NHL Trade Deadline: Ten Tempting Prospects | The Hockey Writers

NHL Trade Deadline: Ten Tempting Prospects | The Hockey Writers:

"Picks and prospects will prove to be valuable commodities leading up to the NHL trade deadline. GMs of teams that emerge as buyers (seemingly the vast majority of the league) might have to dangle key assets to land the perceived difference making players they desire in their quest to hoist hockey’s Holy Grail."

NHL Trade Deadline: Ten Tempting Prospects

(Click on players name for up-to-date stats and/or profiles)

• Sebastian Collberg, F (Montreal Canadiens)

As I reported in my The Next Ones profile and interview with Collberg leading up to the 2012 NHL draft:

“He is first and foremost, a goal-scorer. The Swedish sniper possesses high-end hockey instincts, able to create his own chances. Augmenting his pro-calibre shot is his speed and skating. Collberg is seemingly effortless out of the blocks and has very good top end speed. He is also quite agile on his skates.

The Collberg hockey story continues to build as to go along with the aforementioned shot and skating ability, Sebastian is a calm and collected competitor. He has good puck skills and when presented with a breakaway or shootout attempt, he has tremendous confidence in his ability to find twine. As well, Collberg has shown the ability to play at his best, the bigger the hockey stage.”

#Habs prospect Sebastian Collberg will finnish the season with Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL: http://t.co/PMNUdPKHRG1 day ago via web@UffeBodin
Uffe Bodin

• Martin Gernat, D (Edmonton Oilers)

The Oilers may have to part with one of their Twin Tower Martins on Defense, leaving Marincin in the fold, to strength the squad to truly contend for a playoff spot in the NHL’s wild, wild, Western Conference.

+5 - Last night's +/- winner was Martin Gernat, who was a +5 in the @EdmOilKings victory & is now at +8 for the playoffs6 days ago via Twitter for iPhone@WHLFacts
WHL Facts

• Alexander Khokhlachev, F (Boston Bruins)

Koko was almost a Calgary Flame. Almost.

Professional Spotlight: Alexander Khokhlachevhttp://t.co/bvZUsXfdIS1 day ago via Tweet Button@BR_BostonBruins
Only the Bruins

• Scott Kosmachuk, F (Winnipeg Jets)

As Jets All Out sums up the Winnipeg savvy 3^rd round pick in 2012:

“Known as a feisty power forward for the 39-23-2-4 Storm this season, Kosmachuk has led the team in scoring with 65 points in 68 games – including a team high 35 goals.

Not to mention his 105 penalty minutes and plus three rating, Kosmachuk continues to improve steadily and consistently.

In his third full season in Guelph, the nineteen year old Toronto native has seen his production rise from 21 points in 68 games in 2010-11 to 59 points in 67 points in 2011-12 to this year’s total of 65 points in 68 games.

At 6’0, 177 pounds, the gritty winger has potential to be a Dave Bolland type player with his power forward type play and his scoring touch as of the last two OHL seasons in Guelph.”

Unreal, after a lengthy delay due to a glass breakage. #Jets Scott Kosmachuk is able to bang one past Gibson, assist to Fabbri. 3-2 Storm1 weeks ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®@KThackerHP
Kevin Thacker HP

• Dylan Olsen, D (Chicago Blackhawks)

While his progress from some has been deemed slower than desired, the potential for a key cog of a NHL blueline remains. From our 2009 NHL Draft profile:

“He has good size and is equally adept at playing in the offensive or defensive zones. He also possesses a good level of toughness and has that “umph!” to his game. Add to those components a bullet-like shot!”

In an April Fool’s Day tweet, the New York Islanders optimistically obtained his rights:

The Islanders have traded Mark Streit to Chicago for Dylan Olsen and a 2nd-round draft pick. So long, captain.1 day ago via Facebook@IslesOptimism
Islanders Op-Timism

• Garret Sparks, G (Toronto Maple Leafs)

If the Leafs go after a netminder, Sparks may be part of the compensation going the other direction. The Leafs liked him enough to have recently signed him to an entry level contract. If it’s Mikka Kiprusoff the Leafs end up persuading to join them, then the Calgary Flames will likely ask for a different type of return given the abundance of goalies now in the system.

Garret Sparks' goalie mask. https://t.co/5AfD3Mxp RT @Sean_Leahy Who would you say is the greatest patriot on the US roster?12/26/2012 via web@chrismpeters
Chris Peters

Good luck to Tanner Richard, Garret Sparks and Andrey Pedan in the AHL These guys won't be easy to replace in Guelph1 day ago via web@stormradioguy
Larry Mellott

• Michael St. Croix, C (New York Rangers)

St. Croix (son of former NHL goalie Rick) was a potential 4^th round steal. For the record, I had the talented center rated as a 2^nd rounder his draft year. The knock on him is that he does all his best work on the perimeter, electing to rarely get in the greasy areas.

#Winnipeg native and @OilKingsHockey C Michael St. Croix named to #WHL Eastern Conference 1st All-Star team2 weeks ago via web@mitchrosset
Mitch Rosset

• Tomas Tatar, F (Detroit Red Wings)

The Red Wings would also like to add a superior puckmoving defenseman. They were unable or uninterested (or uninterested in the asking price and salary) in landing Jay Bouwmeester from the Calgary Flames. Mark Streit’s name keeps arising, but the New York Islanders find themselves in the rare fight for a playoff slot.

Bluechip blueline prospect Brendan Smith is reportedly and understandably unavailable. The emergence of forward prospects Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Gustav Nyquist could very well make Tomas Tatar available. Tatar was a star back at the 2009 World Juniors, finishing tied for 4^th in scoring, for Slovakia and has continued to make progress in the AHL.

RT @petewallner: Tomas Tatar would rather be with Red Wings, but he liked the ice time - and the goal and win - with @griffinshockey ht ...3 weeks ago via HootSuite@GRPress
GRPress

• Sami Vatanen, D (Anaheim Ducks)

Sami Vatanen: undersized dynamic puckmoving defenseman (John Wright/Norfolk Admirals)

Vatanen has notched an impressive 43 points in 56 games for the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals.

Anaheim Calling offered up this scouting report this past fall:

“Vatanen is a small (5’10″, 176 lbs) offensive defensemen. All scouting reports speak glowingly of hisskating (speed and fluidity) puck handling, passing and shooting, but the few comments on the defensive side of his game range from “has not been any sort of liability” to “need to show notable improvement,” and all consider his size (or lack thereof) a negative.”

Sami Vatanen rips a slap shot from the blue line but it travels just past Helenius' glove side #Admirals3 days ago via TweetDeck@AdsGameUpdates
Norfolk Admirals

• Columbus Blue Jackets 1^st Rounder 2013 (via Los Angeles Kings)

I’ll end off with admittedly a bit of a cop out as we do not yet know what prospect this pick will end up being. What I can tell you is that this is a very good draft class and the team that supplies the Blue Jackets with some temporary offensive fire power will be getting an opportunity to draft a key future asset.

NHL Trade Deadline 2013: First Rounder in Play? #CBJ #NHLhttp://t.co/GuzVeHfyUH1 day ago via SB Nation@cbjcannon
The Cannon

As not to be a cop out, as a honourable mention:

• If Ben Bishop is not moved by the Ottawa Senators, maybe Robin Lehner is.

Ben Bishop looks excellent tonight. Embarrassment of goalie riches in Ottawa.3 days ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry@mirtle
James Mirtle

Robin Lehner great quote on shootouts. They are selling average and I bite like its awesome.3 weeks ago via web@dutchysc
Darren Dutchyshen

***

It remains to be seen if any of the above assets will get moved on or before the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline, but even in a lockout shortened season there is no shortage of speculation and intrigue.

Feel free to add to the list in the comments section below or elaborate upon why you think the above prospects or pick will or will not be shipped off for a hopeful final piece to a team’s playoffs aspirations.

_________________________________________

Email: CRalph@TheHockeyWriters.com

Twitter: @ChrisRalphTHW

The full article was originally published at The Hockey Writers - read the full article here.

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2013 NHL Draft Rankings – War Room March Edition Top 120 | The Hockey Writers

2013 NHL Draft Rankings – War Room March Edition (Part 4: 1-30) | The Hockey Writers:

Guest post by Eldon MacDonald

Darnell Nurse climbing the 2013 NHL draft rankings (Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

This is the last of four posts on the top 120 prospects – the NHL 2013 Draft Rankings – War Room Edition.

• Round 2 (Prospects ranked  31-60)
• Round 3 (Prospects ranked  61-90)
• Round 4 (Prospects ranked  91-120)

Here is round 1 as shown on TheHockeyWriters.com. The site contains stats and four month trending as well as detailed unique profiles/interviews/highlights should you wish to check it out. 

Round 1
• 1. D – Seth Jones, Portland
• 2. LW – Jonathan Drouin, Halifax
• 3. C – Nathan MacKinnon, Halifax
• 4. C – Aleksander Barkov, Tappara – SM-liiga
• 5. C – Elias Lindholm, Brynas - Elitserien
• 6. C – Sean Monahan, Ottawa
• 7. D – Darnell Nurse, Sault. Ste. Marie
• 8. C/W – Valeri Nishushkin, Chelyabinsk - KHL
• 9. D – Rasmus Ristolainen, TPS – SM-liiga
• 10. D – Nikita Zadorov, London
• 11. LW – Hunter Shinkaruk, Medicine Hat
• 12. C – Max Domi, London
• 13. D – Ryan Pulock, Brandon
• 14. C – Alexander Wennburg, Djurgarden - Allsvenskan
• 15. RW – Adam Erne, Quebec
• 16. C – Frederik Gauthier, Rimouski
• 17. RW – Valentin Zykov, Baie-Comeau
• 18. RW – Anthony Mantha, Val d’Or
• 19. LW/C – Bo Horvat, London
• 20. C/RW – Curtis Lazar, Edmonton
• 21. D – Josh Morrissey, Prince Albert
• 22. LW – Kerby Rychel, Windsor
• 23. LW – Artturi Lehkonen, KalPa – SM-liiga
• 24. LW – Andre Burakovsky, Malmo – Allsvenskan
• 25. D - Ian McCoshen, Waterloo
• 26. C/LW – Jacob de la Rose, Leksand - Elitserien
• 27. RW – Ryan Hartman, Plymouth
• 28. C – JT Compher, USA NDP U18
• 29. D – Robert Haag, MODO - Elitserien

• 30. C/RW – Justin Bailey, Kitchener

Here is round two (31 to 60) of my top 120 draft rankings for March as posted on TheHockeyWriters.com.

 31. Zach Fucale, Halifax
 32. Madison Bowey, Kelowna
 33. Mirco Muller, Everett
 34. Morgan Klimchuck, Medicine Hat
 35. Chris Bigras, Owen Sound
 36. William Carrier, Cape Breton
 37. Keaton Thompson, USA NDP U18
 38. Anthony Duclair, Quebec
 39. Jason Dickinson, Guelph
 40. Eric Comrie, Tri Cities
 41. Shea Theodore, Seattle
 42. Connor Hurley, Edina HS, MN
 43. Nicolas Petan, Portland
 44. Marko Dano, HC Slovan Bratislava
 45. Steve Santini, USA NDP U18
 46. Laurent Dauphin, Chicoutimi
 47. Nick Sorensen, Quebec
 48. Tristan Jarry, Edmonton
 49. Samuel Morin, Rimouski
 50. Spencer Martin, Mississauga
 51. Jimmy Lodge, Saginaw
 52. Jordan Subban, Belleville
 53. Hudson Fasching, USA NDP U18
 54. Oliver Bjorkstrand, Portland
 55. Linus Arnesson, Djurgarden
 56. John Hayden, USA NDP U18
 57. Jan Kostalek, Rimouski
 58. Brett Pesce, University of New Hampshhire
 59. Ryan Kujawinski, Kingston

 60. Eric Roy, Brandon 

Here is round three as published on TheHockeyWriters.com. Round two has just been sent for editing. I have added profiles, interviews or highlights for most of the players in round two.

61. Michael McCarron, USA NDP U18
62. Peter Trainor, Rimouski
63. Pavel Buchnevich, Cherepovets
64. Adam Tambellini, Surrey
65. Ryan Fitzgerald, Valley Jr. – EJHL
66. Dillon Heatherington, Swift Current
67. Michael Downing, Dubuque
68. Yan Pavel Laplante, PEI
69. Nick Moutrey, Saginaw
70. Mitchell Wheaton, Kelowna
71. Stephen Harper, Erie
72. Lucas Wallmark, Karlskrona
73. Juuso Ikonen, Blues – SM-liiga
74. Kurt Etchegary, Quebec
75. Bogdan Yakimov, Izhstallzhevs, VHL
76. Matt Murphy, Halifax
77. Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, Victoriaville
78. Viktor Crus-Rydberg, Linkoping
79. Vincent Dunn, Val d’Or
80. Tommy Vannelli, Minnetonka HS-MN
81. Zach Nastasiuk, Owen Sound
82. Gustaf Olofsson, Green Bay
83. Marc-Oliver Roy, Blainville-Boisbriand
84. Marcus Hogburg, Linkoping J20
85. Jonathan Desrosiers, Rimouski
86. Emile Poirier, Gatineau
87. Scott Oke, Rimouski
88. William Westlind, Farjestad
89. Mason Geertsen, Vancouver
90. Eamon McAdam, Waterloo

Here is round 4 as shown on TheHockeyWriters.com. The site contains stats and three month trending as well as other info should you wish to check it out. Round 3 will be up this morning (EST).

Round 4
• 91. D – MacKenzie Weeger, Halifax
• 92. LW – Myles Bell, Kelowna
• 93. LW – Tyler Hill, Chicago
• 94. LW – Gabryel Paquin-Boudreau, Baie-Comeau
• 95. D – Rinat Valiev, Indiana
• 96. D – Teemu Kivihalme, Burnsville HS-MN
• 97. RW – Nicholas Baptiste, Sudbury
• 98. RW – Jackson Houck, Vancouver
• 99. C – Greg Chase, Calgary
• 100. C – Cole Cassels, Oshawa
• 101. D - Emil Djuse, Södertälje
• 102. LW – Jaimen Yakubowski, Lethbridge
• 103. D - Anton Cederholm, Rogle J20
• 104. C/LW – Miro Aaltonen, Blues (SM-liiga)
• 105. G – Juuse Saros, HPK U20
• 106. C – Sean Malone, USA NDP U18
• 107. G – Antoine Bibeau, PEI
• 108. C – Saku Salminen, Kiekko-Vantaa, Finland-2
• 109. D – Carl Dahlstrom, Linköping J2
• 110. LW – Tyler Motte, USA NDP U18
• 111. C/LW – Taylor Cammarata, Waterloo
• 112. D - Jesse Lees, Kelowna
• 113. LW – Zach Glienke, Eagan HS-MN
• 114. C – Luke Johnson, Lincoln
• 115. RW – JC Lipon, Kamloops
• 116. LW – Roberts Lipsbergs, Seattle
• 117. D – Nolan De Jong, Victoria
• 118. D – Dakota Mermis, London
• 119. LW – Josh Burnside, Mississauga
• 120. LW – Joose Antonen, JYP-Akatemia, Finland-2

Related articles

• NHL Draft Preview: Rasmus Ristolainen
• 2013 NHL Draft prospect rankings
• NHL 2013 Draft Rankings - War Room March Edition (Part 2: 61-90)
• NHL 2013 Draft Rankings - War Room March Edition (Part 1: 91-120)
• 2013 NHL Mock Draft: The Next Ones Winter Edition

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Jonathan Drouin: The Human Hockey Highlight Film

Bobby Orr flies through the air after scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal, May 10, 1970. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As I noted in The Next Ones 2013 NHL Draft Midterm Rankings, “The Jonathan Drouin Bandwagon is more like a German Transrapid TR-09 high speed train.”

Drouin is quickly becoming The Human Hockey Highlight Film, seemingly adding to his portfolio every time he hits the ice.

He is cementing the case for me, for having him ranked number one ahead of both tremendous talents – Seth Jones and his teammate Nathan MacKinnon – in my midterm NHL draft rankings (The Next Ones Top 100).

Coast-to-Coast Goal

His most recent masterpiece and goal-of-the-year candidate came yesterday against the Shawinigan Cataractes as the Halifax Mooseheads’ winger went coast-to-coast, ostensibly all the way from St. John’s, NL to Victoria, BC. He deceptively weaves through the opposing five players methodically in a silky smooth, brilliantly creative effort.

You do not need to speak French to comprehend Bruno Gervais’s reaction:

As Neate Sager responded:

“Someone call Bobby Orr to see if he had an out-of-body experience, because Halifax Mooseheads phenom Jonathan Drouin channeled the living legend on a coast-to-coast goal on Friday.” (Yahoo Sports)

Ridiculous Hat Trick

Drouin seems to want to show the hockey world just how many ways he can score – three beauties with one whilst short-handed, one even strength and one on the powerplay to complete the trick.

The Best Second Assist Ever?

This might be an overstatement, but Drouin’s deft puckhandling, hockey sense and resilience are all on fine display:

The #1 Prospect in The Next Ones Midterm Top 100 NHL Draft Rankings

The following is an excerpt from my midterm rankings article on making the case for Drouin for number one:

“Before I am condemned to the asylum for even breaching the subject that Drouin deserves to be taken first overall over MacKinnon and Jones, let’s examine the evidence.

Two words sum up the case (or least make a good starting point) for choosing the sublime winger over the two aforementioned potential cornerstone prospects – hockey sense. Often used when describing, but what really do we mean when we talk about hockey sense. Not easy to put to words, but his awareness, vision, anticipation, poise and focus are all off the charts. Jonathan doesn’t just go where the puck is; he goes to where the puck will be.

While MacKinnon and Jones both possess high level of hockey sense to go with their superlative skills, Drouin is at another level in this aspect – a level rarely witnessed, even in the NHL.

If there was a school of hockey, Drouin would be at the top of class in his quest for a PhD in hockey sense. He is a student of the game and should only continue to develop his immense potential.”

Streaking

Drouin continues to make my life easier, making his case for going number one in Newark, New Jersey in June on a game in, game out basis.

Beyond the highlights is his consistent tantalizing play. He continues on the longest point streak in the QMJHL this season, hitting the score sheet in 18 consecutive games and counting, accumulating 37 points over that time (18 goals and 19 assists).

***

This article was originally published at The Hockey Writers. 

_________________________________________

Email: CRalph@TheHockeyWriters.com

Twitter: @ChrisRalphTHW

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NHL 2013 Draft War Room: Combination of NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings

Guest post by Eldon MacDonald

Max Domi: NHL Central Scouting has curious ranked Tie’s son as the 23rd rated North American skater (Terry Wilson/OHL Images.)

If you are like me, you are always slightly annoyed when NHL Central Scouting puts one four separate rankings for one draft. Thus, each year I take on the cumbersome task of combining the lists.

It takes about an hour to combine the lists, but two days to add the stats and other pertinent information.

For the first round I took the average of four separate December/January draft rankings and inserted the player from the European or Goalie rankings where the average ranking suggested.

For the remaining rounds, I simply inserted 5 European skaters and 3 goalies per round based on the average for the 2011 and 2012 drafts.

Outliers:

It is a little early to say who is right and who is wrong with their rankings so I will just list those prospects who I was surprised to see how high they were on Central Scouting’s lists and also those I was just as surprised to see how low they were on the lists.

The Top 5 Too Highs:

1. 10 – Frederik Gauthier: I don’t dislike this ranking but I am kind of surprised that NHL CS has him this high,  so early, when he still has so much to work on and you are uncertain as to how much of that vast promise that he will be able to deliver.
2. 17 – Mirco Mueller: Again, it is not so much that I disagree with this ranking; it is more that I would like to see this guy deliver the promise he showed at the U20’s to the Dub on a consistent basis before I jump all-in like CS.
3. 23 – Shea Theodore: Has the skills but for me the defense is missing.
4. 39 – Jimmy Lodge: I have watched this guy a few times; he has some offensive skills but the complete game is not there for me.
5. 45 – Zach Nastasiuk: Has been on a roll and mostly downhill; did not have a great Top Prospects game.

The Top 5 Too Low:

1. 31 – Max Domi: Tie is not going to be happy with this ranking for sure; for me, Max is a first rounder.
2. 42 – Nikita Zadarov: I guess CS and I watched different games.
3. 70 – Keaton Thompson: 2^nd round, I can buy; 3^rd round, not so much.
4. 93 – Ryan Kujawinski: I am not sold on this guy either but 4^th round seems a bit rough.
5. 105 – Samuel Morin: Raw but he is 6’7, can be a bit mean, can skate fairly well, has reasonable skills – 2^nd round for sure for me.

Peruse the combined rankings below and comment on some of your projected outliers. 

NHL 2013 Draft War Room: Combination of NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings

Legend:

• # = Prospect ranking
• CS# = NHL Central Scouting Ranking
• NAS = North American Skater
• NAG = North American Goalie
• EUS = European Skater
• EUG = European Goalie
• Pos = Position
• Nat = Nationality
• S = Shoots (Left or Right)

Notes:

• The table display approximately 30 of the prospects at a time; simply scroll down to view the other prospects.
• Only a portion of the table displays by default; you can scroll over to see the rest of the player demographics and stats or select “View full-size workbook” option, which is the icon in the bottom right hand corner, to view the full table.

*This article was originally published at The Hockey Writers.

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2013 NHL Draft Top 100: The Next Ones Midterm Rankings

The most notable change in The Next Ones 2013 NHL Draft Midterm Rankings is a changing of the guard at the number one slot. On many rankings released in January, this comes as no surprise asSeth Jones has toppled Nate MacKinnon on many lists.

In what The Next Ones now views as more of a 1a, 1b and 1c, in terms of ranking the three at the top of the heap, Jonathan Douin has rather stealthily surpassed the two more highly touted, fine young guns ahead of him, in my midterm edition of the Top 100 draft rankings.

Yes – you have read this correctly; please read on and hear me out.

The secret is out – Halifax Mooseheads forward Jonathan Drouin is a sensational talent in his own right and now sits atop The Next Ones 2013 NHL Draft Midterm Rankings – Photo Mike Dembeck

The Great Nate Debate – Jones and Drouin Heat Up The Race for #1

At the start of the season, I would have bet that the phenom prospect Nathan (Nate) MacKinnonwould have went coast-to-coast, from start to finish in sole position as the number one rated prospect for the 2013 edition of the NHL Entry Draft, to be held in Newark, New Jersey.

In my eyes, this has been the case in the last five years – from Steven Stamkos (2008) to John Tavares(2009) to Taylor Hall (2010) to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011) all the way to Nail Yakupov (2012). Yes – the Edmonton Oilers swept up the last three consensus number one overall prospects over the last three drafts.

The ultra-explosive young centreman Nate is definitely still in this three thoroughbred race, but he has some healthy competition.

Enter Seth Jones

Size. Skating. Vision. Passing. Shooting. Puckhandling. The son of ex-NBA player Popeye Jonesseems to have everything you want in a franchise blueliner. He has also been firmly embedded as a probable top two pick in the 2013 NHL draft for some time.

After a slightly shaky start to the 2013 World Juniors, Seth had a very impressive tournament for the gold-medal winning Team USA squad. He topped that off with a solid evening at the CHL 2013 Top Prospects game.

Alongside his outstanding rookie season in the WHL, his remarkable feats to this point have been enough to vault him into the number one slot in a majority of the NHL draft rankings available and updated in January. With good reason; it might just be dependent upon the NHL franchise slotted to pick first overall in whether they want a dominant centreman, franchise defenseman or…

Enter Jonathan Drouin

I have been a believer in Drouin prior to the start of this season, having him ranking higher than most (7^th overall) in my Preliminary Rankings.

Since then, Drouin has continued to make believers out of many scouts, NHL executives, writers and journalist. The Jonathan Drouin Bandwagon is more like a German Transrapid TR-09 high speed train.

He made a surprisingly (to some) huge impact on Hockey Canada and was given a deservingly substantial role with the World Junior squad. He performed admirably well in Ufa, despite the disappointing ultimate team result. (To MacKinnon’s credit, he was sparingly used and in my view improperly deployed throughout the tournament.)

Before I am condemned to the asylum for even breaching the subject that Drouin deserves to be taken first overall over MacKinnon and Jones, let’s examine the evidence.

Two words sum up the case (or least make a good starting point) for choosing the sublime winger over the two aforementioned potential cornerstone prospects – hockey sense. Often used when describing, but what really do we mean when we talk about hockey sense. Not easy to put to words, but his awareness, vision, anticipation, poise and focus are all off the charts. Jonathan doesn’t just go where the puck is; he goes to where the puck will be.

While MacKinnon and Jones both possess high level of hockey sense to go with their superlative skills, Drouin is at another level in this aspect – a level rarely witnessed, even in the NHL.

If there was a school of hockey, Drouin would be at the top of class in his quest for a PhD in hockey sense. He is a student of the game and should only continue to develop his immense potential.

Drouin has more than shown that he is not just along for the ride when playing with the uber-talentedNate MacKinnon.  In fact, no other player in this draft makes those around him better. I would compare this trait of Drouin’s to that of NFL quarterback Tom Brady - love him or hate him, Brady elevates the game of those around to stratospheric heights.

His hands – oh my, his hands. This kid is already a highlight reel machine and he should only come to develop his body of work more in the future.

Keep in mind, in choosing Drouin as the 1a prospect in this draft class, it is an interpretation and prognostication of the player he will be 5, 10, 15 and 20 years or more (if you look at the hockey lifespan of Selanne and Jagr) down the road.

The case can rather easily be made for his two companions sitting alongside him atop the rankings to be number one. MacKinnon and Jones, because of their physical development and skillset, are even more likely to make an immediate impact in the NHL sooner than Jonathan. Although he has shown on multiple occasions already in his short career, he can overcome almost any odds stacked against him.

However you view the top of this draft class, it is fantastic to see more than one prospect emerge to truly contend for the coveted first overall ranking, and ultimately be the first overall player selected in Newark, New Jersey in June of 2013.

The case for the top prospect is beyond any reasonable doubt not closed. The tremendous trio of talent at the apex of this draft all have much evidence yet to present in the coming years before anyone can deliver a final verdict.

***

Let’s get on with the rest of the midterm rankings. Any questions or comments are welcomed with respect to the rankings and where a prospect is currently ranked (or even omitted).

For comparison and reflection, check out:

• The Next Ones 2013 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 60 Rankings
• NHL 2013 Draft War Room Top 60 Rankings – January (Eldon MacDonald)

The Next Ones 2013 NHL Entry Draft Top 100 Midterm Rankings:

Notes:

• The table display approximately 30 of the prospects at a time; simply scroll down to view the other prospects.
• Only a portion of the table displays by default; you can scroll over to see the rest of the player demographics or select “View full-size workbook” option, which is the icon in the bottom right hand corner, to view the full table.
• CS = NHL Central Scouting’s ranking – recall NHL CS segregates their rankings into North American and European skaters and goalies.
• This is not a prediction of where a prospect will get drafted. This is my personal rankings of the prospects based on long-term potential to perform at the NHL level.
• Detailed prospect profiles in The Next Ones format will be compiled and published throughout the season leading up to the draft. Check in often at: The Next Ones 2013 NHL Draft Guide.

*This article was originally published at The Hockey Writers. 

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Aleksandr Barkov - Brilliant Shootout Goal (Finnish Elite League)

SM-liiga (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aleksandr (Sasha) Barkov with a brilliant shootout goal in the Finnish Elite League. Barkov is ranked fourth in The Next Ones 2013 NHL Draft Midterm Top 100 Rankings.

Looks like he's game to compete with the recently coined Human Hockey Highlight Film - Jonathan Drouin.

Here's Barkov's masterpiece:

 

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