1. Jack Eichel – C – 19

Simply one of the top prospects in the entire league.  Expected to center one of the top two lines for the Panthers this year, he is one to watch in the Calder race.  Would have been taken first overall in most draft years.  Able to think the game at a rare level and has the skill set to back that up.  As close to a surefire future #1 center as you can get.

 

2. Dylan Strome – C – 19

Another potential #1 center, Strome has ideal size and passing skills for a center along with an above-average wrist shot.  His skating has improved but remains his biggest weakness.  Has been one of the top producers in the OHL and looked very good at the WJC.  Would be the top prospect on almost every team.

 

3. Shayne Gostisbehere – D – 23

Undersized but highly skilled, Gostisbehere could be manning the Panthers power play from game one.  One of the better skating defenseman in the league, he can move the puck well and has an excellent shot from the point.  His two-way game remains a bit of a question, but he will likely be one of the better point producing defensemen in the league.

 

4. Anthony Duclair – RW - 21

A pure goalscorer, Duclair is expected to suit up for the Panthers this year.  Needs to work on his play without the puck, but almost certain to be a top-6 winger for the Panthers very soon.

 

5. Daniel Sprong – RW – 19

One of the fastest skating prospects, Sprong owns a lethal shot to match.  An above-average passer and puck-handler as well.  Sprong has tremendous upside as a goal scoring wing, but must learn the defensive game.

 

6. Pavel Buchnevich – RW – 21

His talent is undeniable, the only questions are how well and how quickly will he adapt to the North American game.  One of the better players in the KHL the past two years, despite being one of the youngest.  Absolutely oozes offensive skill.  Could easily have been rated a spot or two higher.

 

7. Alex Tuch – RW – 20

A big player that knows how to use his size, Tuch is a prototypical power forward.  Plays the body and goes to the net with an above-average shot.  No doubt he will be a player, the only real question is whether he will fit in as a complement to skilled forwards on a top line or be part of a crash line. 

 

8. Josh Ho-Sang – LW – 20

Pretty much the exact opposite of Tuch.  An immensely skilled youngster is one of the bigger boom or bust prospects around.  Can skate and handle the puck better than most NHLers, has an excellent shot and good vision.  Excelled as more of a setup man this past year.  However, some off-ice issues and selfish play on the ice have left many wondering whether he will be able to put it all together and make it as a pro.

 

9. Travis Dermott – D – 19

Undersized, but very good all around defenseman.  Can be relied on in every phase of the game, but no truly elite skills.  Hope is that his skating and hockey sense are good enough to make up for the lack of size at the NHL level.

 

10. Kerby Rychel – LW – 21

 

Not the biggest player on the ice, but strong and physical.  Willing to do the dirty work on the ice and even drop the gloves when necessary.  Put up excellent numbers in juniors, but has yet to see the same success in the pro game.  

 

Bonus: Top 25 players under 25:

1. Jack Eichel
2. Artemi Panarin
3. Alex Galchenyuk
4. Adam larsson
5. Sam Reinhart
6. Shayne Gostisbehere
7. Dylan Strome
8. Anthony Duclair
9. Nino Niederreiter
10. Charlie Coyle
11. Daniel Sprong
12. Pavel Buchnevich
13. Calle Jarnkrok
14. Kevin Hayes
15. Robin Lehner
16. Curtis Lazar
17. Simon Despres
18. Jesper Fast
19. Alex Tuch
20. Josh Ho-Sang
21. Travis Dermott
22. Kerby Rychel
23. JT Compher
24. Matt Puempel
25. Ryan Fitzgerald