I really don't want to sound like a homer, but the Penguin's ranking is way too low. But then again it is hard to ascribe to much significance to a ranking which has so many blatant omissions among some of the Pens' BEST prospects.
Even without Fleury included (which he should be now that he has been returned to junior), and with the graduation of Koltosov, Malone and Orpik, the Pens still boast a list of impressive prospects that were not mentioned:
Tomas Surovy: okay, you can argue that he is graduated because he has played a wopping 35 games this year, and 25 last year, but many of the other prospects mentioned from other teams have also had "some" experience at the NHL level.
Tom Kostopolous: as above, but with even fewer games played at the NHL level. A potential future captain of the Pens, Kostopolous and Surovy have been arguably the Pens best 2 forwards since their call-up's, and have already proved they can be dominant at the AHL level and are ready for the NHL.
Sergie Anshakov: seemed to be in high regard BEFORE the WJC's and finished as one of the leading scorers. At 6'3, one of the fastest skaters, and with great scoring ability, he is EASILY one of the Pens' best forward prospects. How he was omitted from this list is mind-boggling.
Ryan Stone: ranked by virtually everyone as a first rounder in last year's draft (one of the deepest in history), and fell to the Pens as the 3rd pick in the 2nd round. Stone is having a very good season, putting up more than a point per game and has an impressive +/- rating, despite an injury. Arguably one of THE BEST character/role players among all prospects and another potential future captain of the Penguins, it is another glaring omission.
Erik Christensen: He led the WHL in goals and points last year. Had a slow start to this season and missed some time due to injury. Is still averaging more than a point per game, and has been absolutely on fire since his trade to Brandon. Always considered to have "first-round talent", Christensen has done a very good job of rounding out the other aspects of his game. Is one of the leaders in the WHL in +/- and deserves at least a mention.
Paul Bissonette: Another highly-touted prospect from last year's draft, Bissonette almost made the Penguins team out of training camp, and was among the very final cuts. Making the defense on the Pens might not seem that difficult, but is still a testament the his level of play and maturity. Again, a potential captain down the road, Bissonette simply does not get enough respect because he plays on one of the worst teams in the CHL. Has no real weaknesses in his game and has very good 2-way ability and toughness. Is one of the better defensive prospects in the NHL, and IMO, one of the most under-rated.
Daniel Carcillo and Jonathon Filewich: the Pens' 2 third rounders from last year are both having solid seasons. Worth a passing mention, at least.
Patrick Bartschi: I personally have some questions about how successful he can be at the NHL level, but his performance the past few years at the WJC cannot be ignored.
Daniel Fernholm: considered to have top-10 talent (by Redline, at least), Fernholm had question marks about his knee and all the time he missed over 2 seasons. Now fully healthy, and a permanent fixture of Djurgarden's blueline in the SEL, Fernholm is putting up very good numbers. He is still a project at this point, but at 6'5 and with his skill level, has some of the best upside of any defensive prospect.
Lukas Bolf: The smooth-as-silk Czech defender is having one of the best rookie seasons in the OHL. A shoe-in for next years WJC's for the Czechs', IMO, Bolf has been probably the best defenseman on his team, leading his team in +/-, and is getting as many or more minutes than Jeremy Swanson -- as a rookie!
Alex Rouleau: surprised many and made the Canada's WJC team last year, Rouleau has struggled in his first professional season. But he still has pretty good upside and several executives and scouts from the "Q" saw his as a sure bet to make the NHL. Still worth a passing mention.
Thomas Duba and Bobby Goepfert: Ranked the best European goalie by central scouting in 2001, Duba seems to be putting up some of the best numbers in Europe, and Goepfert turned heads with his performance last year at the WJC's. I'm not saying either is the next Patrick Roy, but all is not dead when it comes to the Pens prospects in goal behind Fleury and Caron.
Shane Endicott: Has been one of the best players down in Wilkes-Barre for the baby Pens, Endicott is a two way centre who projects as a 3rd line centre in the NHL. Very good on face-offs, Endicott's numbers do not tell the whole story. At 6'4 and very tough, Endicott has what it takes to be an effective centre in the eastern conference. Will probably see some time in Pittsburgh this season.
Last but not least: Kris Beech. Yes, he played a whole year in Pittsburgh a few years ago, which was pre-mature as he was not ready. Kris Beech is having a very solid season in the AHL, is the team's captain and has improved his consistency. A favourite of coach Michel Therien, it is way too early for people to write Kris Beech off just yet. He still has the potential to be a top quality 2nd line centre in the NHL.