Russia certainly made a statement at the recent 2012 World Junior Championships, knocking Canada out of the gold-medal game, and is poised to make another statement at this year's NHL entry draft scheduled for June 22 and 23 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.
Four of my top 10 selections for my inaugural Top 50 prospects list are of Slavic descent and one may join
Alex Ovechkin and
Ilya Kovalchuk as the only Russians to be selected No. 1 overall.
Keep in mind this list is purely based on projection and who I believe will become good NHL players, not where they'll be selected on draft day. That will come later with our mock drafts. When I was scouting for different NHL teams, often there was a mandate. For example some teams needed to get bigger, some needed defense more than forwards, or some teams were lacking depth at the center position. All of that has a bearing on where a player is selected, whereas this is my evaluation of the 50 most talented players in the draft pool.
Since the start of the season, we've already seen a lot of movement. While
Nail Yakupov continues to impress, other highly-regarded picks have dropped considerably. Take
Andreas Athanasiou (London Knights, OHL). He was a potential top-10 pick at the start of the season, flaunting high-end speed that got some imaginations going. But since the summer tournaments, he's been a relative disappointment, with scouts questioning his willingness to work in the high-traffic areas and pay a price to score. So, perhaps to the surprise of some, Athanasiou didn't make the cut for my Top 50. He's lurking just outside and can certainly crack later versions if he can answer some of the questions scouts have about his game.The same can be said for
Daniil Zharkov (Belleville, OHL) and
Anton Slepyshev (Metallurg Novokuznetsk, KHL), my other two honorable mentions.
This list is by no means set in stone -- just as the draft boards of NHL teams will remain in flux until June -- and we'll revisit it more than once before draft day. Over that time, Athanasiou, Zharkov, Slepyshev and the 50 prospects above them can do a lot to change my mind one way or the other in the second half of their seasons. Consistency, improvement and the ability to demonstrate at least one dimensional asset are keys for continued positive impressions.
With all of that in mind, here's a look at the Top 50, starting with our No. 1 prospect: Nail Yakupov.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: RW
Team: Sarnia (OHL) | Height: 5-10 1/2
Weight: 189 pounds | |
Coming off an outstanding underage season with 101 pts, this small, compact Russian continues to wow people with not only his talent, but with his determination. Injured at the WJC recently, he is expected to miss four to six weeks with a knee injury. This will not affect his status.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: C
Team: Leksand (SWE-2) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 181 pounds | |
Unfairly compared to Yakupov at the World Juniors, this skilled forward played only a minor role at the tournament. Forsberg's skills and size are elite and attractive. He will be on some NHL teams' list as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Quebec (QMJHL) | Height: 6-3 1/4
Weight: 200 pounds | |
Showed his willingness to fight through an injury at the WJC, playing for Russia. Grigorenko has a tendency to drift away from playing consistently hard and this may scare some teams, especially given his country of origin. His best shift is as good as any one's in the draft, though, and if the right team is picking No. 1 overall, it may swing for the fences with this talented point producer.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Red Deer (WHL) | Height: 5-11 3/4
Weight: 183 pounds | |
With shades of Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) this smaller, offensive D-man is making lots of noise to be higher than No. 4 on some lists. He has the ability and the willingness to land big open-ice hits to go along with an excellent transition and puck-moving game. I believe there is a lot more offense in his game, but he is being taught to play defense first. Some teams will have a hard time overlooking his size.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Moose Jaw (WHL) | Height: 5-11 1/2
Weight: 190 pounds | |
Still nursing a lengthy injury, but expected back before season's end. Rielly is a high-end, skilled puck-mover who is spilling over with confidence and character. Reminds me of Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks) with the way he plays on the edge but seemingly in control. Like Dumba and many others in this season's class, his size is not his best trait.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Everrett (WHL) | Height: 6-0 1/2
Weight: 201 pounds | |
An excellent showing at the WJC, where the maturity and composure he displayed earlier this season continued to shine. Many will have him higher on their list, but I think he lacks the offensive dimension of Dumba and Rielly. His defensive hockey sense separates him from most in this draft, though.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Sarnia (OHL) | Height: 6-1
Weight: 198 pounds | |
Surgery to repair his knee has kept this talented offensive forward out most of the year. Galchenyuk's spot on the list is based on projection and the great underage season he had last year as a linemate of Yakupov's in Sarnia. Some believe he is as talented as anyone in this year's draft. He is the son of former Russian professional player Alexander, who is currently an assistant coach with the Sarnia Sting.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: LW
Team: Djurgardens (SWE) | Height: 5-11
Weight: 184 pounds |
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Falling short of Sweden's WJC team after getting injured in an exhibition game will not hurt Aberg's status. He dominated as an underage player on the national U-18 team and among his age group shows he is worthy of top-10 billing with an excellent combination of skill and determination.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Edmonton (WHL) | Height: 6-3 3/4
Weight: 204 pounds | |
Big, puck-moving defensemen just don't come along very often, at least not with this level of offensive talent. The son of former NHLer Paul Reinhart is quickly climbing up the charts, regardless of his below-average showing at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this past summer. Needs to show a bit more willingness to physically compete. Over time, when he gets stronger and grows into his big body, he could become a dominating offensive force.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Glove: Right
Position: G
Team: Ufa (RUS-Jr.) | Height: 6-3 1/4
Weight: 204 pounds | |
Helped Russia to a silver medal at the WJC with impressive stats and performances. Many will remember the Russian collapse in the semifinal game, in which he was pulled with 5:43 to play. I rather remember how big he is and how well he moves for his size. Showed a high level of compete and focus on every shot and I see big upside. With his age group he has been outstanding.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Modo (SWE-Jr.) | Height: 6-0 3/4
Weight: 208 pounds |
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Another in a long list of smooth-skating, puck-moving D-men who have come out of Sweden. Perhaps not the same poise of Jonas Brodin (MIN 2011 draft/Round 1) or Oliver Ekman-Larsson (PHX '10/1) but a similar style of puck retrieval and passing, which is invaluable in today's NHL.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Dubuque (USHL) | Height: 6-1 1/2
Weight: 198 pounds | |
At the WJC, playing for Latvia, he showed his character with flying colors. Blessed with talent and grit, this forward plays a fearless game going into the high-traffic areas to try and make a difference. It would be easy to have him lower on a list due to nationality, but he is playing in the USHL and clearly wants to play a North American style of game.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Ottawa (OHL) | Height: 6-2 1/2
Weight: 207 pounds | |
Big and strong and a bit of a sleeping giant. Plays a more reserved defensive game but has enough skill and offensive thinking to be a secondary producing defenseman. He has a cannon of a shot from the point and gets it to the net. May take some time to develop as all things do not come naturally to him, but he will surprise many when he is done maturing.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL) | Height: 6-1 1/2
Weight: 210 pounds |
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Son of the former NHLer and Rangers Stanley Cup playoff hero of the same name, this American/Canadian plays the game with grit and determination. Reminds me of J.T. Miller (NYR, '11/1), who was drafted from the same National Development Team in Ann Arbor, Mich. Not a gifted player, but will contribute offensively with a high willingness to pay a price to score.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: RW
Team: Frolunda (SWE-Jr.) | Height: 5-11
Weight: 176 pounds | |
This speedy, skilled forward showed why he is worthy of top-15 billing at the WJC, where he not only produced points but played a responsible, skilled, poised game. Has outside speed and creativity with the puck, making him dangerous to defend.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Slavia (CZE) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 198 pounds | |
At the WJC, this big, strong forward showed a lot of good qualities, especially in the offensive zone with the way he cycled the puck and powered his way around the wall. Many will knock his skating, which is an area needing improvement. His hard-work attitude will assist in becoming a better skater, then he becomes a big, talented, skating forward.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Kitchener (OHL) | Height: 6-3
Weight: 202 pounds | |
If size/speed ratio is a mandate for any NHL team, then this player is a home run. He's already an excellent skater with plenty of room to get stronger. Coming over the ocean is a great idea for him, as he looks to fit the mold of a third-line, secondary offensive player. Kitchener is a great place for him to learn his craft under coach Steve Spot.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Team: Jokerit (FIN-Jr.) | Height: 5-11
Weight: 165 pounds | |
Small, but skilled, forward who has lots of offensive thinking on his side and shows a high level of character. With quick feet and mobility he maneuvers his way around the offensive zone in dangerous fashion.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Portland (WHL) | Height: 5-11 1/4
Weight: 186 pounds | |
Like so many this year from the WHL, a small, skilled offensive D-man who shows signs of breaking out, with skating and passing as his best assets. He's overcoming injuries this season, which have set him back, but at his best last year as an underage player he was considered a top-10 pick coming into the fall. He needs to show consistency in the second half and prove he can deliver the mail.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Belleville (OHL) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 215 pounds | |
Not swift of foot but full of character and heart. His skating will hurt his placement on some draft lists, but this player is prepared to pay the price to score and contribute. Big and strong and willing to use his assets, which will take him a long way. He is exactly the type of player teams like Nashville and Boston do not pass up on.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: USNTDP (USHL) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 193 pounds | |
Trouba will be much higher on many such lists, but a lack of puck skills and offensive thinking bumps him down for me. Had a very good showing at the WJC and when all is said and done I think he finds a way to play minutes in the NHL, but I see that happening in the 5-6 defensive slots and he's a stretch to play top 4 minutes. I do like the way he competes and battles for position.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Dubuque (USHL) | Height: 6-1
Weight: 178 pounds | |
Having played ****** hockey last season in the Montreal area, he is slower to impress than I once thought. Having said that, his skating and ability to retrieve pucks and advance them to his forwards is very attractive. Needs to gain a great deal of strength, but over time I see him playing. His rights were recently traded for in the QMJHL, making me think he may show up in Major Junior Hockey.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Guelph (OHL) | Height: 6-0 1/4
Weight: 195 pounds | |
Not big in size but big at heart and plays the game with a high level of bite. Has some offense to his game and has already surpassed his point totals from last year. This competitive D-man is rising up the charts quickly, with his honest approach to the game.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: USNTDP (USHL) | Height: 6-2 3/4
Weight: 200 pounds | |
Size and skating are definite assets and this U.S. National Team defenseman has those physical tools hands down. He leaves me wondering about his decision-making and his ability to process, though, so he falls on the list. Needs to show he can handle pressure and make decisions late in close games to stay at this level come draft day.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: C
Team: Kelowna (WHL) | Height: 6-1
Weight: 189 pounds |
|
Not the smoothest player in the draft but you will be hard pressed to find a player who works harder. Scores dirty, grease goals by going into the tough areas of the ice. This type of player has a greater chance to play than a player who has greater skills but lacks a strong compete level.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: RW
Team: Plymouth (OHL) | Height: 6-4
Weight: 205 pounds | |
Very few players in this draft, if any, show as much willingness to play as tough as this big winger. With plenty of growing and filling out to meet his elite size and frame, this Canadian-born forward does a lot of the little things along the wall to suggest he will play a role in the NHL.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Peterborough (OHL) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 184 pounds | |
There are mixed reports about his health. Some say he's out for the season due to injury. We do know he has undergone shoulder surgery. Having played Juniors and on Canada's U-18 team as an underager, he was highly touted, coming into this season as a potential top-10 pick. But his fall down the rankings comes not because of the injury, but rather what seems like a lack of offense. Still, a safe, solid defender can certainly go higher in the minds of many.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: London (OHL) | Height: 6-1 1/4
Weight: 202 pounds | |
Maatta was poised to help Finland at the WJC until he was knocked out with a concussion in the first period of his first game. A thinking man's defenseman with lots of intelligence and smart puck movement. He has a solid level of compete to his game, but like Koekkoek shows he is lacking an offensive dimension. His second half can change those thoughts.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Rogle (SWE-Jr.) | Height: 6-2 1/2
Weight: 196 pounds |
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Not as top-end as Reinhart, but this big, skilled D-man is impressing many with his puck-moving and decision-making. Likes to join the offense from behind the rush and sneaks up the draft ladder for me.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Team: U. of Michigan (CCHA) | Height: 6-0
Weight: 176 pounds |
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Powerful for his size and one of the youngest college players in the country. Combining a North-South game and a willingness to drop his shoulder and go to the net takes him a long way. He was one of the final cuts for Team Canada's WJC squad.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Green Bay (USHL) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 189 pounds | |
It feels to me that Schmaltz has lost some of his zest for the game and I believe is sliding down the ranks because of it. As a double underager, this kid was highly talked about being a top-10 pick. Perhaps the drop in draft stock will take some pressure off the skinny, rangy defenseman and allow him to focus on using his skills and abilities to improve. Skating and decision-making are assets.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Karpat (FIN) | Height: 6-0
Weight: 196 pounds | |
Yet another on the list of small-but-smart-and-skilled D-man. Playing for Finland at the WJC he proved he is capable of rising to the occasion with solid puck movement and smart defensive play. His size will always have some wondering about his ceiling, but among his age group he is an elite player. Strong for his size.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Erie (OHL) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 210 pounds | |
He certainly won't impress anyone with his skating but when you watch closely, he
is impressive with his defensive thinking and positioning. A true battler and gritty defender. With improved skating he will surprise a lot of people.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Team: Barrie (OHL) | Height: 6-0
Weight: 198 pounds | |
Having a breakthrough year and, in time, his date of birth will not matter. It is his scoring that has made many take notice, even though he has been passed over in the past two drafts. His work ethic and desire is what really has him on the list. Had a good showing at the WJC in Alberta.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Team: USNTDP (USHL) | Height: 6-1 1/4
Weight: 201 pounds |
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He's overcome injuries dating back to last season and is now catching on to his game of skating and forechecking. His skills are better than his offensive number would suggest.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Glove: Left
Position: G
Team: Belleville (OHL) | Height: 6-1
Weight: 188 pounds | |
The younger brother of D P.K. Subban (MTL) and, like his older sibling, he too has loads of talent. Known as an athletic goaltender, his post save recovery is excellent, a quality netminders need to be successful in today's NHL.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: RW
Team: Halifax (QMJHL) | Height: 5-11 1/2
Weight: 204 pounds | |
After missing most of the season thus far with a severe concussion, this Czech-born forward is back playing and contributing offensively. He is smart offensively with the puck and possesses an elite shot, which has taken him a long way in the QMJHL. Lack of consistency is a going to be a concern, not to mention his concussion issue.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Glove: Left
Position: G
Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | Height: 6-4
Weight: 162 pounds | |
Elite size is attractive when drafting goaltenders, especially one who is playing well and has so much growing to do. Weak and nowhere near developed physically are actually positives for this player. A recent trade brought in a veteran goaltender, which will help him learn. It was a move I believe was made to protect this young potential star.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: USNTDP (USHL) | Height: 6-0
Weight: 189 pounds | |
At this point of the draft you will have a difficult time finding a player with more grit and jam than this undersized D-man. Plays the game like Andrew Ference (BOS) and while his skills do not translate into offense, he has enough skill to make plays.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Farjestad (SWE-Jr.) | Height: 6-2 3/4
Weight: 208 pounds | |
It's been a while since I have seen this player, but I remember his hockey sense and puck decision-making. I'm told his skating is improving, so look for him to climb the list as the year goes on. He is a highly intelligent player with an excellent all-around head for the game.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Kent School (High-CT) | Height: 6-2 3/4
Weight: 185 pounds |
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If teams were drafting on athletic ability alone he would be near the top. Explosive skating and hard working come to the forefront. His overall hockey sense is in question, but few would deny his raw abilities.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: C
Team: Kitchener (OHL) | Height: 5-11 3/4
Weight: 194 pounds | |
Few players at age 17 have the explosive power and exciting skating of this winger. Blessed with talented legs, some would suggest he is not as blessed when it comes to managing the puck. Has a strong work ethic and projects to be a forechecking forward.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: RW
Team: Guelph (OHL) | Height: 5-11 1/2
Weight: 185 pounds | |
He's having a very good season and his offensive numbers support him being selected. For me, it is not his point totals that best describe him, but rather his PIM, 54 in 37 games. He is a hard-working character kid who is sure to develop with his gritty attitude.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Team: Prince Edward Island (QMJHL) | Height: 6-4 1/2
Weight: 211 pounds | |
Averaging more than a point a game this hulking Czech-born forward is bouncing back after a slow start. His skating needs improvement but everything else is there, including the determination, which is vital for survival as a top-level player. Give some credit to his coach and former NHLer Gordie Dwyer, who knows all about hard work.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Team: Windsor (OHL) | Height: 6-0 1/4
Weight: 195 pounds | |
A very smart and likable player. Not blessed with a smooth skating style, but he compensates with hard work and always keeps his feet moving. Very good at anticipating and playing without the puck.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Glove: Left
Position: G
Team: Brynas (SWE-Jr.) | Height: 6-2 1/2
Weight: 186 pounds | |
Not making the national U-20 team for the WJC will not hurt this kid's stock. Big and competitive and covers the net efficiently. Played games in the SM-Liiga last season and is back in Swedish Juniors this year, performing well.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Glove: Left
Position: G
Team: Victoriaville (QMJHL) | Height: 6-5
Weight: 193 pounds |
|
Playing on one of the top teams in the QMJHL is protecting this kid, who has an excellent win-loss record. His elite size attracts many but he needs to improve on making all the standard saves, as he has a tendency to drift. Physically underdeveloped, which is certainly correctable with time.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Team: Kelowna (WHL) | Height: 6-1 1/2
Weight: 200 pounds | |
A solid two-way D-man who teases you with some offense and is sound defensively. Has already surpassed his point totals from last year in half the number of games. Could see him moving up the list, as he plays with tons of heart.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Team: Mississauga (OHL) | Height: 6-1 1/2
Weight: 172 pounds |
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Early on he was a tough read because his minutes played were low. Has a very good skating stride and range when defending. Playing more now and projected as a defensive D-man. Skating and a willingness to make an impact can take this kid a long way. A big second half is needed to hold this spot though.
[th=""]Rank[/th][th=""]Player[/th]
Shoots: Right
Position: F
Team: Exeter (High-NH) | Height: 6-2
Weight: 216 pounds |
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Like every year there are players playing in the high school ranks who lose out because of the league in which they are playing. This forward has skating, size and power and I believe he will continue to climb the charts as the year unfolds. Loves to shoot and is making people take notice.
gotcha.
Originally Posted by theHBkid
Kings fan,
You guys need to start keeping a tab on my boy Tyler Toffolli.
You dont hear about him much cause he was drafted by LA in 2010 but he is going to be DIRTY!
Last years OHL top scorer and top scorer for a right winger awards.... Hes leading the pack again this year with 38GINOS & 38APPLES in 45 GAMES..
Cannot wait to see him on the reg as a Kings
Got a couple good stories for you guys from the weekend will post em soon
i remember the name a bit from the draft, but havent seen it pop up on any rankings/lists/updates (i assume cause he's young)...hmmm.....
