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.
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