To me our top prospect is Lambert. This particular organization has sought to address any barriers to reach his potential and I think he is taking full advantage. I think his ceiling is the highest of all prospects and my bet hedges on the organization being very good, for the most part, at developing players after the draft.
It's an interesting point and part of the difficulty with this particular year's rankings.
Lambert is that guy that was bypassed in the draft by most organizations and the Jets development plan seems to have fit him rather perfectly. Took a look at the guy and figured out west was best for his confidence for a year and he bought in. Another year in the A and he again bought in and performed very, very well. He certainly impressed in his shot in the spring, albeit a nothing game (as did Chibrikov - novel approach, show up, be hungry, play hard, hope management notices). Lambert knows where he was ranked a year prior to the draft and he wants to prove himself. Novel concept.
Heinola seems like he shouldn't actually be a prospect and as such I don't know where to place him. Injury not happening and he likely isn't eligible for ROY (and we likely move on from Tree). The Jets, through improper management (IMO) and bad luck, overcooked this prospect and I think it may hurt them down the road, but credit to tiny Heiny he's kept his mouth shut the whole time from what I can see. Really, he should be the guy that makes it this year, above anyone else and he should be able to have an impact once he settles in.
Salmonsson is a fave of mine. If you dig out the polls from last year you'll see me voting for him way, way earlier than everyone else until he finally got his spot. He did some pretty good things overseas and should show really well here. But the Jets, as seen with Heinola and Morrissey really slow cook their D prospects, to the dismay of many. Perhaps he knocks down the door, but I'm thinking he easily sees a year in the A, if not more. I'm still really excited by him, but based on impact in the NHL he's probably number five, if not six (Chibrikov).
Barlow is a bit of a wild card. Not sure how his year will play out but I think it's in a dominant role in the juniors because of his age and how thinks work. I think he'll be an NHLer but I wonder if he doesn't become something of an heir apparent to Lowry in style though obviously on the wing. So he's got a while, though lots of promise in the middle six. I'm just not convinced he'll be top six.
McGroarty would be the top prospect but for the current situation. Where that will end up nobody knows. Hoping he still ends up a Jet and if so he's #1.
Chibrikov is being overlooked (it's really early) but I think this guy can be a bit of a Swiss army knife for the Jets. That motor reminds me of Tanev but with more talent. That to me is a guy who runs anywhere from 4th to 2nd line without missing a beat. If he's waiver exempt, then he probably ends up down on the Moose but I think he's real close and can contribute in a variety of roles.
How long does Rashevsky have left on his KHL deal? No guarantees but maybe he's the next Russian that steps in and is something of a star. His highlight reals are something else and he'll be quite mature when he comes over so he might be a very nice wildcard.
Too early on Freij but he gives me Morrissey vibes. Probably three years out but he's very interesting.