I was also surprised that Niku was not included in their top 10. But at least in past years, I grown accustomed not to be surprised if somebody gets omitted for whatever reason. Since the rankings get compiled right after the WJC in January, it is possible that some of the contributing scouts simply haven't seen Niku in the AHL yet. Like a lot of prospect rankings, I'm sure that could change in the next year.
In years past, it almost seemed like several teams would include a few AHL veterans over AHL rookies who we all figured were better long term projects. Almost like a virtual pat on the back for the years of service.
An Islanders beat writer mentioned how the team didn't include Kevin Poulin and Casey Cizikas among their top 10 on purpose because they weren't signed and possibly were going to re-enter the draft. The team didn't want to list them and possibly lose them a few months later. But internally the team had them as top 10 prospects in those years. So there can be weird PR reasons that influence it.
I get that most people use this issue to pump the tires of their own guys. Over the years, I've learned to just use this issue as a reference rather than any ironclad indication of how things are going to pan out. Heck, THN includes the 2008 and 2013 lists if only to chuckle at how badly some of those rankings are. In past years, I remember people being up in arms about Zac Dalpe and Jon Blum not being ranked higher after big rookie years in the AHL, or Johan Larsson putting up great numbers as a teenager in the SEL.
In years past, it almost seemed like several teams would include a few AHL veterans over AHL rookies who we all figured were better long term projects. Almost like a virtual pat on the back for the years of service.
An Islanders beat writer mentioned how the team didn't include Kevin Poulin and Casey Cizikas among their top 10 on purpose because they weren't signed and possibly were going to re-enter the draft. The team didn't want to list them and possibly lose them a few months later. But internally the team had them as top 10 prospects in those years. So there can be weird PR reasons that influence it.
I get that most people use this issue to pump the tires of their own guys. Over the years, I've learned to just use this issue as a reference rather than any ironclad indication of how things are going to pan out. Heck, THN includes the 2008 and 2013 lists if only to chuckle at how badly some of those rankings are. In past years, I remember people being up in arms about Zac Dalpe and Jon Blum not being ranked higher after big rookie years in the AHL, or Johan Larsson putting up great numbers as a teenager in the SEL.