My Top Prospects for the 2017 NHL Draft
First up, a general warning: My rankings are WAY different than the mainstream. I mean way different.
I have a few guys that are so far low that you'll think I forgot about them, and then when you finally see them, you'll tweet me and call me an imbecile. I understand that. I'm wrong a ton.
Here are my rankings with a little blurb beside each guy.
1. F Nick Suzuki - The next Joe Pavelski. Can do it all, versatile, jack-of-all-trades.
2. D Miro Heiskanen - Very safe D-man who will play 15 years in the league, can move the puck well, a top 4 D rock.
3. D Conor Timmins - A near lock to make the NHL, the low potential is Alec Martinez, the high is Ryan McDonagh. An awesome puckmover, took defensive strides all year. The modern day top 4 D everyone wants.
4. F Gabriel Vilardi - Puck possession is his game, try knocking him off the puck. Part of a strong winning Memorial Cup team, has plenty of room to grow.
5. F Cody Glass - Solid two-way C who reminds me of Ryan Johansen. A bit of a late-bloomer, can carry a line easily, great playmaking ability.
6. F Nico Hischier - I think he turns out to be what everyone thought Sven Baertschi would do - very skilled, can deke out anyone, dishes the puck well. I don't think he plays C at the NHL level.
7. F Jason Robertson - Really fits the mould of a big body power forward, if he improves his skating then I really believe he'll do well in the league. Destroyed the OHL in the 2nd half, played responsibly and effectively in a massive playoffs for Doug Gilmour in Kingston.
8. F Elias Pettersson - gifted hands, I think he could be a real star in the right organization. Needs to fill his frame, but the puck is always on a string for him. Very likely going to be a top six forward.
9. F Owen Tippett - Every time I see him, I think of Phil Kessel. Elite shot, can make moves to get into position to create chances. Teams always pay for goal-scoring and he's an easy target.
10. D Callan Foote - Not sure if he'll produce points in the NHL, but defensively has potential to be a rock. Top 4 labeled all over him. Kelowna's D factory will churn out another quality guy who brings size and puckmoving ability to the table. Wish he was meaner like his dad.
11. F Kristian Vesalainen - The big power forward showed what he can do at the WJC-18s, dominated. Two-way player who is hard to push off the puck, the type of guy you want on your top 9 wings playing with a good possession C. Lead the SM-liiga among draft eligibles in Corsi (small sample size, but 60% possession).
12. F Kailer Yamamoto - Is he small? Yes. Is he also one of the most skilled players in the draft? You bet. Every time I see him play, whether it was Spokane or for Team USA, he was dynamic and made things happen by himself. If that player is available, you take him.
13. F Nolan Patrick - I think his potential is to be a good 2nd line C at the NHL level. Injuries and inconsistency worry me. I wouldn't be surprised if he tops out as a 40-50 point C with defensive ability, like Jordan Staal or Sean Couturier. There is value to that, but a few guys have better potential to me.
14. F Jesper Boqvist - Slick, skilled, one of the best passers in the draft. Posted some decent assist totals for a young player in the SEL. Rode shotgun with Pettersson and Dahlen to create an offensive juggernaut line in the Allsvenskan. Oozes potential as a top six forward.
15. F Filip Chytil - Managed to outplay Martin Necas at the WJC-18s, and that caught my eye. Talented forward already playing against men, a September birthday so he almost has a full year over other prospects in this draft of development in him. A sleeper for the first round.
16. F Nick Henry - In the final against Seattle, I noticed Henry the most in game 6, when the game was on the line. Has an NHL ready shot, proved he could ride shotgun with any of the best Regina had to offer. Has produced at every level he's been in. I like his work ethic and what he brings to a team.
17. D Nicolas Hague - It'd be hard for me to pass on a package of size + puckmoving ability with an added sprinkle of toughness. Sometimes he's dumb, but this is the type of D-man teams covet long after their draft day.
18. F Lias Andersson - Hard to go wrong with a hard-working Swede. Coming off a SEL championship where he played a major role, Andersson goes to dirty areas and works off his linemates effectively. Every cup contender has a guy like this on their roster but he also brings skill to a complimentary playing style.
19. D Josh Brook - He really came to my attention for Moose Jaw in their 7 game opening playoff round. Moves the puck well, has decent size and is a smart heads up decision-maker...most of the time. Lead that team in a big way when it mattered.
20. D Juuso Valimaki - It wasn't an awesome showing for anyone on Finland at the WJCs, but Valimaki proved to me the puckmoving ability he showed in the WHL wasn't a mirage. Good shot, will run an NHL PP quite easily. Needs some defensive work.
21. D Timothy Liljegren - It's been a really tough year for him, with Mono and inconsistency. If you look closely, you can still see a puckmover with top 2 potential and strong decision-making ability. The big question is whether he's the next Oliver Ekman-Larsson or the next David Rundblad.
22. G Jake Oettinger - The best goalie in the draft posted some insane numbers in the NCAA - part of that was having a great defense, but Oettinger is technically sound and provides the size that NHL GM's fathom in net in this age.
23. D Noel Hoefenmayer - Another D for me who really came out in his playoff series for Ottawa in round 1. A solid puckmover with offensive skill. The turnovers are a problem but that can be solved with good coaching. He's got a heavy shot from the point which I like.
24. F Mason Shaw - Nolan Patrick said the 5 foot 8 Shaw is the hardest player to play against in the WHL. Armed with an invite to the WJC camp in the summer for Team Canada, Shaw might be named captain in Medicine Hat due to his style as a hard-working playmaker who can really dish on the PP. Reminds me a bit of Sam Gagner but with more edge.
25. F Kole Lind - Led Kelowna in scoring after a big scoring year, smart player who is in a great system, the type of guy you see pencilled in anywhere through the first three lines due to his versatility. Surprised I haven't heard his name more.
26. D Artem Minulin - Sometimes it looks like he's playing without passion, but that's just kind of the style he plays. It's very, very similar to Andrei Markov. He'll slip in the draft and someone might get a gem out of it. Great puckmoving ability, needs to speed up.
27. D Urho Vaakanainen - His name is awesome and will confuse broadcasters for years. A solid defensive D-man that can still push the pace of play. He's a bit of a project but he's already played against men which is a solid bonus. Diamond in the rough potential.
28. D Robin Salo - For a guy who put up good assist totals in a men's league, you barely hear about him. That's despite being able to move the puck, run a PP unit, and flash good stickwork around his own net.
29. F Martin Necas - Dazzled at the WJCs, disappointed at the WJC-18s, there's no doubting the potential you get from Necas as a playmaker and dangler. If you surround him with talent, he'll deliver.
30. F Matthew Strome - Big body is a work in progress, shows power forward potential but sometimes is frustrating. The type of guy that a contender can mould into a really useful player due to offensive acumen over time.
31. F Jonah Gadjovich - great shot, needs skating work, hard worker
32. F Jaret Anderson-Dolan - possesses leadership qualities, also a hard worker, solid complimentary guy
33. F Ivan Chekhovich - came out strong at the WJC-18s, a talented guy I'd be willing to wait on
34. F Marcus Davidsson - reminds me of a Marcus Kruger "going to carry your 3rd line" type of guy. Two-way ability and speedy.
35. F Joni Ikonen - another guy who flashed a ton of talent at the WJC-18s, small but packs a punch of a shot.
36. F Michael Rasmussen - potential to be a big Martin Hanzal C type but injuries may play a factor.
37. F Klim Kostin - See the above statement, but Kostin plays a rougher style and takes more offensive risks. More of a pure power forward who might translate better to the wing. He also wants to play pro right away, a bold statement. I like him but admittedly didn't see much of him.
38. F Stelio Mattheos - A bit disappointing considering the hype beforehand, I still like him as a jitterbug type complimentary winger with speed and skill.
39. G Michael DiPietro - I don't care how small he is, did you watch the Memorial Cup? Solid goalie.
40. F Lucas Elvenes - A two-way winger who can go up and down a lineup, seems like a safe bet to make an impact at the pro level.
41. F Aleksi Heponiemi - The playoffs for him was a tad disappointing, and he's small. Otherwise, extremely talented playmaker who is smart enough to transition his game into any style.
42. F Casey Mittelstadt - I think this is the first bust of the draft, and it's not because he isn't skilled. He's the most skilled American player in the draft and has unbelievable talent. I worry about other things with him - his commitment to improvement, his conditioning, an occasional lack of care on D, the awful showing at the combine in both performance and some weird interviews. Is he better than this ranking? Yes. Would I be worried to draft him? Definitely.
43. F Robert Thomas - I think he works hard, I like his leadership qualities, I don't see a lot of upside though. Might be a solid third line bet. Comes from a great factory team in London though.
44. F Eeli Tolvanen - He's a massive shot generator but I worry about hockey sense. He reminds me a lot of Teemu Pulkkinen where you can see the skill on display but I'm not sure it'll come together. Just got booted out of Boston College as well, a tough roadblock.
45. D Cale Makar - The first of two boom or bust prospects on D who are small yet skilled. Makar has all the right tools - great skating, good shot, great puckmoving - but I have no idea if he can do any of that against real competition. The toughest competition he played was Team Russia at the WJAC-18s and he did nothing in a loss that game. I mean, he's got the potential to be the best player and also has potential to never play more than 50 games. I guess you have to risk it for the biscuit. I don't think he's the next Erik Karlsson though.
46. D Erik Brannstrom - Has some things Makar doesn't, like good competition quality, but also lacks the same insane upside. Small and needs to get some strength into his game. This would be a fine pick if someone reached. He's got Tobias Enstrom in him for me.
47. F Nikita Popugaev - He's huge, but very raw. The skill is there but the translation has yet to really come, highlighted after he got traded mid-season.
48. F Morgan Frost - a versatile C who has some upside and scoring ability but probably a No.3 C type in the NHL.
49. F Antoine Morand - shifty and can be a game breaker, his size worries me as he style is the type that could be effected by playing larger players.
50. D Markus Phillips - an underrated puckmoving D-man with a few holes in his game. Wasn't playing the biggest minutes in Owen Sound but proved to me he can hold his own on both ends. Good shot.
51. F Joshua Norris - A big rangy C that I think will come out to be a No.3 but has good two-way talent and NHL size.
52. D Henri Jokiharju - A bit inconsistent at times and sometimes one-dimensional but other nights would show strong decision and puckmoving ability, also can run a PP.
53. F Ostap Safin - A big project if you take him, but 6 foot 4 on the wing with power ability.
54. D Eemeli Rasanen - A 6 foot 6 D-man that is imposing but I wish was more physical and faster. Still, worth a shot due to his passing ability.
55. F Ivan Lodnia - A bit buried in Erie, really didn't show anything in the playoffs, but he has enough skill to think he may turn into something. Small but it doesn't effect him too bad.
56. D Mikey Anderson - A solid two-way D-man who his coaches said "doesn't make mistakes." Sounds like a good No.4 type you can plug and play after a long college development time.
57. F Jesse Koskenkorva - I think there's some upside as a 2C here but I really thought he played a more shutdown type role well at the WJC18s for Finland. Solid numbers in Jr.A as well.
58. D Max Gildon - His shot alone is worth merit - just want to see more consistency in other facets. Has potential to be a solid No.4 D.
59. F Zach Gallant - The No.3 C that every coach adores. Wins face-offs, works hard, battles and the best part is he may have potential for some offense.
60. D Jarret Tyszka - Maybe he only pans as a solid No.5, but I liked him during Seattle's run to the Memorial Cup. Solid decision-maker, makes little plays that go unnoticed.
61. D Filip Westerlund - very weird player. Has the hands of a forward on D but lacks defensive ability or at times, can't produce offense whatsoever. He can really move the puck forward.
62. F Rickard Hugg - Good passer with leadership ability, seems like the type of guy you plug on your 3rd line and he'll work hard to produce anything on both sides of the puck.
63. F Patrick Khodorenko - There's defensive issues to sort out, but he's already got a year of NCAA under his belt with decent production. I like his speed.
64. F Alexandre Texier - Lit up a men's league in the playoffs...in France. Lots of questions but the talent is there. Good hands and leadership.
65. F Alex Chmelevski - He's is extremely intelligent, but has yet to find a consistent game in his own zone. Talent is there to be a productive top nine guy.
66. F Shane Bowers - Hard-working top nine winger type who goes to the net and makes the simple plays. I wish he was meaner, going to a good program at Boston University.
Other names I like: Ryan Poehling and Issac Ratcliffe (3rd line types), Dmitri Rodionychev (KHL sleeper agent), Fabian Zetterlund (shifty and creative), Sean Durzi (overshadowed on a solid team, can pass), Zach Fischer (nutcase style who could be the next Andrew Shaw), Drake Rymsha (like the power he brings and heavy shot), Austen Keating (skilled but small, impressive numbers), Emil Bemstrom (underrated Swede who can bring energy and skill), Jonas Rondjberg (long anticipated and representing Denmark), Pavel Shen (horrid defensively but a good talented top six forward type).
A couple of other guys I see making the NHL in support roles: Jordy Bellerive, Lane Zablocki, Luke Martin
I have a few guys that are so far low that you'll think I forgot about them, and then when you finally see them, you'll tweet me and call me an imbecile. I understand that. I'm wrong a ton.
Here are my rankings with a little blurb beside each guy.
1. F Nick Suzuki - The next Joe Pavelski. Can do it all, versatile, jack-of-all-trades.
2. D Miro Heiskanen - Very safe D-man who will play 15 years in the league, can move the puck well, a top 4 D rock.
3. D Conor Timmins - A near lock to make the NHL, the low potential is Alec Martinez, the high is Ryan McDonagh. An awesome puckmover, took defensive strides all year. The modern day top 4 D everyone wants.
4. F Gabriel Vilardi - Puck possession is his game, try knocking him off the puck. Part of a strong winning Memorial Cup team, has plenty of room to grow.
5. F Cody Glass - Solid two-way C who reminds me of Ryan Johansen. A bit of a late-bloomer, can carry a line easily, great playmaking ability.
6. F Nico Hischier - I think he turns out to be what everyone thought Sven Baertschi would do - very skilled, can deke out anyone, dishes the puck well. I don't think he plays C at the NHL level.
7. F Jason Robertson - Really fits the mould of a big body power forward, if he improves his skating then I really believe he'll do well in the league. Destroyed the OHL in the 2nd half, played responsibly and effectively in a massive playoffs for Doug Gilmour in Kingston.
8. F Elias Pettersson - gifted hands, I think he could be a real star in the right organization. Needs to fill his frame, but the puck is always on a string for him. Very likely going to be a top six forward.
9. F Owen Tippett - Every time I see him, I think of Phil Kessel. Elite shot, can make moves to get into position to create chances. Teams always pay for goal-scoring and he's an easy target.
10. D Callan Foote - Not sure if he'll produce points in the NHL, but defensively has potential to be a rock. Top 4 labeled all over him. Kelowna's D factory will churn out another quality guy who brings size and puckmoving ability to the table. Wish he was meaner like his dad.
11. F Kristian Vesalainen - The big power forward showed what he can do at the WJC-18s, dominated. Two-way player who is hard to push off the puck, the type of guy you want on your top 9 wings playing with a good possession C. Lead the SM-liiga among draft eligibles in Corsi (small sample size, but 60% possession).
12. F Kailer Yamamoto - Is he small? Yes. Is he also one of the most skilled players in the draft? You bet. Every time I see him play, whether it was Spokane or for Team USA, he was dynamic and made things happen by himself. If that player is available, you take him.
13. F Nolan Patrick - I think his potential is to be a good 2nd line C at the NHL level. Injuries and inconsistency worry me. I wouldn't be surprised if he tops out as a 40-50 point C with defensive ability, like Jordan Staal or Sean Couturier. There is value to that, but a few guys have better potential to me.
14. F Jesper Boqvist - Slick, skilled, one of the best passers in the draft. Posted some decent assist totals for a young player in the SEL. Rode shotgun with Pettersson and Dahlen to create an offensive juggernaut line in the Allsvenskan. Oozes potential as a top six forward.
15. F Filip Chytil - Managed to outplay Martin Necas at the WJC-18s, and that caught my eye. Talented forward already playing against men, a September birthday so he almost has a full year over other prospects in this draft of development in him. A sleeper for the first round.
16. F Nick Henry - In the final against Seattle, I noticed Henry the most in game 6, when the game was on the line. Has an NHL ready shot, proved he could ride shotgun with any of the best Regina had to offer. Has produced at every level he's been in. I like his work ethic and what he brings to a team.
17. D Nicolas Hague - It'd be hard for me to pass on a package of size + puckmoving ability with an added sprinkle of toughness. Sometimes he's dumb, but this is the type of D-man teams covet long after their draft day.
18. F Lias Andersson - Hard to go wrong with a hard-working Swede. Coming off a SEL championship where he played a major role, Andersson goes to dirty areas and works off his linemates effectively. Every cup contender has a guy like this on their roster but he also brings skill to a complimentary playing style.
19. D Josh Brook - He really came to my attention for Moose Jaw in their 7 game opening playoff round. Moves the puck well, has decent size and is a smart heads up decision-maker...most of the time. Lead that team in a big way when it mattered.
20. D Juuso Valimaki - It wasn't an awesome showing for anyone on Finland at the WJCs, but Valimaki proved to me the puckmoving ability he showed in the WHL wasn't a mirage. Good shot, will run an NHL PP quite easily. Needs some defensive work.
21. D Timothy Liljegren - It's been a really tough year for him, with Mono and inconsistency. If you look closely, you can still see a puckmover with top 2 potential and strong decision-making ability. The big question is whether he's the next Oliver Ekman-Larsson or the next David Rundblad.
22. G Jake Oettinger - The best goalie in the draft posted some insane numbers in the NCAA - part of that was having a great defense, but Oettinger is technically sound and provides the size that NHL GM's fathom in net in this age.
23. D Noel Hoefenmayer - Another D for me who really came out in his playoff series for Ottawa in round 1. A solid puckmover with offensive skill. The turnovers are a problem but that can be solved with good coaching. He's got a heavy shot from the point which I like.
24. F Mason Shaw - Nolan Patrick said the 5 foot 8 Shaw is the hardest player to play against in the WHL. Armed with an invite to the WJC camp in the summer for Team Canada, Shaw might be named captain in Medicine Hat due to his style as a hard-working playmaker who can really dish on the PP. Reminds me a bit of Sam Gagner but with more edge.
25. F Kole Lind - Led Kelowna in scoring after a big scoring year, smart player who is in a great system, the type of guy you see pencilled in anywhere through the first three lines due to his versatility. Surprised I haven't heard his name more.
26. D Artem Minulin - Sometimes it looks like he's playing without passion, but that's just kind of the style he plays. It's very, very similar to Andrei Markov. He'll slip in the draft and someone might get a gem out of it. Great puckmoving ability, needs to speed up.
27. D Urho Vaakanainen - His name is awesome and will confuse broadcasters for years. A solid defensive D-man that can still push the pace of play. He's a bit of a project but he's already played against men which is a solid bonus. Diamond in the rough potential.
28. D Robin Salo - For a guy who put up good assist totals in a men's league, you barely hear about him. That's despite being able to move the puck, run a PP unit, and flash good stickwork around his own net.
29. F Martin Necas - Dazzled at the WJCs, disappointed at the WJC-18s, there's no doubting the potential you get from Necas as a playmaker and dangler. If you surround him with talent, he'll deliver.
30. F Matthew Strome - Big body is a work in progress, shows power forward potential but sometimes is frustrating. The type of guy that a contender can mould into a really useful player due to offensive acumen over time.
31. F Jonah Gadjovich - great shot, needs skating work, hard worker
32. F Jaret Anderson-Dolan - possesses leadership qualities, also a hard worker, solid complimentary guy
33. F Ivan Chekhovich - came out strong at the WJC-18s, a talented guy I'd be willing to wait on
34. F Marcus Davidsson - reminds me of a Marcus Kruger "going to carry your 3rd line" type of guy. Two-way ability and speedy.
35. F Joni Ikonen - another guy who flashed a ton of talent at the WJC-18s, small but packs a punch of a shot.
36. F Michael Rasmussen - potential to be a big Martin Hanzal C type but injuries may play a factor.
37. F Klim Kostin - See the above statement, but Kostin plays a rougher style and takes more offensive risks. More of a pure power forward who might translate better to the wing. He also wants to play pro right away, a bold statement. I like him but admittedly didn't see much of him.
38. F Stelio Mattheos - A bit disappointing considering the hype beforehand, I still like him as a jitterbug type complimentary winger with speed and skill.
39. G Michael DiPietro - I don't care how small he is, did you watch the Memorial Cup? Solid goalie.
40. F Lucas Elvenes - A two-way winger who can go up and down a lineup, seems like a safe bet to make an impact at the pro level.
41. F Aleksi Heponiemi - The playoffs for him was a tad disappointing, and he's small. Otherwise, extremely talented playmaker who is smart enough to transition his game into any style.
42. F Casey Mittelstadt - I think this is the first bust of the draft, and it's not because he isn't skilled. He's the most skilled American player in the draft and has unbelievable talent. I worry about other things with him - his commitment to improvement, his conditioning, an occasional lack of care on D, the awful showing at the combine in both performance and some weird interviews. Is he better than this ranking? Yes. Would I be worried to draft him? Definitely.
43. F Robert Thomas - I think he works hard, I like his leadership qualities, I don't see a lot of upside though. Might be a solid third line bet. Comes from a great factory team in London though.
44. F Eeli Tolvanen - He's a massive shot generator but I worry about hockey sense. He reminds me a lot of Teemu Pulkkinen where you can see the skill on display but I'm not sure it'll come together. Just got booted out of Boston College as well, a tough roadblock.
45. D Cale Makar - The first of two boom or bust prospects on D who are small yet skilled. Makar has all the right tools - great skating, good shot, great puckmoving - but I have no idea if he can do any of that against real competition. The toughest competition he played was Team Russia at the WJAC-18s and he did nothing in a loss that game. I mean, he's got the potential to be the best player and also has potential to never play more than 50 games. I guess you have to risk it for the biscuit. I don't think he's the next Erik Karlsson though.
46. D Erik Brannstrom - Has some things Makar doesn't, like good competition quality, but also lacks the same insane upside. Small and needs to get some strength into his game. This would be a fine pick if someone reached. He's got Tobias Enstrom in him for me.
47. F Nikita Popugaev - He's huge, but very raw. The skill is there but the translation has yet to really come, highlighted after he got traded mid-season.
48. F Morgan Frost - a versatile C who has some upside and scoring ability but probably a No.3 C type in the NHL.
49. F Antoine Morand - shifty and can be a game breaker, his size worries me as he style is the type that could be effected by playing larger players.
50. D Markus Phillips - an underrated puckmoving D-man with a few holes in his game. Wasn't playing the biggest minutes in Owen Sound but proved to me he can hold his own on both ends. Good shot.
51. F Joshua Norris - A big rangy C that I think will come out to be a No.3 but has good two-way talent and NHL size.
52. D Henri Jokiharju - A bit inconsistent at times and sometimes one-dimensional but other nights would show strong decision and puckmoving ability, also can run a PP.
53. F Ostap Safin - A big project if you take him, but 6 foot 4 on the wing with power ability.
54. D Eemeli Rasanen - A 6 foot 6 D-man that is imposing but I wish was more physical and faster. Still, worth a shot due to his passing ability.
55. F Ivan Lodnia - A bit buried in Erie, really didn't show anything in the playoffs, but he has enough skill to think he may turn into something. Small but it doesn't effect him too bad.
56. D Mikey Anderson - A solid two-way D-man who his coaches said "doesn't make mistakes." Sounds like a good No.4 type you can plug and play after a long college development time.
57. F Jesse Koskenkorva - I think there's some upside as a 2C here but I really thought he played a more shutdown type role well at the WJC18s for Finland. Solid numbers in Jr.A as well.
58. D Max Gildon - His shot alone is worth merit - just want to see more consistency in other facets. Has potential to be a solid No.4 D.
59. F Zach Gallant - The No.3 C that every coach adores. Wins face-offs, works hard, battles and the best part is he may have potential for some offense.
60. D Jarret Tyszka - Maybe he only pans as a solid No.5, but I liked him during Seattle's run to the Memorial Cup. Solid decision-maker, makes little plays that go unnoticed.
61. D Filip Westerlund - very weird player. Has the hands of a forward on D but lacks defensive ability or at times, can't produce offense whatsoever. He can really move the puck forward.
62. F Rickard Hugg - Good passer with leadership ability, seems like the type of guy you plug on your 3rd line and he'll work hard to produce anything on both sides of the puck.
63. F Patrick Khodorenko - There's defensive issues to sort out, but he's already got a year of NCAA under his belt with decent production. I like his speed.
64. F Alexandre Texier - Lit up a men's league in the playoffs...in France. Lots of questions but the talent is there. Good hands and leadership.
65. F Alex Chmelevski - He's is extremely intelligent, but has yet to find a consistent game in his own zone. Talent is there to be a productive top nine guy.
66. F Shane Bowers - Hard-working top nine winger type who goes to the net and makes the simple plays. I wish he was meaner, going to a good program at Boston University.
Other names I like: Ryan Poehling and Issac Ratcliffe (3rd line types), Dmitri Rodionychev (KHL sleeper agent), Fabian Zetterlund (shifty and creative), Sean Durzi (overshadowed on a solid team, can pass), Zach Fischer (nutcase style who could be the next Andrew Shaw), Drake Rymsha (like the power he brings and heavy shot), Austen Keating (skilled but small, impressive numbers), Emil Bemstrom (underrated Swede who can bring energy and skill), Jonas Rondjberg (long anticipated and representing Denmark), Pavel Shen (horrid defensively but a good talented top six forward type).
A couple of other guys I see making the NHL in support roles: Jordy Bellerive, Lane Zablocki, Luke Martin