Eastern Conference Prospects

Carolina Hurricanes – Grade C+

1. Brock McGinn – LW – A hard working, checking forward who consistently proves to be a thorn in the opposition’s side. At just six feet and 185 pounds, the second round pick from 2012 relies on grit and determination to make an impact, but also posted big numbers for Guelph’s high-powered offense last year with 85 points in 58 games.

2. Haydin Fleury – D – The Canes used their seventh overall pick in June to select the best defenseman in the draft after Aaron Ekblad. Fleury is a 6’3, 203 pound defensive specialist who can be both physical and disciplined. A smooth skater with the ability to chip in on offense, the blueliner should develop into a reliable shutdown force in a few years.

3. Phillip Di Giuseppe – LW – A big, fast and offensively gifted forward who posted 78 points in 105 NCAA games. Di Giuseppe has an abundance of offensive skill that he can unleash at an impressive top speed. The six foot, 197 pound will enter his first pro season with a to-do list involving getting bigger, stronger and finding an offensive touch at a new level.

4. Victor Rask – C- A powerful skater with elite puck skills, the once-highly touted prospect had a decent finish to his up-and-down rookie AHL season with 15 points in the final 23 games. Rask is creative but sometimes does too much with the puck, and is not known for giving a full, consistent effort. Will need to impress in the minors before warranting a call-up based on merit.

5. Jaccob Slavin – D – A playmaking defenseman who finished a solid rookie season with Colorado College last year with 25 points in 32 games. Six feet, 180 pounds and represented the U.S. at the World Juniors last December. The 20 year old fourth round pick from 2012 will need to improve his two-way game, but has a solid offensive arsenal to build on.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Grade B+

1. Kerby Rychel – LW – At 6’1 and 202 pounds, the burly 19 year-old already has an NHL ready body. A power forward with a distinct scoring touch, Rychel battles hard in the corners and is tough to contain in from of the net. Producing at well over a point-per-game pace for the past three OHL seasons, Rychel has the tools impress the big club at training camp.

2. Alexander Wennberg – C - A calm, cool, lanky center with poise in all three zones. The 6’1, 187 pound Swede owns the skillset of a depth centerman with the potential to play a secondary scoring role, Wennberg could skate, dangle and pass his way into the NHL after bulking up and gaining more experience.

3. Sonny Milano – LW - A highly gifted winger with magic hands who can dictate the pace of the game with his dominant stickhandling, playmaking and poise with the puck. By selecting him 16th overall in June, the Jackets believe that this six-foot, 183 pounder can fuel their offense when he makes the squad after finishing his career in the OHL, after spurning Boston College of the NCAA.

4. Oscar Dansk – G – The 20 year old Swedish goalie is coming off a nice sophomore year for the Erie Otters after a rough rookie season, improving his record from 11-23 to 29-9, his GAA from 4.11 to 2.39 and his save percentage from .888 to .909. The technically sound, butterfly goaltender will get his chance to fully develop in the AHL starting this season.

5. Mike Reilly – D – The Jackets plucked a nice prize in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. A 6’1, 186 pound defenseman has excelled in the NCAA and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14. With 33 points in 41 games, Reilly is a gifted puck mover with a strong shot and good vision. He’ll work on his defensive game for another year with the University of Minnesota.

New Jersey Devils - Grade B+

1. Damon Severson – D – There are spots up for grabs on the Devils’ blueline, and the 6’2, 210 pound 20 year old stud defender appears capable of making the leap from junior to the NHL. Sevenson is competent playing in his own zone and turns heads by virtue of his excellent puckmoving, shooting and passing skills. Collected 61 points in 64 games in the OHL last season.

2. Stefan Matteau – LW – A powerful workhorse who can shoot, hit and play a physical depth role with his 6’2, 220 pound frame. Matteau tasted the NHL for 17 games two seasons ago, but spent last year entirely in the AHL producing 26 points and 66 penalty minutes in 67 games. The 20 year-old first rounder from 2012 needs to prove he’s matured enough to stay in the NHL.

3. Reid Boucher – RW – With 22 games of NHL experience from last year, the Devils hope the 5’11, 187 pound Michigan native to stick with the big club this time around. Despite his size, Boucher does not shy away from contact, and has a knack for finding the best scoring areas. His lightening quick shot should help him produce good stats in a few years.

4. Keith Kinkaid – G – The Devils hope the 25 year-old Farmingville, NY native can crack the big squad as Cory Schneider’s backup. The lanky 6’3, 180 pounder covers the net extremely well, has impressively quick reflexes and handles the puck like a pro. Was 24-13-5 with a .912 save percentage and 2.29 GAA for Albany last year.

5. John Quenneville – C – The last pick in the first round of the June draft, this 6’1, 182 pound center is a hard-working two-way player with the ability to chip in offensively. Needs at least two to three more years to develop but has a lot to build off of after notching 58 points in 61 WHL games.

New York Islanders – Grade A

1. Michael Dal Colle –LW - A speedy winger with an imposing frame who has soft, quick hands and a scoring touch. Dal Colle is a versatile player who contributes in all three zones and in all situations. The fifth overall selection from June appears capable of helping the Isles as soon as October.

2. Griffin Reinhart – D – After four standout years in the junior ranks ended with a Memorial Cup victory last spring, the 6’4, 202 pound giant will look to bring his winning experience to the Isles. The well-rounded blueliner will have a good shot to crack the roster, but making the leap from juniors to the NHL is always a tough task.

3. Ville Pokka – D – Though Reinhart had a dream season in the WHL last year, this smaller, lighter, less hyped Finn might have had an even better one in his homeland. Playing in his third season of pro-hockey, the 5’11, 200 pound Pokka notched 27 points and a +32 rating in 54 games in the SM-liiga, an outstanding feat for the offensive-minded 20 year-old.

4. Anders Lee – C – The 24 year old has paid his dues seasoning in the minors, and it paid off last year with nine goals and 14 points in his 22 game NHL stint. The hulking power forward has nice speed and strength, and appears likely to stick with the Isles this season and help the offense in either a top-six or depth role.

5. Ryan Pulock – D – A character defenseman who contributes offensively, can be reliable defensively and boasts a hard, terrific shot. Pulock finished a legendary WHL career with the Brandon Wheat Kings, as the franchise’s highest goal-scoring defenseman, and will bring guts, tenacity and offence to the Isles blueline likely after gaining some pro experience in the AHL.

New York Rangers - Grade C

1. Anthony Duclair – LW – A speedy, dynamic sniper who notched 50 goals and 99 points in just 59 games in the QMJHL last year. At 5’11, 184 pounds, the third round pick from 2013 will need to grow bigger and stronger, but looks to be a steal. Duclair will lead Quebec into the Memorial Cup this year as the host squad.

2. Brady Skjei – D – The Lakeville, Minn native is a superb skater who plays sound defense with an ability to contribute offensively. At 6’3 and 200 pounds, the NCAA standout needs to use his size more effectively and improve his all around game in his junior year to reach his potential as a top-four NHL defenseman.

3. Jesper Fast – RW – A solid two-way forward who gained three games of Stanley Cup playoff experience last year. Fast is an intelligent player who skates well and excels on the forecheck. Transferred over very well from Sweden, notching 34 points in 48 AHL games as a rookie.

4. Danny Kristo – RW – A 24 year-old with speed, skill and great puck skills who potted 43 points in 65 AHL games last season. Kristo’s lack of consistency and strong work ethic caused a trade last year from Montreal, but he looks to be gaining momentum in his fresh start with the Rangers.

5. Dylan McIlrath – D – At 6’5 and 230 pounds, the Rangers hope their 10th overall selection from 2010 builds off his improved 2013-14 campaign in the AHL. Tough as nails, the giant likes to scrap, but has not panned out as an elite draft pick, hampered by major injuries and inconsistency.

Philadelphia Flyers - Grade B+

1. Scott Laughton – C – A two-way forward whose best asset might be his leadership, guts and work ethic. The 6’1, 190 pound center piled up 87 points in 54 games for Oshawa last season. Laughton should develop into an effective shutdown second or third line center, with the potential to make the team out of training camp this year.

2. Samuel Morin – D – Look up…. way up! Say hello to the Flyers’ 6’7, 210 pound giant. Morin is a smart, physical, smooth skating blueliner who has improved in each of his three seasons in the QMJHL. The 19 year-old needs to bulk up and improve his overall game before making the jump, but should blossom into a steady force in the defensive end for years to come.

3. Shayne Gostinbehere – D – Quite the opposite of Morin, the Flyers can’t wait to welcome this undersized but offensively gifted defenseman. At 21 years old and still just 5’11, 170 pounds, it seems Gostinbehere will have to rely on his hockey IQ and puck rushing skills to succeed. There is a spot for him in Philadelphia if he impresses at training camp.

4. Robert Hagg – D – A defensive defenseman who keeps things simple, does his job and doesn’t stick out. Only 19 years old but already 6’2, 203 pounds, the Swede has a shot at sticking around after posting an impressive 2013-14 in the Swedish Elite League followed by a solid 10 game stint in the AHL.

5. Travis Sanheim – D – A smooth skater with a good frame at 6’3, 181 pounds. The Flyers took Sanheim with the 17th overall pick this June and got a capable defensive blueliner with top-four potential after a few years of development. The 18 year old can also chip in on offense, notching six assists in seven games during the World Juniors for Canada.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Grade B+

1. Derrick Pouliot – D – A high-octane, mobile defenseman who uses his terrific vision, lightening shot and elite puck distribution skills to terrorize opponents. The six-foot, 203 pounder is sturdy, tough and an offensive force who put up 70 points in 58 games in the WHL last year. Is coming off major shoulder surgery but should play in the NHL this season.

2. Kasperi Kapanen – RW – Dangerous sniper who is fast, intelligent, and lethal off the rush. He is not a very big or physical player, but his elite hockey sense and vision should help him develop into a game-breaker. The 18 year old is eligible to play pro hockey in North America, and will have a shot at cracking the Penguins out of training camp.

3. Scott Harrington – D – The 21 year-old is a mature and reliable two-way defenseman who boasts terrific skating mobility and a strong mind for the game. Might force his way onto the roster with a few extra openings on the Pens’ blueline, and that would not be a bad thing for Pens fans.

4. Philip Samuelsson – D – Played well enough in his sophomore AHL season to earn a five game call up with the Pens last year. The defensive defenseman has an average skillset, but has proven to have a very strong work ethic and, could earn a roster spot out of training camp.

5. Tristan Jarry – G – Mentally tough goaltender with a good stick and skilled glove hand. Jarry overcame an awful start to the WHL season to be named goaltender of the year, and won the Memorial Cup with Edmonton. If his strong play continues, the 19 year old appears in line for a starting job in a few years.

Washington Capitals - Grade B

1. Evgeny Kuznetsov – C – Strong, skilled and multi-faceted center with especially great skating, stickhandling and passing abilities. Showed he is ready for action after four years of development in the KHL. Scored nine points in his 17 game stint last season, showcasing his potential to be an elite forward.

2. Andre Burakovsky – LW – The creative Austrian is a strong skater and even better shooter. At 6’1 and 171 pounds, Burakovsky has great mobility, which helps him dangle through defenses and allowed him to put up 87 points in 57 games for Erie last year. Since his transition to North America was so seamless last year, the Caps hope he can contribute in the NHL this season.

3. Madison Bowey – D- An energetic smooth-skating and crisp passing defenseman with a wealth of hockey IQ. Bowey loves to skate with the puck and proved to be a dependable producer with 21 goals and 60 points in 72 games in the WHL. The 6’2, 203 pounder is in tough cracking a beefed up Caps’ blueline out of training camp.

4. Riley Barber – RW – A sixth round steal from the 2012 draft, Barber produced an outstanding season for Miami University with 44 points in 38 games last season. He also played a pivotal role for Team USA at the World Juniors for the past two years. The Caps have to be ecstatic about this offensively gifted leader.

5. Jakub Vrana – LW – A scoring winger who plays confidently, creatively and can unleash a remarkable shot. The 5”11, 172 pound Czech creates quality scoring chances with masterful acceleration and all-around skill., Vrana will need a few years to develop, but has the tools to develop into a productive scoring forward.

Boston Bruins - Grade A-

1. Ryan Spooner – C – An offensive juggernaut who’s polished, crafty puckmoving and playmaking skills have translated into 110 points in 116 AHL games. He also had an effective 23 game call-up last year and if he adjusts well to the wing, could find himself on the Bruins’ roster out of training camp.

2. Alexander Khokhlachev – C – Similar to Spooner just a little less experienced. Talented, smart and has a nasty arsenal of moves, but not overly fast and still trying to adopt the Bruins’ famous all-out work ethic. Top-six goal-scoring forward potential and capable of helping the team as soon as this season.

3. Matt Fraser – LW – 6’2, 202 pound power forward with a terrific shot and tough-guy attitude. Fraser can move the puck at will below the faceoff dots, but lacks top-end speed. If he can claim a top-nine spot with the Bruins, he will contribute as a valuable physical presence with the ability to finish.

4. Joe Morrow – D – A do-it-all defenseman who plays two-way hockey with poise, aggressiveness and excellent puck-moving skills. With a great shot, superb vision and great mobility, Morrow has the potential to shine as a top-flight NHL defenseman in the years to come.

5. Malcolm Subban – G – Unable to tame the Habs’ P.K. in last year’s playoffs, the B’s found a Subban of their own in selecting his little brother 24th overall back in 2012. An extremely athletic player with great agility and tremendous upside, Subban can make highlight reel saves and blossom into an NHL starter. He will have plenty of time to improve in Providence with Tuukka Rask running the show in Boston.

Buffalo Sabres - Grade A-

1. Sam Reinhart – C -Tremendous offensive skill and an excellent character have scouts raving about a special NHL career for Reinhart. The 18-year-old sees, thinks and understands the game extraordinarily well, and will be an impact player for years to come. Problem is, he can’t single handedly improve the Sabres, so he might be better off in the WHL this season.

2. Nikita Zadorov – D – There’s nothing like having a 6’5, 238 pound bully on your blueline to halt the opposition’s flow and make them pay the price for advancing. Disruptive, physical and offensively capable, Zadorov needs to mature a bit more, but will still compete for a full-time job in training camp.

3. Jake McCabe – D – A smart defender who wears down opponents with his skating, stick work and grit. Contributes well offensively and has a good character that propelled Team USA to name him their WJC captain in 2013. Although the ceiling isn’t overly high for the 20 year-old, he has a chance to make the NHL this season with a good training camp.

4. Joel Armia – RW – A big, powerful forward with soft hands and a nice shot. At 6’3, 187 pounds, the 21 year-old Finn is a featured part of the Sabres’ rebuild. Armia made the transition from the Finnish superleague to the AHL last year, and is likely to need more time in Rochester.

5. Hudson Fasching – RW – Big power forward with great hands and a powerful stride. Does a great job in the corners, in front of the net and other dirty areas. The 6’3, 214 pound 19 year-old is a two-way player coming off an excellent freshman year for University of Minnesota where he piled 30 points in 40 games.

Detroit Red Wings - Grade B+

1. Anthony Mantha – RW – 81 goals in 81 games including the playoffs last season for Val d’Or in the QMJHL. Need we say more? Pile on 77 assists to that and you have one of the most intriguing prospects entering pro-hockey in 2014. Mantha will need to prove he’s mature and well-rounded enough in camp to avoid an AHL stint.

2. Petr Mrazek – G – Picks like Mrazek solidify GM Ken Holland’s reputation as one of the best in the game. The Wings nabbed the 6’1, 184 pound goaltender in the fifth round 2010 NHL draft. Mrazek has shined ever since, posting a 22-9-1 record in the AHL last year with a .924 save percentage and 2.10 GAA.

3. Teemu Pulkkinen – RW – Very talented forward who carries the puck extremely well, has a quick, accurate shot and good passing skills. Notched 31 goals and 59 points in his rookie AHL season in Grand Rapids, as the 22 year-old Finn showed he knows how to find the net wherever he plays

4. Dylan Larkin – C - A scrappy center who plays with great energy and is capable of playing well in all three zones. The Wings’ 15th overall pick from June is a good offensive weapon as well, but is more likely to develop into a secondary scorer used in a shutdown role.

5. Xavier Ouellett – D – Puck moving defenseman who is poised at both ends of the rink. Owns an accurate, cannon of a shot and adjusted to the pro-level very well in Grand Rapids last year. Ouellett is a tad undersized, which might sway the Red Wings to allow him more time to get stronger in the AHL.

Florida Panthers - Grade B+

1. Aaron Ekblad – D – Has all the tools to crack the Panthers this season and be a top-pairing defenseman for years to come. Already possesses NHL-ready size, toughness, defensive poise and offensive instincts. The 6’4, 216 pound number one pick from the June draft compiled 53 points in 58 games last season in the OHL.

2. Quinton Howden – LW – Skilled and speedy winger who can generate offense and be a force on the backcheck and special teams. Did not overly impress last season in San Antonio, but did enough to earn a 16 game call-up and will compete for a roster spot out of training camp.

3. Mike Matheson – D – A gifted offensive defenseman with dazzling speed and exceptional puck skills. The 6’2, 189 pound blueliner put up 21 points in 38 games for Boston College last season, but needs to get better defensively and stronger physically. Will suit up again for the Eagles in his junior year.

4. Alex Petrovic – D – Imposing and hard hitting defenseman who owns his own zone with a 6’4, 206 pound frame as his weapon of choice. Looked much better in his seven game NHL stint last season than he did in his six game stint the year before, so look for the physical, mobile youngster to come soon to an NHL arena near you.

5. Vincent Trocheck – C – An undersized hard worker who uses smarts, vision and quickness to light the lamp, which he does quite often. Got a 20 game taste of the NHL last year but will only catch on as a regular if he can discover his elite goal-scoring touch with the Panthers like he did in the OHL.

Montreal Canadiens - Grade B+

1. Nathan Beaulieu – D – Talented, mobile defenseman who plays an all-round game and has a great offensive upside. Beaulieu gained NHL playoffs experience last year and can lift the power play with his strong shooting and distribution skills. Still has to get stronger and improve, but has a good shot at making the club out of training camp.

2. Jarred Tinordi – D – At 6’6, 227 pounds and nearly two years in the minors, Tinordi is just about ready to inflict his size and grit upon the NHL. A defensive defenseman who can overpower opponents and protect the front of the net, the 22 year-old will get a chance to catch on full time with Montreal during training camp.

3. Nikita Scherbak – LW – Had an outstanding rookie season in the WHL with posting 28 goals and 78 points in 65 games. Most dangerous in the offensive zone, he is a fast skater and great puckhandler with a willingness to engage physically. Scherbak has potential to be a gritty, productive NHL winger

4. Charles Hudon – LW – A late round steal with a small frame but big package of skills. Competent at both ends of the ice, Hudon excels at creating offense as well as being a leader with a strong work ethic. The 20 year old faces a challenge adapting his game to the pro-level this year.

5. Zachary Fucale – G – The 19 year-old has compiled a magnificent 113-44 win/loss record so far on Halifax in the QMJHL with a 2.61 GAA and .902 save percentage to go with it. Quick, mature and energetic, Fucale still has a lot to prove before even thinking about the NHL.

Ottawa Senators - Grade B-

1. Curtis Lazar – C – A hard-working two-way forward who can hit, score and lead. The six-foot, 196 pounder plays hard-nosed hockey and helped Edmonton win a Memorial Cup title last season. The 19 year-old is capable of playing any role the Senators ask of him.

2. Mark Stone – RW – Solid power forward with good size, soft hands and the ability to dig in an work the boards, the front of the net and anywhere else on the ice. Not a great skater, but with 41 points in 37 AHL games last season, the Sens could use his scoring touch as soon as this October.

3. Matt Puempel – LW – A natural scorer who excels in creating offense and had a nice rookie season with Binghamton with 48 points 74 games last year. Has improved his defensive game to the point where he’s no longer a liability, which was a big step closer to an NHL opportunity.

4. Matt Borowiecki – D – The 25 year old is solidly built at 6’2, 205 pounds and moves the puck well up the ice. Has developed for four seasons in Binghamton and if he’s ever going to break into the NHL, the window is now.

5. Alex Guptill – LW – The 6’3, 183 pound NCAA alum was a big part of the Jason Spezza package from Dallas. A good skater with an offensive mind who will probably need some more time in the AHL to find his scoring touch at the pro level.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Grade A-

1. Jonathan Drouin – LW – Dynamic, smart and speedy puck-handling wizard who makes highlight reel plays on a nightly basis. The 19-year-old showed he can excel without Nathan MacKinnon on his line with 108 points in just 46 games last year. Preseason favorite to bring home the Calder Trophy.

2. Andrei Vasilevski – G – A terrific athlete who has excelled at the international level in the U18 and U20 World Championships and has been a highly touted prospect because of those performances. Didn’t get a ton of playing time in the KHL, but when he did, he was lights out going 14-8-5 with a .923 save percentage and 2.21 GAA last season.

3. Vladislav Namestnikov – C – A two-way force with great playmaking abilities and an impressive defensive conscience. Namestnikov is small at 5’11, 171 pounds, but that didn’t stop the 21 year old from breaking into the AHL with great success. Should compete for a roster spot out of training camp.

4. Anthony DeAngelo – D – The best offensive defenseman of the 2014 draft, DeAngelo has some character issues which earned him two suspensions in the OHL last season. Nonetheless, an extremely gifted scorer who plays a free-wheelin’ style that should be a bunch of fun to watch.

5. Kristers Gudlevskis – G – Why yes, this is the Latvian phenomenon who nearly shut down Crosby, Toews and the rest of Team Canada at the Sochi Olympics. The 22 year old is big, quick and resilient, but remains a raw prospect in need of regular playing time at the AHL level.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Grade B

1. William Nylander – RW – An explosive offensive wizard with exceptional poise, confidence and speed. Nylander is a lightweight, but can deke, dazzle and dangle his way through opponents, then find the open man or put the puck in the net himself. Needs to put on weight, but has the tools to be an elite scorer in the NHL.

2. Frederik Gauthier – C – Giant centerman with great hockey sense and vision. Mature at both ends of the ice and can cycle, skate and use his size to win battles. The 6’4, 215 pound 19-year-old should slot in as a depth forward in the near future, stepping into a role similar to the one the Leafs hoped Dave Bolland would play.

3. Petter Granberg – D – Stingy blueliner with great size and an intelligent mind that focuses on protecting the net. Granberg has a large wing span and is rarely pushed out of position, which makes him a dominant force in the defensive zone. The 22-year-old could make the Leafs out of training camp.

4. Josh Leivo – LW – A big, versatile power forward who can score and apply pressure in the offensive zone. The 21 year-old was a notable scorer in junior hockey, but will need to contribute in many more ways if he wishes to establish himself in the NHL.

5. Connor Brown – RW – The reigning OHL MVP put up an astounding 128 points in just 68 games for Erie last season. Small and light at 5’11, 170 pounds, but also energetic and fearless in pursuit of the puck. Brown is ready to move up a level, and will benefit from some experience in the AHL.