NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 300 Prospects
Sep 20, 2015; Providence,RI, USA; New Jersey Devils center Pavel Zacha (37) skates with the puck against the Boston Bruins during the first period at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 300 Prospects Yet to Make A True NHL Impact
NHL’s 2015-16 Calder class is the strongest in recent history, inspiring the idea for an NHL player power ranking highlighting the top 300 prospects yet to make an impact with their big club. Just two months ago, the top prospects list looked very different, but a lot of young guys have made significant impacts early into the new 2015-16 season.
Any top prospects list is strictly opinion by the writer (or group of writers). No matter what our knowledge on a prospect, there are numerous variables (nhl roster depth, development, etc.) that decide a player’s fate. There are also those rare prospects that have excellent offseasons, and steal a roster spot out of no where (i.e. Vancouver’s Ben Hutton).
Oct 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Oscar Lindberg (24) high fives the bench after his goal during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Looking over THN’s (The Hockey News) 2015-16 preseason prospect rankings, the evidence is clear. New York’s Oscar Lindberg was ranked 6th on the Rangers top 10 prospects list, projected for just 23 points. Chicago’s Marko Dano was expected to open the season with the big club and produce over 40 points in a top-six role.
Nashville’s Austin Watson was ranked 7th on the Predators prospects list, not expected to have an NHL impact at all. New Jersey’s Sergey Kalinin was a wild-card somewhat comparable to Ben Hutton, but was still projected for 17 points. Pittsburgh’s Daniel Sprong was expected to be returned to junior. The Blues Joel Edmundson ranked 6th on St.Louis’ prospect list, not expected to have an NHL impact.
NHL player power rankings are subjective, constantly changing with new guys emerging all the time, particularly with prospects. Even the scouts that get paid to watch these players are prone to making mistakes. It’s difficult to look at a teenager and project the future of a young man, or where they may fit on the future depth chart
For sake of the countdown, players currently on NHL rosters (exception to temporary call-ups to replace an injured player), or certain players that have spent the majority of the new 2015-16 season with their NHL club are exempt. The below omissions include some players that played significant NHL games in 2014-15 as well. For example, why include Ryan Strome (who was somewhat recently sent to Bridgeport for a short-stint), when we’ve seen him play a significant amount of time (50 points last season).
Below is a list of the most notable omissions from these NHL player power rankings. It’s not a list of all omissions, but highlighting specific players still considered “prospects”. These are the borderline players that cases could be made for why they should or should not be part of the top 300.
The focus of these NHL player power rankings is strictly talent. This isn’t a countdown for who’s going to have the best/most productive career. It’s also not a list for who is closest to being NHL ready. Some players ranked in the 200’s could be much closer to making an NHL impact than a top 25 player.
Statistics were obtained from Hockeydb.com and EliteProspects.com
Nov 16, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Nick Ritchie (37) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Noteable Ommissions:
Ready to be full-time NHL’er(?)
F Nick Ritchie, Anaheim Ducks
D Josh Manson, Anaheim Ducks
D Stefan Elliott, Arizona Coyotes
D Klas Dahlbeck, Arizona Coyotes
F Frank Vatrano, Boston Bruins
D Joe Morrow, Boston Bruins
F Ryan Spooner, Boston Bruins
F Andrew Miller, Edmonton Oilers
D Jake McCabe, Buffalo Sabres
G Joni Ortio, Calgary Flames
D Brett Pesce, Carolina Hurricanes
F Marko Dano, Chicago Blackhawks
F Viktor Tikhonov, Chicago Blackhawks
F Kerby Rychel, Columbus Blue Jackets
F William Karlsson, Columbus Blue Jackets
F Dennis Everberg, Colorado Avalanche
F Brett Ritchie, Dallas Stars
F Radek Faksa, Dallas Stars
D Jyrki Jokipakka, Dallas Stars
D Jamie Oleksiak, Dallas Stars
D Alexey Marchenko, Detroit Red Wings
D Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton Oilers
D Darnell Nurse, Edmonton Oilers
F Sergei Plotnikov, Pittsburgh Penguins
F Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
F Anton Slepyshev, Edmonton Oilers
F Iiro Pakarinen, Edmonton Oilers
D Derek Forbort, Los Angeles Kings
F Tyler Graovac, Minnesota Wild
F Colton Sissons, Nashville Predators
F Sergey Kalinin, New Jersey Devils
F Matt Puempel, Ottawa Senators
F Shane Prince, Ottawa Senators
D Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
F Taylor Leier, Philadelphia Flyers
F Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers
F Ty Rattie, St.Louis Blues
F Nikolay Goldobin, San Jose Sharks
F Joonas Donskoi, San Jose Sharks
F Barclay Goodrow, San Jose Sharks
D Scott Harrington, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Hunter Shinkaruk, Vancouver Canucks
F Stanislav Galiev, Washington Capitals
F Nic Petan, Winnipeg Jets
F Andrew Copp, Winnipeg Jets
F Jared McCann, Vancouver Canucks
F Jake Virtanen, Vancouver Canucks
Honorable Mentions:
D Marcus Pettersson Anaheim Ducks
F Henrik Samuelsson, Arizona Coyotes
F Jakub Forsbacka-Karlsson, Boston Bruins
F Sean Kuraly, Boston Bruins
D Linus Arnesson, Boston Bruins
D Will Borgen, Buffalo Sabres
F Bill Arnold, Calgary Flames
D Brandon Hickey, Calgary Flames
F Garret Ross, Chicago Blackhawks
F Josh Anderson, Columbus Blue Jackets
D Andrew Bodnarchuk, Columbus Blue Jackets
D Michael Downing, Florida Panthers
F Corban Knight, Florida Panthers
F Joel Lowry, Los Angeles Kings
D Carson Soucy, Minnesota Wild
D Adam Pelech, New York Islanders
F Kirill Petrov, New York Islanders
D Mark Alt, Philadelphia Flyers
D Matthew Spencer, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Casey Bailey, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Zach Hyman, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Chandler Stephenson, Washington Capitals
Next: 300-291
300. G Matej Tomek, Philadelphia Flyers
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Taken 90th overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Played for NAHL’s Topeka Roadrunners in 2014-15, but has committed to University of North Dakota for the 2015-16 season.
299. D Tyrell Goulbourne, Philadelphia Flyers
Selected 72nd overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Goulbourne spent five seasons with WHL Kelowna Rockets. He enters his first season of pro hockey in 2015-16 suiting up for AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
298. F Greg Chase, Edmonton Oilers
Taken 188th overall in the 7th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Played just over four years with WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, before playing with the Victoria Royals in his last year of junior hockey in 2014-15. Chase is currently with ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals.
297. F Kyle Baun, Chicago Blackhawks
This undrafted free agent was signed in March 2015 out of ECAC’s Colgate University. The last name should sound familiar though, family ties with the great ex-Leaf Bobby Baun. After a short stint with Chicago to start the year, Baun is now with AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.
296. F Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning
Selected 72nd overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Cirelli has entered his second season with OHL’s Oshawa Generals in 2015-16. He had 36 points in 68 games in 2014-15, and is scoring just below a point per game pace part way through the new season.
295. D Aaron Irving, Nashville Predators
Taken 162nd overall in the 6th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. In 2015-16, Irving is playing in his fourth season with WHL Edmonton Oil Kings. He had a down year in 2014-15, but looks poised to bounce back this season.
294. F Ryan Collins, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 47th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Collins put up nine points in 32 games with the University of Minnesota as a rookie in 2014-15. He’s now in his second season playing NCAA hockey.
Sep 21, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) and Calgary Flames defenseman Jakub Nakladal (33) fight for position during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Edmonton Oilers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
293. D Jakub Nakladal, Calgary Flames
Undrafted free agent signed in May 2015 as a 27-year-old out of Finland. He’s spent time in the Czech league, KHL, and SM-Liiga before signing with the Flames. In 2015-16, he’s split time between the AHL and NHL.
292. F Nikita Korostelev, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 185th overall in the 7th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Korostelev was a late-round steal once projected to go in the first few rounds, before slipping late in the season. He’s not guaranteed to pan out, but does have an excellent offensive upside.
291. F Gabriel Dumont, Montreal Canadiens
Now 25, Dumont was taken 139th overall in the 5th round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Entering his sixth year of pro hockey, time may be running out for this aging prospect. He put up 45 points in 66 games with AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs in 2014-15.
Next: 290-281
290. D Jordan Subban, Vancouver Canucks
Taken 115th overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The youngest of three NHL Subban brothers, Jordan is entering his first year of pro hockey with AHL Utica in 2015-16. He spent the last four seasons with the now defunct Belleville Bulls.
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289. F Dmytro Timashov, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 125th overall in the 5th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Timashov had a decent showing at last season’s Memorial Cup, followed by an excellent preseason with Toronto. The Maple Leafs potentially hit three home runs in the late rounds of this past summer’s draft (Timashov, Desrocher, Korostelev).
288. F Alexander Dergachyov, Los Angeles Kings
Taken 74th overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Dergachyov burst onto the scene with strong performances representing Russia’s U20 team in 2014-15. In 2015-16, he’s playing for SKA St.Petersburg in the KHL.
Sep 21, 2015; Victoria, British Columbia, CAN; San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Carpenter (40) reaches for the puck against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Matt Bartkowski (44) during the second period at Q Centre. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
287. F Ryan Carpenter, San Jose Sharks
Signed in March 2014 after three solid seasons with Bowling Green State University. He appeared in 74 games in 2014-15 for AHL Worcester, producing 34 points. Early into the 2015-16 AHL season, Carpenter has seen an increase in scoring productivity.
286. F Louis Belpedio, Minnesota Wild
Taken 80th overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after spending time with U.S National Development Team/Under-18 Team. He committed to Miami (Ohio) University and is now entering his 2nd season of college hockey. He’s seen a massive jump in scoring productivity in 2015-16.
285. D Zac Leslie, Los Angeles Kings
Taken 178th overall in the 6th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Guelph Storm. Leslie has offensive upside from the back-end, but will likely need time to better develop his defensive side. He’s entering his first year of pro with AHL’s Ontario Reign in 2015-16.
284. D Sergei Boikov, Colorado Avalanche
Taken 161st overall in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs. The young blue-liner has nearly doubled his point per game pace early into the new 2015-16 junior season.
283. F Ondrej Kase, Anaheim Ducks
Taken 205th overall in the 7th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from Czech league’s Chomutov Pirati. In 2015-16, Kase has joined AHL’s San Diego Gulls looking to have easily transitioned to North American style play putting up solid scoring productivity.
282. F Blake Pietila, New Jersey Devils
After being taken 129th overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Pietila committed to four seasons at WCHA’s Michigan Tech. In 2015-16, Pietila is entering his first year of pro hockey with AHL’s Albany Devils producing at a moderately good pace.
281. F Giorgio Estephan, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 152nd overall in the 6th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Buffalo may have hit a late-round steal with this young man playing for WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. He’s in his fourth year with Lethbridge in 2015-16.
Next: 280-271
280. F Frederik Gauthier, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 21st overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Gauthier has quickly been sliding down prospect charts. He’s entering his first year of pro hockey with AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2015-16. But at this point, he projects to be a bottom six third-line power forward at best.
279. D Devante Stephens, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 122nd overall in the 5th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. At 6’2 170lbs, this young defenseman will need a few years of development in the AHL after he’s done with junior.
278. F Robin Kovacs, New York Rangers
Taken 62nd overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden1’s AIK. Kovacs has represented Sweden with a few different teams, joining the under 20 squad in 2015-16, while also jumping up a league to play in the Allsvenskan. He’s also appeared in one game for Rogle of the SHL (Swedish Elite League).
277. F Dominic Turgeon, Detroit Red Wings
Originally taken 63rd overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Turgeon is entering his 5th season with WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. He’s serving as team captain in 2015-16 after being wearing the “A” last season. Dominic is the son of former NHL’er Pierre Turgeon, and uncle Sylvain. He will also represent team USA at this year’s World Juniors.
276. D Robert Hagg, Philadelphia Flyers
Taken 41st overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. He made an appearance with AHL Adirondack in 2013-14 before earning a full-time gig with Lehigh Valley last season. He produced 20 points in 69 games from the back-end in 2014-15.
275. G Marcus Hogberg, Ottawa Senators
Originally taken 78th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Hogberg has been playing in Sweden, currently skating with Linkopings HC in SweHL. At 6’5 210lbs, Marcus has represented Sweden internationally putting up solid numbers.
274. F Adam Gilmour, Minnesota Wild
Taken 98th overall in the 4th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft out of high school. He’s since entering his third season at Boston College. In 2013-14, Gilmour produced 20 points in 40 games as a rookie in NCAA hockey, followed up by 27 points in 38 games last season. At 6’3 193lbs, there’s still some frame to fill out before he’s NHL ready.
273. F Dylan Sadowy, San Jose Sharks
Taken 81st overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Sadowy entered his 4th season with OHL’s Saginaw Spirit in 2015-16. In 2013-14, Sadowy put up 36 points, followed up with 74 points in 2014-15. He continues to score above a point per game pace in 2015-16.
272. Michael Mersch, Los Angeles Kings
Originally taken 110th overall in the 4th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Mersch spent four seasons playing college hockey with the University of Wisconsin, before getting his first full season of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Manchester Monarchs. He had 45 points in 76 games last year.
271. Aaron Haydon, Dallas Stars
Taken 154th overall in the 6th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Haydon is entering his 4th season with OHL’s Niagara IceDogs in 2015-16. At 6’4 200lbs, this young two-way defender has serious NHL potential.
Next: 270-261
270. F Grayson Downing, Minnesota Wild
A college free agent signing in March 2015 by Minnesota from the University of New Hampshire. He scored at a near point per game pace in his last season of NCAA hockey. He’s shown promise early into 2015-16 with AHL’s Iowa Wild.
269. D Blake Siebenaler, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 77th overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He’s entering his third season in 2015-16 with OHL’s Erie Otters. Sibenaler is a two-way defenseman with good offensive instincts.
Jan 29, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Petr Straka (51) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
268. F Petr Straka, Philadelphia Flyers
Originally taken 55th overall in the 2nd round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Straka played his junior career for QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic (three years) and Baie-Comeau Drakkar (one year). He also represented the Czech Republic internationally for five straight years and four different squads (U-16, U-17, U-18 x2, and U-20 x2). He’s entered his third season of pro hockey (AHL) in 2015-16 with Philadelphia’s affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He did appear in three games for the Flyers last season, tallying two assists.
267. F Justin Bailey, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 52nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Bailey is a big rugged forward that saw increases in point production each season of junior. He spent two full seasons with OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, and split his final season between Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie. He enters his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16 with AHL’s Rochester Americans, and could see a few games with Buffalo towards the end of the season.
266. D Vojtech Mozik, New Jersey Devils
The 22-year-old Czech defenseman was signed as an undrafted free agent in June 2015. The big physical defenseman (6’2 190lbs) saw his point totals double in 2014-15 with Plzen HC of the Czech league. He’s off to a solid start with AHL’s Albany Devils in his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16.
265. F Stefan Noesen, Anaheim Ducks
Originally taken 21st overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Noesen was part of the trade that sent Jakub Silfverberg to Anaheim, and Bobby Ryan to Ottawa. He was a productive OHL scorer back in junior, but is still trying to adjust the speed of professional hockey as he enters his second full season in the AHL. In 2015-16, Noesen is suiting up for Ducks new AHL affiliate San Diego Gulls.
Sep 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Viktor Loov (65) tries to control the puck against Ottawa Senators forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
264. D Viktor Loov, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 209th overall in the 7th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Loov is best described as a two-way defenseman. He spent several years climbing the ranks of the best Swedish leagues before playing in the SHL (Swedish Elite) in 2013-14. He made the move to North America in 2014-15 playing for AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Loov had a pretty solid preseason showing in 2015-16 and could see time with the big club in a year or two.
263. D Brycen Martin, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 74th overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Martin has entered his 5th season with WHL’s Saskatoon Blades in 2015-16. Brycen has seen a huge increase in point production early into the new season.
262. D Jacob Middleton, Los Angeles Kings
Taken 210th overall in the 7th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Middleton is playing in his 4th OHL season with Ottawa 67’s in 2015-16. A solid two-way defenseman with decent offensive instincts from the back-end. Jacob will likely need to pay his dues for a few seasons with AHL’s Ontario Reign but has shown promise with a steady increase in point production over the last three years.
261. D Kevin Gravel, Los Angeles Kings
Committed to WCHA’s St.Cloud State after being taken 148th overall in the 5th round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He played four years of college hockey before playing his first full season of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Manchester Monarchs. At 6’4 200lbs, Gravel could make for a decent bottom pair option down the road on the Kings blue-line.
Next: 260-251
260. F Eric Cornel, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 44th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Cornel had a slightly down year in 2014-15, but still managed a respectable 52 points. Playing in his 4th season with OHL’s Peterborough Petes in 2015-16, Cornel has been off to a hot start early on. If he can develop his play without the puck and defensive game in general, Buffalo could have a diamond in the rough.
259. F Brandon Ranford, Dallas Stars
Taken 209th overall in the 7th round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Ranford spent six seasons with WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. He’s since entered his third year of pro hockey with Dallas’ AHL affiliate in Texas. He exploded with 51 points in 73 games in 2014-15, and is already off to another hot start in the new season.
258. F Roope Hintz, Dallas Stars
Taken 49th overall in the 2nd round at this past summer’s draft, Hintz is a Finnish prospect highly regarded as an offensive threat. He represented Finland at the World Juniors in 2014-15, and will do the same in December/January. He’s playing in the SM-Liiga (Finnish Elite League) this season, and could make the jump to North America next season.
257. G Dan Vladar, Boston Bruins
Drafted 73rd overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Vladar is a Czech goalie that represented their national squad at the U-18’s last year. In 2015-16, Daniel made the jump to North America joining USHL’s Chicago Steel. He’s been putting up excellent numbers early into the 2015-16 season.
256. F Alan Quine, New York Islanders
Quine was actually drafted twice (3rd round by Detroit in 2011, 6th round by NY Islanders in 2013). He’s entered his third season of pro hockey in 2015-16, suiting up for AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He saw his AHL production nearly triple in 2014-15 when he tallied 61 points in 75 games. He’s hovering around the point per game pace early into the new season.
255. F Adam Helewka, San Jose Sharks
Taken 106th overall in the 4th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Helewka enters his 4th season with WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. He played a three game stint with AHL San Jose to begin 2015-16, but has since rejoined WHL Spokane where he’s producing over a point per game pace early into the season.
254. D Vili Saarijarvi, Detroit Red Wings
Taken 73rd overall in 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Saarijarvi is an intelligent offensive minded defenseman. He played in the USHL with Green Bay in 2014-15, but has since joined the OHL’s Flint Firebirds in 2015-16. It’s worth noting that he’s almost scoring at a point per game pace 1/3 of the way into the new season.
253. D Ryan Shea, Chicago Blackhawks
Taken 121st in the 4th round at this past summer’s draft from Boston high school hockey, Shea has since committed to USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms (he appeared in two games at the end of 2014-15 with them) for the 2015-16 season. Beyond that, Ryan Shea has committed to NCAA hockey in 2016-17 when he’ll suit up for Northeastern University. Chances are, Blackhawks fans will one day see this young man on the blue-line, although he’s a bit of a project not due until much later down the road.
252. F Charles Hudon, Montreal Canadiens
Selected 122nd overall in the 5th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from Chicoutimi Sagueneens. He began his pro career in 2014-15 and produced 57 points in 75 games. He’s now suiting up for Montreal’s new AHL affiliate St.John’s IceCaps.
251. F Gabriel Gagne, Ottawa Senators
Taken 36th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Gagne enters his 4th season with QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres in 2015-16. He’s got a knack for being a goal scorer, putting up 35 goals and 59 points in 2014-15. If he can better develop his defensive game, Gabriel could be a steady contributor for the Senators at some point.
Next: 250-241
Sep 20, 2015; Providence,RI, USA; New Jersey Devils center John Quenneville (47) upends Boston Bruins center Ben Sexton (58) during the second period at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
250. F John Quenneville, New Jersey Devils
Taken 30th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Quenneville is entering his 4th season with WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings in 2015-16. His production dipped slightly in 2014-15, but he’s bounced back 1/3 of the way into the new season producing over a point per game early on.
249. F Tobias Lindberg, Ottawa Senators
Taken 102nd overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He played the 2013-14 season with Djurgardens IF J20 in Sweden before making the leap to North America in 2014-15 to join OHL’s Oshawa Generals. The big framed 6’2 200lbs winger had an immediate impact with 78 points in 67 games. He’s since joined Ottawa’s AHL affiliate Binghampton Senators in 2015-16, looking good early into the new season.
248. F Kevin Roy, Anaheim Ducks
Taken 97th overall in the 4th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft after scoring 104 points in 59 games with USHL’s Lincoln Stars. He’s since entering his 4th season with Northeastern University, but is off to a slow-start in 2015-16 after scoring above a point per game pace in each of the last two seasons.
247. G Ville Husso, St.Louis Blues
Taken 94th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Husso is a Finnish-born goaltender that plays in his home country. He’s played internationally at the World Juniors the past two seasons, and puts up incredible statistics playing for HIFK of the SM-Liiga (Finnish Elite League).
246. D Tommy Vannelli, St.Louis Blues
Taken 47th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft after playing for the U.S. National Development Team. Vannelli then went on to put up two productive seasons from the back-end with WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. In 2015-16, Vannelli entered his first season of pro hockey with AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
245. F Brett Pollock, Dallas Stars
Taken 45th overall in 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Pollock enters the 2015-16 season suiting up for WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings in his 4th season with the club. He’s seen steady increases in production over the last couple seasons, and is matching a point per game pace 1/3 of the way into the new 2015-16 season.
244. F Riley Barber, Washington Capitals
Taken 167th overall in the 6th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Barber spent the last three seasons with Miami (Ohio) University scoring at or above a point per game. He’s since entered his first season of pro hockey in 2015-16 with AHL’s Hershey Bears.
Sep 21, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie (7) fights with Edmonton Oilers left wing Mitchell Moroz (53) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
243. F Mitch Moroz, Edmonton Oilers
Taken 32nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Moroz enters his 2nd second of pro hockey in 2015-16 playing for Edmonton’s AHL affiliate. He’s a physical gritty power forward with bottom six aspirations, but has a potential to play an important third-line role for this young Oilers team.
242. F Jeremy Bracco, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 61st overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Bracco is an undersized forward with excellent offensive talent and skill. He’s drawn comparisons to Tampa Bay’s Tyler Johnson, and Leafs fans are hoping the new scouting regime found one of what could be several gems from this past summer’s draft.
241. G Tom McCollum, Detroit Red Wings
Taken 30th overall in the 1st round at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, McCollum now enters his 7th season of pro hockey in 2015-16. Goalies are known to take longer to develop, but McCollum has shown steady development with AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. He’s doesn’t project to be anything more than a backup in the NHL, but it could make moving one of Jimmy Howard or Petr Mrazek that much easier.
Next: 240-231
240. F Teddy Blueger, Pittsburgh Penguins
Taken 52nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Bluegar is entering his 4th season with WCHA’s Minnesota – Mankato State University in 2015-16. The big 6’0 center should get his first taste of pro hockey in 2016-17, and the Latvian could have an impact with Pittsburgh in a few years.
Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Dakota Sioux goaltender Zane Gothberg (31) makes a save as Minnesota Gophers forward Kyle Rau (7) looks for rebound during the first period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
239. F Kyle Rau, Florida Panthers
Taken 91st overall in the 3rd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Rau committed to four years at the University of Minnesota after being drafted, and played a short 7 game stint with AHL San Antonio in 2014-15. He’s off to a hot start in his first full season of pro hockey with AHL’s Portland Pirates in 2015-16.
238. F Phil Di Giuseppe, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 38th overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He spent three seasons playing for the University of Michigan, before getting his first full season of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. He’s now entered his second season in the AHL and has seen a spike in point production.
237. F Brenden Kichton, Winnipeg Jets
Twice drafted, first as a 5th rounder in 2011 to NY Islanders, then as a 7th rounder in 2013 to Winnipeg. He spent five years in the WHL playing for Spokane, and has spent the last two seasons playing pro hockey with AHL’s St.John’s IceCaps. He’s joined the Jets new affiliate Manitoba Moose in 2015-16 and is off to a hot-start early into the new season.
Nov 18, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Alex Burmistrov (6) collides with Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) and Vancouver Canucks forward Alexander Grenier (65) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
236. F Alexandre Grenier, Vancouver Canucks
Taken 90th overall in the 3rd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Grenier has just recently made his NHL debut in 2015-16. Although his stint likely won’t last long, fans will get a sneak peak at this young man.
235. F Nicolas Roy, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 96th overall in the 4th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Roy is massive 6’4 195lbs center. In 2015-16, he’s representing QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens for the third year, and is off to a productive start in the new season.
234. F Adam Tambellini, New York Rangers
Taken 65th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft out of the BCHL. He spent the next season at the University of North Dakota, before spending the last two years with WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. He enters his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16 with New York’s AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack.
233. G Kevin Poulin, Calgary Flames
Poulin was taken 126th overall in the 5th round at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He spent five seasons with New York’s AHL affiliate Bridgeport, but was claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay at the beginning of the 2015-16 season. He was later traded to Calgary, where he now skates with the Flames AHL affiliate in Stockton. He likely doesn’t project to be anything much more than a decent backup at best.
232. F Keegan Kolesar, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 69th overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Kolesar joined WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds for a 4th season in 2015-16. He’s a bit of a raw talent that just keep getting better. Early into the new season, Kolesar is one of the bigger surprises in the WHL scoring above a point per game.
231. F Yakov Trenin, Nashville Predators
Trenin was taken 55th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry draft. He’s playing his second season with QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques in 2015-16. Last year in 2014-15, Trenin tallied 67 points in 58 games. He’s off to a slow-start in the new season, but should come around in the last 2/3 of 2015-16.
Next: 230-221
230. G Callum Booth, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 93rd overall in the 4th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Booth entered his third season with QMJHL’s Quebec Ramparts in 2015-16. His junior stats aren’t anything to get excited about, but make no mistake, Callum is a very talented goaltender.
229. F Daniel Audette, Montreal Canadiens
Taken 147th overall in the 5th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Daniel is the son of former NHL’er Donald Audette. He’s entering his 4th season with QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix in 2015-16, and has been highly productive scoring at over a point per game pace. He’s got some work to do with his defensive skills, but has excellent offensive upside.
228. F Julius Nattinen, Anaheim Ducks
Taken 59th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft out of Finland. He made the leap to North America in 2015-16 joining the OHL’s Barrie Colts, where he’s currently producing over a point per game. He’s got international experience with Finland, and has drawn comparisons to Anze Kopitar from scouts (although not the same offensive ceiling).
227. F Joseph Blandisi, New Jersey Devils
Originally drafted 162nd overall in the 6th round in 2012 by Colorado, Blandisi was still left without a contract after he produced 112 points in 68 games with OHL’s Barrie Colts in 2014-15. Instead, the New Jersey Devils signed the 21-year-old prospect who is now thriving with the Devils AHL affiliate in Albany.
226. F Graham Knott, Chicago Blackhawks
Taken 54th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Knott has suited up for his 4th season with OHL’s Niagara IceDogs in 2015-16. He’s a 6’4 190lbs winger that’s solid on the defensive side of the puck, but leaves something be desired with his offensive skills. He could one day develop into a decent bottom six forward.
225. F Kael Moullierat, Pittsburgh Penguins
An undrafted college free agent that has spent the last five seasons with various AHL teams (Texas, Bridgeport, and St.John’s). He also appeared in a six game stint with the Islanders in 2014-15. He was signed by Pittsburgh in the summer of 2015 joining Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL, but he could see time with Pittsburgh at some point in the new season.
224. F Joe Whitney, New York Islanders
Former New Jersey draft pick now with the Islanders organization after failing to pan out. He’s tearing apart the AHL early into 2015-16, but this could just be another Jason Krog, dominating the American Hockey League but unable to fit in the NHL. A chance of falling completely off the list if he gets a shot with the big club and is unable to contribute.
223. G Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals
Taken 39th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from Czech2’s HC Benatky nad Jizerou. He’s represented the Czech Republic internationally (U-17, U-18, U-20) and could be the starter at this year’s World Juniors. He made the jump to North American hockey in 2015-16, joining ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays.
222. F Jansen Harkins, Vancouver Canucks
Selected 47th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Harkins was highly regarded as a first round talent. He was the furthest fall of any top-talent player at the draft, but Vancouver got excellent value for this big young center. He entered his 4th season with WHL’s Prince George Cougars in 2015-16.
221. G Jordan Binnington, St.Louis Blues
Taken 88th overall in the 3rd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. He’s entered his third season of pro hockey in 2015-16 suiting up for Blues AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves. He put up enormous numbers with ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings in 2013-14, and followed that up with very similar statistics in the AHL in 2014-15 with Chicago.
Next: 220-211
220. D Jake Chelios, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)
Now 24, son of former NHL legend Chris Chelios, Jake was never drafted and remains unsigned for now. He had a productive season with USHL’s Chicago Steel back in 2009-10 (his draft year). He then went on to play four seasons at Michigan State hoping to lock down a contract as a college free agent. Instead, he spent 2014-15 playing with AHL’s Chicago Wolves without an NHL contract. He continues to do the same in 2015-16 with Carolina’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte. Carolina would be wise to sign the young man with their lack of defensive depth.
Sep 20, 2015; Providence,RI, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood (31) makes a save against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
219. G Scott Wedgewood, New Jersey Devils
Selected 84th overall in the 3rd round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Plymouth Whalers (now in Flint). Wedgewood played his first pro season in the ECHL, but has since joined AHL Albany Devils the past couple seasons.
218. G Eric Comrie, Winnipeg Jets
Taken 59th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Comrie sits 4th on arguably the deepest goaltending group in the NHL. At some point, Winnipeg is likely to move one of Ondrej Pavelec, Michael Hutchinson, or Connor Hellebuyck. Comrie spent five seasons with WHL’s Tri-City Americans, but entered his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16 filling the role of backup with AHL’s Manitoba Moose. He’ll see starter minutes for the next month or two with Ondrej Pavelec injured.
217. F Ryan Donato, Boston Bruins
Selected 56th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Ryan is the son of former NHL’er Ted Donato. Ryan spent a bit of time in the USHL in 2014-15, but has committed to Harvard University for 2015-16. He could end up being one of those rare NHL alumini from an Ivy League School once he’s ready to play.
216. D Kyle Capobianco, Arizona Coyotes
Taken 63rd overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Capobianco is an excellent two-way defenseman. He’s currently playing for OHL’s Sudbury Wolves in his third season in 2015-16. It may be a handful of years before he’s NHL ready, but he’s got solid potential.
Sep 20, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Cameron Gaunce (43) skates the puck in his own zone with pressure from Nashville Predators center Max Reinhart (25) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
215. D Cameron Gaunce, Florida Panthers
Selected 50th overall in the 2nd round at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by Colorado, Gaunce recently signed with Florida this past summer. He’s played two short NHL stints with Colorado and Dallas. In 2015-16, he’s suited up for AHL’s Portland Pirates and is off to a hot start early into the season.
214. F Jujhar Khaira, Edmonton Oilers
Taken 63rd overall in the 3rd round at the 2012 NHL Entry draft out of the BCHL. He spent the season after his draft year with Michigan Tech, before joining WHL’s Everett Silvertips in 2013-14. He got his first full season of pro hockey experience in 2014-15 with AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons, and is now in his second AHL season, this year with Bakersfield. At 6’4 215lbs, the Oilers are hoping he can develop his game.
213. F Tyler Bertuzzi, Detroit Red Wings
Selected 58th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Bertuzzi finished his final year of junior in 2014-15 with OHL’s Guelph Storm, producing 98 points in 68 games. He’s joined AHL’s Grand Rapid Griffins in 2015-16, and will likely pay his dues before getting a shot at the big club.
212. D Travis Dermott, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 34th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Dermott is a solid two way defenseman with a stronger offensive upside. In 2014-15, he put up 45 points in 61 games with OHL’s Erie Otters. He’s joined Erie once again in 2015-16, and looks poised to earn a spot on the Canadian World Juniors team.
211. F Dominik Uher, Pittsburgh Penguins
Selected 144th overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. Uher spent a couple seasons representing the Czech Republic internationally, but has since entered his 4th season of pro hockey with AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Next: 210-201
210. F Nicklas Jensen, Vancouver Canucks
Taken 29th overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Jensen enters his 4th season of professional hockey in 2015-16 with AHL’s Utica Comets. The 6’3 202lbs Danish winger has developed slower than expected, but could still have an impact with the big club.
209. G Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets
Rewind two years, Oscar Dansk is the top goaltending prospect for Columbus. His game fell apart in North America, and Anton Forsberg emerged as the top netminder with marginally good performances. 2015-16, and in comes Joonas Korpisalo, former 2012 3rd rounder, making a case for top goaltender in the system already.
Mar 14, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Mackenzie Skapski (70) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
208. G Mackenzie Skapski, New York Rangers
Taken 170th overall in the 6th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Skapski put up great numbers in junior playing for WHL’s Kootenay Ice. He spent most of 2014-15 in the AHL, but also appeared in a couple games for the Rangers when Henrik Lundqvist went down. He had a great 2014-15 statistically, but has since fallen off the map in 2015-16, struggling at the start in the AHL, and more recently continuing to struggle in the ECHL.
207. F Ryan MacInnis, Arizona Coyotes
Son of one of the hardest slap shot’s the NHL has ever seen, Ryan’s father Al MacInnis was a force on the blue-line. However, Ryan is a 6’4 185lbs center that continues to show off his offensive talents in 2015-16 with OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. A less talked about prospect in the Yotes system, but NHL bloodlines draw intrigue.
206. G Jusse Saros, Nashville Predators
Taken 99th overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft out of Finland. Saros has represented his country internationally on several stages in the past five years. He’s since made the jump to North America in 2015-16 joining AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, where he’s putting up decent stats early on.
205. G Louis Domingue, Arizona Coyotes
Selected 138th overall in the 5th round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Domingue currently sits third on the Coyotes depth chart. Domingue split his junior career between QMJHL’s Moncton and Quebec. He’s entering his 4th season of pro hockey after spending the first couple in the ECHL. Domingue appeared in seven games for Arizona in 2014-15, and is starting for AHL’s Springfield Falcons in 2015-16.
204. D Alex Peters, Dallas Stars
Selected 75th overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Peters was one of the highest risers on draft boards in 2013-14. He showcased his defensive abilities in the 2013-14 CHL prospects game, and could project to be a solid shut down defender somewhere in the future.
203. D Trevor Carrick, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 115th overall in the 4th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Carrick spent most of his junior career with Mississauga, but spent his last OHL year with Sudbury. He got his first full season of professional hockey in 2014-15 with AHL Charlotte, and is off to a hot start in 2015-16.
202. F Radovan Bondra, Chicago Blackhawks
Selected 151st overall in the 5th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Radovan could prove to be yet another late-round steal in what could one day go down as the deepest draft in NHL history. No relation to NHL legend Peter Bondra, but Radovan has represented Slovakia internationally the past couple seasons. He’s since joined WHL Vancouver for the 2015-16 season and is off to a decent start.
201. D Mikael Wikstrand, Ottawa Senators
A late 7th round steal from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Wikstrand is a solid two-way Swedish defenseman. Sweden just keeps pouring out quality defenseman. He’s still playing in Europe in 2015-16, so he’ll likely need a year or two in the AHL to get adjusted to North American style hockey.
Next: 200-191
200. F Nikita Soshnikov, Toronto Maple Leafs
The summer of 2015 brought forth a large number of KHL signings/transfers. Toronto’s prized piece was Soshnikov coming from Atlant Mytishchi in the KHL, where he produced 32 points in 57 games in 2014-15. He’s since joined AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2015-16, scoring around 0.5 point per game pace partial way into the new season.
199. D Julius Bergman, San Jose Sharks
Selected 46th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. Bergman transferred to North America in 2014-15, joining OHL’s London Knights, where he tallied 42 points in 60 games. In 2015-16, Bergman has begun his professional career with AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.
198. F Mario Lucia, Minnesota Wild
Taken 60th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Lucia spent one year in the BCHL after being drafted before committing to Notre Dame. He’s currently in his 4th season of NCAA hockey, and at 6’3 205lbs, Lucia has the potential to be an impact player for Minnesota two or three years down the road.
197. D Darren Dietz, Montreal Canadiens
Selected 138th overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Dietz spent four seasons with WHL’s Saskatoon Blades, and was a highly productive blue-liner. He’s since entering his second season of AHL action in 2015-16 with St.John’s, and could develop into an full-time NHL’er in the next two to three years.
196. F Matthew Peca, Tampa Bay Lightning
Taken 201st overall in the 7th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft after a productive season with Pembroke in the CCHL. Peca then committed to Quinnipiac University for the next four seasons. He made a short 8 game stint with AHL’s Syracuse Crunch in 2014-15, tallying four points in eight games. He continues the productivity in 2015-16 in his first full AHL season in Syracuse.
Sep 25, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing Ronalds Kenins (41) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
195. F Ronalds Kenins, Vancouver Canucks
Kenins was signed by Vancouver in 2013 after a strong showing with ZSC Lions of the Swiss League in 2012-13. He’s spent numerous seasons representing Latvia internationally, and got his first taste of NHL action in 2014-15 with the Canucks. He’s begun the 2015-16 season with AHL’s Utica Comets, and could be a useful bottom six forward sometime in the near future.
194. G Kristers Gudlevskis, Tampa Bay Lightning
Selected 124th overall in the 5th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft after an impressive showing on the international stage representing Latvia. Gudlevskis enters his third season of professional hockey in 2015-16, and has already made two NHL appearances providing hope that he may one day be a quality backup goalie.
193. G Antoine Bibeau, Toronto Maple Leafs
Taken 172nd overall in the 6th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Bibeau spent his QMJHL career with a few different clubs before getting his first full year of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Toronto Marlies. He put up decent stats as a rookie, and considering Toronto’s current goaltending situation, fans are hoping Bibeau can develop into a decent netminder.
192. F Erik Cernak, Los Angeles Kings
Selected 43rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Cernak is a Slovakian-born player with plenty of international experience. In 2015-16, Cernak made the transfer to North America, joining OHL’s Erie Otters.
191. G Troy Grosenick, San Jose Sharks
Signed as a college free agent back in 2013 out of Union College where Grosenick put up excellent numbers. He’s since entering his third season of pro hockey in 2015-16 with AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, but he did make a couple appearances with the big club in 2014-15, and looked good.
Next: 190-181
Sep 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (38) scores a goal past Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn (55) during the third period at Amalie Arena. Nashville Predators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
190. F Viktor Arvidsson, Nashville Predators
Taken 112th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. Arvidsson spent several years representing his home country on the international stage before making the leap to North America in 2014-15. He played a short 6 game stint with Nashville in 2014-15 but spent most of the season with AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals. Early into 2015-16, Arvidsson has split time between Nashville and Milwaukee.
189. F Martin Reway, Montreal Canadiens
Selected 116th overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Reway has represented Slovakia internationally for several years, including captaining the U-20 squad in 2014-15. He’s an undersized forward (5’8) with tremendous offensive talent, spending the last two seasons with HC Sparta Praha in the Czech league.
188. D Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 120th overall in the 4th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He was drafted from USHL’s Chicago Steel where he spent three seasons. He’s spent his last two seasons with NCHC’s Colorado College. He’s off to a hot start in his first year of pro with AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. He’s most recently enjoying a stint with the big club, so we’ll see how long his NHL stint lasts.
187. F Ryan Gropp, New York Rangers
Selected 41st overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Gropp has begun his 3rd season with WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds in 2015-16, coming off 58 points in 57 games in 2014-15.
186. G Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh Penguins
Taken 44th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. He spent four seasons in junior before starting his first professional hockey career in 2015-16 with AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He’s played well to begin the new season backing up Matt Murray.
185. F Sebastien Collberg, New York Islanders
Selected 33rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. Collberg possesses incredible offensive instincts with a high hockey IQ. He played internationally over five seasons, including three years with the Swedish U-20 team. He’s entered his 2nd season of professional North American hockey in 2015-16, suiting up for New York’s AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
184. F Filip Chlapik, Ottawa Senators
Taken 48th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Chlapik was thought of by some scouts as a first round talent. Both Chlapik and Jansen Harkins saw their stock drop on draft day. In 2015-16, Filip re-joins Charlottetown in the QMJHL after scoring 75 points in 64 games in 2014-15.
183. G Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
Selected 118th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from SKA St.Petersburg of the KHL. Shesterkin (Shestyorkin) played well for Team Russia at last year’s World Juniors putting up an impressive 1.98 GAA and .938 save percentage in five games. In 2015-16, he began the season playing for VHL’s SKA-Neva St.Petersburg.
182. G Alex Nedeljkovic, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 37th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Nedeljkovic is an American-born goaltender. In 2015-16, Alex is suiting up for OHL’s Flint Firebirds, and while his junior stats are less than impressive, he’s got the potential to be an NHL starter down the road.
181. D Vince Dunn, St.Louis Blues
Selected 56th overall in the 2nd roun at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Dunn was one of big risers on scouts charts in 2014-15. His offensive skills were on full display last season, tallying 56 points in 68 games from the back-end. Re-joining OHL’s Niagara IceDogs in 2015-16, Dunn is scoring close to a point per game pace 20 games into the season.
Next: 180-171
180. F Zack Mitchell, Minnesota Wild
Mitchell went undrafted after five seasons playing with OHL’s Guelph Storm. In 2014, Minnesota signed the undrafted free agent, and he joined AHL affiliate Iowa Wild, where he produced 35 points in 76 games in 2014-15. In 2015-16, he’s in second season of professional hockey with Iowa.
179. D Gustav Forsling, Chicago Blackhawks
Taken 126th overall in the 5th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. He’s represented his home country with four different teams (U-16, U-17, U-18, U-20 x2). In 2015-16, Forsling enters his second season with Linkoping HC of the SHL (Swedish Elite League).
Apr 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Joey Hishon (38) reacts to a goal past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling (33) in the second period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
178. F Joey Hishon, Colorado Avalanche
Selected 17th overall in the 1st round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. He was a highly productive player in junior, but has yet to live up to expactations in what is now his 4th season of professional hockey, suiting up for AHL’s San Antonio Rampage in 2015-16.
177. F Nick Bapstiste, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 69th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. Baptiste enters his first full season of professional hockey with AHL’s Rochester Americans in 2015-16.
176. F J.T. Compher, Colorado Avalanche
Selected 35th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Compher enters his third season with the University of Michigan in 2015-16. One of the more underrated prospects in the Avs system, Compher could be an impact player at some point in the future.
175. Alex Lintuniemi, Los Angeles Kings
Taken 60th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Lintuniemi, that once developed could play a key role for the Kings as a solid two-way defenseman (some work to be done). In 2015-16, he’s suiting up for ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs.
174. F Jordan Szwarz, Arizona Coyotes
Selected 97th overall in the 4th round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Szwarz is entering his 5th season of pro hockey in 2015-16, and has played a couple short stints with the big club. He’s developed slowly, and while no guarantees he pans out, the potential is still there.
173. F Brian Ferlin, Boston Bruins
Taken 121st overall in the 4th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Indiana Ice after producing 73 points in 55 games back in 2010-11. Ferlin committed to three years playing for Cornell University before joining the Baby Bruins in the AHL last season. Ferlin was thought of by some fans to be a favorite to win a roster spot out of training camp in 2015-16, but has opened the season in Providence.
172. Anton Forsberg, Columbus Blue Jackets
Still sitting as the Blue Jackets top goaltending prospect, young Korpisalo is starting to nip at his heels. Forsberg has some NHL experience with Columbus, but spent most of 2014-15 with their AHL affiliate.
171. F Nick Sorensen, Anaheim Ducks
This Danish-born forward was selected 45th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Quebec Ramparts. He’s also got Swedish background, and has represented them for several years internationally on the junior stage. After being drafted, Sorensen took the route less travelled by going abroad to play in the SHL (Swedish Elite League). He’s since entered his second season playing in Sweden for the 2015-16 season.
Next: 170-161
170. F Nick Cousins, Philadelphia Flyers
Taken 68th overall in the 3rd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Cousins managed to top 100 points (103) in his last year of junior, but is since entering his third year of pro hockey with AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He’s scoring well above a point per game pace early into the new 2015-16 season.
Oct 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Stuart Percy (50) with the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
169. D Stuart Percy, Toronto Maple Leafs
Selected 25th overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Mississauga St.Michael’s Majors (name since changed). Percy has entered his 4th season of pro hockey with AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2015-16. He could be a mainstay on the Leafs back-end in a year or two.
168. G Jack Campbell, Dallas Stars
Taken 11th overall in the 1st round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Campbell has lost some of his star power with mediocre seasons in the OHL and AHL. He’s since entering his 4th season with Texas, and at 23, still has a few years to fully develop his game. He’s not the stud prospect he used to be though.
167. F Scott Wilson, Pittsburgh Penguins
Selected 209th overall in the 7th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OJHL’s Georgetown Raiders. Wilson went on to play three seasons at H-East’s UMass-Lowell before starting his pro career in 2014-15 joining Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He’s scoring above a point per game pace early into the new AHL season.
166. F Cole Schneider, Ottawa Senators
Signed as a college free agent from the University of Connecticut to join AHL’s Binghamton Senators in 2011-12. He’s had two highly productive seasons in the minors, and continues to be productive at the start of 2015-16.
165. F Christian Fischer, Arizona Coyotes
Taken 32nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. Fischer has since joined the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires in 2015-16, scoring above a point per game pace part way into the new season.
164. D Jack Dougherty, Nashville Predators
Selected 51st overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. Dougherty went on to play one year at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to WHL’s Portland Winterhawks in 2015-16.
163. G Linus Soderstrom, New York Islanders
Taken 95th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Linus has no relation to 1990s Islanders starter Tommy. Linus has slowly been climbing the ranks of various Swedish hockey leagues, this year (2015-16) suiting up in the Allsvenskan.
162. F Justin Auger, Los Angeles Kings
Selected 103rd overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Guelph Storm. Auger has since entered his second season of pro hockey, suiting up for Kings AHL affiliate Ontario Reign in 2015-16.
161. F Remi Elie, Dallas Stars
Taken 40th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s London Knights. In 2014-15, Elie was traded to Erie where he joined Connor McDavid and Dylan Strome to produce 42 points in 28 points. He’s since entered his first season of pro hockey in 2015-16 with AHL’s Texas Stars.
Next: 160-151
160. F Brendan Gaunce, Vancouver Canucks
Selected 26th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s now defunct Belleville Bulls. Gaunce has since entered into his second season of professional hockey, and recently got the call-up from Vancouver.
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159. F Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Philadelphia Flyers
Taken 48th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs. In 2014-15, Aube-Kubel tallied 80 points in 61 games, and has since re-joined them in 2015-16.
158. D Rasmus Rissanen, Carolina Hurricanes
Selected 178th overall in the 6th round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Rissanen represented Finland internationally on several stages before starting his pro career with AHL’s Charlotte Checkers in 2011-12. He’s best described as a defensive defenseman, so he’ll never produce many points, but he’s near NHL ready.
157. D Ian McCoshen, Florida Panthers
Taken 31st overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. He’s since entering his third season with Boston College, and could one day be a solid two-way defender for the Panthers.
156. D Brandon Carlo, Boston Bruins
Selected 37th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Tri-City Americans. Carlo is best described as a two-way defender, skilled on both sides of the puck. He’s taken another step offensively in 2015-16 from the back-end.
Nov 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Dallas Stars center Devin Shore (17) blocks a pass by Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (39) during the third period at TD Garden. The Dallas Stars won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
155. F Devin Shore, Dallas Stars
Taken 61st overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OJHL’s Whitby Fury. He then committed to playing three years at the University of Maine, before joining AHL’s Texas Stars for a short 19-game stint at the end of 2014-15. After racking up 13 points in 14 games with Texas in 2015-16, he’s since been called up by the big club.
154. F Axel Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Selected 196th overall in the 7th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He’s spent some time representing Sweden internationally, and has since joined Skelleftea AIK of the SHL for a second season in 2015-16.
153. F Andrew Mangiapane, Calgary Flames
Playing with the Barrie Colts in the OHL once again in 2015-16, Mangiapane topped 100 points in 2014-15, but slipped to the 6th round of the draft because scouts deem him “too small”. He plays a similar small mans game as Canes forward Nathan Gerbe. No guarantees he becomes a full-time NHL’er, but the talent is there.
152. D Stephen Johns, Dallas Stars
Chicago drafted Johns 60th overall in the 2nd round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He then committed to four years playing NCAA hockey with Notre Dame, before joining AHL’s Rockford IceHogs full-time in 2014-15. This past offseason, Johns was traded to Dallas in the Patrick Sharp deal. He’s off to a hot-start with Dallas’ AHL affiliate in Texas.
151. D Kenney Morrison, Calgary Flames
Signed as a college free agent by Calgary after three seasons with Western Michigan University. He enjoyed a short 10-game stint with Adirondack in 2014-15, producing six points, and has since joined AHL’s Stockton Flames in 2015-16.
Next: 150-141
150. F Nicolas Kerdiles, Anaheim Ducks
Taken 36th overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. He played his next two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, before joining AHL’s Norfolk Admirals full-time in 2014-15. He’s currently suiting up for Anaheim’s new AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.
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149. F Jimmy Vesey, Nashville Predators
Selected 66th overall in the 3rd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from EJHL’s South Shore Kings. Vesey committed to ivy league’s Harvard University, and is now entering his 4th and final season with them. He’s scoring at an incredible pace, but it’s a lower level of competition.
148. F Derek Ryan, Carolina Hurricanes
Now 28, Ryan was signed by Carolina after an excellent season in the SHL in 2014-15. From 2003-2007, Derek suited up for WHL’s Spokane Chiefs scoring just under a point per game pace, although went undrafted. He spent 2007-2011 playing for CIS’s University of Alberta before travelling abroad to play in Austria. After a few strong seasons in Austria, he joined Orebro HK in the SHL (Swedish Elite League) in 2014-15. He’s since wearing the “C” for AHL Charlotte in 2015-16.
147. F Bogdan Yakimov, Edmonton Oilers
Taken 83rd overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the VHL (Russia). He wore the “A” for the U-20 Team Russia squad in 2013-14, before joining Oilers AHL affiliate Oklahoma City in 2014-15. He ended up appearing in one game for Edmonton. He’s since suiting up for Oilers new affiliate in Bakersfield.
146. D Duncan Siemens, Colorado Avalanche
Selected 11th overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. Siemens is a strong, physical two-way defender that would look pretty good beside Tyson Barrie some day down the road.
Oct 1, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Connor Carrick (58) carries the puck up the ice while being defended by Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Washington 6 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
145. D Connor Carrick, Washington Capitals
Taken 137th overall in the 5th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. Carrick enjoyed a 34-game stint with Washington in 2013-14, but has since been playing with their AHL affiliate Hershey. He had 42 points in 73 games last season, and continues to be productive in 2015-16.
144. F Brendan Leipsic, Toronto Maple Leafs
Originally drafted by Nashville back in 2012, Leipsic was acquired by Toronto in the Cody Franson/Mike Santorelli deal in 2014-15. He’s known for playing with a bit of a physical edge, while offering fairly decent offensive skills.
143. G Brandon Halverson, New York Rangers
Taken 59th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He’s since entered his 3rd season of OHL action in 2015-16, and should get his first taste of pro hockey at the end of 2015-16, likely a short stint with AHL Hartford.
142. F Dennis Yan, Tampa Bay Lightning
Selected 64th overall in the 3rd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes. He had 64 points in 59 games in 2014-15, and is now scoring at a higher pace to open the new 2015-16 season.
141. D Ryan Graves, New York Rangers
Taken 110th overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the QMJHL. A solid two-way defender in junior, Graves has since joined AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack in 2015-16, and has looked good thus far.
Next: 140-131
140. F Mark McNeill, Chicago Blackhawks
A first rounder in 2011 (18th overall) from WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders. McNeill began his pro career in 2013-14 with Hawks AHL affiliate in Rockford. He put up 37 points in 76 games as a rookie, followed by a 43 point performance in 2014-15. He’s still in Rockford, but could figure to be part of Chicago’s near future plans.
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-4Sabre Noise
139. G Samuel Montembeault, Florida Panthers
Perhaps a little high in the rankings for this 2015 3rd rounder with less than impressive stats in the QMJHL. Sometimes you have to take a goalie’s CHL stats with a grain of salt, because it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Montembeault could go down as one of the better goalies from this strong draft class when the dust settles.
138. F Phillip Danault, Chicago Blackhawks
Selected 26th overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres. Since, Danault has entered his 3rd season of pro hockey, having seen a steady increase in point production each year.
137. D Dominik Masin, Tampa Bay Lightning
Taken 35th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Peterborough Petes. He had 26 points in 48 games in 2014-15, and has since started his 2nd season of junior in 2015-16.
136. D Raman Hrabarenka, New Jersey Devils
This 23-year-old BelaRussian was never actually drafted after three years playing in the QMJHL. He’s since entering his 4th season of pro hockey with AHL’s Albany Devils and is coming off a solid season in 2014-15 where he produced 27 points in 47 games.
135. F Vladislav Kamenev, Nashville Predators
Selected 42nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from KHL’s Magnitogorsk Metallurg. He’s since made the jump to North America in 2015-16 joining the Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.
134. D Mike Matheson, Florida Panthers
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-23The Rat Trick
Taken 23rd overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints. He then committed to three years at Boston College before joining the Panthers AHL affiliate Portland Pirates in 2015-16.
133. F Brendan Lemieux, Winnipeg Jets
The Former Barrie Colts power forward was orginally drafted 31st overall by Buffalo in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Winnipeg Jets acquired his services via the Evander Kane trade last season. Son of former NHL’er Claude Lemieux, this AHL power forward is getting close to being NHL ready.
132. D Nicolas Meloche, Colorado Avalanche
Selected 40th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He’s been a highly productive defender in major junior thus far, but it could be awhile before Colorado sees this young man.
131. F Laurent Dauphin, Arizona Coyotes
Taken 39th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Dauphin was a point per game player in junior, but has since joined Arizona’s new AHL affiliate Springfield in 2015-16.
Next: 130-121
130. D Brandon Montour, Anaheim Ducks
Selected 55th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. Montour split the 2014-15 season between H-East’s UMass-Amherst, USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, and AHL’s Norfolk Admirals. He’s since started his full-time pro career in 2015-16 playing for the Ducks new affiliate in San Diego, scoring above a point per game pace from the back end part way into the new season.
Sep 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Sven Andrighetto (42) shoots the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 1-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
129. F Sven Andrighetto, Montreal Canadiens
Taken 86th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He’s since entered his 3rd season of pro hockey in 2015-16, enjoying a short stint with the big club replacing the injured Torrey Mitchell. He also appeared in 12 games for Montreal in 2014-15.
128. D Seth Helgeson, New Jersey Devils
Taken 114th overall in the 4th round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. He committed to four years at the University of Minnesota, before starting his pro career in 2013-14 with AHL’s Albany Devils. He appeared in 22 games for New Jersey in 2014-15, and could be a quality bottom pair defender somewhere in the near future.
127. F Christian Thomas, Montreal Canadiens
Selected by the New York Rangers 40th overall in the 2nd round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Thomas began his pro career in 2012-13 with AHL’s Connecticut Whale. Thomas was traded to Montreal for Danny Kristo in the summer of 2013, and is since entering his 3rd season with Montreal’s AHL affiliate. His scoring production has exploded to begin the new 2015-16 season.
126. D Philip Samuelsson, Arizona Coyotes
Originally drafted by Pittsburgh 61st overall in the 2nd round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Chicago Steel. He comes from NHL bloodlines, with father (Ulf), and brother (Henrik) Samuelsson. After two seasons with Boston College, Samuelsson began his pro career in 2011-12 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Philip was traded to Arizona back in December 2014 for Rob Klinkhammer (now with Edmonton). He’s currently enjoying a stint with the Coyotes, but we’ll see how long that lasts.
125. F Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-14Cardiac Cane
Taken 35th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from SM-Liiga’s (Finnish Elite League) Karpat. He’s represented Finland internationally over the past few seasons, and could project to be a top-six winger for the Canes somewhere down the road.
124. D Steve Santini, New Jersey Devils
Selected 42nd overall in 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. He’s since entering his 3rd season with H-East’s Boston College and continues to sky-rocket up the list of Devils prospects. He could one day be a solid shut-down defender for New Jersey.
123. D Jordan Schmaltz, St.Louis Blues
Selected 25th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Schmaltz committed to three years at University of North Dakota, before joining Blues AHL affiliate in Chicago for the 2015-16 season.
122. D Fredrik Claesson, Ottawa Senators
Taken 126th overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He spent several years representing his home nation on the international stage, but is since entering his 4th season of pro hockey with AHL’s Binghampton Senators.
121. F Craig Cunningham, Arizona Coyotes
Originally drafted by Boston 97th overall in the 4th round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Vancouver Giants. He spent three seasons in Providence before splitting the 2014-15 season between Providence and Boston (32 games played), but was claimed off waivers by Arizona in March 2014. After beginning the 2015-16 season with new AHL affiliate Springfield, Cunningham has since been enjoying a stint with the big club.
Next: 120-111
120. D Tyler Wotherspoon, Calgary Flames
Taken 57th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Wotherspoon is now entering his 3rd season of pro hockey in 2015-16, suiting up for new AHL affiliate Stockton Flames.
Sep 22, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Borna Rendulic (71) attempts a shot on Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
119. F Borna Rendulic, Colorado Avalanche
Rendulic is a Croatian-born player that has spent time playing in both Austria and Finland before being signed by Colorado. He enjoyed an 11-game stint with the Avs in 2014-15, and actually made the team out of training camp in 2015-16. He’s since been demoted to AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, and could figure to be a useful bottom-six forward in the near future.
118. F Josh Ho-Sang, New York Islanders
Projected to be a 1st round talent back in 2014, Ho-Sang saw his draft value plummet after questions concerning his character and off-ice issues. Thing didn’t get any better for the young man at 2015’s NHL training camp. Ho-Sang was slotted to start on a line with John Tavares and Anders Lee, but was late to the first skate. GM Garth Snow immediately sent him back to junior. He’s got the talent, but needs to shake the character corcerns if he wants to enjoy a professional career.
117. D Brett Kulak, Calgary Flames
Taken 105th overall in the 4th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Vancouver Giants. Kulak is since entering his 4th season of pro hockey, and actually enjoyed a short stint with Calgary to open the 2015-16 season.
116. F Lucas Lessio, Arizona Coyotes
Selected 56th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Lessio has now entered his 3rd season of professional hockey in 2015-16 suiting up for new AHL affiliate Springfield Falcons. Lessio had a 26 game stint with Arizona in 2014-15, producing five points.
115. G Mason McDonald, Calgary Flames
Taken 34th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after being one of the highest risers on scouts charts in 2013-14. He’s since entering his 3rd season with QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders, and could one day be the answer to Calgary’s goaltending issues (If Gillies doesn’t solve that).
114. F Danny Kristo, St.Louis Blues
Kristo is a former New York Rangers 2nd round draft pick (56th overall) from 2008. His short-stint in the Big Apple didn’t work out, but the change of scenery to St.Louis could be highly beneficial. Already in 2015-16, Kristo is among the points leaders with AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
113. G Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders
Taken 78th overall in the 3rd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from KHL’s Novokuznetsk Metallurg. He’s since joined CSKA Moscow, playing in his 2nd season with them in 2015-16, putting up excellent numbers.
112. F Dominik Simon, Pittsburgh Penguins
Selected 137th overall in the 5th round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the Czech Republic. He’s represented his home country over the past five seasons, but has since joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2015-16.
111. D Noah Juulsen, Montreal Canadiens
Taken 26th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Everett Silvertips. In 2014-15, Juulsen produced 52 points in 68 games, and has since rejoined Everett for the 2015-16 season.
Next: 110-101
110. F Max Friberg, Anaheim Ducks
Selected 143rd overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He played twice for the Swedish U-20 squad before starting his pro career in 2013-14. He’s split time between San Diego and Anaheim in 2015-16 thus far, and could figure into their plans on a full-time basis in 2016-17.
Mar 11, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Emile Poirier (57) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
109. F Emile Poirier, Calgary Flames
Taken 22nd overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques. Poirer began his pro career in 2014-15, and produced 42 points in 55 games as a rookie with Adirondack. He began the 2015-16 season with Flames new affiliate Stockton, but could see significant NHL action at some point very soon.
108. D Gustav Olofsson, Minnesota Wild
Selected 46th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. He spent a season playing for Colorado College in 2013-14, followed by an 8-game stint with AHL’s Iowa Wild. He missed all of 2014-15 due to injury, only appearing in one game. He’s since appeared in one game for Minnesota in 2015-16, but is back playing with AHL’s Iowa Wild.
107. F Nick Schmaltz, Chicago Blackhawks
Taken 20th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. He’s since joined the University of North Dakota, entering his 2nd season of college hockey in 2015-16.
106. D Scott Mayfield, New York Islanders
Selected 34th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms. After spending two seasons with the University of Denver, Mayfield began his pro career in 2013-14. He’s a solid two-way defender that projects to be a bottom pair defender.
105. D Roland McKeown, Carolina Hurricanes
Taken 50th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. He’s since entering his last year of junior in 2015-16 with Kingston, and is already producing at a near point per game rate.
104. G Laurent Brossoit, Edmonton Oilers
Selected 164th overall in the 6th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. Brossoit began his pro career in 2013-14, and now enters his 3rd season as an AHL starter with Edmonton’s new affiliate Bakersfield Condors.
103. F Reid Boucher, New Jersey Devils
Taken 99th overall in the 4th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. He committed to a couple seasons playing for OHL’s Sarnia Sting before joining New Jersey’s AHL affiliate Albany in 2013-14. He made the team out of training camp in 2015-16, as expected, but has since been demoted back to Albany. Boucher could earn a full-time spot in 2016-17.
102. F Jack Roslovic, Winnipeg Jets
Selected 25th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He’s since joined Miami (Ohio) University in 2015-16 where he’s scoring above a point per game pace early into the new season.
101. D Slater Koekkoek, Tampa Bay Lightning
Taken 10th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Peterborough Petes. He appeared in his first season of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. He’s only in his 2nd year with Syracuse in 2015-16 but could be a major piece on the Lightning’s blue-line somewhere in the near future.
Next: 100-91
100. F Adam Erne, Tampa Bay Lightning
Selected 33rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Quebec Ramparts. He was producing over a point per game in his final three seasons of junior, but has since joined AHL’s Syracuse Crunch in 2015-16.
99. F Jayce Hawryluk, Florida Panthers
Taken 32nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. He’s been a point per game player over the last couple seasons, and has since re-joined Brandon in 2015-16.
98. F Denis Gurianov, Dallas Stars
Selected 12th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from KHL’s Lada Togliatti. Alternative spelling is “Guryanov”, and he’s represented Team Russia internationally with their U-17, U-18, and soon to be U-20 squad. He was taken high in one of the deepest drafts in recent history, so he’s going to need to stand out at this year’s World Juniors to prove his value.
97. F Joel Armia, Winnipeg Jets
Originally drafted by Buffalo 16th overall in the 1st round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Armia was part of the deal that sent Evander Kane to Buffalo in 2014-15. Armia is a Finnish forward that put excellent numbers on the international stage over the course of five seasons with four different teams (U-16, U-17, U-18, U-20 x2). In 2015-16, Joel has begun his third season of pro hockey with Jets new AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose.
96. F Mitchell Stephens, Tampa Bay Lightning
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Taken 33rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Stephens produced 48 points in 62 games in 2014-15, and has since re-joined Saginaw for the 2015-16 season.
95. D Jonas Siegenthaler, Washington Capitals
Selected 57th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Sigenthaler is what scouts best describe as a project prospect. He’s a little rough around the edges and has some work to do, but if he pans out, could be an excellent NHL blue-liner.
94. F Linden Vey, Vancouver Canucks
Originally drafted by Los Angeles 96th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. Vey even managed to tally 116 points in his final year of junior in 2010-11. He played in the AHL for two 1/2 years before making his NHL debut with the Kings. Traded in June 2014, Vey went on to play the entire 2014-15 season with Vancouver, appearing in 75 games, producing 24 points. To begin the new 2015-16 season, Vey has been playing for AHL’s Utica Comets, and should see some time with the big club at some point.
Nov 1, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn (23) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2nd period at PNC Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
93. F Brock McGinn, Carolina Hurricanes
Selected 47th overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Guelph Storm. McGinn made his NHL debut in 2015-16, playing alongside Eric Staal, making early contributions before cooling off. He was eventually sent back down to Charlotte, but could see more time with the big club moving forward.
92. D Ville Pokka, Chicago Blackhawks
Originally drafted by the Islanders 34th overall in the 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from Finland. Pokka was part of the deal that sent Nick Leddy to New York. He has international experience representing his home country, but has since entered his 2nd season of pro hockey suiting up for AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.
91. F Nick Paul, Ottawa Senators
Nick is a former 2nd round draft pick by Dallas back in 2013. He was acquired in the Jason Spezza deal. He played his final year of junior in 2014-15 with OHL’s North Bay Battalion, putting up 66 points in 58 games. He’s joined Ottawa’s AHL affiliate Binghamton in 2015-16 to start his pro career.
Next: 90-81
90. F Cole Cassels, Vancouver Canucks
Taken 85th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Oshawa Generals. In his final season of junior, Cassels scored 81 points in 54 games, including a deep playoff run with 31 points in 21 games. He’s since joined Vancouver’s AHL affiliate in Utica for the 2015-16 season.
89. D Gabriel Carlsson, Columbus Blue Jackets
Selected 29th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He’s a stay-at-home defenseman that has worked his way through the ranks of Swedish leagues before securing a full-time SHL (Swedish Elite League) gig in 2015-16.
88. F Conner Bleackley, Colorado Avalanche
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Taken 23rd overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. He’s an excellent two-way center that has a knack for finding the back of the net. He’s since re-joined Red Deer in 2015-16.
87. F Jason Dickinson, Dallas Stars
Selected 29th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Guelph Storm. He was scoring well over a point per game in his last two years of junior, but has since joined AHL’s Texas Stars in 2015-16 for his first full season of pro hockey.
86. F Nick Merkley, Arizona Coyotes
Taken 30th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. He produced 90 points in 72 games in 2014-15, and has since re-joined Kelowna for the 2015-16 season.
Sep 24, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jarred Tinordi (24) checks on Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
85. D Jarred Tinordi, Montreal Canadiens
Former 1st rounder (22nd overall) from back in 2010, Jarred is the son of former NHL’er Mark Tinordi. His development took slower than expected. He finally appears to be NHL ready, but there’s no way of calling him up without risk of exposing him to waivers if he needs to be sent back down. He would be 100% claimed by at least one, if not numerous teams.
84. F Paul Bittner, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 38th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. He managed 71 points in 66 games in 2014-15, and has since re-joined Portland in 2015-16.
83. F Connor Brickley, Florida Panthers
Selected 50th overall in the 2nd round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. He then committed to four years at the University of Vermont, before starting his pro career last season with AHL San Antonio. He produced 47 points in 73 games, which helped earn him a roster spot with Florida out of training camp in 2015-16. He’s since been demoted to new AHL affiliate in Portland.
82. Steve Moses, Nashville Predators
Originally slotted to be a third liner alongside Calle Jarnkrok and Cody Hodgson, plans changed as NHL training camp went on. He was expected to be an impact sniper coming over from the KHL, but unfortunately, Moses was assigned to the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals to begin 2015-16.
81. Connor Brown, Toronto Maple Leafs
Brown is a former 6th round (156th overall) draft pick in 2013 from OHL’s Erie Otters. Scouts and experts credited his 128 point season in 2013-14 largely in part to teammates such as phenom Connor McDavid (Brown served as team captain 2012-2014). Brown quieted his critics in his first year of pro hockey in 2014-15 with AHL’s Toronto Marlies scoring 61 points in 76 games.
Next: 80-71
80. F Sonny Milano, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 16th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He’s since started his pro hockey career in 2015-16, joining Columbus’ AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters. He could be an impact player for the Blue Jackets in a year or two.
79. D Petteri Lindbohm, St.Louis Blues
Selected 176th overall in the 6th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from Finland. He represented his home country on the international stage for the U-18 and U-20 teams. Lindbohm started his pro career in 2014-15, splitting time between St.Louis and AHL’s Chicago Wolves. He’s playing in the AHL to begin the new 2015-16 season.
Oct 2, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Xavier Ouellet (61) skates with the puck chased by Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (71) in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
78. D Xavier Ouellet, Detroit Red Wings
Ouellet is a French-born player that was taken 48th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from the QMJHL. He started his pro career in 2014-15, spending most of the season with Grand Rapids, which included a 23-game NHL stint with Detroit.
He’s started the 2015-16 season in the AHL, but could be a major piece of the Red Wings back-end in the near future.
77. D Brady Skjei, New York Rangers
Selected 28th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S National Development Team. Skjei later committed to playing three years at the University of Minnesota, but recently starter his pro career in 2015-16 with AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. He remains one of the Rangers top prospects.
76. D Ryan Sproul, Detroit Red Wings
Taken 55th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Sproul began his pro hockey career in 2013-14 with AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, and is since entering his 3rd season with them. Sproul comes in slightly higher than Ouellet because of his offensive upside from the back-end.
75. F Oskar Sundqvist, Pittsburgh Penguins
Selected 81st overall in the 3rd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from Skelleftea AIK J18 in Sweden. Sundqvist represented his home country twice at the World Juniors, before finally making the jump to North America in 2015-16 to join AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
74. D Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
Taken 17th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Sanheim tallied 65 points in 67 games in 2014-15, and has since started his 3rd season of WHL action in 2015-16.
73. D Brandon Guhle, Buffalo Sabres
Selected 51st overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders. He’s since entered into his 3rd season of junior hockey in 2015-16, after coming off 32 points in 72 games in 2014-15.
72. D Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
Taken 53rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Barrie Colts. After putting up 64 points in 67 games in 2014-15, some scouts felt Rasmus could be a late first-rounder, but slid down to Calgary, marking one of three value picks (Kylington, Andersson, and Mangiapane).
71. D Nikita Nesterov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Selected 148th overall in the 5th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from KHL’s Chelyabinsk Traktor. Nesterov has since climbed Tampa Bay’s prospect chart since joining AHL’s Syracuse Crunch in 2013-14. He’s played a couple short stints with the Lightning, and figures to be an important piece in the near future.
Next: 70-61
70. F Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets
Taken 17th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms. He’s coming off an 80-point campaign in 2014-15 with Youngstown, and has since joined the University of Michigan in 2015-16, already scoring above a point per game.
69. G Ilya Samsonov, Washington Capitals
The only goalie taken in the 1st round of this past summer’s 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Samsonov could be the best Russian goaltending prospect in long time. He’ll be a player to watch at the upcoming World Juniors.
68. D Jeremy Roy, San Jose Sharks
Selected 31st overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix. Roy is an offensive-minded defenseman that will need to learn to be more responsible his own-end before he makes an NHL impact.
67. F Brendan Perlini, Arizona Coyotes
Taken 12th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Niagara IceDogs. Perlini has a lot of offensive upside and skill that makes him a top six forward candidate for Arizona somewhere in the near future.
66. F Alexander Khokhlachev, Boston Bruins
Selected 40th overall in the 2nd round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. Khokhlachev began his full-time pro career in 2013-14, joining AHL’s Providence Bruins. He’s since put up great numbers in the minors, but his lack of size and physical strength leaves something more to be desired during his short stints with Boston.
65. F Jacob De La Rose, Montreal Canadiens
Taken 34th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from his native Sweden. He captained both the U-18 and U-20 teams, and his leadership and skill-set was on full display during his junior years. He split the 2014-15 season between Montreal and Hamilton, but has since started the new 2015-16 season with Canadiens new AHL affiliate in St.John’s.
Nov 22, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Bud Holloway (52) before the game against New York Islanders at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
64. F Bud Holloway, Montreal Canadiens
Originally drafted by Los Angeles way back in 2006 as a 3rd round pick from WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds (He’s now 27). After spending a few years in the Kings system, Holloway took his talents across the pond to Europe. After a big year in 2014-15 with Bern in the Swiss-A, George “Bud” Holloway was signed by Montreal and has since joined AHL’s St.John’s IceCaps. He is however enjoying a short-stint right now with the big club due to injuries.
63. F Valentin Zykov, Los Angeles Kings
Selected 37th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He’s a Russian-born player that is entering his first season of pro hockey in 2015-16 with Los Angeles’ new AHL affiliate Ontario Reign.
62. D Chris Bigras, Colorado Avalanche
Taken 32nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. Bigras is a gifted offensive blue-liner, much like current Avs defender Tyson Barrie. Finding stay-at-home defensive partners for these young d-men should be top priority.
61. G Jon Gillies, Calgary Flames
Selected 75th overall in the 3rd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Indiana Ice. Gillies went on to commit three years at Providence College, putting up some of the best goaltending stats in the entire country over that span. He’s since joined AHL’s Stockton Heat in 2015-16, and could have a shot at the starter role sooner than expected.
Next: 60-51
60. F Chase De Leo, Winnipeg Jets
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Taken 99th overall in the 4th round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. De Leo scored over 80 points in his last two seasons of OHL action, before joining AHL’s Manitoba Moose in 2015-16.
59. D Samuel Morin, Philadelphia Flyers
Selected 11th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic. Morin is an excellent two-way defenseman, who has since joined AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2015-16.
58. F Jordan Greenway, Minnesota Wild
Taken 50th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He’s 6’5 222lbs, and has since committed to Boston University in 2015-16, but could be a significant piece for Minnesota a little ways down the road.
57. F Jakub Vrana, Washington Capitals
This talented Czech forward was selected 13th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft out of Sweden. He spent a few years climbing the ranks through Swedish leagues, while also representing his native Czech Republic internationally. Vrana played on the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-20 (twice) squad. He’s finally begun his first full-season of pro hockey in North America, suiting up for AHL’s Hershey Bears in 2015-16.
56. D Mike Reilly, Minnesota Wild
Originally taken by Columbus 98th overall in the 4th round at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Reilly never signed his entry-level deal. He eventually became a free-agent, making him one of the prized targets this past offseason. Reilly ended up signing in Minnesota, where he now plays for their AHL affiliate in Iowa. Mike Reilly spent the last three seasons at the University of Minnesota, and was one of college hockey’s standout defenseman.
Jan 4, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins forward Seth Griffith (53) watches his shot against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
55. F Seth Griffith, Boston Bruins
Selected 131st overall in the 5th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s London Knights. Griffith appeared in a 30-game stint with the Bruins last season, putting up 10 points. The 5’9 undersized forward would have likely started the 2015-16 season with Boston had he not gotten injured in preseason. Now back from injury, Seth Griffith is piling up the points down in Providence. The B’s won’t be able to ignore that type of production for too much longer.
54. G Matt O’Connor, Ottawa Senators
Signed as a college free agent in May 2015 from Boston University, where in his last season, O’Connor went 25-4-4 with a 2.18 GAA and .927 save percentage. He began the 2015-16 season in Ottawa filling in for injured goalie Andrew Hammond. Matt made his NHL debut, starting one game. He’s since joined Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in Binghamton.
53. F Ryan Hartman, Chicago Blackhawks
Taken 30th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. Hartman is a gritty power forward that began his pro career in 2014-15 with AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. He’s had a couple short stints with Chicago, but still needs a year or two of development.
52. F Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Pittsburgh Penguins 2014 first rounder was shipped to Toronto in this past summer’s Phil Kessel deal. He’s the son of former NHL’er Sami Kapanen, and shows shades of his father with excellent speed. The Maple Leafs are not in a hurry with prospects, so he’s likely to be another year or two with AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
51. D Jacob Larsson, Anaheim Ducks
Taken 27th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. Larsson has spent the past few years climbing the Swedish ranks, finally landing a full-time gig in the SHL (Swedish Elite League) in 2015-16. He’s a good two-way defenseman, with high character and good leadership skills. He’s represented Sweden on several stages internationally. He could be a stud blue-liner for the Ducks eventually.
Next: 50-41
50. F Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota Wild
Selected 20th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. A big smart center that has climbed the ranks in Sweden, where he’s finally settled in 2015-16 with Farjestad BK in the SHL (Swedish Elite League). He should be a star for Sweden at this year’s World Juniors.
49. D Anthony DeAngelo, Tampa Bay Lightning
Taken 19th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sarnia Sting. At 5’11 DeAngelo is on the smaller side for defenseman, but possesses elite offensive abilities from the back-end. He’ll be any everyday NHL’er once he figures out how to be more responsible in his own end.
48. F Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers
Projected to be a top 10 pick by some scouts and experts, Konecny fell to Toronto at 24 before Philadelphia felt compelled to jump in, and trade up to draft him. He played on a marginally good Ottawa 67’s team in the OHL, that eventually got knocked out in five games in 2014-15 playoffs. But the 67’s lacked talent for Konecny to play with, which ultimately hurt his draft stock. At 5’10 175lbs, he could be a productive top-six forward at some point with Philadelphia.
47. F Colin White, Ottawa Senators
Taken 21st overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He’s since committed to Boston College, where he’s already emerged into one of college hockey’s top players early into the new 2015-16 season.
46. F Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins
The second of three unusual consecutive picks made by the Bruins at this past summer’s draft. Taken 14th overall from WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, DeBrusk put up 81 points in 2014-15. He’s the son of former NHL’er Louie DeBrusk, and has since re-joined the Broncos for 2015-16. He’s also a likely candidate to represent Team Canada at this year’s World Juniors.
45. F Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Selected 23rd overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. He put up 68 points in 57 games in 2014-15, and has since joined the University of North Dakota in 2015-16. Canucks management are hopeful that Boeser could be the piece missing on the top-line alongside the aging Sedin twins.
44. F Alex Tuch, Minnesota Wild
Taken 18th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Under-18 Team. He’s since entered into his second season with Boston College in 2015-16, coming off 28 points in 37 games in 2014-15. At 6’4 220lbs, Tuch is a smart two-way forward, that projects to be a significant piece of Minnesota’s future plans.
43. F Anthony Beauvillier, New York Islanders
The Islanders felt compelled to trade up to 30th at this past summer’s 2015 draft in order to take Beauvillier. He’s in his third season with QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes in 2015-16, coming off a 94-point campain in 2014-15.
42. F Sergey Tolchinsky, Carolina Hurricanes
Tolchinsky was signed by Carolina in 2013 after going undrafted. In 2013-14, Tolchinsky put up 91 points with OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, followed up with 95 points in 2014-15. He’s since joined Canes AHL affiliate in Charlotte in 2015-16.
41. F Zachary Senyshyn, Boston Bruins
Selected 15th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He’s entering his second full-season of OHL action in 2015-16, coming off 45 points in 66 games in 2014-15.
Next: 40-31
40. D Ryan Pulock, New York Islanders
Taken 15th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. He’s an offensively gifted blue-liner in his second season of pro hockey with AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He needs to become a more responsible defenseman in his own end before he’s ready for the big club. Pulock is getting closer to being NHL ready though.
39. D Jakub Zboril, Boston Bruins
The first of three consecutive picks by the Bruins, Zboril was taken 13th overall in the 1st round at this past summer’s 2015 draft. Zboril is once again suiting up for QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs in 2015-16, coming off 33 points in 44 games last season. A solid two-way defenseman that could eat up big minutes a few years down the road.
38. G Zachary Fucale, Montreal Canadiens
Selected 36th overall in the 2nd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. Fucale began his pro career in 2015-16, joining Canadiens AHL affiliate St.John’s IceCaps. With Price and Condon likely standing strong for awhile, there’s no rush for this 20-year-old goaltender. Montreal can bring him along slowly, then make a decision at that point what to do with him.
37. F Pavel Buchnevich, New York Rangers
Taken 75th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from Russia. Buchnevich has represented his country on the international stage (U-17, U-18, U-20 x2), managing a point per game pace. In 2015-16, Pavel is suiting up for KHL’s Severstal Cherepovets, early on being among the leaders in points.
Sep 22, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Michael McCarron (34) before the game against Toronto Maple Leafs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
36. F Michael McCarron, Montreal Canadiens
Selected 25th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. McCarron went on to play a couple seasons of OHL hockey, but has since began his pro career with AHL’s St.John’s IceCaps in 2015-16.
McCarron was one of the young standout stars for Montreal in training camp, and is now tearing apart the AHL. He should be able to make an NHL impact in the next year or two.
35. F Hudson Fasching, Buffalo Sabres
Taken 118th overall in the 4th round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the U.S. National Development Team. At 6’2 207lbs, Fasching is an underrated, sneaky good prospect in the Sabres organization. He’s playing his third season of college hockey with the University of Minnesota in 2015-16.
34. G Calvin Pickard, Colorado Avalanche
The exception to the rule on our list. Pickard is currently playing with Colorado, backing up Reto Berra while Semyon Varlamov is out with injury. He’s the brother of former 1st round bust Chet Pickard. Calvin spent some time with Colorado in 2014-15 putting up solid numbers, and continues to play strong in the AHL. If Colorado isn’t ready for him full-time (opposed to replacing an injured Semyon Varlamov), the trade market may be his only chance to get a shot at being a starter.
33. F Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
Taken 16th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Had his draft year come at any other point in recent history, Barzal would have been a top-10, possibly top-5 talent. Early into the new 2015-16 WHL season, Mathew is already among the leaders in points.
32. D Haydn Fleury, Carolina Hurricanes
Selected 7th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. Fleury is a big excellent two-way defenseman that’s in his 5th year of junior hockey in 2015-16. While there’s a chance he could be NHL ready in 2016-17, it’s more likely he spends at least a year developing with Charlotte.
31. D Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Taken 13th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders. Morrissey’s most productive season of junior came in 2013-14 when he produced 73 points in 59 games from the back-end. In 2015-16, Josh began his pro hockey career with Jets AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose. It’ll take a couple years of AHL hockey to become a more responsible defenseman in his own-end, but Winnipeg has a hidden gem in this young man.
Next: 30-21
30. F Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
Coming off an 89-point season with WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors in 2014-15, Point has emerged into one of the CHL’s top talents. There’s a chance he could be a productive top-line forward in the NHL one day, but for now he’ll continue to tear apart the WHL in scoring.
29. G Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks
Taken 36th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from H-East’s Boston College. In 2014-15, Demko went 19-13-3 with a 2.19 GAA and .925 save percentage. He’s still playing college hockey in 2015-16, and early on looks like the best goalie in college hockey.
Feb 20, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) is seen after replacing goalie Malcolm Subban (not pictured) during the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
28. G Malcolm Subban, Boston Bruins
Selected 24th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s now defunct Belleville Bulls. The middle of three NHL brothers (P.K., Malcolm, Jordan), he began his pro career with AHL’s Providence Bruins in 2013-14. He’s only made one NHL appearance thus far, but has the potential to be a starter a little ways down the road.
27. D Madison Bowey, Washington Capitals
Bowey was drafted 53rd overall in the 2nd round in 2013 from WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Bowey is a big (6’2 209lbs) solid two-way defenseman that possesses excellent offensive upside from the back-end. Madison is projected to be a top-pair defenseman that’ll chew up a ton of minutes once NHL ready.
26. G Mackenzie Blackwood, New Jersey Devils
Taken 42nd overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Blackwood continues his junior career in 2015-16 with OHL’s Barrie Colts. He represented team OHL in the Russia Summit Series, and looked great. Expect Blackwood to continue soaring up the goaltender prospects list.
25. G Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins
Quite possibly the best kept secret in goal, Pittsburgh’s Matt Murray put up mind-boggling statistics with AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2014-15. He continues his hot play in 2015-16, although subjecting him to a backup role would be detrimental to his development. The Pens may be forced to trade this young man at some point.
24. F Ivan Barbashev, St.Louis Blues
Taken 33rd overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats. He’s coming off 95 points in 57 games in 2014-15, and has since started his pro career with Blues AHL affiliate in Chicago. Barbashev is a good skater that possesses impressive stick handling abilities. He’s tough to knock off the puck, and owns an excellent shot/release.
23. D Derrick Pouliot, Pittsburgh Penguins
Selected 8th overall in the 1st round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Pouliot began his pro hockey career in 2014-15, and split time between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He shouldn’t spend much longer in the AHL, but still has work to do to become more responsible in his own end before he gets the recall to the big club.
22. D Oliver Kylington, Calgary Flames
Taken 60th overall in the 2nd round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. Due to injury in 2014-15, Kylington slid down draft boards all season long. He’s representing his home country on the international stage for the fourth year in a row in 2015-16. This smart two-way defenseman is also dressing for AHL’s Stockton Heat during the new season.
21. D Thomas Chabot, Ottawa Senators
Selected 18th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Saint John SeaDogs. Chabot is a decent two-way defenseman, who’s a extremely talented on the offensive side. He’s going to need a few years to develop, but Chabot should eat up a large chunk of minutes at some point for Ottawa.
Next: 20-11
20. D Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken 8th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the University of Michigan. Werenski is an excellent two-way defenseman who’s just as talented as both defenseman drafted ahead of him (Hanifin and Provorov).
19. F Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
Selected 29th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He’s representing his home country for the fifth year in a row in 2015-16 when he appears at the World Juniors. He began his pro career in the new season suiting up for AHL’s Ontario Reign.
Sep 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Nashville Predators center Kevin Fiala (56) passes the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Nashville Predators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
18. F Kevin Fiala, Nashville Predators
Taken 11th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from Sweden. He’s represented his native Switzerland internationally on several stages. He split the 2014-15 season between Nashville, Milwaukee, and HV71 (Sweden). He’s since joined Nashville’s AHL affiliate in Milwaukee full-time in 2015-16.
17. F Christian Dvorak, Arizona Coyotes
Selected 58th overall in the 2nd round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s London Knights. Dvorak is easily the most underrated prospect in the NHL, coming off a 109-point campaign in 2014-15. Ex-London teammate Max Domi scored just seven fewer points playing nine less games than Dvorak. He’s got the high-end talent to be a productive top-six forward in the NHL.
16. F Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
Taken 9th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. Meier produced 90 points in 61 games in 2014-15, and would have been a top-5 talent if he wasn’t part of the deepest draft class in recent history.
15. D Shea Theodore, Anaheim Ducks
Selected 26th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Quite possibly the most offensively gifted defensive prospect yet to make an NHL impact, Anaheim is already loaded with similar young blue-liners. He’ll likely see short-stints with the big club until he can become more responsible in his own end.
14. G Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Taken 130th overall in the 5th round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes. After committing to two years playing college hockey with UMass-Lowell, he joined the AHL full-time in 2014-15 appearing in 58 games as a rookie. He went on to claim several awards helping lead Team USA to bronze at last spring’s World Championships. Hellebuyck is currently replacing the injured Ondrej Pavelec backing up Michael Hutchinson in Winnipeg, but will re-join the Manitoba Moose in a month or two.
13. F Pavel Zacha, New Jersey Devils
Selected 6th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sarnia Sting. Experts projected him to play with New Jersey in 2015-16, but the big center is spending one more year in junior. He’s got the size, intelligence, and skill to be one of the league’s premier centers one day.
12. F Nikita Scherbak, Montreal Canadiens
Taken 26th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from the WHL. He tallied 82 points in his last season of junior, and has since joined Montreal’s AHL affiliate St.John’s IceCaps in 2015-16. At 6’2 190lbs, Scherbak is a big talented winger that’s a strong skater with excellent stick-handling that could make him an productive playmaker in the NHL at some point.
11. F Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
Selected 10th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from TPS Finland. He spent a short-stint with the Avalanche to open the 2015-16 season, but has since been demoted to the AHL. He just needs a little time to adjust to the North American style play, but looks to have the potential to be a productive top-line forward.
Next: 10-1
10. F Evgeny Svechnikov, Detroit Red Wings
Taken 19th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Cape Breton. Detroit’s scouting didn’t take long to pay off after Svechnikov looked like a man among boys during the Summer Showcase. He’s a big smart forward that is extremely difficult to push off the puck. Excellent skater. Great Shot. Creative with the puck.
9. F Lawson Crouse, Florida Panthers
Selected 11th overall in the 1st round at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from the OHL, Crouse had a solid training camp with Florida to open the 2015-16 season, but was later demoted back to junior. Crouse should be able to step up in the next year or two, and could slot in on the 2nd line beside Nick Bjugstad.
Sep 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (62) skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
8. F William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
Selected 8th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, William is the son of former NHL’er Michael Nylander. After spending the majority of 2014-15 in Sweden, Nylander made the jump to North America joining AHL’s Toronto Marlies to finish the season. Part way into the new 2015-16 season, Nylander is dominating the AHL as a teenager.
7. D Ivan Provorov, Philadelphia Flyers
Taken 7th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Provorov was regarded as the most NHL ready defenseman. But apparently, Noah Hanifin took those honors. Regardless, this young Russian defenseman has a bright future, fills a need, and plays a style of hockey conducive to Flyers fans. He should be an excellent defenseman for years to come, and will be a fan favorite at the same time.
Sep 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 1-0 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
6. F Oliver Bjorkstrand, Columbus Blue Jackets
Selected 89th overall in the 3rd round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. In his last year of junior in 2014-15, Bjorkstrand tallied 118 points in 59 games (two points per game average). He’s since started his pro career with Columbus’ AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters in 2015-16. His talents are known, but largely underrated. He’s got the potential to be an elite producer in the NHL if he can bulk up a bit and get stronger on his skates, and the puck.
5. F Michael Dal Colle, New York Islanders
Selected 5th overall in the 1st round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Oshawa Generals. He’s coming off two consecutive 90+ point seasons in the OHL, and has since rejoined Oshawa for the 2015-16 season. He’s a big, smart skilled winger that GM Garth Snow hopes can be that missing piece to play alongside New York’s superstar John Tavares.
4. F Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings
Taken 20th overall in the 1st round at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs. Mantha had some highlight performances representing Team Canada on the international junior stage. Mantha began his pro career in 2014-15 suiting up for AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, producing 33 points in 62 games. He continues to grow and get better in the minors, and should be ready to make an NHL impact by 2016-17 at the latest. Anthony should see some time with Detroit as a call-up in 2015-16 to let him get his feet wet with NHL action.
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Mitchell Marner puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
3. F Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
Selected 5th overall at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s London Knights after producing 126 points in 2014-15. He’s not likely to make his NHL debut anytime soon, but make no mistake, Marner has the potential to be an elite player for Toronto. Early into 2015-16, he’s tearing apart the OHL in scoring.
2. G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
The only goaltender forced to play in the AHL with starter abilities. He’s a former Team USA standout on the international junior stage, and enjoyed an extended stint with Anaheim in 2014-15. Ducks GM was reluctant to move the young goaltender when Buffalo called about his availability, suggesting Anaheim still has plans with Gibson as their starter.
Oct 2, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Dylan Strome (20) passes the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
1. F Dylan Strome, Arizona Coyotes
Drafted 3rd overall at this past summer’s 2015 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Erie Otters. Strome put up 129 points in 2014-15.
The younger brother of Ryan, Dylan is the top talent of the two brothers, enjoying a extended look with Arizona in preaseason.
Next: NHL Quarter Report: 5 Things We've Learned
He’s since tearing apart the OHL once again since rejoining the Otters. Imagine a Coyotes top-line with Dylan Strome playing alongside Max Domi.