Chicago Blackhawks
Nick Schmaltz – C - The six-foot center finished his second year at the University of North Dakota with 46 points in 37 games in 2015, identical production to his future teammate Jonathan Toews during his Fighting Sioux sophomore year. A speedy, offensive playmaker with flash to his game.
Ville Pokka – D - The 22-year-old has rapidly worked his way to being the Hawks’ number one defense prospect since he came to the team in the Nick Leddy trade in 2014. A six-foot, 200-pound puck mover with strong hockey senses and positioning habits.
Mark McNeill – C - The big center is a former first rounder from 2011 who notched 48 points in 64 games with Rockford in 2015-16. An honest, two-way forward who works hard to get involved in the play.
Vince Hinostroza –F - The Bartlett, Ill native led Rockford in scoring during his first full season with the squad, pitching in 51 points in 66 games. An aggressive forechecker with the ability to get his stick on the puck for a good shot or pass.
Ryan Hartman - W – While not physically imposing, Hartman is a gritty, energetic force that the Hawks hope can fill Andrew Shaw’s skates. The 21-year-old amassed 35 points and 129 penalty minutes with Rockford last year and a three game taste of the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers
Jesse Puljujärvi- RW - Though Patrick Liane outclassed his fellow countryman down the stretch, Puljujärvi was just as important of a part of Finland’s World Junior champion squad and led the tournament with 17 points. An offensive wizard with all-around abilities who will flourish with Edmonton’s ripe talent.
Drake Caggiula – F - Fresh off a national NCAA championship with UND, the 22-year-old proved he could skate, score, create offense and hold his own on defense. The Oilers hope he can make as big an impact as he did in the NCAA as he turns pro this year.
Ethan Bear –D -At 19 years old, the 5’11 WHL defenseman anchored Seattle’s blueline in 2015-16 and contributed 65 points in 69 games. He helped the Thunderbirds reach the league finals, and showed plenty of signs that he could be a fifth-round steal from the 2015 draft.
Laurent Brossoit – G - With Cam Talbot’s grip on the starting goaltending gig secured for the foreseeable future, Brossoit will have plenty of time to continue his development in the AHL. The 23-year-old is a competitive, resilient goaltender with the talent to grow into a starting role.
Anton Slepshyev –LW - The former third round pick has good size and speed and can think the game well. He made the big club out of training camp last year, then spend most of the season developing his all-around game and physicality in Bakersfield.
Minnesota Wild
Alex Tuch – RW - The 18th overall pick of the 2014 draft is big, heavy and able to score, much like Milan Lucic on the wing. He pitched in a productive 34 points in 40 games for Boston College last season, and will look to crack the Wild roster as he turns pro this season.
Joel Eriksson Ek –C - The 19-year-old can shoot, pass and play reliable two-way hockey. His numbers in Sweden don’t pop out, but he has the tools to be a productive NHL player as soon as this fall.
Luke Kunin – C -This year’s 15th overall pick oozes with speed and skill, proving to have no trouble stepping into the NCAA last season producing near a point-per-game pace as a Wisconsin freshman. Projects to be a hard-working two-way forward.
Gustav Olofsson – D - The tall, lanky defender got his first taste of the NHL last season after progressing in the AHL, but underwent season ending shoulder surgery in March. If he can return to action this fall without missing a beat, he is destined for some more time with the big club.
Jordan Greenway – W -The hulking 6’6 winger performed well as a freshman with Boston University, notching 26 points in 35 games. A strong technical skillset and playmaking ability might lead to a nod for Team USA at the World Juniors this winter.
Calgary Flames
Matthew Tkachuk – W -An instrumental part of the London Knights’ run to the 2016 Memorial Cup, the sixth overall selection at this year’s draft is a natural at producing offense. His puck-moving, forechecking and hockey sense were all among the elite in the 2016 draft class.
Hunter Shinkaruk – LW - An under-the-radar deadline move sent the 2013 first round pick from the Canucks to the Flames, and Shinkaruk will have every chance to start this season in the NHL. An offensively-gifted winger with grit and energy, the 21-year-old notched 51 points in the AHL before scoring three in seven games with the Flames.
Mark Jankowski – C -At 6’3 and 170 pounds, the 22-year-old caught everyone’s eye after joining AHL Stockton last year upon completing four productive years at Providence College. His size and playmaking skills allowed him to pitch in six points in his first eight games, and he will try to pick it up in his first full pro season this fall.
Oliver Kylington –D - A defenseman with breathtaking top-end speed, mobility and a shot meant to quarterback a power play. The 19-year-old still poses a risk defensively, but has the spark to leapfrog older, experienced counterparts in the Flames system.
Jon Gillies –G - A promising start to the goaltender’s pro career last season took a turn after season-ending hip surgery after his seventh game. The big, butterfly goaltender will take the reins with AHL Stockton this season, and has the size and athleticism to get a look with Calgary in case of injury.
Winnipeg Jets
Patrick Laine – LW - The second rendition of the Winnipeg Jets are getting their second rendition of the Finnish Flash. Laine is an electrifying and explosive offensive mastermind who is expected to have the best rookie season for the Jets since Teemu Selanne in 1993.
Kyle Connor – C - The 17th overall selection of the 2015 draft has NHL ready speed, shooting abilities and hockey sense. Let his freshman stats at Michigan explain; 71 points in just 38 games, amounting to a runners-up bid for the 2016 Hobey Baker Award.
Josh Morrissey – D – In his first pro season, the six-foot, 195 pound defenseman notched 22 points in 57 games for the Manitoba Moose. An aggressive, but gifted, skater, puck-mover and power play specialist with some sandpaper to his game.
Brandon Lemieux – LW – Much like his father Claude, Lemieux is a pest who is big and aggressive enough to frustrate his opponents. The 20-year-old had three points in five AHL games last year after producing around a point-per-game in the OHL for the past three years.
Jansen Harkins – C – A second round pick from 2015, Harkins owns a complete skillset and finished a productive OHL career with an AHL call-up, where he notched three points in six games.
Vancouver Canucks
Olli Juolevi – D - The London Knights and Team Finland both had one thing in common en route to their respective Memorial Cup and World Junior Championships this year; a big, rock solid defenseman who can play two-way hockey. Juolevi will blossom into a top-four role.
Brock Boesner – W/C - One of UND’s dominating offensive forces in their NCAA title run was this 6’1, 191-pound freshman winger. A versatile, persistent forward whose intensity combines well with his gifted skillset.
Thatcher Demko – G –The 20-year-old capped off his NCAA career in style this year, posting a 27-8-4 record with a .935 save percentage that earned him the nation’s top goaltender award with Boston College. Slotted to be the Canucks’ goaltender of the future, we will learn how far off that future is based on his first pro season with Utica this year.
Jordan Subban – D – P.K.’s younger brother has shown similar attributes to his star older brother, though not quite to the same level. Jordan has a smaller stature but carries a heavy shot, physical edge and inclined offensive instincts. Made a seamless transition to pro hockey last season, with a 0.54 point-per-game pace in Utica.
5. Alexandre Grenier - RW - The speedy, 6'5 winger was the top scorer in Utica last season and has made progress during three years in the minors, but at 24 years old, it’s now time for the former third round pick to prove he can hang around in the NHL.
Arizona Coyotes
Dylan Strome – C – A strong, offensively gifted centerman drafted after Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel last year who has amassed 240 points in just 124 games the past two seasons in the OHL. A franchise cornerstone down the middle.
Christian Dvorak – C – The Coyotes seem to have struck gold with the 58th pick at the 2014 draft. The top line center for the Memorial Cup champion London Knights ripped 156 in 77 regular season and playoff games last year. He deserves a crack at the big club’s roster this fall.
Jakob Chychrun – D – A shot producing and point producing machine on the back end, the Coyotes snagged Chychrun with the 16th pick this June. Will blossom into a big, powerful force on the blueline.
Brendan Perlini – W – An enticing blend of size, speed and skill who can play a Max Pacioretty- style of game. The 12th overall pick from the 2014 draft, needs a comeback year after two straight underwhelming outputs offensively in 2015 and 2016.
Clayton Keller – W – An undersized but creative playmaker with terrific hands, a good shot and bona fide hockey sense. Constantly able to produce points, but likely a long-term project who’s next stop is the NCAA after being selected seventh in June’s draft.
Los Angeles Kings
Adrian Kempe – W - A big Swedish winger who can take on a variety of roles in all three zones. Turned in a decent 28-point campaign in his North American rookie season in the AHL.
Nic Dowd – C – A late-blooming, defensive minded centerman who could play a role on the penalty kill and secondary scoring units. Played an important role in AHL playoff runs over the past two years, averaging 0.66 points-per-game.
Michael Mersch – W – A mature power forward who steadily improved in two AHL seasons, earning a decent 17-game call-up with the big club last season. Mersch can play reliable defense and can put the puck in the net.
Derek Forbert – D – The 24-year-old defenseman has paid his dues seasoning in the minors, but still needs a big training camp to crack a spot on the Kings blueline. At 6’4 and 219 pounds, Forbert is a decent puck mover who could play a third pairing role.
Kevin Gravel – D – We’re giving the 6’4, 200-pound defenseman some recognition because he’s not very noticeable. A defensive defenseman who knows how to position himself to box out attacking forwards and get to loose pucks in his own zone.
San Jose Sharks
Timo Meier – RW – A big, fast power forward who specializes in the cycle game on the boards. The ninth overall selection from the 2014 draft put up 87 points in just 52 QMJHL games last season.
Micro Mueller –D- The former first round pick from the 2013 draft is a big body who is quick and positions himself well. Played in 11 NHL games last season in a solid rookie year with the AHL squad.
Nickolay Goldobin – LW – In his first full season in North America last year, the 2014 first round pick notched 44 points in 60 AHL games and recorded his first two NHL points in nine big league games. A fast sniper who might need another season in the AHL to complete his development.
Dan O’Regan – C – A late round pick from the 2012 NHL draft, O’Regan is a small but skilled centreman who scored 94 points in 80 games during his final two years at Boston University. An offensively gifted playmaker who the Sharks hope can develop similarly to http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/NHL/1739/Tyler-JohnsonTyler Johnson of the Lightning.
Mantas Armalis – G – The 6’3 Lithuanian goaltender stood out in the Swedish league with Djurgarden last season, and the Sharks hope he will earn the AHL starting job if not the backup spot to Martin Jones.
Anaheim Ducks
Shea Theodore – D – Ducks fans got a 19-game peek at the speed, creativity and offensive talent that Theodore brings to the blueline. The 6’2, 21-year-old won’t need much time to put up points at the NHL level, the question is how much his defense and physicality will hold him back from a top-four role.
Brandon Montour – D – Much like Theodore, Montour is a strong defenseman known for his offense and jumping into the rush. He produced 57 points in 68 games during his first full season in the AHL.
Jacob Larsson – D – The 27th overall pick from the 2015 NHL draft is set to make his North American pro debut this season in San Diego. He is an all-around defenseman who can carry the puck with confidence and use his 6’2 frame to his advantage.
Stefan Noesen – RW – Injury trouble has slowed the 23-year-old’s ascent to the big club, but Noesen was a key part of the Bobby Ryan trade with Ottawa. His energetic style of play, leadership qualities and offensive instincts will come in handy for the Ducks.
Nic Kerdiles – W/C – The 22-year-old forward plays reliable two-way hockey and can consistently contribute on offense, with 27 points in 45 games for San Diego last season. He might have trouble hanging around with the big club this season, but looks to be deserving of a call-up at some point this year.
St. Louis Blues
Ty Rattie – F – After three years in the minors, it appears the 23-year-old has developed his elite scoring touch at the professional level. Notched six points in 13 games with the Blues last season, and will be counted on to produce in the NHL this fall.
Ivan Barbashev – C – The 20-year-old is a true competitor at both ends of the ice with a good set of playmaking tools and offensive capacity. Made a decent adjustment to the AHL last season with 28 points in 65 games, but might need more seasoning to crack to big club’s lineup.
Ville Husso – G – The 94th overall selection of the 2014 draft showed tremendous improvement in his second year at the helm for HIFK Helsinki in the SM-liga, posting a 25-8-6 record with a .927 save percentage.
Tage Thompson – C – A huge but wiry 6’5 center who can shoot and work well with space. Will need a few years to bulk up and improve his defensive game in the NCAA.
Jordan Schmaltz – D – Kevin Shattenkirk’s heir had a solid offensive rookie season in the AHL, pitching in 36 points in 71 games. He can distribute the puck and quarterback a power play, but his defensive abilities don’t appear to be ready for a full-time NHL spot.
Dallas Stars
Julius Honka – D – The 20-year-old Finn is a slick skating and physical defender who can move the puck and shoot it well. Turned in two solid years in the AHL and with the large turnover on Dallas’ blueline, will soon find a role with the big club.
Esa Lindell – D – A big bodied Finn who can jump into the rush and generate offense from the back end. The 22-year-old needs to shore up his defense, but projects to be a productive defenseman when he’s ready to make the jump.
Riley Tufte – LW – The Stars’ first pick of the 2016 draft has an NHL ready body at 6’5, 205 pounds, but has lots of work to do in his development in the NCAA. Though he can control the puck and had a terrific high-school scoring touch, Tufte needs to improve his defense, physicality and discover his scoring touch against top competition.
Jason Dickinson – C – A two-way center with soft hands an a scoring touch. Dickinson had no trouble adjusting to AHL hockey last season and scored in his NHL debut last season. He has the tools to be a reliable NHL forward.
Denis Gurianov – RW – The heavy Russian is big, strong and a good skater who has loads of raw offensive talent. It will be interesting to see what the 19-year-old can do as a rookie in the AHL this season.
Colorado Avalanche
Mikko Rantanen – RW – The 6’4, 211-pound winger may not have registered a point in nine NHL games last season, but he went on to win the AHL’s co-rookie of the year award with 60 points in 52 games. He could find a regular role with the Avs as soon as this fall.
J.T. Compher – LW – An energetic, playmaking forward who shines both with and without the puck. Had a breakout final season offensively with the University of Michigan, notching 63 points in 38 games, which gives him momentum in starting his pro career.
A.J. Greer – LW – After transferring out of Boston University, the 19-year-old joined Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL and was an instrumental part of their Memorial Cup run. A speedy and energetic force who can score in many different places on the ice.
Tyson Jost – C/RW – The 10th overall pick from this year’s draft is a fast, crafty forward with soft hands to deliver great passes and lethal shots. The Avs hope he can develop into a top-six forward with the NCAA champion UND over the next few years.
Nicolas Meloche – D – A physical, smooth skating defenseman with great legs and the intelligence to anticipate dangerous plays. The 19-year-old had 33 points in 53 QMJHL games last year.
Nashville Predators
Kevin Fiala – LW – The hope is for the 20-year-old crafty forward to bring the same qualities to the Predators offense as Filip Forsberg. Fiala notched 50 points in 66 AHL games last season, but might need another year of seasoning to stick around in the NHL.
Vladislav Kamenev – LW – The 20-year-old Russian made a smooth transition to North American hockey, potting 37 points in 57 games as an AHL rookie. Has good hands, size and determination which helped Russia to a silver medal at the 2016 World Juniors.
Juuse Saros – G – While the 21-year-old Finn won’t awe anyone with his size, he will with his athleticism, positioning and compete level. Earned an impressive 29-8 record with Milwaukee as an AHL rookie with a .920 save percentage and 2.24 goals against average.
Dante Fabbro – D – The 17th overall pick this summer and Boston University commit is a two-way defenseman who thrives moving the puck and generating offense. A complete package who the Preds hope can develop into a top-four anchor.
Jack Dougherty – D – A dependable offense-producing defenseman who notched 52 points in 68 games in the WHL last year, and will look to take his game to the next level this season in Milwaukee.
