Top 20 Prospects Ranking/Discussion

[King'sPawn]

Well, it's that not-so-glorious time of year when there's very little hockey news going around. The most exciting thing to talk about is the Cammalleri signing and Gravel going to arbitration.

One way of remedying this is to make a daily poll of the top prospect, but I honestly don't trust myself to be that disciplined. I decided to make my own list, let you all laugh at me and critique it, and invite you to make your own.

My criteria is pretty simple: Under 25 (so no Jack Campbell or Fantenberg, Gravel), and nobody who has played in the NHL for at least a season (no Shore, Pearson). So, hopefully that covers just about everyone. If you feel there's someone who should or shouldn't be a prospect, well... dammit, let's talk about it and get through the lull.

Gabriel Vilardi: He was anointed as a likely top five pick who fell to 11th. But he led the Memorial Cup winning Windsor Spitfires as a 17 year-old. Size, skill, and smarts, the only "s" he is lacking is skating. Very early, but he has top six potential.

Jaret Anderson – Dolan: I feel the next few spots are interchangeable, but JAD also has taken on a leadership role as a 17 year-old. He is already showing professional habits with his diet and attitude, and already has a good deal of skill. My biggest question, which isn't so much of a criticism, but we're seeing him outperform these players when he's already very well conditioned. He has room to grow and experience to gain, but this is like the anti-Toffoli, who wasn't very physically fit at the time of his draft. Could top out as a middle six forward (2nd/3rd line).

Kale Clague: After returning from injury, he went nuclear to start off, scoring at a 3 pt/game pace for a brief stretch. He finally normalized to 40 points in 48 games, which is still good for a defenseman who just turned 19. The offensive potential is just very enticing for him.

Paul LaDue: Undoubtedly the most NHL ready of this group, because he's already held his own a bit in the NHL. He's one of the oldest prospects in this list, and will be 25 by the time the season begins. While defensemen take longer to develop, I don't expect too much more growth out of him, so what you see is what you'll probably get.

Cal Peterson: Our stolen prospect from Buffalo might be a bit higher on this list because of the organizational need he fills, but he also has been a regular starter for quite some time for Notre Dame. I fully expect he'll get split time in Ontario with whomever doesn't win the back-up role to Quick.

Mike Amadio: He just finished his first AHL season, scoring 41 points in 68 games for the Ontario Reign. He was actually the only player to play in every single game. He's more of a defensive forward, though, and while he scored 50 goals in one season in junior, I still see him as more than a play maker. He'll probably top out as a bottom 6 forward.

Adrian Kempe: Kempe finished his second full season in North America, which I think is an important thing to remember. He's still only 20 years-old, and won't be 21 until September. His offense plateaued in the AHL, but I think we saw why some people said he may benefit more playing in the NHL than the AHL. He's not going to be a world beater, but his combination of size and speed are intriguing. He could develop into an energy forward like Trevor Lewis.

Chaz Reddekopp: He's one of the more enigmatic players in this list, mostly due to his inconsistency. He boasts great size at 6'3, 220 lbs, and he's only 20 years old. He finished the season with 43 points in 51 games, which is on par with #3 ranked Kale Clague. The prior years, though, he scored a combined 51 points in 142 games, so his identity at the pro level is in question.

Austin Wagner: Without a doubt one of the fastest players in the organization, and has been praised for being among the fastest players in the WHL. He complements this speed with a scoring touch, where he led the WHL playoffs with 16 goals. Speed AND goal scoring ability? In the Kings system?

Jonny Brodzinski: I am sure I will get a lot of flak for ranking him this low. He has an NHL release, arguably the best out of all the prospects. Beyond that, I don't see him as a difference maker at the next level. I think he'll always need to have someone else create the space for him, like Jonathan Cheechoo. That doesn't make him a bad player, but if he doesn't score regularly in the top six, I don't see him being helpful in the bottom 6.

Spencer Watson: He's slightly undersized at 5'10, 170 lbs, which makes him a bit of a wildcard. That said, barring his rookie season, he always scores at over a point per game pace (258 points in 211 regular season games). He has a variety of ways to beat you, but I am genuinely concerned at his transition against bigger players, especially since he doesn't have one asset that stands out as a saving grace for him.

Alex Iafallo: The free agent signing from the NCAA had a coming out party, scoring 51 points in 42 games as a senior. That begs the question, of course: was that season an outlier? The production aside, he has a healthy combination of speed to go along with his average size, and he reportedly is good defensively. It's important to remember that not too many college UFA signings make a big impact, so hopefully he can top out and contribute in the bottom 6.

Michael Mersch: It feels like he's been in the organization for a very long time, and he teeters back and forth in the organizational depth. I think, at this point, what you see is what you get with Mersch. He's very heavy-footed, and while he has a good release, I don't think it's enough to compensate. There's still hope he can be a grinder, but he might just have to settle for the AHL.

Matt Villalta: Another wildcard out of the group. He stole the starting position before relinquishing it when the chips were high. It's still very early for him, though. It's safe to say this season will be a lot more telling, now that he doesn't have the surprise factor with him.

Drake Rymsha: He bounced back after missing his original draft year with a broken leg. Consequently, one of the "newer" prospects is older than the rest of his draft class compatriots, but there are still raving reviews about him.

Jacob Moverare: He made a good transition to North America, playing his first season in the OHL and scoring at over .5 ppg. He's been lauded by Yanetti for his hockey IQ. I don't think he's the game breaking type, but there's still a remote chance of making the NHL.

Kurtis MacDermid: This is the one player where next season says more about his role in the organization than anyone else. He's big and bruising, and he has an opportunity to earn a #6/7 roster spot on a team that desperately needs toughness on the blueline. If he can't show it now, chances are he'll fall down the depth chart.

Markus Phillips: Another player who was announced as a steal for the Kings. He fell due to a rough start but then a switch flipped from January 8th onward, when he scored 9 goals and 22 assists (31 points) in 27 games. A more consistent production next season will be very encouraging and allow him to move up the depth chart.

Stepan Falkovsky: A free agent signing who just got out of the Calgary organization. The 6'7 Belarussian has a lot of promising tools. He was hammering 99mph slap shots in the skills competition, but he's also shown some nice moves in close. All of this from a defenseman. That said, he needs to be able to show his meddle against tougher competition than the ECHL.

Matt Luff: A free agent signing from last season who, in my opinion, just should have done a little bit more. At 6'3 and 20 years old, I expected more than barely breaking the point per game threshold as a forward.

Honorable Mentions:
Bokondji Imama
Mikey Eyssimont
Matt Roy
Mikey Anderson

Click to read more...

 

[Fishhead]

Great analysis.

One thing about Luff, he was hurt twice during the season and still was the only guy on his team that hit a ppg. He had 20 points in his first 15 games, then was out for a couple months. It took him a while to get back on track, then got hurt again. One thing he has done is improved consistently. He was a 7th round junior pick who ended up producing some pretty good numbers. His shot is top notch, right up there with Watson. He's going to be interesting to watch next season.

Reddekopp is also really intriguing. He really turned it on last season. Maybe a confidence thing? A fluke? If he shows that scoring touch at the AHL it's a pretty good bet he will see the NHL. If the Kings find one diamond, I hope it's him because he would address a huge need on our blueline.

Iafallo I think is a longshot. I'm not sure he has NHL tools, but it's always possible that he could develop them.

I also agree with your analysis of Brodzinski, and I think the Cheechoo comparison is spot on. He's a pure finisher. I don't think he's bad defensively at all and he's got good vision, but those parts of his game aren't good enough to keep him in the lineup on their own.

I think Wagner will end up top-5 in the list sooner than later. His speed is close to world-class and he's got an above average shot to go with it. Good size too. It wouldn't surprise me to see him put up Pearson like production. He can make room like few others can.

I would probably put Eyssimont up instead of a couple of the players on here, but this is a well thought out list.

 

[King'sPawn]

Great analysis.

One thing about Luff, he was hurt twice during the season and still was the only guy on his team that hit a ppg. He had 20 points in his first 15 games, then was out for a couple months. It took him a while to get back on track, then got hurt again. One thing he has done is improved consistently. He was a 7th round junior pick who ended up producing some pretty good numbers. His shot is top notch, right up there with Watson. He's going to be interesting to watch next season.

Reddekopp is also really intriguing. He really turned it on last season. Maybe a confidence thing? A fluke? If he shows that scoring touch at the AHL it's a pretty good bet he will see the NHL. If the Kings find one diamond, I hope it's him because he would address a huge need on our blueline.

Iafallo I think is a longshot. I'm not sure he has NHL tools, but it's always possible that he could develop them.

I also agree with your analysis of Brodzinski, and I think the Cheechoo comparison is spot on. He's a pure finisher. I don't think he's bad defensively at all and he's got good vision, but those parts of his game aren't good enough to keep him in the lineup on their own.

I think Wagner will end up top-5 in the list sooner than later. His speed is close to world-class and he's got an above average shot to go with it. Good size too. It wouldn't surprise me to see him put up Pearson like production. He can make room like few others can.

I would probably put Eyssimont up instead of a couple of the players on here, but this is a well thought out list.

Thanks for the well thought out response! Here's my thinking on some of the players you mentioned:

Regarding Luff, yes, he had injuries. He was definitely one I had a hard time placing. Maybe he was still hurting when he played, I dunno, but if he was completely healthy, I guess I just expected a better scoring rate from a 6'3 overage player with a good deal of skill. I know it's a bit unfair.

Reddekopp definitely has a lot of question marks. He looked a little off playing at the AHL level, but I think that's more from inexperience and having to make an adjustment.

I really do like Wagner, I think top end, he could be a Chris Kreider type. He still has a long ways to go to get there, though. I'm excited to see him in Ontario!

Eyssimont... I really wanted to move him up. But his production at the sophomore level is the same as freshman. I'm hesitant to get excited about a developing forward who hasn't elevated his scoring.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Thanks for the well thought out response! Here's my thinking on some of the players you mentioned:

Regarding Luff, yes, he had injuries. He was definitely one I had a hard time placing. Maybe he was still hurting when he played, I dunno, but if he was completely healthy, I guess I just expected a better scoring rate from a 6'3 overage player with a good deal of skill. I know it's a bit unfair.

Reddekopp definitely has a lot of question marks. He looked a little off playing at the AHL level, but I think that's more from inexperience and having to make an adjustment.

I really do like Wagner, I think top end, he could be a Chris Kreider type. He still has a long ways to go to get there, though. I'm excited to see him in Ontario!

Eyssimont... I really wanted to move him up. But his production at the sophomore level is the same as freshman. I'm hesitant to get excited about a developing forward who hasn't elevated his scoring.

Great list and analysis. Thanks for taking the time. It looks like the quality - upside is improving. The drafting of Vilardi and JAD alone does that. Iafallo could be a gem. Seems to have put it together last year and has top end speed, high skill, 2 way forward and driven.
Luff - as Fishead stated, I think the 2 injuries affected him. He was a top OHL scorer until the first injury.

Eyssimont - still a top 20 prospect for sure. Despite the same offensive numbers, they lost some good players last year and he did lead the team in scoring. From footage I have seen, he has some slick offensive skill.

Pretty excited about Wagner. Scored (reg+playoffs) 46 goals, 7 sh, 132 pm and elite speed. Ontario should be fun to watch, with additions Wagner, Watson, Iafallo, Luff, Imama, Roy, Reddekopp, Peterson. Stothers and Hajt have their work cut out, with so many first yr pros.

 

[regulate]

Thanks for the recap. Nicely done. Obviously too early to tell on many players. Not understanding the hype on Reddekopp. Watched him play his first couple of pro games and he seemed a bit lost. Roy looked better in his debut. Rosen said Reddekopp looked he could be a decent AHL player watching him in camp last year. I would rank him at the bottom of your list or maybe a notable until we see otherwise. He was a 7th round pick for a reason, did have a good year last season offensively. Good size.

I disagree on Brodzinski. I have watched him play live now for 2 full seasons, along with Kempe. Head to head Brodzinski has been the more effective hockey player on both sides of the ice at the professional level. Yes Brodzinski is a couple of year older, but outside a few select LA Kings (Carter, Toffoli, maybe Gaborik), no one in the Kings organization shoots the puck better than Brodz in my opinion. He has better hands than Kempe and is an above average skater. The thing about Brodzinski is he does not stand out in the crowd as being particular amazing in his game, he looks just okay. He does not drive the play, but he does finish it, something the Kings are lacking. If you put him with someone that can distribute the puck, you will have an NHL goal scorer. Kempe is a much flashier player as we have seen, but he has never, ever been a consistent productive offensive player as a pro. His amazing speed and skating make you want to believe. And maybe he will get there sooner than later. I hope so.

I think MacDermid deserves a bit more love than some of the new kids with little or no pro time.

Peterson could end up being the best player of them all. Some names on that list to like, some of them will be NHLer's, hopefully with the Kings!

I like Amadio, some things to work on but really good in the second half last year. Learning to use his shot better too.

 

[kovacro]

Got to see Luff a number of times in person this past season. He was affected by injuries for a better part of the year.

From what I saw , I really like his hands, fairly quick release on his shot and he has some decent speed, not a bad skater. His defensive game was fairly average. Had a real nice playoff series versus Kingston and it was too bad the Dogs didn't get out of the 1st round as I think he would have gotten better going forward in the playoffs.

Hopefully a full year in Ontario working with the coaches will help him continue to develop his game.

 

[regulate]

Got to see Luff a number of times in person this past season. He was affected by injuries for a better part of the year.

From what I saw , I really like his hands, fairly quick release on his shot and he has some decent speed, not a bad skater. His defensive game was fairly average. Had a real nice playoff series versus Kingston and it was too bad the Dogs didn't get out of the 1st round as I think he would have gotten better going forward in the playoffs.

Hopefully a full year in Ontario working with the coaches will help him continue to develop his game.

Rosen commented a few times at development camp a few weeks ago the Luff was the player that stood out the most. Especially with his release. Looking forward to seeing him in Ontario this year.

 

[Vino]

I think MacDermid deserves a bit more love than some of the new kids with little or no pro time.

What you think, is MacDermid mobile enough and has he enough hockesense play in the NHL? McNabb <-> MacDermid

 

[triplcrown]

What you think, is MacDermid mobile enough and has he enough hockesense play in the NHL? McNabb <-> MacDermid

I saw Mac play several games at Ontario.

MacDermid needs to clean up his game of the dirty stuff---extra-curricular punches, elbows, stickwork, etc.

With his size and toughness, he doesn't need to perpetrate that crap, and get those extra penalties.

If he can clean it up, he could develop similarly to Matt Green, albeit on the left side.

 

[regulate]

What you think, is MacDermid mobile enough and has he enough hockesense play in the NHL? McNabb <-> MacDermid

I have seen him play live about 40-50 games (hard to remember between injury and suspension). He looks like a tweener to me, but it's really hard to judge unless the Kings give him a lot of exhibition games this year to see where he is at with the pace (the biggest question in my mind) of the NHL. I suspect he will be given every chance to make the roster, but with more experience ahead of him (assuming LaDue is a shoe-in because of RHD) with the addition of Folin and Fantenberg, it's going to be tough. The lack of waiver-exempt status if flying high in his face. There is a lot to like about his game, particularly in the intangibles the Kings lack on defense in a tough, physical division. It would be a blow to organizational depth to have him grabbed off the waiver wire.

 

[Fishhead]

What you think, is MacDermid mobile enough and has he enough hockesense play in the NHL? McNabb <-> MacDermid

McNabb isn't a good comparison for MacDermid. McNabb played internationally, had 102 points in 159 AHL games, and while he's inconsistent, is a solid NHL defensman. He gets skewered around here for some of his boneheaded plays, but he's a solid 4 or 5.

MacDermid reminds me of Matt Carkner. Borderline #6/7 skillset, tough, and takes liberties.

 

[HookKing]

McNabb isn't a good comparison for MacDermid. McNabb played internationally, had 102 points in 159 AHL games, and while he's inconsistent, is a solid NHL defensman. He gets skewered around here for some of his boneheaded plays, but he's a solid 4 or 5.

MacDermid reminds me of Matt Carkner. Borderline #6/7 skillset, tough, and takes liberties.

No way. He's a solid 6/HS.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

McNabb isn't a good comparison for MacDermid. McNabb played internationally, had 102 points in 159 AHL games, and while he's inconsistent, is a solid NHL defensman. He gets skewered around here for some of his boneheaded plays, but he's a solid 4 or 5.

MacDermid reminds me of Matt Carkner. Borderline #6/7 skillset, tough, and takes liberties.

This.

I think people that were maddened by McNabb are going to absolutely lose their **** at MacDermid. The guy was not very good against the better AHL players; I think he'll REALLY struggle with a normal NHL shift. There's a chance he catches on to the pace, and he at least has an identity as a tough SOB, but he'll never be off the bottom pairing at best, and he'd better have a player as good as Martinez to support him.

 

[BallPointHammer]

Excellent list. Where would the Kings rank as a team? Would low 20s be reasonable?

 

[kingsboy11]

Excellent list. Where would the Kings rank as a team? Would low 20s be reasonable?

Vilardi, Anderson-Dolan, and Peterson make our pool much more respectable around the league. I think mid to high 20s is fair.

 

[Ban Hammered]

Eyssimont... I really wanted to move him up. But his production at the sophomore level is the same as freshman. I'm hesitant to get excited about a developing forward who hasn't elevated his scoring.

Yes his production did not go up...but his play did. The way Motzko coaches...freshmen are not given a lot of "responsibility" so they are free to play their way and aren't tasked with a lot of specialty time where they are asked to drive the play. They can be "passengers" so to speak as they adjust to the college game. Last season, Eyssimont was definitely more of a leader and a driver of the offense because he needed to be after SCSU lost the best class of players it ever had (5 guys combined for 593 career points).
SCSU as a result saw it's goal total drop from 175 to 105 while Eyssimont's total didn't change (14). It is also customary that players point total tend to stagnate from freshmen to sophomore season while their play improves with us because of added responsibility in becoming a more complete player. It happened with Dowd and Brodz before Eyssimont. They then jump in production as juniors as they are more used to their responsibilities (and for the upcoming year, the talent that was here but was inexperienced has had a chance to mature).

 

[King'sPawn]

Yes his production did not go up...but his play did. The way Motzko coaches...freshmen are not given a lot of "responsibility" so they are free to play their way and aren't tasked with a lot of specialty time where they are asked to drive the play. They can be "passengers" so to speak as they adjust to the college game. Last season, Eyssimont was definitely more of a leader and a driver of the offense because he needed to be after SCSU lost the best class of players it ever had (5 guys combined for 593 career points).
SCSU as a result saw it's goal total drop from 175 to 105 while Eyssimont's total didn't change (14). It is also customary that players point total tend to stagnate from freshmen to sophomore season while their play improves with us because of added responsibility in becoming a more complete player. It happened with Dowd and Brodz before Eyssimont. They then jump in production as juniors as they are more used to their responsibilities (and for the upcoming year, the talent that was here but was inexperienced has had a chance to mature).

Thank you for the feedback and thoughtful response. That makes sense, and I guess I didn't see what a drastic drop of team offense St. Cloud had.

I am definitely hoping he takes it to the next level. I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings next season!