Prospect Info: Top Prospects Poll 2019
- Thread starter DaveG
- Start date
DaveG
Noted Jerk
1 - C/RW Martin Necas - 2017 1st round, 12 OA
2 - LHD Jake Bean - 2016 1st round, 12 OA
3 - C Ryan Suzuki - 2019 1st round, 28 OA
4 - G Alex Nedeljkovic - 2014 2nd round, 37 OA
5 - RW/C Morgan Geekie - 2017 3rd round, 67 OA
6 - RW Julien Gauthier - 2016 1st round, 21 OA
7 - LW/C Janne Kuokkanen - 2016 2nd round, 43 OA
8 - G Pyotr Kochetkov - 2019 2nd round, 36 OA
9 - C Stelio Mattheos - 2017 3rd round, 73 OA
10 - LHD Jesper Sellgren - 2018 6th round, 166 OA
10 - C Jamieson Rees - 2019 2nd round, 44 OA
12 - C Eetu Luostarinein - 2017 2nd round, 42 OA
13 - RHD Roland McKeown - trade 2015 (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 50 OA)
14 - C Jack Drury - 2018 2nd round, 42 OA
15 - RW Patrik Puistola - 2019 3rd round, 73 OA
16 - RHD Luke Martin - 2017 2nd round, 52 OA
17 - C David Cotton - 2015 6th round, 169 OA
18 - RHD Anttoni Honka - 2019 3rd round, 83 OA
19 - C Clark Bishop - 2014 5th round, 127 OA
20 - G Jeremy Helvig - 2016 5th round, 134 OA
20 - RHD Alex Lintuniemi - 2019 UFA signing (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 60 OA)
HMs:
RW Spencer Smallman - 2015 5th round, 138 OA
LW/RW Matt Filipe - 2016 3rd round, 67 OA
RW Tuukka Tieksola - 2019 4th round, 121 OA
LHD Domenick Fensore - 2019 3rd round, 90 OA
G Callum Booth - 2015 4th round, 93 OA
LHD Cade Webber - 2019 4th round, 99 OA
2 - LHD Jake Bean - 2016 1st round, 12 OA
3 - C Ryan Suzuki - 2019 1st round, 28 OA
4 - G Alex Nedeljkovic - 2014 2nd round, 37 OA
5 - RW/C Morgan Geekie - 2017 3rd round, 67 OA
6 - RW Julien Gauthier - 2016 1st round, 21 OA
7 - LW/C Janne Kuokkanen - 2016 2nd round, 43 OA
8 - G Pyotr Kochetkov - 2019 2nd round, 36 OA
9 - C Stelio Mattheos - 2017 3rd round, 73 OA
10 - LHD Jesper Sellgren - 2018 6th round, 166 OA
10 - C Jamieson Rees - 2019 2nd round, 44 OA
12 - C Eetu Luostarinein - 2017 2nd round, 42 OA
13 - RHD Roland McKeown - trade 2015 (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 50 OA)
14 - C Jack Drury - 2018 2nd round, 42 OA
15 - RW Patrik Puistola - 2019 3rd round, 73 OA
16 - RHD Luke Martin - 2017 2nd round, 52 OA
17 - C David Cotton - 2015 6th round, 169 OA
18 - RHD Anttoni Honka - 2019 3rd round, 83 OA
19 - C Clark Bishop - 2014 5th round, 127 OA
20 - G Jeremy Helvig - 2016 5th round, 134 OA
20 - RHD Alex Lintuniemi - 2019 UFA signing (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 60 OA)
HMs:
RW Spencer Smallman - 2015 5th round, 138 OA
LW/RW Matt Filipe - 2016 3rd round, 67 OA
RW Tuukka Tieksola - 2019 4th round, 121 OA
LHD Domenick Fensore - 2019 3rd round, 90 OA
G Callum Booth - 2015 4th round, 93 OA
LHD Cade Webber - 2019 4th round, 99 OA
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DaveG
Noted Jerk
HM profiles:
LHD Cade Webber - 2019 4th round, 99OA
It's not often you find a 6'6 player that skates like he can. A shutdown dman that prefers to use his skating and stickwork (seems familiar) he had an appearance with the US team at the Hnlicka last year and saw a few games with the NTDP this past season, although he was mostly used in a limited role. He's set to play for Penticton of the BCHL next season before starting his NCAA career at BU in 20-21.
G Callum Booth - 2015 4th round, 93 OA
Booth was expected to see significant time with Charlotte this past season and while he did get in to 10 games, he mostly bounced around the ECHL splitting time between Florida and Reading. He posted average numbers with Reading but had a big playoff with the Blades en-route to a conference final appearance. It will be interesting to track how things progress this coming season as the Canes crease situation is once again crowded.
LHD Domenick Fensore - 2019 3rd round, 90OA
The 5'6 offensive dman is comfortable on either side, and put up numbers this past year comparable to Adam Fox and other previous standouts with the national team program. The big thing he has working against him is his size, and he needs to figure out how to work around that defensively to make the show. However with the puck on his stick he's outright dynamic and that's where he'll make his impact felt. He's set to play for BU this coming season.
RW Tuukka Tieksola - 2019 4th round, 121OA
Another member of the Karpat pipeline, Tieksola has a high end skill level and was more of a playmaker for the Finnish U-18s and for Karpat U-20 this past season. 45 Assists and 15 goals in 51 games for Karpat, 16 Assists and 3 goals in 20 for the national team U-18s. The one criticism of him is that he needs to get stronger to be more effective at the next level. But everything else about his game translates well and he may be ready for a jump to North America after another year or two developing with Karpat, who as well all know well has become a factory for producing NHL level talent the past few years.
LW Matt Filipe - 2016 3rd round, 67OA
Entering his senior season as one of the defending Hockey East champs leaders, Filipe will be counted on to step up his production after a bit of a bounce back season last year. Playing the modern power forward game, he's one of the guys like Foegele was who may translate better to the pro game than he did at the NCAA level. A good mix of size, speed, scoring, and sandpaper I really like how projectable he is to the pro level.
RW Spencer Smallman - 2015 5th round, 138OA
Smallman's had issues staying healthy at the pro level after a very productive junior career leading Saint John to a QMJHL championship just 2 years ago. But when he's been healthy he's been relatively productive, putting up nearly PPG numbers in his first year pro in the ECHL, and following it up with 6 assists in 12 games with Charlotte last season. With the departures to free agency that Charlotte suffered this past season the opportunity is there for him to get back on track this coming season... provided he can stay healthy of course.
LHD Cade Webber - 2019 4th round, 99OA
It's not often you find a 6'6 player that skates like he can. A shutdown dman that prefers to use his skating and stickwork (seems familiar) he had an appearance with the US team at the Hnlicka last year and saw a few games with the NTDP this past season, although he was mostly used in a limited role. He's set to play for Penticton of the BCHL next season before starting his NCAA career at BU in 20-21.
G Callum Booth - 2015 4th round, 93 OA
Booth was expected to see significant time with Charlotte this past season and while he did get in to 10 games, he mostly bounced around the ECHL splitting time between Florida and Reading. He posted average numbers with Reading but had a big playoff with the Blades en-route to a conference final appearance. It will be interesting to track how things progress this coming season as the Canes crease situation is once again crowded.
LHD Domenick Fensore - 2019 3rd round, 90OA
The 5'6 offensive dman is comfortable on either side, and put up numbers this past year comparable to Adam Fox and other previous standouts with the national team program. The big thing he has working against him is his size, and he needs to figure out how to work around that defensively to make the show. However with the puck on his stick he's outright dynamic and that's where he'll make his impact felt. He's set to play for BU this coming season.
RW Tuukka Tieksola - 2019 4th round, 121OA
Another member of the Karpat pipeline, Tieksola has a high end skill level and was more of a playmaker for the Finnish U-18s and for Karpat U-20 this past season. 45 Assists and 15 goals in 51 games for Karpat, 16 Assists and 3 goals in 20 for the national team U-18s. The one criticism of him is that he needs to get stronger to be more effective at the next level. But everything else about his game translates well and he may be ready for a jump to North America after another year or two developing with Karpat, who as well all know well has become a factory for producing NHL level talent the past few years.
LW Matt Filipe - 2016 3rd round, 67OA
Entering his senior season as one of the defending Hockey East champs leaders, Filipe will be counted on to step up his production after a bit of a bounce back season last year. Playing the modern power forward game, he's one of the guys like Foegele was who may translate better to the pro game than he did at the NCAA level. A good mix of size, speed, scoring, and sandpaper I really like how projectable he is to the pro level.
RW Spencer Smallman - 2015 5th round, 138OA
Smallman's had issues staying healthy at the pro level after a very productive junior career leading Saint John to a QMJHL championship just 2 years ago. But when he's been healthy he's been relatively productive, putting up nearly PPG numbers in his first year pro in the ECHL, and following it up with 6 assists in 12 games with Charlotte last season. With the departures to free agency that Charlotte suffered this past season the opportunity is there for him to get back on track this coming season... provided he can stay healthy of course.
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DaveG
Noted Jerk
T20 - RHD Alex Lintuniemi - 2019 UFA signing (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 60 OA)
One of the guys we asked about in the Sekera trade years back, Lintuniemi wasn't qualified by the kings this offseason and was quickly signed by us for defensive depth. He does have some offense to his game but he's known primarily as a defense-first player. He doesn't go out of his way to make the big hit but he definitely has the size to do so if needed coming in at 6'4, 230. He should help bolster a Charlotte team that was decimated by UFA departures this offseason.
T20 - G Jeremy Helvig - 2016 5th round, 134 OA
Helvig turned pro this year and put up solid numbers with Florida in the regular season, though Booth got the lions share of appearances in the post-season. His 2.27 was good for 4th in the ECHL and .918 good for 8th of goalies with 20 or more starts. With the crowded crease in Carolina though it looks like he'll start the season in the ECHL again unless one of the more veteran options in front of him is traded or snagged off waivers following the pre-season. Still, he's improved every season including the jump from the OHL to pro level, so it would be hard to bet against him long term even if he is in the ECHL yet again.
19 - C Clark Bishop - 2014 5th round, 127 OA
While he may not have an especially impressive offensive upside he's making a name for himself as a defensive/PK specialist at the pro level and was impressive enough to get his first taste of NHL action this past season for 20 games. He has legitimately plus level skating ability, is strong in the circle, and it's likely that he'll be one of the first call-ups again this coming season when the injury bug strikes. In an org with less depth this would likely be his first full NHL season.
18 - RHD Anttoni Honka - 2019 3rd round, 83 OA
One of the most divisive prospects in hockey already, Honka has an absolutely elite skill level and is an elite skater. He didn't get a ton of ice time with the Finland WJC team this past year, but he spent more time in Liiga than he did any other level split between JYP and a loan stint at Jukurit. His playoffs with KeuPa in Mestis was also extremely impressive posting 3 goals 8 assists in 17 games. The issue is questions about consistency in the defensive zone. The coming seasons are simply going to be a matter of putting it all together, as normally guys with his type of skill set aren't available where he was drafted. If he manages to do that effectively he'll rocket up the rankings not just for this club but league wide as there are very few prospects in hockey that possess his type of overall skill level.
17 - C David Cotton - 2015 6th round, 169 OA
Normally a prospect like Cotton with his production level would be under NHL contract by now. But normally BC would have at least 2 NCAA appearances and a Hockey East title or two in the 3 years he's been with the Eagles. So with neither having happened and him being named team captain for next season, it's little wonder why he's returning for one last go at BC, and the Canes org seems to be perfectly alright with that as they had him and Filipe as the two captains at development camp. A raw project when he was drafted he has solid two-way ability and has gotten progressively better offensively as his time at BC has gone along. He had a big second half of the season last year and he'll be expected to keep that up for the entirety of the season this coming year to close out his collegiate career before turning pro.
16 - RHD Luke Martin - 2017 2nd round, 52 OA
Another of our prospects that has some divisiveness around him, unlike Honka the question about Martin is purely about offensive upside, as few question his ability in his own zone. And to defend him here a bit he's on a Michigan program that has been in a heavy state of transition the past few years. His numbers with the NTDP program before going to the NCAA level a year early were decent, he simply hasn't had the opportunity to play with any of their more productive players his entire time at Michigan. This has been a program with an absolute dearth of talent and depth outside of Quinn Hughes the entire time he was there, and Martin's been anchoring a different pairing. It will be interesting to see if he gets more opportunity as a senior, though I personally feel it would be better for his development for him to be signed to an ELC now and allowing him to learn on the job in Charlotte.
One of the guys we asked about in the Sekera trade years back, Lintuniemi wasn't qualified by the kings this offseason and was quickly signed by us for defensive depth. He does have some offense to his game but he's known primarily as a defense-first player. He doesn't go out of his way to make the big hit but he definitely has the size to do so if needed coming in at 6'4, 230. He should help bolster a Charlotte team that was decimated by UFA departures this offseason.
T20 - G Jeremy Helvig - 2016 5th round, 134 OA
Helvig turned pro this year and put up solid numbers with Florida in the regular season, though Booth got the lions share of appearances in the post-season. His 2.27 was good for 4th in the ECHL and .918 good for 8th of goalies with 20 or more starts. With the crowded crease in Carolina though it looks like he'll start the season in the ECHL again unless one of the more veteran options in front of him is traded or snagged off waivers following the pre-season. Still, he's improved every season including the jump from the OHL to pro level, so it would be hard to bet against him long term even if he is in the ECHL yet again.
19 - C Clark Bishop - 2014 5th round, 127 OA
While he may not have an especially impressive offensive upside he's making a name for himself as a defensive/PK specialist at the pro level and was impressive enough to get his first taste of NHL action this past season for 20 games. He has legitimately plus level skating ability, is strong in the circle, and it's likely that he'll be one of the first call-ups again this coming season when the injury bug strikes. In an org with less depth this would likely be his first full NHL season.
18 - RHD Anttoni Honka - 2019 3rd round, 83 OA
One of the most divisive prospects in hockey already, Honka has an absolutely elite skill level and is an elite skater. He didn't get a ton of ice time with the Finland WJC team this past year, but he spent more time in Liiga than he did any other level split between JYP and a loan stint at Jukurit. His playoffs with KeuPa in Mestis was also extremely impressive posting 3 goals 8 assists in 17 games. The issue is questions about consistency in the defensive zone. The coming seasons are simply going to be a matter of putting it all together, as normally guys with his type of skill set aren't available where he was drafted. If he manages to do that effectively he'll rocket up the rankings not just for this club but league wide as there are very few prospects in hockey that possess his type of overall skill level.
17 - C David Cotton - 2015 6th round, 169 OA
Normally a prospect like Cotton with his production level would be under NHL contract by now. But normally BC would have at least 2 NCAA appearances and a Hockey East title or two in the 3 years he's been with the Eagles. So with neither having happened and him being named team captain for next season, it's little wonder why he's returning for one last go at BC, and the Canes org seems to be perfectly alright with that as they had him and Filipe as the two captains at development camp. A raw project when he was drafted he has solid two-way ability and has gotten progressively better offensively as his time at BC has gone along. He had a big second half of the season last year and he'll be expected to keep that up for the entirety of the season this coming year to close out his collegiate career before turning pro.
16 - RHD Luke Martin - 2017 2nd round, 52 OA
Another of our prospects that has some divisiveness around him, unlike Honka the question about Martin is purely about offensive upside, as few question his ability in his own zone. And to defend him here a bit he's on a Michigan program that has been in a heavy state of transition the past few years. His numbers with the NTDP program before going to the NCAA level a year early were decent, he simply hasn't had the opportunity to play with any of their more productive players his entire time at Michigan. This has been a program with an absolute dearth of talent and depth outside of Quinn Hughes the entire time he was there, and Martin's been anchoring a different pairing. It will be interesting to see if he gets more opportunity as a senior, though I personally feel it would be better for his development for him to be signed to an ELC now and allowing him to learn on the job in Charlotte.
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DaveG
Noted Jerk
15 - RW Patrik Puistola - 2019 3rd round, 73 OA
Playing across 3 levels in Finland last year, Puistola showed excellent offensive skills primarily as a goal scorer with the U18s (14 in 21 games), the U20 level (11 in 25 games) and especially the 2nd level Mestis (15G, 26Pts in 22 games, 3G, 4A in 8 in the playoffs) where he was the top U18 scorer in the entire league. The big thing he'll need to work on is getting stronger at the Liiga level as he's clearly skilled enough to play there. His speed is also a point that could use some work but that will likely come with increased strength. One of the players I'm most looking forward to following the next few years as his skill level and shot could make him a reliably productive top 6 player in the NHL.
14 - C Jack Drury - 2018 2nd round, 42 OA
Jack had a better than expected first year with Harvard, putting up 24 points (9+15) in 32 games, good for 3rd in forward scoring for the Crimson last year. He also managed to get on the radar for the US team and made the U20s, though he saw limited action at the WJC as an 18 year old. Expect his role to be greatly increased for the US team this coming WJC. The real question when it comes to Jack is how soon do the Canes push to get him under contract.
13 - RHD Roland McKeown - trade 2015 (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 50 OA)
McKeown is about as NHL ready as it gets for a prospect at this point. The question at this point is simply how good he's going to be. After 3 assists in 10 games over 2 separate callups in 2017-18 he got in exactly 0 games with the big club last season, largely as a result of a more veteran group in Raleigh. He should be expected to contend for the #7 dman spot this coming season, and may see some decent playing time if TVR is out for a good length to start the season.
12 - C Eetu Luostarinein - 2017 2nd round, 42 OA
Eetu is a player that has had about as wide a variety of takes on him since being drafted 2 years ago as anyone in our system. All said with limited access to get viewings of him (all of 4 games at the worlds before injury) we've had to rely on our Finnish overlords for info, but all signs on that front are positive. He has a rep as being a solid two-way player that plays a physical game, but has some decent offense to his game as well finishing 2nd in scoring for KalPa last season 5 points behind Alexandre Texier. We'll get the chance to get a better read starting next year in Charlotte but a guy that plays a projectable game like him that's been on a very steep upward trajectory is always worth a look.
10 - LHD Jesper Sellgren - 2018 6th round, 166 OA
Surely one of the surprises of last years draft class, Sellgren greatly exceeded even many optimistic expectations for him this past season. Playing a style and role reminiscent of fellow MODO alum Tobias Enstrom, Sellgren made the move up a level to Lulea and the SHL. While he didn't post gaudy numbers (though he had an impressive 3+3 in 10 playoff games) he was one of the most reliable defenders in the entire league. It was good enough to earn him an ELC and his 11 game audition in the AHL playoffs saw him post 3 more goals an another assist en route to a Calder Cup championship. Expect him to be one of many in the mix for the #7 spot this coming season.
Playing across 3 levels in Finland last year, Puistola showed excellent offensive skills primarily as a goal scorer with the U18s (14 in 21 games), the U20 level (11 in 25 games) and especially the 2nd level Mestis (15G, 26Pts in 22 games, 3G, 4A in 8 in the playoffs) where he was the top U18 scorer in the entire league. The big thing he'll need to work on is getting stronger at the Liiga level as he's clearly skilled enough to play there. His speed is also a point that could use some work but that will likely come with increased strength. One of the players I'm most looking forward to following the next few years as his skill level and shot could make him a reliably productive top 6 player in the NHL.
14 - C Jack Drury - 2018 2nd round, 42 OA
Jack had a better than expected first year with Harvard, putting up 24 points (9+15) in 32 games, good for 3rd in forward scoring for the Crimson last year. He also managed to get on the radar for the US team and made the U20s, though he saw limited action at the WJC as an 18 year old. Expect his role to be greatly increased for the US team this coming WJC. The real question when it comes to Jack is how soon do the Canes push to get him under contract.
13 - RHD Roland McKeown - trade 2015 (drafted LAK 2nd 2014, 50 OA)
McKeown is about as NHL ready as it gets for a prospect at this point. The question at this point is simply how good he's going to be. After 3 assists in 10 games over 2 separate callups in 2017-18 he got in exactly 0 games with the big club last season, largely as a result of a more veteran group in Raleigh. He should be expected to contend for the #7 dman spot this coming season, and may see some decent playing time if TVR is out for a good length to start the season.
12 - C Eetu Luostarinein - 2017 2nd round, 42 OA
Eetu is a player that has had about as wide a variety of takes on him since being drafted 2 years ago as anyone in our system. All said with limited access to get viewings of him (all of 4 games at the worlds before injury) we've had to rely on our Finnish overlords for info, but all signs on that front are positive. He has a rep as being a solid two-way player that plays a physical game, but has some decent offense to his game as well finishing 2nd in scoring for KalPa last season 5 points behind Alexandre Texier. We'll get the chance to get a better read starting next year in Charlotte but a guy that plays a projectable game like him that's been on a very steep upward trajectory is always worth a look.
10 - LHD Jesper Sellgren - 2018 6th round, 166 OA
Surely one of the surprises of last years draft class, Sellgren greatly exceeded even many optimistic expectations for him this past season. Playing a style and role reminiscent of fellow MODO alum Tobias Enstrom, Sellgren made the move up a level to Lulea and the SHL. While he didn't post gaudy numbers (though he had an impressive 3+3 in 10 playoff games) he was one of the most reliable defenders in the entire league. It was good enough to earn him an ELC and his 11 game audition in the AHL playoffs saw him post 3 more goals an another assist en route to a Calder Cup championship. Expect him to be one of many in the mix for the #7 spot this coming season.
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DaveG
Noted Jerk
10 - C Jamieson Rees - 2019 2nd round, 44 OA
He missed a lot of time due to injury with Sarnia this past season, but he plays a game that you absolutely have to love. Absolutely tenacious, he was one of Canada's best players at the Hnlicka last summer, and stepped it up a notch when he joined the U18s in Sweden for U18-WJC. He led the entire team in assists... and penalty minutes. While he may not get to the same level of player, stylistically he's been compared to names like Gallagher and Marchand, and may be better suited to the wing at the NHL level.
9 - RW/C Stelio Mattheos - 2017 3rd round, 73 OA
Like Jesper Sellgren, Mattheos had a huge season in his league this year (WHL) and produced 3+1 in the AHL playoffs after signing their ELC. In Stelio's case putting up 44G, 52A in 65 games nearly being the first Canes prospect in a long time to eclipse the 100 point mark in the CHL. The former #1 pick in the WHL really got the chance to blossom after the departure of Nolan Patrick and Reid Duke following the 2017 season. While it's likely that he's going to play more of a grinding type role for the Checkers this coming season he's shown good ability as an all-around offensive generator to show some serious upside to his game.
8 - G Pyotr Kochetkov - 2019 2nd round, 36 OA
How Kochetkov was there for the Canes in the 2nd this past year may just be the perfect example of how far the NHL still has to come when it comes to scouting Russia. He has ideal size for the modern NHL game as a goalie and was dominant between the pipes for the Russian team at the WJC, winning top goalie at the tournament over heavy favorite Primeau, and Kochetkov wasn't even expected to be Russia's starter at the WJC. Set to play for perennial KHL powerhouse SKA this coming season, he'll likely compete for the starting job there this season, though his contract only runs through this season so the possibility of him jumping right to the Canes organization following the year exists.
7 - LW/C Janne Kuokkanen - 2016 2nd round, 43 OA
The question with Kuokkanen is just how good he can be. He had a solid season with Charlotte with 38 points in 48 games, and was good enough for a 7 game callup to the Canes though he didn't produce in that stint. The skill level is extremely evident with Janne, and he has a tendency to make plays that other players simply are incapable of. All said though it's going to be a matter of putting it all together at the next level when he gets his chance, something he hasn't really gotten much of yet so far.
6 - RW Julien Gauthier - 2016 1st round, 21 OA
Goat seems to be following the traditional power wing development process, taking a bit longer than expected to show what he's got. But he did just that in the back half of the season with Charlotte this past year with 17 points in the last 23 games of the AHL regular season. He also posted 5G 3A in 17 playoff games and was a +7. More than physicality Goat uses his speed and powerful frame to beat opponents wide reminiscent of Rick Nash, though clearly not quite as capable offensively. This should be a big year for him and he'll likely be in the mix for callups while playing a key role for Charlotte.
He missed a lot of time due to injury with Sarnia this past season, but he plays a game that you absolutely have to love. Absolutely tenacious, he was one of Canada's best players at the Hnlicka last summer, and stepped it up a notch when he joined the U18s in Sweden for U18-WJC. He led the entire team in assists... and penalty minutes. While he may not get to the same level of player, stylistically he's been compared to names like Gallagher and Marchand, and may be better suited to the wing at the NHL level.
9 - RW/C Stelio Mattheos - 2017 3rd round, 73 OA
Like Jesper Sellgren, Mattheos had a huge season in his league this year (WHL) and produced 3+1 in the AHL playoffs after signing their ELC. In Stelio's case putting up 44G, 52A in 65 games nearly being the first Canes prospect in a long time to eclipse the 100 point mark in the CHL. The former #1 pick in the WHL really got the chance to blossom after the departure of Nolan Patrick and Reid Duke following the 2017 season. While it's likely that he's going to play more of a grinding type role for the Checkers this coming season he's shown good ability as an all-around offensive generator to show some serious upside to his game.
8 - G Pyotr Kochetkov - 2019 2nd round, 36 OA
How Kochetkov was there for the Canes in the 2nd this past year may just be the perfect example of how far the NHL still has to come when it comes to scouting Russia. He has ideal size for the modern NHL game as a goalie and was dominant between the pipes for the Russian team at the WJC, winning top goalie at the tournament over heavy favorite Primeau, and Kochetkov wasn't even expected to be Russia's starter at the WJC. Set to play for perennial KHL powerhouse SKA this coming season, he'll likely compete for the starting job there this season, though his contract only runs through this season so the possibility of him jumping right to the Canes organization following the year exists.
7 - LW/C Janne Kuokkanen - 2016 2nd round, 43 OA
The question with Kuokkanen is just how good he can be. He had a solid season with Charlotte with 38 points in 48 games, and was good enough for a 7 game callup to the Canes though he didn't produce in that stint. The skill level is extremely evident with Janne, and he has a tendency to make plays that other players simply are incapable of. All said though it's going to be a matter of putting it all together at the next level when he gets his chance, something he hasn't really gotten much of yet so far.
6 - RW Julien Gauthier - 2016 1st round, 21 OA
Goat seems to be following the traditional power wing development process, taking a bit longer than expected to show what he's got. But he did just that in the back half of the season with Charlotte this past year with 17 points in the last 23 games of the AHL regular season. He also posted 5G 3A in 17 playoff games and was a +7. More than physicality Goat uses his speed and powerful frame to beat opponents wide reminiscent of Rick Nash, though clearly not quite as capable offensively. This should be a big year for him and he'll likely be in the mix for callups while playing a key role for Charlotte.
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DaveG
Noted Jerk
5 - RW/C Morgan Geekie - 2017 3rd round, 67 OA
Much like Foegele last year, Geekie is coming off an unexpectedly strong rookie season in the AHL with the stat line almost identical to Foegele's with the goals to assists inverted. Where Geekie really shined though was in the Calder Cup playoffs where he had 8G 10A in 19 games, and was a +13 en route to the championship. Between the run last year and the year before he's been drawing some heir apparent comparisons to Justin Williams. While I might not go quite that far, guys that can produce and step it up in the post season are most welcome, and Geekie may not be far off fighting for a roster spot considering the Canes will be likely cycling in a few more from the minors the next couple seasons due to free agency/cap considerations. His solid two-way ability will go a long way in making him a factor for call ups as soon as this season.
4 - G Alex Nedeljkovic - 2014 2nd round, 37 OA
No goalie in all of hockey may have done as much to raise their prospect profile this past year. While it's undoubted that Charlotte was an utterly dominant AHL team last season, his numbers show just how good he was and that all he does is win. 34-9-5 (1st in wins), 2.26 GAA (1st), .916 (8th), 4 SO (3rd). Were he a position player he'd be a lock for a roster spot at his age with the season he just had, but it's likely he'll be rotated in with a few more appearances this coming season. Speaking of, his debut start last season was quite promising in its own right. The one question that remains is just how good can a 5'11 goalie be in the modern NHL.
3 - C Ryan Suzuki - 2019 1st round, 28 OA
Brother of Montreal prospect Nick Suzuki, Ryan may be even more talented. A solid skater, Suzuki may have been the best playmaker in the entire 2019 draft outside of Hughes, capable of making high end plays at top speed. The biggest concern about him was supposedly his compete level last year, but fact of the matter is it's also a quite possibly a case of him having been under the microscope for so long (OHL #1 pick in 2017, was top 5 ranked heading in to the draft year) that his game just simply gets picked apart to no end and he ends up falling farther than he should. He also comes in with a familiarity with Andrei Svechnikov both having played for Barrie in the 2017-18 season.
2 - LHD Jake Bean - 2016 1st round, 12 OA
A slick skating PMD, Bean was a total work in progress when drafted but is starting to really show the high end upside that Canes scouts saw to justify the lofty #13 draft spot in 2016. In 70 games in his first full AHL season he put up 44 points with 13 G, 31 A, and contributed 5 more points in 15 games during the Calder Cup Playoffs. He was impressive enough to get a 2 game stint with the Canes as well as a call up to be one of the Black Aces in the Canes Conference Final run. His skill set is unique to the North American side of the system as well, being the only one under contract to date that projects as a PPQB, something the Canes have been in need of for a while. The question is just when he'll get his shot. It's likely he'll compete with Fleury for the #6 spot, and be the top callup for the next season.
1 - C/RW Martin Necas - 2017 1st round, 12 OA
After a dominant previous season at the international level, including an MVP snub at the WJC, most expected Martin to step in and immediately be a factor for the Canes. It... didn't quite work out that way. While he had a rather hilarious goal and an assist in his 7 game stint to start the season, he spent the year in the AHL learning to play on the wing and how to play a more effective two-way game. He was still good enough to put in 16+36 in 64 regular season games and 13 points in 18 playoff games while often looking like the best player on the ice. He's still fairly widely considered one of the top 10 prospects in all of hockey and he should be better prepared for another stint at the NHL next season.
Much like Foegele last year, Geekie is coming off an unexpectedly strong rookie season in the AHL with the stat line almost identical to Foegele's with the goals to assists inverted. Where Geekie really shined though was in the Calder Cup playoffs where he had 8G 10A in 19 games, and was a +13 en route to the championship. Between the run last year and the year before he's been drawing some heir apparent comparisons to Justin Williams. While I might not go quite that far, guys that can produce and step it up in the post season are most welcome, and Geekie may not be far off fighting for a roster spot considering the Canes will be likely cycling in a few more from the minors the next couple seasons due to free agency/cap considerations. His solid two-way ability will go a long way in making him a factor for call ups as soon as this season.
4 - G Alex Nedeljkovic - 2014 2nd round, 37 OA
No goalie in all of hockey may have done as much to raise their prospect profile this past year. While it's undoubted that Charlotte was an utterly dominant AHL team last season, his numbers show just how good he was and that all he does is win. 34-9-5 (1st in wins), 2.26 GAA (1st), .916 (8th), 4 SO (3rd). Were he a position player he'd be a lock for a roster spot at his age with the season he just had, but it's likely he'll be rotated in with a few more appearances this coming season. Speaking of, his debut start last season was quite promising in its own right. The one question that remains is just how good can a 5'11 goalie be in the modern NHL.
3 - C Ryan Suzuki - 2019 1st round, 28 OA
Brother of Montreal prospect Nick Suzuki, Ryan may be even more talented. A solid skater, Suzuki may have been the best playmaker in the entire 2019 draft outside of Hughes, capable of making high end plays at top speed. The biggest concern about him was supposedly his compete level last year, but fact of the matter is it's also a quite possibly a case of him having been under the microscope for so long (OHL #1 pick in 2017, was top 5 ranked heading in to the draft year) that his game just simply gets picked apart to no end and he ends up falling farther than he should. He also comes in with a familiarity with Andrei Svechnikov both having played for Barrie in the 2017-18 season.
2 - LHD Jake Bean - 2016 1st round, 12 OA
A slick skating PMD, Bean was a total work in progress when drafted but is starting to really show the high end upside that Canes scouts saw to justify the lofty #13 draft spot in 2016. In 70 games in his first full AHL season he put up 44 points with 13 G, 31 A, and contributed 5 more points in 15 games during the Calder Cup Playoffs. He was impressive enough to get a 2 game stint with the Canes as well as a call up to be one of the Black Aces in the Canes Conference Final run. His skill set is unique to the North American side of the system as well, being the only one under contract to date that projects as a PPQB, something the Canes have been in need of for a while. The question is just when he'll get his shot. It's likely he'll compete with Fleury for the #6 spot, and be the top callup for the next season.
1 - C/RW Martin Necas - 2017 1st round, 12 OA
After a dominant previous season at the international level, including an MVP snub at the WJC, most expected Martin to step in and immediately be a factor for the Canes. It... didn't quite work out that way. While he had a rather hilarious goal and an assist in his 7 game stint to start the season, he spent the year in the AHL learning to play on the wing and how to play a more effective two-way game. He was still good enough to put in 16+36 in 64 regular season games and 13 points in 18 playoff games while often looking like the best player on the ice. He's still fairly widely considered one of the top 10 prospects in all of hockey and he should be better prepared for another stint at the NHL next season.
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Navin R Slavin
Fifth line center
Package Suzuki, Tieksola, Wall, Webber and Zimmer for Pontus Aberg pls.
Boom Boom Apathy
I am the Professor. Deal with it!
- Sep 6, 2006
- 49,327
- 102,065
Not that I know much about more than 3-4 of these guys, but I always have a tough time ranking goalies with skaters.
DaveG
Noted Jerk
Admittedly it is by FAR the hardest thing that I try to do. Just such a different skillset and so much different as to what leads to success in some instances.
My Special Purpose
Registered User
- Apr 8, 2008
- 8,151
- 21,787
You'll be wrong no matter what you do, so pressure is off.
Lucky Lindy
Registered User
Boom Boom Apathy
I am the Professor. Deal with it!
- Sep 6, 2006
- 49,327
- 102,065
I have this post bookmarked and will be coming back to this post in 7 years to say "eat crow sunshine" and brag about how I was not wrong when the prospects end up just like I ranked them.
Lempo
Recovering Future Considerations Truther
- Feb 23, 2014
- 27,714
- 86,662
Did I see we just signed a LHD yesterday, should he be on this list now?
DaveG
Noted Jerk
Lintuniemi. One of those weird deals that was known almost a week before it was officially announced.
- Jan 17, 2018
- 3,905
- 8,696
Agreed.
For instance on D I could see McKeown starting the season as the 3rd pairing RD and cementing himself in the lineup. He could also disappear once TVR returns.
Eventually the Canes need another right-shot forward. Gauthier has the most talent, Geekie finds ways to produce, Mattheos seems like he fits the current style of play. I think any of the three could be the second best forward prospect after Necas or all could have AAAA careers.
Primetime8
Registered User
I actually put it 80/20 we get him under contract next spring.
is it acceptable to rank stelio number 1 based entirely on desire to hear the american dad! stelio kantos song many, many times at the pnc?
Really interested in seeing the results. Looking at the last year, almost entire top 15 has either graduated (Svech, McLovin, Wallmark) or traded/waived (Zykov, Fox, Saarela, Roy). This together with strong development years for some former tier 2 prospects and a new influx of great value picks really changed the prospect depth chart.
When can we expect the results?
When can we expect the results?
Navin R Slavin
Fifth line center
Only if you provide the soundtrack for the entire prospect list. Which you should 100% do.
DaveG
Noted Jerk
Not this weekend but the following one. This is a pretty common time of year for people to take vacations so keeping voting open for a bit
If BC was its usual powerhouse self and he still hadn't signed by now I'd say it's not going to happen. But he has yet to make the NCAA tournament there, nor outright win a Hockey East title. Also, unlike Fox or Johnson before him, I haven't heard the usual rumor mill circulating about him having a destination already set in mind or just never wanting to sign here.
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- Jul 7, 2017
- 3,227
- 12,158
Yes; I was really surprised when I checked my rankings from last year how many are no longer on the list. Overall, I think I did pretty good outside of Zykov. I'm pleased with my list this year but ordering them beyond the top 3-5 was difficult.
Boom Boom Apathy
I am the Professor. Deal with it!
- Sep 6, 2006
- 49,327
- 102,065
For reference, here was last year's final ranking (board's combined final ranking, not mine personally). My view of 1 year later (which is by no means a final say and by all means debatable). I color coded them as follows
GREEN: Probably pretty good rankings
RED: Probably ranked too high
BLUE: Probably ranked too low
BLACK: Hard to say but probably ok of a ranking.
Final List:
1: RW Andrei Svechnikov
2: C Martin Necas
3: LHD Jake Bean
4: LW Valentin Zykov
5: RHD Adam Fox
6: W Warren Foegele
7: LW/C Aleksi Saarela
8: C/W Janne Kuokkanen
9: RHD Roland McKeown
10: RW Julien Gauthier
11: RHD Luke Martin
12: C Nic Roy
13: C Lucas Wallmark
14: RW/C Stelio Mattheos
15: G Alex Nedeljkovic
16: C Jack Drury
17: RW Morgan Geekie
18: G Callum Booth
19: C Eetu Luostarinen
20: RHD Michael Fora
21: LHD Trevor Carrick
22: G Jeremy Helvig
23: W Saku Maenalanen
24: C David Cotton
25: C Clark Bishop
HM: LHD Brendan De Jong
HM: LW Matt Filipe
HM: G Eetu Makiniemi
HM: LHD Ville Rasanen
HM: LHD Jesper Sellgren
GREEN: Probably pretty good rankings
RED: Probably ranked too high
BLUE: Probably ranked too low
BLACK: Hard to say but probably ok of a ranking.
Final List:
1: RW Andrei Svechnikov
2: C Martin Necas
3: LHD Jake Bean
4: LW Valentin Zykov
5: RHD Adam Fox
6: W Warren Foegele
7: LW/C Aleksi Saarela
8: C/W Janne Kuokkanen
9: RHD Roland McKeown
10: RW Julien Gauthier
11: RHD Luke Martin
12: C Nic Roy
13: C Lucas Wallmark
14: RW/C Stelio Mattheos
15: G Alex Nedeljkovic
16: C Jack Drury
17: RW Morgan Geekie
18: G Callum Booth
19: C Eetu Luostarinen
20: RHD Michael Fora
21: LHD Trevor Carrick
22: G Jeremy Helvig
23: W Saku Maenalanen
24: C David Cotton
25: C Clark Bishop
HM: LHD Brendan De Jong
HM: LW Matt Filipe
HM: G Eetu Makiniemi
HM: LHD Ville Rasanen
HM: LHD Jesper Sellgren
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