsor-OHL (184)
6. Luke Green - D, Sherbrooke-QMJHL (187)
7. Dylan Samberg - D, Hermantown (HS) Minnesota
8. Jansen Harkins - F, Prince George-WHL
9. Eric Comrie - G, Manitoba-AHL
10. Brendan Lemieux - F, Manitoba-AHL
Sleeper: Sami Niku - D, JYP-Finland

Overview: With plenty of young talent both on their NHL roster and in their system, the Jets are in good shape moving forward. Both Foley and Roslovic had very strong seasons.

Roslovic was one of the AHL's best rookies this past season. He has developed into a better offensive player than I originally expected. Stanley may very well have cracked the top-100 if he didn't miss the majority of the season with a knee injury. He played just 35 games before returning to help Windsor win the Memorial Cup. He has insane size (6-foot-7) and he is still learning how to use his huge frame to his advantage on a consistent basis. With 48 points in 65 games. Green is a talented offensive defenseman who often doesn't get as much done on the ice as he should. Samberg is a defensive horse that stands 6-foot-3 and is still growing. He is off to Minnesota-Duluth. Harkins looks all the world to me like an effective, two-way third-line center, but I thought the same thing about Roslovic and he might be a top-six guy at this point. Comrie hasn't shown anything in his two AHL seasons that would leave you to believe that he is Winnipeg's long-term answer in goal should Connor Hellebuyck falter. Lemieux had 19 points and 130 penalty minutes in his first AHL season. That is roughly what I would expect from him over the course of a full NHL season. I don't think he is going to make an impact as a professional. The 21-year-old (in October) Niku had 27 points in 59 games this past season in the Finnish league. He signed with Winnipeg in May and I think there is a decent chance he spends a chunk of this season in the NHL.

PACIFIC DIVISION

ANAHEIM DUCKS

1.  Jacob Larsson - D, Frolunda-Sweden (41)
2. Max Jones - F, London-OHL (56)
3. Sam Steel - F, Regina-WHL (61)
4. Troy Terry - F, Denver University-NCAA (102)
5. Nicolas Kerdiles - F, San Diego-AHL (152)
6. Kevin Roy - F, San Diego-AHL (178)
7. Maxime Comtois - F, Victoriaville-QMJHL (195)
8. Antoine Morand - F, Acadie-Bathurst-QMJHL (197)
9. Marcus Pettersson - D, Skelleftea-Sweden
10. Josh Mahura- D, Regina-WHL
Sleeper: Brent Gates - F, University of Minnesota-NCAA

Overview: Anaheim's brass must be very comfortable knowing that their system is full of players who are high-probability NHL regulars. Even if some of them don't reach their ultimate ceilings, all ten guys on this list have a realistic chance of contributing at the NHL level in some capacity.

Terry, best remembered for his shootout heroics in the World Juniors, posted 45 points in 35 games for the University of Denver en route to their NCAA Championship. He proved at the WJC that he can play a checking role if needed as well. He just missed cracking the top-100. Kerdiles retains all the ability that made him a top-20 prospect at one point but he has never been able to stay healthy for any significant length of time. Roy's stock has rebounded after a strong (46 points in 67 games) first AHL season. He is shifty and very good on the power play. Comtois did not have a strong draft year. His offensive production went backwards and he now appears to be a role player as opposed to a top-six option. Morand is going to have to add significant weight to his slight frame if he hopes to compete against bigger, stronger defensemen at the professional level. While Pettersson offers very little offensively, it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could be able to help the Ducks later in the season. Mahura might be nothing more than a really good junior defenseman, but I expect him to put up crazy numbers in his final WHL season with Regina. Gates improved considerably in his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota. He is a big body (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) who is better at finishing than setting up his teammates.

ARIZONA COYOTES

1.  Clayton Keller - F, Boston University-NCAA (1)
2. Dylan Strome - F, Erie-OHL (8)
3. Christian Fischer - F, Tucson-AHL (106)
4. Kyle Wood - D, Tucson-AHL (117)
5. Pierre-Olivier Joseph - D, Charlottetown-QMJHL (165)
6. Cam Dineen - D, North Bay-OHL (176)
7. Nick Merkley - F, Kelowna-WHL
8 Jens Looke - F, Timra-Sweden
9. Filip Westerlund - D, Frolunda-Sweden
10. Hunter Miska - G, University of Minnesota-Duluth-NCAA
Sleeper: Patrick Kudla - D, Dubuque-USHL

Overview: Arizona's system is strong, but it isn't all that deep when you take into account that they haven't had a good NHL squad in several years. They do have some real star power at the top of the list in Keller and Strome.

Fischer posted a shocking 47 points in 57 games in his first AHL campaign. He should be a solid NHL player with the skill set to contribute in a multitude of areas. Wood had an excellent first AHL season in which he scored 14 goals. He's 6-foot-5 and can defend, so any offense he provides is just a bonus. Joseph was Arizona's first-round pick (23rd overall) this past June. He is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman that makes smart plays coming out of his own zone. Dineen had a lost 2016-17 season in which a knee injury limited him to 29 OHL games. His offensive skills aren't in question, but he needs increased defensive reps in order to further develop. Merkley has also dealt with injuries over the course of his junior career. He has a good shot and is a good playmaker, but I have reservations about his skating. I think it might hold him back as a pro. Merkley will play this season in the AHL. Looke has played enough against men the past few seasons that I don't think he is going to need more than half a season in the AHL before he is ready to help the Coyotes. Don't expect much offensive production right off the bat. Westerlund's biggest asset is that he makes simple, high-percentage plays in his own zone. Unfortunately he has limited upside across the board. Many people were surprised that Miska decided to leave Minnesota-Duluth after just one season. Arizona has very little in the way of goaltending depth, so he pick the right organization in which to try to make an immediate impact.  Kudla is going the unconventional route of playing collegiate hockey at Arizona St. University. He needs to put on weight, but he should be able to carve out a role for the Sun Devils immediately.

CALGARY FLAMES

1.  Tyler Parsons - G, London-OHL (44)
2. Jon Gillies - G, Stockton-AHL (60)
3. Adam Fox - D, Harvard-NCAA (74)
4. Juuso Valimaki - D, Tri-City-WHL (123)
5. Oliver Kylington - D, Stockton-AHL (136)
6. Rasmus Andersson - D, Stockton-AHL (140)
7. Mark Jankowski - F, Stockton-AHL (177)
8. Spencer Foo - F, Union College-NCAA
9- Dillon Dube - F, Kelowna-WHL
10. Andrew Mangiapane - F, Stockton-AHL
Sleeper: Mitchell Mattson - F, Bloomington-USHL

Overview: The Flames have both goaltending and defensive depth, but their lack of quality forward prospects is highly concerning.

Valimaki is a two-way talent who gets into trouble when he forces things and tries to do too much. Expect big offensive numbers in the WHL this season. Kylington's second year in the AHL was better than his first, but he remains more projection than present production at this point. He is talented enough to take a significant step forward in year three. Andersson is a better player than Kylington right now, but he doesn't have his long term upside. The Swede gets into trouble when he overthinks the game and doesn't keep things simple. Jankowski posted 27 goals and 56 points in his first AHL season. He is unlikely to ever live up to his billing of the 21st overall pick in 2012, but he still has a chance to turn into a useful NHL player - perhaps as soon as this year. Foo, who signed with Calgary as an undrafted free agent this summer, was a Hobey Baker Finalist in 2016-17 after posting 62 points in 38 games for Union. While Dube is a creative player and a hard worker, his skating may limit his effectiveness as a professional. It was a strong AHL debut (41 points in 66 games) for Mangiapane. He is unlikely to reach his ceiling, but he theoretically has top-six potential. Mattson has size (6-foot-4, 195 pounds), but he has struggled to score in the USHL. We will have to see if things improve in his freshman season at the University of North Dakota.

EDMONTON OILERS

1.  Kailer Yamamoto - F, Spokane-WHL (81)
2. Caleb Jones - D, Portland-WHL (105)
3. Ethan Bear - D, Seattle-WHL (124)
4. Ostap Safin - F, Sparta Praha-Czech (144)
5. Aapeli Rasanen - F, Sioux City-USHL
6. Tyler Benson - F, Vancouver-WHL
7. Stuart Skinner - G, Lethbridge-WHL
8. Dmitri Samorukov - D, Guelph-OHL
9. Markus Niemelainen - D, Saginaw-OHL
10. Ziyat Paigin - D, AK Bars Kazan-KHL
Sleeper: Joe Gambardella - F, University of Massachusetts-Lowell-NCAA

Overview: The depth of the Oilers system is in shambles, but that is the result of them forcing their younger players into immediate duty the past few seasons. Any team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl up front is in good shape moving forward.

Jones logged heavy, effective minutes for Team USA at the World Juniors and he had a strong season for Portland. He won't overwhelm you in any one area, but he plays a gritty, physical game and he has offensive ability. Bear posted a ridiculous 28 goals and 70 points this past season en route to being named WHL Defenseman of the Year. I was highly concerned by what I saw from Bear (and the rest of his teammates) in the Memorial Cup, but it could have simply been the result of them tiring down at the end of a long season. I love Safin's long-term potential, but his play is moody and inconsistent. He is highly unlikely to reach his massive ceiling, but he is well worth the risk with a fourth-round pick. It was a mild shock that Rasanen lasted until the 153rd overall pick in the 2016 draft. He is the one forward in the Edmonton system that would seem to have a chance to take a significant step forward this season when he debuts at Boston College. Even if you can get past Benson's skating issues, there is no doubt he would be labeled as injury prone. He has played a combine 63 games over the past two seasons. Skinner is an Edmonton native. His numbers for Lethbridge have been poor, but he is extremely athletic. Samorukov left his native Russia to spend this past season in Guelph. He has size (6-foot-2) and a big shot. Niemelainen checks in at 6-foot-6 and he can make the game look easy at times, but he is more tools than present production. He will return to his native Finland for 2017-18 after spending the past two years in the OHL. Paigin began last season in the KHL and finished it in the AHL. His upside is limited but he is 6-foot-6 and could spend a portion of this season in Edmonton. Gambardella got progressively better over his four years at U-Mass Lowell. He is a creative center and he is difficult to knock off the puck.

LOS ANGELES KINGS

1.  Gabe Vilardi - F, Windsor-OHL (15)
2. Kale Clague - D, Brandon-WHL (116)
3. Cal Petersen - G, University of Notre Dame-NCAA
4. Jaret Anderson-Dolan - F, Spokane-WHL
5. Michael Eyssimont - F, St. Cloud State-NCAA
6. Paul LaDue - D, Ontario-AHL
7. Mike Amadio - F, Ontario-AHL
8. Jacob Moverare - D, Mississauga-OHL
9. Markus Phillips - D, Owen Sound-OHL
10. Alex Iafallo - F, University of Minnesota-Duluth-NCAA
Sleeper: Boko Imama - F, Saint John-QMJHL

Clague is an offensive defenseman that remains a work in progress in his own zone. He had a strong season for Brandon (40 points in 48 games) and a strong performance for Canada at the World Juniors. Petersen signed with the Kings as an unrestricted collegiate free agent after he failed to come to terms with the Sabres. Given the lack of goaltending depth in the LA system, he picked the right team if he hopes to reach the NHL in the near future. Anderson-Dolan will probably put up big offensive numbers throughout his junior career but I don't expect that at the professional level. He is a great teammate and should be for a fine role player for the Kings. Eyssimont didn't improve as much in his second collegiate season at the Kings would have hoped. He is a candidate to take a step forward in his junior campaign. LaDue, a former sixth-round pick, has the looked of a future NHL regular, albeit it one who probably won't put up a ton of points. Amadio posted a 50-goal season in his junior days and he was productive (41 points in 68 games) in his first AHL campaign. I expect Moverare to produce more offensively in his second season in North America. He can log big minutes but his skating is questionable. Phillips is another safe bet that lacks long-term upside. Iafallo was an average player throughout his collegiate career before exploding for 51 points in 42 games in his senior season at UMD. The breakout was probably a fluke. Imama is a physical power forward who scored 41 goals for Saint John to help them win the QMJHL Championship. There might be enough here for him to carve out a career as a fourth-liner at the NHL level.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

1.  Danny O'Regan - F, San Jose-AHL (110)
2. Max Letunov - F, University of Connecticut-NCAA (119)
3. Josh Norris - F, US NTDP (179)
4. Dylan Gambrell - F, University of Denver-NCAA (182)
5. Radim Simek - D, Bili Tygril Liberec-Czech
6. Ivan Chekhovich - F, Baie-Comeau-QMJHL
7. Jeremy Roy - D, Blainsville-Boisbriand-QMJHL
8. Mario Ferraro - D, Des Moines-USHL
9. Noah Gregor - F, Moose Jaw-WHL
10. Filip Sandberg - F, HV71-Sweden
Sleeper: Cavan Fitzgerald - D, Shawinigan-QMJHL

Overview: San Jose is the only team in the league without a top-100 prospect. The Sharks rarely draft high and the lack of high-end depth in their system reflects that.

O'Regan was named AHL Rookie of the Year after posting 58 points in 63 games. He led all AHL rookies in scoring and he is going to be given a chance to carve out a significant role on the Sharks this year. Letunov has lots of natural ability, but he is coming off a poor sophomore year at UConn. He needs to bounce back in a major way. Norris is a two-way forward who keeps himself in peak physical condition. He has a high floor and low ceiling. The odds probably about 50/50 that Gambrell will find himself in the top-100 at some point this coming season. His production actually dropped for Denver (42 points in 38 games), but he was still an integral part in their winning the NCAA Championship. The 24-year-old Simek had multiple NHL clubs interested in him after a third straight solid season in the Czech league. His 11 goals led all defensemen. The fact that Chekhovich, who was viewed by many as a third-round prospect, slipped to 212th overall is suspicious. Keep an eye on his situation moving forward. Roy is a high-probability NHL'er, but he has average size (6-feet, 180 pounds) and I don't see all that much upside with him. Ferraro made the USHL All-Rookie Team this past year. He is a terrific athlete who is off to U-Mass Amherst to play alongside Colorado top-five pick Cale Makar. Gregor's numbers were strong for Moose Jaw (27 goals, 61 points) but injuries limited him to just 52 games. Sandberg wasn't drafted due to his lack of size, but he busts his tail every shift and he is a terrific passer. Born in Boston, Fitzgerald spent the past three seasons in the QMJHL. He scored 15 goals for Shawinigan in 2016-17 and he should begin this season in the AHL.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

1.  Brock Boeser, F-University of North Dakota-NCAA (2)
2. Elias Pettersson - F, Timra-Sweden (40)
3. Thatcher Demko - G, Utica-AHL (47)
4. Olli Juolevi - D, London-OHL (48)
5. Jonathan Dahlen - F, Timra-Sweden (73)
6. Nikolay Goldobin - F, San Jose/Utica-AHL (127)
7. Michael DiPietro - G, Windsor-OHL (172)
8. Kole Lind - F, Kelowna-WHL (188)
9. Jonah Gadjovich - F, Owen Sound-OHL (191)
10. Philip Holm - D, Vaxjo-Sweden
Sleeper: Jalen Chatfield - D, Windsor-OHL

Overview: A pair of slick trades (Dahlen, Goldobin) and a shrewd free agent signing (Holm) have added depth to what was a very top-heavy Vancouver system. I'm not optimistic about Vancouver's chances of competing this year, but help is on the way.

Goldobin was never able to find his footing in San Jose, but he was a worthwhile risk for a team with little forward depth such as the Canucks. He has never scored with any consistency as a pro, but he is a legitimate top-six talent. DiPietro was fantastic in leading Windsor to the Memorial Cup Championship. He isn't tall (6-feet), but he makes all of the necessary saves when it matters most. Lind is a smart, underappreciated winger. There isn't much flash to his game, but he manages to put up points nonetheless. Gadjovich is a massive kid (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) who scores 46 goals for Owen Sound this past year. He has the size and physicality to impact a game even when he isn't putting the puck in the net. Holm led the SHL in plus/minus (plus-24) and was a member of Sweden's Gold Medal winning team at the World Championship. I expect him to spend the majority of this season in the NHL. Chatfield signed with Vancouver as an undrafted free agent. On a team loaded with first-round picks and high-end prospects, there were games last season where he was by far one of the Spits best players. He should begin this season in the AHL.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

1.  Nick Suzuki - F, Owen Sound-OHL (54)
2. Cody Glass - F, Portland-WHL (55)
3. Alex Tuch - F, Iowa-AHL (58)
4. Erik Brannstrom - D, HV71-Sweden (71)
5. Nikita Gusev - F, SKA St. Petersburg-KHL (93)
6. Keegan Kolesar - F, Seattle-WHL (118)
7. Nic Hague - D, Mississauga-OHL (190)
8. Jake Leschyshyn - F, Regina-WHL
9. Lucas Elvenes - F, Rogle Jr.-Sweden
10. Oscar Dansk - G, Rogle-Sweden
Sleeper: Reid Duke - F, Brandon-WHL

Kolesar was dealt from Columbus to Vegas in June in exchange for a second-round pick. He is a tough, strong power forward who had an excellent playoff for Seattle. He will begin this coming year in the AHL. Hague has huge size (6-foot-6, 215 pounds) but is a below-average skater. He has the look of a competent third-pairing defender. Leschyshyn is mature beyond his years and a terrific teammate but he is limited offensively and it's difficult to see him as anything more than a depth player as a pro. Elvenes led the Swedish U20 league in scoring (45 points in 41 games) this past season. Dansk, a former top prospect with Columbus, returned to Sweden the past two seasons is an attempt to find his game. He ceiling remains high, but he is highly unlikely to ever reach it. Duke isn't really a prospect, but he gets the "sleeper" honor since he was officially the first player in Vegas Golden Knights history.