A few weeks ago, The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn reached out with a question. “Prospect Tiers?” he asked. Player Tiers, his massive undertaking with colleagues Shayna Goldman and Sean Gentille, was entering its fifth year and a companion piece projecting prospects into the same tiers felt like a natural evolution.
Out of that idea, this first instalment of Prospect Tiers was born. This project differs significantly from my annual drafted prospects ranking. Where that is my own, this is built with the influence of NHL scouts and analysts and sorted into buckets rather than a definitive ranking. Though it started with me slotting ~115 under-23 skaters into different tiers (MVP, Franchise, All-Star, Star and Support), it finished with me sending the shell of my list to NHL scouts, who were encouraged to suggest adjustments and provide feedback in an effort to build something closer to a consensus view of the upside of the game’s top young players.
GO DEEPER
NHL Player Tiers 2024-25: Connor McDavid levels up again, goalies join the discussion
It was a sprint to get it done, and as with all lists, there’s never a true consensus, but we got to the finish line with the help of nearly two dozen industry sources who were granted anonymity in order to speak freely about the prospects.
Many had no notes, signaling a good starting point.
But the majority did have opinions, and prospects were moved up and down accordingly. The goal, to take a page from Player Tiers, was to make this “the best list of hockey’s best (prospects).”
Here’s where it landed, with commentary from sources throughout.
Note that among those not ranked but considered/debated were forwards Owen Beck (whom one scout argued he’d include), Filip Bystedt, David Goyette, Hendrix Lapierre, David Edstrom, Sacha Boisvert, Josh Doan, Joakim Kemell, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Alexander Holtz, Emil Hemming, Terik Parascak, Mackie Samoskevich, Fabian Lysell, Colby Barlow, Jackson Blake, Isaac Howard, Otto Stenberg, Chaz Lucius, Zachary L’Heureux, Zack Bolduc and Alex Laferriere, as well as D Ethan Del Mastro (whom one scout argued for), Hunter Brzustewicz, Theo Lindstein, Elias Salomonsson, Mikhail Gulyayev, Adam Jiricek, EJ Emery, Cole Hutson and Luca Cagnoni.
Note also that goalies were not included because of how difficult they are to project before they’ve built up an NHL sample size (even then!) and how few actual experts there are. There are eight consensus top young goalies in the sport, though. Here’s where I’d loosely place them: Jesper Wallstedt (3C), Yaroslav Askarov (3C), Dustin Wolf (4A), Devon Levi (4A), Jacob Fowler (4A), Spencer Knight (4B), Sebastian Cossa (4C) and Trey Augustine (4C). Joel Hofer, Arturs Silovs, Lukas Dostal and Justus Annunen have also begun to establish themselves in the NHL but are probably considered Tier 5 talents.
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Tier 1 — MVP
A top 10 player. Someone who is very likely to get serious trophy consideration at season’s end and whom championship-caliber teams are built around. The best player on almost any team in the league.
Bedard is the sport’s most talented young player. He’s on a path to becoming one of the NHL’s leading scorers and a superstar. He’s going to have to improve his play defensively and stamp himself as a centerman, but he’s got tools and abilities that others don’t and is going to be a fearsome threat offensively in the league for years to come.
Tier 2 — Franchise
A top 30 player. Someone who is the best player on a contending team or second best on a championship-caliber team. An unquestionably elite player.
Celebrini is the player type every team wants to build around. He projects as a foundational, cornerstone center in the NHL. He doesn’t have the point-producing ceiling of a Bedard or a Michkov but he possesses high-end tools across the board and should impact play in more ways.
Tier 2 — Franchise
SJS
C
18
Michkov’s rare talent and offensive intuition position him to become a point-per-game star in the league and one of its top wingers. He’s the only non-Bedard player on this list that I’m confident has the ability to touch high-90s or even someday eclipse 100 points. But after slotting him initially in Tier 1C, he is one of the players I got pushback on and was lowered into Tier 2B after one scout and one team analytics director both argued he should be in Tier 2C. I still firmly believe he’s got Tier 1C/2A upside but had to relent a little.
Said the analyst: “Only glaring thing is Michkov being that high. Feel like both the Russian wingers are more All-Star but at minimum not sure how you can take either over guys like Fantilli/Carlsson/Johnston right now.”
I wasn’t alone in my belief in Michkov, though, either. “I agree with Michkov. I am as high as you on him. I agree with 1C,” said one scout.
Tier 2 — Franchise
PHI
RW
19
Stützle’s already a star in the league at a young age, and one of hockey’s top young players. Those around the league believe that with his threatening blend of speed and skill, he still has another level to find. Stützle is expected to become an 85-90-ish point player and bona fide No. 1 forward just shy of the league’s true superstars.
NHL staff did seem to favor the centers, which did result in some debate about whether Stützle should be Tier 2B or Tier 2A with Celebrini. “For me those franchise tier centers are probably closer to Bedard than you have them,” one team analyst also said.
Tier 2 — Franchise
OTT
C
22
Fantilli has the makings and mold of a first-line center — the size, strength, skill, speed, and competitiveness that teams search for. He can impose himself on games and should become a lot for opposing D to handle over the course of his career. He’s got what it takes to have a career as a star player and 75-85 point center. I believe he’ll take a step toward that this season and emerge as a go-to player for the Blue Jackets in 2024-25 as well.
Tier 2 — Franchise
CBJ
C
19
Johnston established himself as a top-of-the-lineup player on a top team as a 20-year-old last season when he registered 42 goals and 81 points in 101 combined regular season and playoff games. Most expect him to take another step this year as his role with the Stars continues to grow. He’s a budding star.
Tier 2 — Franchise
DAL
C
21
Faber was among the league leaders in time on ice as a rookie last year and has already proven himself capable of playing 25-30 minutes a night as a first-pairing defenseman in the league. Some do wonder if the 47 points he registered last year may be his ceiling offensively though, especially if Zeev Buium is to someday take his place on the Wild’s PP1. Still, we’re talking about a player who one year into his career already has a $68-million contract. He got a lot of love from those I spoke to as well, which resulted in moving him up from Tier 3A to Tier 2C. “Faber for me could go up a bucket,” said one director of scouting. Added an analyst: “Faber is probably ahead of Levshunov at this point. High-end player in NHL currently vs. unproven player that I am not sure is going to be an impact NHL player (too many development holes right now).” Some I spoke to expect him to be their captain someday as well.
Tier 2 — Franchise
MIN
RHD
22
After a strong rookie season which saw him uniquely managed in a sort of load-management situation with the Ducks, Carlsson is expected to emerge as a legitimate top-six player in Anaheim this season. He’s got the size, skill and smarts to blossom into a first-liner from there.
Tier 2 — Franchise
ANA
C
19
Tier 3 — All-Star
A top 60 player. Someone who wouldn’t be the best player on a contender, but would be an important part of any contending or championship core. A strong top-line forward, above average No. 1 defenseman, or borderline top five goalie.
Levshunov is still a little green in some areas but his raw tools all pop and most within the sport — and who’ve worked with him — believe he’s got a sky-high offensive and defensive ceiling as a potential No. 1 D in the league. Still, there are some who are skeptical about whether he’s a true two-way game-breaker at the next level. And so after starting him in Tier 2C, I moved him to Tier 3A following the feedback. One scout said he’d even have him in Tier 3B or 3C. “I would be skeptical labeling Levshunov and Buium as true franchise defensemen right now, but not overly offended as they are at the back end of that tier,” said another scout. Said a third: “I’m not sure whether Levshunov and Buium are better than Nikishin.”
Tier 3 — All-Star
CHI
RHD
18
Buium had a college hockey season for the ages a year ago and there’s nothing in his game that gives me pause in my belief that he’ll continue down the same path as those he was better than at the same age — names like Hughes, Werenski, McAvoy. If he doesn’t surpass Brock Faber as Minnesota’s No. 1 D — and he’s got the stuff to do it and a more diverse offensive game — then I expect him to at least join him as a first-pairing-caliber D and the Wild’s PP1 D of the future. I’d slot him in Tier 2C and am a big believer in his path to becoming one of the game’s premium D but two others pushed for him to be in more of the All-Star tier than the Franchise one.
Tier 3 — All-Star
MIN
LHD
18
Demidov is widely considered one of the most gifted young talents in the sport. His elite puck skills give him a game-breaking offensive ceiling and his willing work ethic gives him a real chance to get there. Demidov has first-line, point-per-game talent. Demidov slotted initially in Tier 2C on my list but scouts seemed to favor the centers in that same tier over the winger.
Tier 3 — All-Star
MTL
RW
18
From a pure puck skills standpoint, Smith gets star grades as a handler and playmaker. He’s got first-line skill and should become a top-end point producer, with point-per-game upside. I expect him to really click with Celebrini on the power play and even if they play mostly apart at five-on-five as the Sharks’ 1-2 centers of the future, I’d count on them playing together when needed over the years (as McDavid and Draisaitl often have). Some wonder about his B game/competitiveness but everyone agrees his skill level is high, high-end.
Tier 3 — All-Star
SJS
C
19
After an up-and-down rookie season that still ended with a respectable 20 goals and 44 points, look for Cooley to begin to challenge Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz as Utah’s top dog offensively as early as this season. Scouts still like Cooley’s blend of speed, skill and competitiveness as projectable for the top of an NHL lineup.
Tier 3 — All-Star
UTA
C
20
I’ve begun to feel like Power is underrated publicly. And in conversations I had for this project, that was borne out. Hockey people want to see him take charge and play with more fire. They’ve always wanted him to be more commanding on the ice. But they also have a lot of time for a 6-foot-6 D who has already played 24-25 minutes a night at 19, 20 and 21 years old. Let’s call it what it is: rare. Power’s offensive numbers haven’t popped (36 per 82 is still very respectable) but he has quietly had an excellent start to his career behind Dahlin and some I spoke to even believe he’s got a chance to play for Canada at the Olympics. He’s going to be a big-minutes D in the NHL for a long time.
Tier 3 — All-Star
BUF
LHD
21
Byfield showed he could put it all together and make good on his size-skill-skating potential last season. He should continue to take steps toward becoming an All-Star tier caliber player in the league but those surveyed felt this was the appropriate slotting for him and weren’t ready to give him the Franchise label.
Tier 3 — All-Star
LAK
C
22
Catton’s a high-skill, high-speed playmaker who some believe has higher upside offensively than Matty Beniers and Shane Wright — a good problem to have if you’re the Kraken. He’s a dynamic talent who will star for Canada at the world juniors this winter and Seattle for winters to come.
There was some debate about whether Catton should be Tier 3A or Tier 3B but I ultimately held him here after hearing from both sides. Here was one analyst: “I would move Catton to Jarvis’ bucket. I see them as having similar trajectories and the additional risk on Catton right now with being less developed shouldn’t put him ahead.” And here was an opposing scout: “My Catton opinion agrees with yours.” I can see a case for him in Tier 3B though, honestly.
Tier 3 — All-Star
SEA
C
18
Parekh is the most skilled D prospect in the sport, with an offensive ceiling that could — and should — reach for gaudy numbers. NHL scouts have really come around on his ability to defend well enough to reach that ceiling as well, but after initially slotting him Tier 2C on upside, pushback from one director, two scouts and one analyst moved him down.
“Parekh way too high,” said the director. “To be that high as a D you have to play every situation. He won’t kill penalties nor be on ice protecting a one-goal lead late in games. One-trick pony. I’m probably too hard on him but I’d probably put him in star category.” Said one of the scouts: “I’d have Parekh in Tier 3B or 3C.”
Tier 3 — All-Star
CGY
RHD
18
Hughes’ offense and transition game work from Day 1 in his rookie season a year ago. He’s expected to become one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL. His play defensively will set his ceiling and ultimate impact as a top-four guy who puts up a ton of points versus a true first-pairing type who is a transition monster.
Hughes was debated up and down Tier 3 with different sources before staying where I’d initially slotted him in the middle of it. “I feel like Luke Hughes could be on the same level as Power (in Tier 3A). He’s a different type of D but if he can produce 80 percent of the points of Quinn I think he’s on Power’s level,” said one scout. Said one analyst: “Hughes I think can run a PP but might sit on the second pair.”
Tier 3 — All-Star
NJD
LHD
21
Sanderson has the respect of everyone in the hockey world and projects as a top-end two-way defenseman who logs big minutes and provides particular value in transition. Said one analyst: “I like Sanderson. I think he can produce but has the ability to rein it in more with better coaching.”
Tier 3 — All-Star
OTT
LHD
22
Nikishin has been the top defenseman in the KHL for the last two seasons and is now widely viewed as the best defenseman in Europe. He’s expected to come to North America after this season and the consensus belief is that he’ll be a top-four stud from the start and potentially a first-pairing D with size and major two-way upside shortly after that. He’s a force. He was moved down from Tier 3A to Tier 3B when one analyst had a hard time getting on board with him a letter grade ahead of guys like Sanderson and Hughes who’ve already shown their upside in the NHL.
Tier 3 — All-Star
CAR
LHD
22
Raymond’s 72-point breakout last season has positioned him as a first-line winger. There’s uncertainty about whether he has the dynamic quality to take another step and someday push for 90 points, but intelligent and crafty 70-80 point forwards are hard to come by and he has begun to establish himself as one. Soon, he’ll get paid like one too.
One scout did advocate for a Tier 3A slotting for Raymond.
Tier 3 — All-Star
DET
RW
22
Lafrenière took a big step last season and his playoff performance in particular has people excited about what might be to come — and whether the now 22-year-old can reach his potential as a No. 1 pick after all. His blend of skill, puck protection and strength is beginning to bubble to the fore again. After registering 36 goals and 71 points in 98 combined regular season and playoff games, there is now talk about whether he can get to similar numbers in the regular season alone.
There are still mixed opinions about Lafrenière though. One scout argued he should be up a letter grade in Tier 3A and another argued that Raymond and Jarvis, who share Tier 3B with him, should be higher than him.
Tier 3 — All-Star
NYR
LW
22
One of the top young two-way forwards in the game, Jarvis’ 33 goals and 67 points last year actually undersell his value.
Tier 3 — All-Star
CAR
RW
22
There was some debate about whether Beniers should be Tier 3B or Tier 3C. He’s still a center with skill, smarts and two-way merits who is just a year removed from winning the Calder Trophy. He’s now being paid like an impactful top-six forward, too. Ultimately, despite taking a step back as a sophomore, the consensus seemed to favor holding him in Tier 3B for now.
Tier 3 — All-Star
SEA
C
21
McTavish and Carlsson already have the inside track on Trevor Zegras as the Ducks’ 1-2 centers of the future (Cutter Gauthier, who played center in college, is also going to be moving to the wing). That’s a testament to the way they’re viewed that it’s that cut and dry at such an early age for both. McTavish doesn’t maybe have the counting stats upside that some of the other Tier 3 players do but he’s viewed as a playoff-style competitor who is going to score 30 goals and 60-something points in the NHL for a long time. One scout vouched for him in Tier 3B but the consensus favoured Tier 3C.
Tier 3 — All-Star
ANA
C
21
Hockey folks are done betting against Stankoven, who has become a beloved young player for his tenacious skill game and legitimate ox-like strength on the puck. Johnston, Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley are the core in Dallas, but Stankoven’s expected to join that group as early as this season.
One scout argued Stankoven could move up a letter grade to Tier 3B and another argued he could move down to the top of the Star tier.
Tier 3 — All-Star
DAL
C
21
After his 50-point sophomore year, there’s renewed excitement about Slafkovsky’s upside, with one scout arguing he should be up a bucket in Tier 3B. The fringe of the All-Star tier just above Star felt appropriate for now. He’s going to be a top-of-the-lineup forward for the Habs moving forward. Can he become No. 1 or No. 2 on their hierarchy, or will he be No. 3 or No. 4 behind some combination of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov?
Tier 3 — All-Star
MTL
LW
20
If not for the crowd on the Devils’ blue line — Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, now Brett Pesce and eventually Anton Silayev — the sense I got is people would have a much easier time projecting Nemec into a tier of this caliber. If his play as a rookie last year was any indication, though, I think he emerges and plays his way into it regardless. Nemec is one of my favourite young players in the sport and one scout actually felt he should be a letter grade higher in Tier 3B, which gave me comfort in this slotting.
Tier 3 — All-Star
NJD
RHD
20
Tier 4 — Star
A top 100 player. Someone who would be a strong piece within a contending or championship core, but not a go-to option. An average top-line forward, below average No. 1 defenseman, or top 10 goalie.
Clarke initially slotted into Tier 3C but was course-corrected into Tier 4A after one analyst argued for a slight downgrade. “Clarke is probably too high, he hasn’t developed as well as he could,” the analyst said. “I think 4A players are comparable, he will be a solid top-four guy but I don’t see All-Star potential.” I’ve always been a bigger believer in Clarke and his unconventional look and style than most around hockey, but his production has become hard to deny and this year should mark the start of his ascension to becoming a premier point-producing defenseman in the NHL.
If this list were strictly my own, I’d slot Perreault in Tier 3C. But there are some who still want to see him do it without running mates Smith and Ryan Leonard, and some who still question how his game will translate in the NHL (though there’s a clear consensus that his offensive IQ is elite level now, and that that will carry him).
Leonard is one of the most universally well-liked young players in the sport, with respect from virtually everyone in hockey for his game and its approach/style. He’s a competitive go-getter with natural finishing touch and instincts who plays the game in the hard areas and drives winning. A minority of people wonder about how much offense he’ll have and the role Perreault and Smith have played in his statistical profile to this point, but he’s a horse and a talent in his own right.
One scout argued he could debatably go up into Tier 3C, which speaks volumes.
Everyone wants a good-sized, athletic, scoring top-six forward in the mold of Cutter Gauthier. He’s well-positioned after the trade to play that role alongside a Carlsson or a McTavish in the Ducks’ top six of the future. The rest will be up to him because the tools and the opportunity are both there. He’s got 30-goal upside if things click and come together in Anaheim.
Said one scout: “After just getting back from the L.A. rookie tournament, I was very impressed with Cutter Gauthier and think he may deserve to be higher. … He may not be a consistent ‘All-Star’ in recognition, but the 200-foot impact he’s going to make every night at the NHL level is legit.”
With his size, skating, defending and transition game, Dickinson’s viewed as a near lock to become a top-four two-way stud in the NHL. Whether his decision-making under pressure develops will determine if he belongs on a first pair.
There was skepticism from one scout about Dickinson that resulted in his move from Tier 4A to Tier 4B. Said the scout: “The debate for me starts more in the Star area. I’d probably slide a few guys a column down but really nothing too crazy I don’t think. My guess is some guys won’t hit that: Dickinson, Eiserman, Jiricek. But more guesses than fact-based. Good work. Some fun debates I’m sure but I think it’s all pretty reasonable.”
Silayev’s blend of towering size, surprisingly smooth skating and physicality make his upside as a defensive stopper sky high. The development of his game offensively will determine if he becomes a Zdeno Chara-level unicorn.
Lindstrom’s unique combination of size, skating, physicality, skill and scoring are all top-of-the-lineup projectable. He fits the mold teams search for in a center. But questions about sample size, his health, his smarts and whether he’s a center or a winger are out there. If he maximizes his raw potential and continues down the path he was on in the first half of last season, we’re talking about a potential star power forward.
Iginla projects as a dangerous, goal-scoring top-six winger and power-play threat, with high grades as a shooter, skater and handler and a willing work ethic to get after it. He’s viewed as more of an individual creator than an elevator, though.
One scout advocated for Igilna being on the cusp of Tier 3C while another said he should be down a letter grade. “Iginla and (Cole) Eiserman want to become (Cole) Perfetti. I think development risk with their profile should put them in the same tier,” said the latter.
Benson’s got that dog in him. What he lacks in size he makes up for in cleverness, smarts, relentlessness and fire. He’s an extremely likable player and one the Sabres need to turn into a bona fide top-six winger. A word to the wise: Don’t bet against him.
I thought it was noteworthy that one scout said he believed Benson was on the cusp of the All-Star tier/moving up for him as well.
The Blue Jackets need Jiricek to be a big part of their top four of the future, and maybe even a star No. 2 type. His game has some kinks that he still needs to iron out, but he’s a talented, commanding presence when he’s on and he can reach that ceiling if he puts it all together. Some wonder about his feet (specifically his pivots) holding him back a little.
I did talk Tier 4A vs. Tier 4B with scouts, with mixed feelings on the best fit but agreement that he’d be at the bottom of these Tier 4A guys.
Yakemchuk’s talent is undeniable. He’s a playmaking D with legit size, skill and shooting ability. He’s going to be a PP1 quarterback and point producer in the NHL. There are some skeptics, though. “I think Yakemchuk is a smidge high, as I’m someone who isn’t quite sure how his game translates all the way to the NHL with how he tries to play,” said one scout in arguing for his move from Tier 4A to Tier 4B. Said another: “I think Yakemchuk has the obvious offensive upside but glaring holes in his game.” His skating and decision-making could limit his overall upside without real improvement, but the skill level should carry him regardless.
Mintyukov has progressed nicely from one of the top offensive defensemen in the OHL, to one of the top defensemen in the OHL period, to one of the top rookies in the NHL. While the Ducks have a crowd of high-end talent up front, they need Mintyukov to be up to the task and emerge as a top-end D for them. The belief is that he’s got it in him to be that guy.
One analyst argued for Mintyukov to move up a letter grade to Tier 4A.
One of the most talented young players on the planet, I’d argue for Hutson in Tier 4A or even Tier 3C on the back of his one-of-one offensive gifts and singular play-creation ability. Some question if he’ll be able to hold his own enough defensively to play the 25 minutes a night he’ll need in order for his offensive impact to really flourish. Multiple scouts wondered if he should be in Tier 4C instead and this became the middle ground.
Sennecke is the most purely talented forward in Tier 4B and has a really compelling case from an upside perspective for Tier 4A. His skill level, hands and individual playmaking are high-end quality. Some want to see his production get to that same level before locking in a first-line projection, though. His play in the OHL playoffs last year was the beginning of that case.
Helenius is considered one of the smartest young players in the sport, both offensively and defensively. He’s not expected to be a point-per-game type, but think some moderate version of Nick Suzuki, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Elias Lindholm or Nico Hischier if all goes well. I initially slotted him in Tier 4A before moving him down a letter grade to Tier 4B after two scouts said they might lower him a little bit.
Wright quietly had a really strong season at 19 and 20 in the AHL last season, and his head coach is now the head coach of the Kraken. There’s still plenty of respect around hockey for Wright and his game/potential as a well-rounded, two-way second-line center who impacts play. The presence of both Catton and Beniers does complicate the picture, but good players figure it out and Wright’s a good player.
Scouts agreed he was a Tier 4 player still but there was some disagreement about where he’d slot within it. One scout: “I’d move Wright up.” One analyst: “I see third-line center upside. Mercer and Lundell are already there.”
Guenther looked like he took a step in the second half of last season. He’s going to be a top-six winger in the NHL for a long time. But the consensus view is he’ll be more of a good second-liner than a first-liner, with some not sure if his ceiling is much higher than the 64-point pace he played at last year.
Johnson hasn’t realized his potential in his first two seasons in the league, but the door is now open for him to be a top-six, PP1 forward for the Blue Jackets. He’s got the talent to be that player for them. This season isn’t make-or-break in that outcome but it feels like a pivotal one for him.
Perfetti has had stretches of play where his high-end offensive IQ and feel for the game have won out over an athletic package that has at times held him back. There’s still belief among some that the smarts will win out and he’ll become a legit top-six producer in the NHL, maybe as early as this season.
Yurov made the move to full-time center and took off in the KHL last season, elevating an already strong track record and projection. There are some who wonder if he’s a star but he’s starting to feel like a surefire top-sixer.
I did think it was noteworthy that one scout said he’d move Yurov up from here, because I’ve always been very high on him.
Edvinsson has top-four tools and a top-four track record, and might even play second-pairing minutes in Detroit this season. There’s a real consensus around him as a projectable, two-way impact guy. Whether he can become a No. 2 to Seider’s No. 1 or is if he’s going to be more of a No. 3 (which is still a high-end player!) is the debate.
After an up-and-down post-draft season in a tough situation in Switzerland last year, Reinbacher’s play late in the year in the AHL renewed excitement about why he was selected at No. 5 in 2023. He’s going to be a very good NHL defenseman, though there are some disagreements about how much offense he’ll provide. Is he a 25-to-35-point high-end two-way type or a 40-plus guy who can be a PP2 QB behind a Hutson — and over a Logan Mailloux? Nobody took issue with Tier 4B either way.
Korchinski’s rookie year in the NHL was trial by fire but it’s extremely rare for a 19-year-old D to play a full season in the NHL and he continues to project as an upper-lineup D. He’s 6-foot-3, mobile and talented offensively. With the addition of Levshunov, some of the pressure on Korchinski to be the guy rather than just a top contributor should also be alleviated. If Levshunov can become a No. 1 or No. 2 for the Blackhawks, Korchinski should be able to fall in line behind him. They may even someday be D partners, too.
Mateychuk has been one of the top players in his age group for years and there are some who think he’s a more finished product than future Blue Jackets teammate David Jiricek. He does it all for a 5-foot-11 D and won’t just be a power-play/points type in Columbus. The belief is that whether he starts in the NHL or not this season, he’s ready for it. His time is coming.
Eiserman remains a polarizing prospect but the Prospect Tiers project is about upside and if Eiserman hits his he’ll be filling the net in the NHL for the Islanders — especially on the power play. Still, I initially slotted him in Tier 4A before lowering him a letter grade to Tier 4B after one scout argued he should be in Tier 4C.
One scout: “I’m a bit unsure about Eiserman. He could become one of the best goal scorers in the league but also has some bust written on him.”
If Hutson didn’t exist, Zellweger would have a unique profile with his ability to move and manufacture with his feet and skill as a smaller, offensive D. There are some pronounced differences in their makeups, though, including how thickly built Zellweger is. His offensive ceiling isn’t viewed as being at the elite level Hutson’s is at either, but it’s going to be fascinating to track whether the Ducks’ PP1 of the future belongs to him or Mintyukov. His upside is legit in its own right and he has been a star in the WHL and AHL (and with Hockey Canada) to this point.
One scout did argue he should be in the same tier as Hutson and another aruged he should be above Mateychuk, so I moved him up from Tier 4C to Tier 4B.
One scout suggested moving Lundell up from a letter grade to Tier 4B after his strong playoffs as an important contributor on a Stanley Cup-winning team. I think a projection for the fringes of the Star tier is appropraite until we see his offense move beyond the 35-to-45 range he’s comfortably sat in through three seasons, though. We may see that as early as this year and I could see moving him to Tier 4B next year. He’s a very well-rounded center who is already a two-way middle-six one.
Peterka’s 28-goal, 50-point sophomore season last year makes him one of the more accomplished players on this list. He’s an up-and-down-the-lineup type who can be the third guy on a first line, the second guy on a second line or the top dog on a third line. Does he have more than 50 points in him, though? There is some question about that, and his slotting just above Support at the fringes of Star felt appropriate.
He’s got some proponents, though. Here was one analyst: “JJ Peterka rocks, I have him above KJ and Sennecke. More valuable winger. I think 60 points is possible. He is not going to finish at the same rate at five-on-five but his assists will go up. He was much better at generating chances for others in the AHL, which will grow with improvements in his transition play. If he gets PP1 time ever, there should be more points there too, though not super likely on that roster. 25G-35A is my best guess.”
One scout suggested moving Mercer up a letter grade to Tier 4B. That’s no surprise. He has always been an eminently likable player among scouts, dating all the way back to his draft year. He’s become a really solid NHL player who, through three seasons in the league, has played at a 21-goal, 44-point pace per 82 games. But I elected to keep him here for some of the same reasons as Peterka, especially after his production dipped last season. Can he go from impactful top-niner to fringe star?
Guhle has already begun to establish himself as a legit top-four defenseman and he’s a natural foil to the roles that Hutson and Mailloux will play on Montreal’s blue line. He was initially slotted into Tier 4B but there are some over the years who’ve wondered about his offense moving beyond comfortable and one scout suggested moving him down a letter grade.
Sandin Pellikka often played 20-25 minutes with the SHL champions last year, including in the playoffs. His 12 goals and 25 goals in 53 combined regular-season and playoff games last season rank among the all-time best U19 seasons in SHL history, alongside names like Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin. He’ll play in a third world juniors this winter for Sweden after helping them to a silver on home ice last year. He’s a strong and competitive 5-foot-11 with real power-play upside. And yet it feels like he flies a little under the radar. Edvinsson has arrived, but folks in Sweden think Sandin Pellikka will be right behind him, with some believing in him as a potential star and others viewing him more as a second-pairing type.
Eklund has already finished second on an NHL team in scoring. That team just so happened to be one of the worst in NHL history, and the point total just so happened to be 45. His better fit might be as a secondary player on a top-six line to a high-end type like a Celebrini or a Smith, but he has always proven to be a good complement to his linemates and that could still make him extremely valuable to the future of the Sharks.
After an excellent showing in the HockeyAllsvenskan playoffs in 2022-23 and an Orebro-leading 19 goals and 31 points in 46 SHL games last season, there’s renewed excitement about Lekkerimäki fulfilling his potential as a threatening top-six scorer. His pace of play and competitiveness have shown noticeable improvement, helping him get the most out of his natural skill and scoring. With the right linemates, he could pop as an NHLer with continued development. He could get some NHL play this year as well.
Brandsegg-Nygård is one of the most universally well-liked and respected young players in the sport. You won’t find a scout who doesn’t think he’s going to have a long career as at least an impactful secondary scorer and go-getter playoff type inside the top nine of a good NHL team. There are some who think he’s going to be one of the very best versions of that player type, too, some of whom are fringe stars (a Brock Nelson, or a Joel Eriksson Ek, or a T.J. Oshie, or a Gabe Landeskog, or a Justin Williams).
There isn’t a player in any of the tiers below this one who has Connelly’s skill level on the puck, and he’s also got high-end skating and some untapped physical potential to fill in. He’s got plenty of critics and doubters but the ceiling is undoubtedly high and one scout helped make the case to move him from Tier 4C to Tier 4B: “Purely as a player, I would move Trevor Connelly up significantly. He’s a better NHL prospect in my opinion than guys like Perreault and Eiserman.”
After back-to-back 21-goal campaigns (scoring 20 is one of the hardest things to do in college hockey) as a freshman and sophomore, Snuggerud has established himself as a legitimate top prospect in his own right. There was a time when he was viewed as the third-best player on USA’s top line at the NTDP with Logan Cooley and Gauthier, and some wondered if he could do it on his own. Now he’s expected to turn pro and play NHL games for the Blues in the spring. He projects as a top-six winger at his ceiling. There was some consideration for moving him down into Tier 5A, though. He feels fringe here.
Simashev was one of the only prospects to move an entire tier. He started in Tier 5B, just behind a D like Oliver Bonk in Tier 5A and just ahead of D like Scott Morrow, Shakir Mukhamadullin and Mailloux in Tier 5C, but was moved up into Tier 4C with Sandin Pellikka, Zellweger and Guhle after two scouts argued for him. Simashev’s statistical profile and offensive output don’t pop and may never, but he’s clearly viewed as a potential premium shutdown guy who can play big minutes and drive results.
Said one scout: “I think the actual tiers look pretty solid. Not sure there’s anyone who I think should be in a completely different bracket outside of a guy like Simashev, who I really like. I had Sima as the top D in that class. Maybe a hair over the top but I really liked him that year.”
Tier 5 — Support
A top 150 player. Someone who would offer strong support to a contending or championship core, but wouldn’t be an integral piece within it. A below-average top-line forward, a strong No. 2 defenseman, or an above average starter.
McGroarty’s move to Pittsburgh has accelerated his path to a top-nine and maybe even top-six role in the NHL. There have been questions over the years about his feet, but he has been a top player in his age group and on every team he has ever played on and he’s got all of the other tools he needs to become a top-six winger. He might someday wear a letter in the post-Crosby era for the Penguins, too. I initially slotted him Tier 4C before being encouraged to slide him down slightly.
One analyst: “McGroarty (is) not really as much of an impact player as people think. His OZ play is strong but there is not enough pace.”
Tier 5 — Support
PIT
LW
20
Cowan in Tier 5A as a high-end support player on the fringes of being a star felt just right and didn’t receive any feedback. He’s going to be an excellent top-nine winger and after last season should be reaching to become a top-six one. He’s going to be a fan favorite. He’s going to offer speed and skill and a competitive spirit to whatever line he’s on. He might not be a true top dog at the next level, though.
Tier 5 — Support
TOR
LW
19
One scout said he’d move Kulich up, but the top of Star just below All-Star felt more appropriate. I can see the case if you think Kulich is going to be a premier power-play threat. He’s got one of the best one-timers outside the NHL and that weapon is complemented by a strong pro build, good puck protection skill, and an ability to play all three forward positions, which should help him find the right matches for linemates.
Luchanko was moved from Tier 5B to Tier 5A after three scouts said they’d move him up a little. NHL folks love this kid and his potential to be an impactful top-six center. I just want to see the statistical profile catch up to the skating, smarts, athleticism and two-way play before I project him as more than a very good middle-sixer. He’s one of the prospects I plan to watch closest this season. He really is a very good player.
One scout felt Dvorsky could move up a bucket from Tier 5A into Tier 4C, but I know there are others who soured on him after he struggled to take a step at pro pace and won’t qualify him as a potential star until he shows he can play at that speed and do what he has done at lower levels. He was a top player immediately in the OHL and the staff with the Slovak national team believe he’s got Ryan O’Reilly upside in him because of his combination of power-play skills (he’s got a dangerous one-timer and is an excellent saucer passer/puck protector) and five-on-five two-way commitment (faceoff and stick detail, etc.).
Nadeau is one of the more talented players and skaters in the support tier but there is some wonder about whether it’ll click enough for him to go from talented top-nine winger/PP2 playmaker to bona fide top-six winger/PP1 guy who belongs at the bottom of the star tier. This year will be a huge one for him because there is a group of people in college hockey circles who felt he should have gone back for a sophomore season.
Tier 5 — Support
CAR
RW
19
There are some lines to draw between Hage and Jordan Kyrou’s speed, skill and style of play. If Hage gets to that level, which is probably his ceiling, he’d probably belong in Tier 4. But Tier 5A is appropriate for now given his age, some of the development time he lost to his shoulder surgery, and the likelihood he may fall in behind the Suzukis, Caufields, Slafkovskys and Demidovs as more of a high-end support type.
I firmly believe Musty has the potential to become a top-six winger of the future for one of Celebrini or Smith, and I know the Sharks are high on him, but there are some skeptics elsewhere in the hockey world and that kept him in Tier 5A. He certainly has the tools, though.
Tier 5 — Support
SJS
LW
19
Knies has already been an effective support player in a top six in the NHL. But while he’s expected to continue to get better within that role and there’s some belief that he can take his 35-point rookie campaign into a consistent career as a 20-something-goal, 40-to-50-point guy, he doesn’t project beyond that into stardom.
Tier 5 — Support
TOR
LW
21
There has been a consensus around Coronato becoming a 20-plus-goal, top-nine winger who can contribute on special teams, score and work wherever you need him to up and down a lineup. He’s viewed more as a high-end secondary player on a line than a potential star, though.
Tier 5 — Support
CGY
RW
21
Danielson is a universally well-liked prospect who everyone agrees will make a winning top-nine player in the NHL. There have been debates about whether he’s got top-six upside or will be more of a middle-sixer over the years, though, and nobody made a case to move him from the high end of the Support tier to the low end of the Star tier.
Drysdale’s high-end mobility will make him a top-four NHL defenseman and allow him to influence play in all sorts of ways with his feet. But injuries have slowed his development and he now has to prove he can be more than that.
Tier 5 — Support
PHI
RHD
22
There was a time when folks wondered if Bonk’s smarts would make him more than a No. 6, but his average feet would also make him more of a No. 5 than a top-four guy. After taking a step last year, he’s now viewed as a future top-four defenseman and maybe a very good one just shy of a star.
Tier 5 — Support
PHi
RHD
19
Savoie’s skating and skill are high end, plus he’s a worker. Those three things will make him a top-nine NHL forward. He’s going to have power-play and penalty-kill utility as well. But increasingly he’s viewed as more of a winger than a center and not quite at star-level skill for his size.
Tier 5 — Support
EDM
RW
20
Ritchie is unquestionably the Avalanche’s best prospect and opportunity was a consideration for some of the respondents. He emerged last year as a top player in the OHL and has for a while been viewed as a player who can play with anyone by Hockey Canada. His versatility as a center and a winger who has skill, scoring, size and a well-rounded two-way game will serve him well. There have been questions about the athletic makeup at times, but I think he answered them last season. It’s not hard to imagine him playing alongside some of the Avs’ stars someday.
Moore’s elite speed and motor are complemented by enough skill to safely project him as a strong top-nine NHL forward and likely even a center, which comes with a slight boost. His skill level isn’t viewed as star level but I do wonder if his speed is so dynamic that he maybe surprises some people later in his career with the level he gets to.
Sillinger took a positive step forward last year and looks like a strong third-line NHLer already. I think there’s more skill/power-play upside there than he has been able to show in his young career as well. This season will be another important one because there’s plenty of opoortunity in Columbus and he finished last year strong.
Willander was moved from Tier 5A to Tier 5B after one analyst added to what was a chorus of folks uninspired by his post-draft season. “Willander was not that impressive to me last year. I have him in 5C group,” said the analyst. His skating, athleticism, two-way and transition game are legitimate, and he was a positive driver of play in college last year. But you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who views him as more than a solid 3-4 D at the next level and the consensus does seem to be trending toward the latter.
Tier 5 — Support
VAN
RHD
19
Molendyk started in Tier 5A because I see a lot of similarities between his game/profile/projection and Drysdale’s, but I moved down to Tier 5B after two scouts suggested a slight downgrade. His mobility is elite and has allowed him to really control and influence play in so many ways against his peers both offensively and defensively. He’s going to be a top player for Canada at this year’s world juniors as well. But his upside is probably as a second-pairing influencer rather than a truly high-end NHL stud.
Tier 5 — Support
NSH
LHD
19
Foerster isn’t expected to become a high-end point producer but he has already scored 23 goals and 40 points in his first 85 NHL games, John Tortorella likes him a lot, and he gets high marks for how well-rounded his game is. He might never register 65 points, for example, but he looks like he’s on a path to becoming one of the better 25-to-30-goal, 45-to-50-point players in the league. While nobody pushed for him to move higher, I did think about slotting him into Tier 5A.
Tier 5 — Support
PHI
RW
22
After leading UConn in scoring as both a freshman and a sophomore and contributing in a limited role as an 18-year-old on Team Canada at last year’s world juniors, this season is expected to be a big one for Wood, who will play a top-six role for Canada as a returnee and star for the University of Minnesota after a transfer. He’s got the size, skill and scoring. Some have wondered about his skating and competitiveness at times but I don’t view either as limiters. He’s got second-line scorer upside.
Tier 5 — Support
NSH
RW
19
Rehkopf is a threatening individual creator with good size and tools who has worked to round out his game so that he’s more than just a rangy scorer. His developed versatility (including at all three forward positions) should help him become a top-nine and maybe even top-six scorer in the NHL. He’s got some real talent and should be one of the top scorers in junior hockey/on Team Canada this season.
Tier 5 — Support
SEA
LW
19
Cristall is an interesting one because while two different scouts suggested moving Jordan Dumais down when he slotted alongside Cristall in Tier 5B, opinions were split on the Capitals second-rounder. His lack of footspeed and size was always the big question and the reason he was available in the second round, but his feet have made progress and his skill and offensive sense are both very high-end. I’ll be fascinated to see if Hockey Canada takes him to the world juniors because he felt like an odd man out coming into the World Junior Summer Showcase but was so productive there yet again that I think they’re paying attention.
“I’d move Cristall down,” said one scout. Another said, “Cristall is kind of a freak of nature. Shouldn’t be able to do what he does with that skating and size but elite brain and competitive. Wouldn’t bet against him.”
Tier 5 — Support
WSH
LW
19
Through a season and a quarter at ages 21 and 22, Evangelista has played at an 18-goal, 43-point pace. He should score 20 goals regularly in the NHL and be a strong top-nine forward for a long time but he’s going to have to take a step and become a top-six winger to warrant this slotting (one scout posited he should be in Tier 5C). He’s going to have to do it with young guys like Wood and Zachary L’Heureux soon looking to make the jump to the NHL as well.
Tier 5 — Support
NSH
RW
22
Lambert was, for a time, pretty polarizing. That none of the scouts surveyed had a take on his ranking speaks to the positive steps he has taken in the last year and a half. Once written off as a one-dimensional winger who didn’t know how to play the game, he has now successfully played center in both the AHL and WHL, forcing him to involve himself more and get pucks lower in the defensive zone to the benefit of his transition game. The skill and skating have always been there and he has learned how to use them better. He even picked up his first NHL point in his NHL debut last year, and was by all accounts a Penticton rookie tournament standout. The NHL is starting to feel close and he’s always had top-six upside if all goes well.
Yager projects fairly safely as a 20-goal middle-six forward who can provide secondary scoring and is reliable in all three zones. The question is really whether he’ll be more than that. He’s got the shot, skating and head for the game. He has long been a top prospect in his age group and should be a top center for Canada at this year’s world juniors as a returnee. I’m interested to see if the rebuilding Warriors will trade him to another contending team in the WHL this year.
Kasper’s a very complete player. He’s got decent size, decent skill, a willing work ethic, attention to detail and an ability to mold himself to linemates and play with anyone. He’s widely viewed as a projectable top-nine forward who can impact results. There is disagreement about how much offense he’ll have in the NHL and whether he’ll be a long-term middle-sixer or top-sixer.
After losing most of his freshman year to injury and looking like he needed to find his identity as a player early in his sophomore season, Nazar built on a strong world juniors with a strong second half at Michigan, didn’t look out of place in three games in the NHL, and then starred at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase a couple of weeks ago. He has the speed, skill, craft and creativity of a top-of-the-lineup forward but there is some debate about whether he’s a center or a winger in the NHL and what role his size might play in his ultimate upside. He’s fun to watch when he’s on and there is some boom potential, though his profile comes with some risk as well.
For what Brindley lacks in height, he makes up for in sneaky strength, a bullish style of play, good skill off the rush and inside the offensive zone, an elite motor and high-end skating ability. He’s a rare small player whom everyone likes and believes in, and he should have a long career as an up-and-down-the-lineup Energizer Bunny.
I slotted Greig in Tier 5A but moved him down after one team analyst expressed real concern about whether he has what it takes to take a step much beyond the 30-point pace he played at as a rookie last season. “Ridly Greig is not that good at hockey, not top 150,” said the analyst. “I honestly think he is the next Luke Kunin (high-effort player who gets some points but at some point hits a wall).” I’m pretty confident at this point that he’s going to become one of the league’s top third-line players and push into the 40s for points, but I can see the worry, from an upside perspective, about how high his ceiling might finish.
Geekie has a unique profile and is now going from a Utah program in which he would have been one in a cluster of top young players to a Lightning program in which he’s one of the top dogs and will be afforded more opportunity. He’s a big, competitive, talented kid whose puck skill and finesse game have always stood out for his size. Though I kept him in Tier 5B and some have wondered about his pace over the years, one scout did think he could maybe warrant a slight tweak and letter-grade adjustment into Tier 5A.
Bourque’s a player I’ve long been a fan of and one who quickly went from top QMJHL player to top AHL player. And there’s now an opportunity in front of him to become a regular contributor to a strong Stars team, further adding to their depth up front. He’s going to be a middle-six player in the NHL and should be a PP2 guy for sure. Whether he can elevate to top six and PP1 is the question. I didn’t get any feedback from scouts on his slotting here.
Greentree’s a big kid with a plenty of skill who was a captain and 90-point scorer in the OHL in his draft year. I was high on him pre-draft (he ranked 18th on my board when the Kings drafted him 26th) but some were pretty lukewarm, worrying about his pace (which I could see) and his competitiveness (which I couldn’t). So I was heartened when the only feedback on Greentree was from two scouts who thought he should maybe be higher.
Tier 5 — Support
LAK
LW
18
The CHL’s reigning player of the year, Firkus finished his final season of junior with an incredible 77 goals and 162 points in 87 combined regular-season and playoff games, leading the WHL’s regular season and playoffs in scoring. There are questions about how his game will translate in the NHL but he’s got the skill, smarts and quiet compeitiveness to make the leap. I’m eager to watch him in the AHL this season because I think he could be a top producer in Coachella Valley from Day 1. However, one scout suggested moving Firkus down to Tier 5C from Tier 5B, where I started him.
Tier 5 — Support
SEA
RW
20
Some were surprised when Poitras made the Bruins and then looked like he belonged last season. He doesn’t have dynamic quality but he’s a heady, intelligent player who projects as a good, longtime NHLer. I did start him in Tier 5B before downgrading him to Tier 5C under the encouragement of one scout.
Heidt’s another player I’ve got a lot of time for. In his draft year, I viewed him as a late first, but the Wild took him in the late second and he followed that up with a 117-point season as the WHL’s third-leading scorer. He’s a gamer with impressive vision and playmaking who I think has a real shot to become an impactful top-nine forward and PP2 (maybe even PP1 in his prime) player.
I initially slotted Dumais, long a player whose smarts and skill I believed would overcome his physical limitations, in Tier 5B before moving him down a letter grade after four different scouts expressed concerns about whether it would work (his hips have also become a question mark as well). Players with his statistical profile nearly never miss, but he is a pretty peculiar player type.
“I want Dumais to work but it is a hard path,” said one analyst. Added a scout: “I have a hard time seeing smaller players like Hutson and Dumais impacting at next level the way the hype train has been.”
Tier 5 — Support
CBJ
RW
20
One of my favorite young players in the sport these last few years, Roy looks poised to become a full-time NHLer this season. He’s got good size, good skill, good feel around the offensive zone and good puck-protection skill and has worked hard to add layers and versatility to his game. There are some who wonder if he’s more than just a good player, but he should be a solid contributing piece of the puzzle in Montreal at minimum and there is some hope he can be more than that.
Tier 5 — Support
MTL
RW
21
Ohgren has been a top player in the 2004 age group in Sweden, dominating the junior level, performing in HockeyAllsvenskan and the SHL and wearing a letter for the national team. He’s got an NHL shot, good size and well-rounded skill. His skating and playmaking aren’t dynamic but he projects as a secondary scorer and strong middle-six player. Can he someday be the second or third option on a top-six line? This slotting at least gives him a chance.
Tier 5 — Support
MIN
LW
20
Othmann is a competitive, thorny winger with natural scoring touch and a willingness to play in the dirty areas. He lacks dynamic skill and skating but projects as an up-and-down-the-lineup secondary scorer and pest.
Tier 5 — Support
NYR
LW
21
But is a towering 6-foot-6 winger with real skill for a player his size and an easy shot. He’s not going to be a big-time counting stats guy or a Tage Thompson but he will give a top nine a completely different element, should score at a decent rate and has power-play utility/upside. He’s one of the game’s more fascinating young players.
Tier 5 — Support
UTA
LW
19
You rarely see the reputations of young players take a hit when they play 65 games in the NHL at 21 years old (grace is more common) but Reichel’s struggles were pronounced enough last season that it did make some folks in hockey pause about a projection that, to that point, looked like it might be as a top-sixer (including the season prior when he had 15 points in 23 games with the Blackhawks in his very first taste). “I question Reichel’s battle level,” wrote one scout. I still mostly believe in the player and last year’s Blackhawks were clearly a tough situation for any player just entering the league. This year will be pivotal for him to re-establish himself on that path.
Tier 5 — Support
CHI
LW
22
Solberg’s play in the spring, both in Norway’s playoffs but especially at men’s worlds, pushed him into this tier. He played big minutes against NHLers at men’s worlds and is now expected to do the same in the SHL this season as an 18-year-old. He plays a hard-nose, physical style and has shown enough offense to warrant a top-four projection now. He also gives the Ducks something a little bit different from Mintyukov and Zellweger.
Tier 5 — Support
ANA
LHD
18
Morrow’s a 6-foot-2, right-shot defenseman with legitimate NHL skill and power-play upside who finished first or second in scoring on UMass in all three of his seasons there. That alone warranted his consideration for this project. But he has also taken important steps in his game, which used to lack maturity. He’s still going to have to figure out how to make his style work at the pro level, and the Hurricanes blue line remains crowded (though less so than it was a year or two ago), but the talent should win out in the end.
Tier 5 — Support
CAR
RHD
21
Mailloux’s physical tools are obvious. He’s a big, strong, athletic D who can push people around, win battles, skate and hammer a puck. He took noticeable steps in his decision-making/reads last season and while those tools still need some work and may always be a bit of an issue for him, the rest is so clearly NHL quality that he’s going to be a good player who can provide some offense and have a presence on the ice at the NHL level sooner rather than later.
Tier 5 — Support
MTL
RHD
21
After positive development in the KHL and AHL over the last two seasons, Mukhamadullin, who has always had range and projectability even if it looked a little unconventional at times, looks poised to become a full-time NHLer this season. He projects as a long-term No. 3-4 D.
Tier 5 — Support
SJS
LHD
22
Ostlund’s a beautiful skater whose intelligent, committed game has made him a favorite of coaches and scouts over the years. His slight frame is a bit of a talking point but if he can get stronger, the consensus belief is he’ll have a nice NHL career. I did consider making him one of the final cuts because of the crowd of young players in Buffalo (names like Benson, Kulich, Helenius, etc., are all in front of him) but I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt because he is an equal prospect to those in this tier. I’m looking forward to watching him in the AHL this season.
Casey’s career is a must-follow because he’d be a top D prospect in most other organizations and already skates, thinks and makes plays at an NHL level but is turning pro in an organziation with three of the game’s premium young D prospects in Hughes, Nemec and Silayev. If Casey makes it, it’ll be as a smooth, effortless five-on-five D and power-play quarterback who plays a modern style at a high level. I think he’s talented enough that he’ll get there, whether that’s in Newark or elsewhere, and I expect him to be an impact D from Day 1 in the AHL this season.
Tier 5 — Support
NJD
RHD
20
Luneau’s one of my favorite young D in the sport but I initially kept him off the list due to uncertainty about his health and all the lost time last year. When one scout said he should be on the list, though, that was all I needed. He looked like a stud prospect last fall and into Canada’s selection camp for the world juniors before suffering a viral infection. His skating looked NHL level and the rest of his game has always felt NHL quality. If he can get healthy and back on track, I’m confident he’s going to have a long career in the league.
Tier 5 — Support
ANA
RHD
20
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Jason Mowry, Jamie Sabau, Jeff Vinnick / NHLI / Getty Images)
