1. Trevor Zegras – This pivot is a terrific playmaker, and his two-way game is really strong. He’s dangerous around the net because he’s proficient at passing or shooting. His edgework keeps defenders at arm’s length, and he will be a solid two-way player in time.
2. Jamie Drysdale – This fast blueliner is very impactful shift to shift. He has a terrific first pass and his vision allows him to see more than most on the ice. Drysdale can run the power play and he gets a lot of flex on his one-timer. He loves the challenge of five-on-five defense too.
3. Isac Lundestrom – This center has only played 55 NHL games so far. He’s still 21, Lundestrom doesn’t get pushed around and his speed and puck possession get him opportunities on the ice. He will continue to get better with face-offs too.
4. Josh Mahura – This defenseman still hasn’t played enough NHL games to be off this list. Can work in the offensive zone with the puck with good stick work. Good toughness factor. His offense will eventually come out.
5. Blake McLaughlin – This left wing was a third-round steal. He was skinny and didn’t play well in his own end. That’s all changed. He has become a clutch goal scorer with the University of Minnesota. McLaughlin works the puck around the corners well. He’s ready for the one-timer or close to the net looking for deflections or rebounds.
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6. Benoit-Olivier Groulx – This center can distribute and score. An opportunistic offensive player who plays around the net. Greasy player. Can beat a strong forecheck and get to the puck, draws penalties doing that.
7. Jackson LaCombe – LaCombe has made a big jump this past season. Winning a gold medal at the World Junior Championship and improving his two-way play, important for a defenseman, and skating with the University of Minnesota. This second-rounder has now turned into a blue-chip prospect.
8. Sam Colangelo – Sam is a power forward and more of a long-term guy. He has a great shot and can get goalies to move down low but recently he’s made solid strides in his own end.
9. Lukas Dostal – This goalie has been really good in international competition and otherwise. At 20, in the AHL, he has great leg extension and good on his first saves. He has a solid glove hand and a lot of battle in him.
10. Jacob Perrault – Perrault got some AHL time in this weird season. He has a great shot but has to really round out his game. He’s a winger, not a center at this point in time. He has a great shot and hockey I.Q. He needs to become a better skater.