Prospects Analysis: Preseason Top 100

With the 2017-18 season fast approaching, here's our list of the top-100 prospects in the game. In addition, we will also have a four-part series, broken down by division, which will cover the top-10 prospects in each individual organization.

(Note: players with 25 games or more of regular-season NHL experience are not eligible for this list.)

1. Clayton Keller (F-ARI): While several players can make a claim for the top overall spot heading into the season, Keller is coming off a stellar year at Boston University in which he posted 45 points in 31 games and he finished the season with a pair of assists in three games for Arizona. Keller is Patrick Kane-lite. He is dynamic with the puck on his stick and excels in open space. He needs to continue to improve defensively, but Keller is a hard worker who is open to learning. The addition of Derek Stepan could potentially cut into Keller's power play minutes, but he is simply too talented to keep off the ice with the man advantage and I imagine the Coyotes realize that. He might not produce a ton of re-draft value this coming season, but I think Keller's long-term ceiling makes him the top prospect in the game.

2. Brock Boeser (F-VAN): A top-flight sniper with a laser-quick release and a bomb of a shot, Boeser scored four goals in nine games for Vancouver when he arrived in the NHL late last season. Boeser's passing is underrated, but his calling card is his ability to put the puck in the net. A wrist injury forced Boeser to sit out for Team USA at the World Juniors in December, but he played very well upon returning to the University of North Dakota lineup. Despite the off-season acquisition of Sam Gagner, the Canucks are still a bad offensive hockey team. Boeser is going to get a significant chance to contribute right away. In a year without any obvious frontrunner, Boeser should be considered a leading contender for the Calder Trophy.

3. Nico Hischier (F-NJ): The top overall selection in the June draft, Hischier was the No. 1 overall player on my board. He is a skilled playmaker, he works diligently defensively, and he plays bigger than his listed size of 6-foot-1, 180. He is seemingly a lock to develop into a useful NHL player in some capacity. Hischier joins a Devils team with a slew of talented forwards. I'm not convinced he will spend the entirety of this upcoming season in New Jersey, but he should at least begin the season in the NHL. His keeper/dynasty value is substantial, but I don't expect him to produce much in standard redraft leagues.

4. Nolan Patrick (F-PHI): Patrick landed in a great situation in Philadelphia. He can begin this season as the Flyers third-line center before eventually transitioning to the number two man behind Claude Giroux. Patrick is big, physical, and has the ability to dominate play along the boards. He may never develop into an elite scorer at the NHL level, but I eventually expect 50-55 points on a yearly basis from Patrick. He has nothing left to learn playing junior hockey. The Flyers figure to ease him in a bit early on considering he had offseason abdominal surgery, but he should spend the entirety of the 2017-18 campaign in the NHL.

5. Kirill Kaprizov (F-MIN): Kaprizov put up stellar numbers in the KHL (42 points in 49 games) despite the fact he played the majority of the season as a 19-year-old. A KHL All-Star two years in a row, Kaprizov was the leading scorer at last year's World Juniors and was named Best Forward in the tournament. It would be unfair to compare his to established Russian NHL stars like Vladimir Tarasenko and Evgeny Kuznetsov, but Kaprizov has the ability to make a similar type of impact when he finally arrives stateside. Unfortunately for Minnesota fans, Kaprizov signed a three-year contract extension with CSKA Moscow this summer.

6. Mathew Barzal (F-NYI): The Islanders screwed around with Barzal for more than a month last season before finally shipping him back to WHL Seattle. He predictably dominated (79 points in 41 games) in leading the Thunderbirds to the WHL championship. Barzal isn't an elite skater, but his hockey sense is through the roof and his playmaking ability is outstanding. Despite the addition of Jordan Eberle, the Islanders need Barzal to make an immediate impact if they have any hope of making the playoffs in the NHL's stacked Metropolitan division. Barzal is the one prospect in the system that general manager Garth Snow should be determined to hold on to at all costs.

7. Kyle Connor (F-WPG): Connor was relatively ineffective (two goals, five points in 20 games) for the Jets early last season, but he caught fire after being sent down to the AHL. He finished with 25 goals and 44 points in 52 games for Manitoba and he struggles early on may result in fantasy owners getting him for a discount on draft day. Connor's game is all about blazing speed. He has a terrific wrist shot and a unique ability to score off the rush. The Jets have plenty of top-six forward options on their roster. If Connor is once again getting limited minutes, they would be best served to have the 20-year-old begin the season back in the minors.

8. Dylan Strome (F-ARI): Despite the fact he seemingly doesn't get talked about as much as he used to, Strome remains one of the top prospects in the game. He once again made a mockery of the OHL (75 points in 35 games) and was also the leading scorer (11 points in five games) at the Memorial Cup. Strome relies on his brain to put up points. He isn't a great skater and he doesn't have the dynamic puck skills of a player like Keller, but he is a big body (6-3, 200) who will take punishment to make a play. Strome will be given every chance to earn a top-six role out of training camp.

9. Ilya Samsonov (G-WSH): Samsonov has established himself as the top goaltending prospect in the game after posting a 2.13 GAA and .936 save percentage in 27 games for Magnitogorsk of the KHL last season. At 6-3, 205, Samsonov has the size that all NHL teams crave in their netminders these days. Because they have Braden Holtby on their roster, Washington can afford to be more patient than most teams in regards to rushing Samsonov to the NHL, but they would be best advised to get him to North America as soon as possible so he can get acclimated to the smaller ice surface. His KHL reportedly expires at the end of the coming season.

10. Thomas Chabot (D-OTT): Viewed as a "safe" picked when selected by Ottawa tenth overall in 2015, Chabot has turned himself into the top defensive prospect in the league as little more than two years later. He has proven that he can play major minutes and contribute at both ends of the rink while doing so. Chabot was named QMJHL Defenseman of the Year and the top defenseman at the World Juniors. He should have fantasy value next year based upon playing time alone. I'd be willing to listen to an argument that Chabot is already Ottawa's second best defenseman behind Erik Karlsson. I don't see any way he doesn't spend the entirety of this upcoming season in the NHL.

11. Jakub Vrana (F-WSH): The trade of Marcus Johansson to New Jersey and the loss of Justin Williams in free agency figures to open up more playing time for Vrana. He posted three goals and six points in 21 games in Washington this past season while getting limited playing time most nights. Vrana has a very high ceiling and he should fit in well with all the skilled players on the Washington roster, but his defensive game needs improvement. Vrana has also struggled with injuries, but he has proven that he has little left to learn in the minors. Washington is certainly hoping he can capture a top nine spot out of training camp.

12. Charlie McAvoy (D-BOS): McAvoy made his debut for the Bruins in the playoffs and he looked like he had been playing in the league for a decade. He found himself on the top power play unit and he was immediately playing twenty-plus minutes at even strength. McAvoy, at 6-1, 215, is built like a tank and he can play a physical game when needed. His biggest issue in college was that he made too many questionable decisions with the puck but he has improved immensely in that area. He has turned out to be a better offensive prospect than I originally anticipated. I would be shocked if McAvoy doesn't occupy a top-four role on the Boston blueline beginning on opening night.

13. Tyson Jost (F-COL): The best news regarding Jost for this coming season is that he is on a terrible hockey team and thus should get plenty of chances to showcase his skills. He signed with Colorado after just one season at the University of North Dakota and got into six NHL games late in the year. Jost is a diligent worker with above-average puck skills. There is next to no talent on the Avalanche roster and their prospect pool isn't much better, so Jost isn't going to get a ton of help in the next few seasons. 15 goals and 40 points is well within reach for Jost this coming years but that is going to come at the expense of a horrifying plus/minus rating.

14. Mikhail Sergachev (D-TB): There is little doubt that Sergachev is one of the best defensive prospects in the game, but he will always be remembered as the guy who was traded for Jonathan Drouin. He has a lot to live up to. The big Russian is a smooth skater with the skill set to impact the game in a multitude of areas. He has a big shot, he is an asset on the power play and he can play physically when needed. There is a lot to work with here, but hopefully Tampa's management and coaching staff are patient with Sergachev. They aren't going to reap the rewards of this trade over the next year or two. This was a long-term play.

15. Gabe Vilardi (F-LA): Vilardi, the number three player on my big board for this past summer's draft, fell all the way to the Kings at #11 due to concerns regarding his skating. It definitely isn't a strength of his, but I see no reason why it will keep the talented forward from developing into a top-six forward at the NHL level. Vilardi has a very high hockey IQ and his positioning his flawless. He had a strong season (61 points in 49 games) for OHL Windsor and finished the campaign with a very impressive showing in the Memorial Cup. He is still a year or two from NHL duty, but he was a steal for a Kings team that didn't have a top-100 prospect prior to his selection.

16. Evgeni Svechnikov (F-DET): The big Russian's first AHL season was a rousing success. Svechnikov posted 20 goals and 51 points in 71 contests for Grand Rapids. His strong play earned him a brief two-game trial in Detroit at the end of the season. Svechnikov is an offensive player. He is a big body (6-3, 205) with good hands, particularly in tight around the front of the net. His play in his own end remains a work in progress, but I think Svechnikov is ready to compete for a significant role in training camp. He brings a lot of different skills to the table that should help Detroit's offense.

17. Miro Heiskanen (D-DAL): Dallas smartly continues to add to what is a thin defensive prospect pool. I had Heiskanen rated as the #4 overall player and the top defenseman in this past June's draft. His calmness with the puck and his ability to exit his own zone without issue is exceptional. He rarely gets rattled and he makes difficult passes seem routine. While I wouldn't term Heiskanen a dominant offensive defenseman, he is going to rack up plenty of assists because of his vision. Heiskanen signed his entry-level deal with Dallas in July, but the most likely scenario is that he is loaned back to HIFK in Finland for one more season.

18. Travis Sanheim (D-PHI): Sanheim has the highest offensive ceiling of all Philadelphia's stud defensive prospects. Few players who check in at 6-4 get up and down the ice and jump into the play as smoothly as Sanheim. He posted 10 goals and 37 points in 76 games in his first AHL season. There is little doubt that Sanheim is one of the six most talented defenseman the Flyers have, but he is probably better off spending another half season in the AHL if they don't plan on giving him a top-four role right out of camp. The worst thing they could do to the talented 21-year-old is dress him for seven or eight minutes per game.

19. Josh Ho-Sang (F-NYI): Ho-Sang was called up in March, he played very well in his 21-game stint (10 points) for the Isles, and not surprisingly, the questions surrounding his attitude concerns seemingly went away. Producing on the ice solves a lot of other issues. Ho-Sang's offensive instincts, particularly his vision, are exceptional. The Islanders added Jordan Eberle this summer, but the truth of the matter is that they still lack high-end offensive weapons outside of John Tavares. Ho-Sang isn't without risks. The off-ice issues and reported attitude concerns cannot be totally dismissed and he isn't a strong defensive player, but he brings an element to the Isles that they are sorely lacking. He should produce fantasy value this coming season.

20. Henrik Borgstrom (F-FLA): Florida's selection of Borgstrom at #23 overall in 2016 was seen as a reach by many (myself included). The Swede responded by posting 22 goals and 43 points in his freshman season at the University of Denver en route to being named NCHC Rookie of the Year. Borgstrom's offensive skills clearly aren't in question. His biggest concern now should be adding weight to his tall, lanky frame. Borgstrom's decision to return to school was a good one. At age 20, he still has plenty of time to develop physically. Expect Borgstrom to post big numbers once again and potentially sign with Florida next summer if everything goes according to plan.

21. Logan Brown (F-OTT): A variety of injuries (shoulder, wrist, hand) caused Brown to miss nearly 40 games this past season for OHL Windsor. He posted 40 points in 35 games when he did manage to suit up. Given Brown's size (6-6) and talent level, I expected more. Playing through various ailments almost certainly curtailed Brown's production. Brown is a very good passer. He excels at using his big body down low to carve out position and find open teammates. Every team in the league would kill for a 6-6, potential top-six center with a terrific set of hands. Brown's high ranking on the list is based upon the assumption that he remains healthy for the 2017-18 season.

22. Igor Shestyorkin (G-NYR): Don't look now, but the Rangers may very well have more goaltending depth in their system than any team in the league. Shestyorkin is the crown jewel of the group. The 21-year-old got his first significant playing time in the KHL this past season and responded with an insane 1.64 GAA and .937 save percentage in 39 games for SKA St. Petersburg. He has also won back-to-back Bronze Medal's for Russia at the World Championships (although he didn't getting any playing time in either tournament). The Rangers biggest concern at this point is getting Shestyorkin to North America. He is signed for two more seasons in Russia, so the earliest he would arrive is the fall of 2019.

23. Cale Makar (D-COL): Makar is one of the most polarizing prospects in recent draft memory. Having spent the last two seasons in the unknown BCHL, Makar looked like a future Norris Trophy winner. His strong play resulted in Colorado selecting him fourth overall in this most recent draft. It was a big risk for a team with a terrible NHL roster and a terrible farm system. Makar, who is committed to U-Mass Amherst, is the very definition of an "offensive defenseman". He is a fluid skater, a terrific stickhandler, and a brilliant passer. Since he isn't playing for a traditional college hockey powerhouse, I wonder if opposing teams will target Makar. His talent level isn't in dispute, but we won't get a true read on his potential until he begins Hockey East conference play.

24. Zach Senyshyn (F-BOS): Senyshyn has scored 87 goals over his last two OHL seasons. He is a big body (6-3, 200) who uses his body well in the offensive zone but could certainly show a higher level of physicality in his own end. I think Senyshyn's hockey sense will make him a productive offensive player at the NHL level, but I know there are quite a few people who think his ceiling is a bit lower than I do. Senyshyn has never posted high assist totals in his junior career and there are understandable concerns that he isn't going to be helping the Bruins if he isn't putting the puck in the net. I'm a believer, but I could certainly see him struggling a bit in his first professional season.

25. Colin White (F-OTT): White wasn't as productive (33 points in 35 games) in his second season at Boston College as he was in his freshman year, but Ottawa still happily inked him to his entry-level contract in early April. He played two regular season and one playoff games for Ottawa and also dressed for three AHL contests. White posted better offensive numbers in his college career than I ever expected and I think it's reasonable to believe that he could develop into a top-six forward at the NHL level. I originally had him pegged as more of a third-line type who could impact a way in a multitude of areas. He will probably begin the year in Ottawa, but he may not get enough ice time in offensive situations to be worthy of a fantasy pick for at least another season.

26. Ilya Sorokin (G-NYI): Islander fans received a crushing blow in early July when it was announced that Sorokin had signed a three-year contract extension with KHL CSKA Moscow. His deal was originally due to expire after this coming season and he was expected in New York next fall. Now the earliest Sorokin will arrive is 2019-20. It makes you wonder if he ever plans on coming to the NHL at all. On the ice, the Russian netminder had another dominant season. He posted a 25-7-6 record to go along with a 1.61 GAA and .929 save percentage. Sorokin has been named a KHL All-Star each of the past two seasons. With NHL players not going to the upcoming Olympics, Sorokin has a realistic chance to be Russia's starting goalie. He has already represented his country in numerous international competitions.

27. Eeli Tolvanen (F-NSH): Perhaps the most talented offensive player in the past June's draft, Tolvanen plummeted all the way to the Preds at pick #30 for no apparent reason. He scored 30 goals in 52 games for Sioux City USHL last season in a league in which very few players put up big offensive numbers. Tolvanen has game-breaking speed. He can take over a game in an instant and he is an offensive threat every single time he touches the puck. Tolvanen needs to work on his consistency and his defensive game needs a complete overhaul. Tolvanen was due to head off to Boston College this fall, but he was denied entry in July when questions arose as to how many high school credits he had completed in his native Finland. Instead, Tolvanen will play this coming season for Jokerit of the KHL.

28. Oskar Lindblom (F-PHI): Lindblom is another in a long list of stud Philadelphia prospects that is just about ready to help the NHL club. The talented Swede is coming off a season for Brynas in which he posted 22 goals and 47 points in 52 games as a 20-year-old. Lindblom is a big body (6-2, 200) that is capable of playing either wing. The Flyers depth up front may result in Lindblom beginning the season in the AHL, but having played against men in Sweden the past three years, he shouldn't need much development time in the minors. Still, Philadelphia would be smart to send him down if he doesn't have a top-six role out of camp. Lindblom has a boatload of offensive upside and he needs to play regularly.

29. Pierre-Luc Dubois (F-CBJ): I've never been as high on Dubois as some others, but even I have no real explanation for his poor season. He ended up with just 21 goals and 55 points in 48 QMJHL games. On the surface, the numbers seem solid, but this is a guy who posted 42 goals and 99 points in 62 games a season ago. I also thought Dubois was thoroughly underwhelming at the World Juniors despite the fact he posted five helpers in the tournament. Dubois has size (6-3, 210), skill and speed. He drives to the net to make plays and he is a diligent backchecker. I saw far too little of all that this season. I don't think he is ready to help Columbus to start the year.

30. Vladislav Kamenev (F-NSH): Kamenev continues to display his offensive skills in the AHL (21 goals, 51 points in 70 games) while working on improving his defensive game. He has made significant strides in that area since coming to North America two years ago. The biggest thing holding him back now is the depth of Nashville's forward group. The additions of guys like Scott Hartnell and Nick Bonino and the emergence of Calle Jarnkrok figure to take playing time away from Kamenev. I would support the Preds starting him on the third-line and giving Kamenev power play time to begin the year, but if they are going to do that, I imagine they would just send him back to the AHL.

31. Jeremy Bracco (F-TOR): It was quite a year for the Long Island native. Bracco won a Gold Medal with Team USA at the World Juniors and a Memorial Cup Championship with OHL Windsor. His overall numbers were fantastic (83 points in 57 games) and that is with a decrease in production after a trade to the loaded Spitfires. Bracco is an elite playmaker. His on-ice vision is exceptional and he excels on the power play. Bracco is slowly improving defensively, but his biggest concern right now is adding weight to his lean frame. He is going to struggle with bigger, stronger defensemen if he doesn't bulk up. There have been rumblings about attitude problems with Bracco in the past, but we didn't hear any of that this year. Few, if any, prospects in the league possess the natural playmaking ability that he does.

32. Alex DeBrincat (F-CHI): DeBrincat remains the one shining star in a system that lacks both depth and high-end talent. One of the best junior players of his generation, DeBrincat led the OHL in both goals (65) and points (127) en route to being named league MVP. He has totaled 167 goals over the last three seasons. There is perhaps no more polarizing prospect in the entire league. DeBrincat supporters think he can develop into the type of undersized offensive force that Johnny Gaudreau has become for the Flames. His detractors think the good times will come to an end as soon as he begins playing professional hockey, which will happen this fall. DeBrincat is the very definition of a high-risk/high-reward pick in keeper/dynasty leagues.

33. Jordan Greenway (F-MIN): Standing a ridiculous 6-5, 230, Greenway is essentially a linebacker on skates. He was an effective player (31 points in 37 games) for Boston University and he was a key cog for Team USA in their run to the World Junior Gold Medal. Greenway is so big and strong that he is impossible to knock off the puck down low. He dominates off the end boards and he obviously makes for an elite net-front presence on the power play. He also has a sweet set of hands for such a big guy. The Wild took a hefty run at signing Greenway this summer before he decided to return to BU for his junior season. Being that Greenway has no physical projection remaining, there is no reason for him to play a fourth and final season of collegiate hockey.

34. Juuse Saros (G-NSH): Saros, who played most of this past season at age 21, did a terrific job serving as Pekka Rinne's understudy. He posted a 2.35 GAA and .923 save percentage in 21 contests with Nashville and he was even better (1.86 GAA, .934 save percentage) in a 15-game AHL run. Saros is considerably smaller (5-10, 180) than most NHL goaltenders these days, but he makes up for his lack of size with remarkable quickness and agility. He is never out of a play. Rinne's contract runs for two more seasons. Expect a similar situation here to what we have seen in Tampa the past few years regarding Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy. It is going to be difficult for Saros to amass any significant fantasy value unless Rinne suffers an injury.

35. Jake Bean (D-CAR): Bean's season was derailed by a broken finger that ended up costing him nearly two months worth of action. His biggest asset is his ability to skate the puck out of his own end. Bean is a smart defenseman who doesn't try to do too much with the puck. His vision makes him an ideal power play option, although he doesn't have the bomb of a shot that most teams are looking for in their power play quarterback. Bean isn't getting paid for his play in his own end, although his positioning in that area has improved. He projects as a long-term second-pairing defender who can help with the man advantage.

36. Timothy Liljegren (D-TOR): A frustrating and inconsistent season dropped Liljegren, who began the year as a potential top-three pick, to #17 overall. The Leafs happily snatched him up and now will hope his production can finally match his natural ability. Liljegren is a brilliant skater who has the talent to excel offensively. He is a major asset on a power play and he can be a difference-maker jumping in to the rush. On the whole, his game is raw and undefined. He tries to do too much at times and he has little idea how to play in a defensive team system. The vast majority of these issues appears to me to be correctable. His long-term potential ceiling is questionable. It is now up to Liljegren and the Leafs coaching staff to get this puzzle solved.

37. Taylor Raddysh (F-TB): Raddysh's brilliant 2016-17 campaign included him leading the OHL in both assists (67) and plus/minus (plus-67). He finished with 109 points in 58 games for Erie. Raddysh's last two OHL seasons have gone far better than I or most anyone else could have predicted when Tampa selected him 58th overall in 2016. Playing for one of the best teams in the CHL has helped matters, but Raddysh is a crafty offensive player who can pile up points in a multitude of ways. Assuming he returns to Erie, Raddysh is going to be the focal point of the Otters offense with teammates Dylan Strome (ARI) and DeBrincat (CHI) turning pro.

38. Michael McLeod (F-NJ): Given McLeod's skill level, he should be putting up better numbers in the OHL than we have seen. He posted 27 goals and 73 points in 57 games for Mississauga this past season. McLeod is a big (6-2, 195) body with good hands. His size should allow him to be an asset in his own zone as well. The addition of first overall pick Nico Hischier will allow McLeod to continue his development without being forced to be "the guy" in the New Jersey system. I think it's entirely possible that McLeod becomes a better pro player than junior player. He figures to spend one last season in the OHL.

39. Julius Honka (D-DAL): Honka finally made his NHL debut last season, dressing in 16 games for Dallas. He posted a goal and four assists in those contests, to go along with 31 points in 50 AHL games and displayed his mobility and puck-moving skills that have make him a top prospect. Honka still struggles defensively at times and his play in his own zone will never be a strength, but he is going to produce offense from the backend. Honka is still behind John Klingberg in terms of quarterbacking Dallas' top power-play unit, but he still should get plenty of playing time this season and be worth an immediate selection in deeper re-draft leagues.

40. Elias Pettersson (F-VAN): Pettersson, who will play this season with Vaxjo of the Swedish league, needs to focus on adding weight to his lean frame. The fifth-overall selection in this past June's draft is a terrific passer that has a hard time battling bigger, physical defensemen. Pettersson plays a perimeter-oriented game that I imagine is partly the result of his struggles with physicality. It makes him a particularly attractive option on the power play, but this is an issue that needs to be rectified to some extent in the coming seasons. I guarantee that both the Canucks and Pettersson himself realize this and are already working to correct the issue.

41. Jacob Larsson (D-ANA): The emergence of Larsson and his continued improvement allowed the Ducks to gift Shea Theodore to Vegas during the expansion draft. That is very likely to end up being a bad decision, but having Larsson on their roster should make the Ducks feel a bit better about themselves. There is considerably more offense to his game than his numbers in Sweden last year (one goal, five points in 29 games) would indicate. Larsson's game reminds me of fellow Swede and Anaheim teammate Hampus Lindholm. He is a strong skater who that isn't overly physical. Anaheim's top-seven on defense appear to be spoken for so Larsson is likely to bide his time in the AHL until an injury occurs.

42. Janne Kuokkanen (F-CAR): Kuokkanen averaged more than a point-per-game (62 points in 60 games) in his first OHL season and had a very strong playoff (10 goals, 16 points in 14 games) for London. In between, he and all his Finnish teammates had a dreadful World Juniors, but his play for the Knights was consistent throughout the season. The only knock on Kuokkannen's offensive game is a lack of physicality. He can play center or wing and he is equally adept at setting his up teammates or finishing himself. Kuokkanen has turned himself into a top-50 prospect and there is room for even more improvement.

43. Tage Thompson (F-STL): With 19 goals in 34 games in his sophomore season at the University of Connecticut, Thompson was one of the most productive goal scorers in Hockey East last year. The tide changed after he signed his entry-level deal in March and was assigned to AHL Chicago. Between the regular season and playoffs, Thompson posted a combined three goals and five points in 26 games for the Wolves. I expected the struggles. Thompson is very tall (6-5) and has all the attributes to develop into a dominant power forward as a professional, but he still lacks upper-body strength and he struggled with the physicality of the AHL. I love his long-term potential, but I could see similar issues early on next year.

44. Tyler Parsons (G-CGY): The highlight of Parsons' season was his strong play in leading Team USA to the Gold Medal at the World Juniors. His play for OHL London was strong once again (2.37 GAA, .925 save percentage in 34 games), although he was banged up throughout the year. One of Parsons' best attributes is the fact he never gives up on a play. He constantly battles despite playing a style that isn't always visually pleasing. Calgary acquired Mike Smith and Eddie Lack this offseason to handling their goaltending chores, but those two are nothing more than stopgap options at this point. Parsons should spend this coming season in the AHL.

45. Alexander Nylander (F-BUF): Nylander remains Buffalo's top prospect — but just barely. He first professional season was not a good one. Nylander had just 28 points in 65 games for AHL Rochester and one assist in a brief four-game run for the Sabres. The good news is that the lack of production is less concerning when you take into account that Nylander only turned 18 years old in March. He still has a very high floor because of his hockey sense. Players who think the game as well as Nylander generally become useful NHL players. He isn't going to be anywhere near as dynamic as his younger brother William and it may be a little whole longer before he becomes the player most expected, but there are still reasons to be optimistic moving forward. A second tour in the AHL will do Nylander some good.

46. Cliff Pu (F-BUF): I have been one of Pu's most vocal supporters since before he was drafted and he responded with a 35-goal, 86-point season for OHL London. As soon as Pu was given increased responsibility, his production exploded. He is a very fluid skater who at 6-2, 195, has the size to impact a game. Pu still isn't getting the recognition that he deserves. He has the chance to develop into a solid second-liner and it's possible Pu could flirt with the 100-point mark in his final season of junior hockey.

47. Thatcher Demko (G-VAN): I would probably take Demko over both Jacob Markstrom and Anders Nilsson for the 2017-18 season, but the former Boston College Eagle appears to be looking at least another year of apprenticeship in the AHL. Demko's first season with Utica was solid, but not spectacular. He posted a 2.68 GAA and .907 save percentage for a hockey club that wasn't very good. Demko's most attractive asset is his size. There just aren't many holes to shoot at when a netminder stands 6-4 and moves well. Markstrom and signed for the next three seasons and Nilsson for the next two. Demko's re-draft value for the next season-plus is seemingly non existent.

48. Olli Juolevi (D-VAN): A mediocre season for OHL London and a subpar performance for Finland at the World Juniors has dampened Juolevi's stock a bit. He has both size (6-3) and mobility, but he doesn't play physically and while he has above-average puck skills, Juolevi isn't what you would term a pure offensive defenseman. I like him, but a career as a number three or four defenseman is more likely than Juolevi turning into a number one or two type of guy. The additions of Michael Del Zotto and Patrick Wiercioch in free agency is going to make it difficult for Juolevi to crack the Vancouver roster out of camp.

49. Ryan Pulock (D-NYI): The incompetence of Islanders management is the only reason Pulock is still eligible for this list. He didn't play a single game in the NHL last season despite the fact the Isles ran guys like Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech out there on a nightly basis. The coaching change should result in Pulock getting sudden, significant playing time. He has a monstrous shot from the point and he will be an immediate asset on the power play for New York. Pulock posted 15 goals and 46 points in 55 AHL games last season and I don't think it is out of the question that he could post numbers like that at the NHL level in the near future.

50. Jake Walman (D-STL): Walman's junior season at Providence (25 points in 39 games) was not as productive as the year before, but he still played well and he elected to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and signed with St. Louis in late March. He finished the year in the AHL. The 21-year-old is an offensive defenseman who could help the Blues at some point this season. His game may be better suited to fantasy circles than real life. I expect Walman to put up points, particularly on the power play and since the Blues are a solid club every season, his plus/minus rating should be solid enough. Keeper/dynasty owners should try and pick up Walman at a discount at their draft because his price figures to be considerably higher a year from now.

51. Dante Fabbro (D-NSH): Fabbro had a decent freshman season at Boston University. He wasn't a standout on most nights, but he never looked out of place and he showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. He makes smart decisions with the puck and can control the tempo of a game. Fabbro played well for Team Canada at the World Juniors despite the fact he posted just a single assist in seven games. There are concerns regarding how much offense Fabbro will produce as a pro. I don't see him as a top power-play guy, but 30-plus points annually doesn't seem to be out of the realm of possibility. The depth of the Nashville defense will allow Fabbro time to develop.

52. Casey Mittelstadt (F-BUF): The winner of the Mr. Hockey award as the best high school player in the state of Minnesota this past season, Mittelstadt went eighth overall to the Sabres this past June. A crafty, cerebral offensive player, the only concern surrounding the talented forward is a current lack of upper-body strength. Some of the tests he went through at the NHL Draft Combine were particularly concerning. Mittelstadt is highly likely to get the issue figured out, but don't be surprised if he struggles in his freshman season at the University of Minnesota this fall. He does have offensive abilities that cannot be taught.

53. Philippe Myers (D-PHI): Through hard work and physical development, Myers has gone from being undrafted to being one of the top defensive prospects in the game. Standing a massive 6-5, 210, Myers was lanky and uncoordinated early in his junior career. He has added considerable strength to his frame and a dynamic element to his game. Myers averaged more than a point per game (35 points in 34 games) for QMJHL Rouyn-Noranda this past season and he had three assists in four games for Team Canada at the World Juniors. It's a remarkable story. My guess is that he will have to spend the entirety of this coming season in the AHL to get used to the rigors of professionally hockey, but his ceiling is that of a second-pairing difference-maker at both ends of the rink.

54. Nick Suzuki (F-VGK): Suzuki was one of the most dominant offensive forces in the OHL this past season (45 goals, 96 points in 61 games), but he is going to make his living as professional as a guy who can play up and down the lineup and fill a variety of roles. Few prospects in the league possess the smarts and hockey IQ of Suzuki. He will make necessary adjustments on a seemingly shift-by-shift basis. Suzuki goes to the tough areas of the ice to make plays and he is difficult to knock off the puck. He is a lock to become a useful NHL player in some capacity and his hockey sense should give him the opportunity to eventually develop into a top-six option for the NHL's newest franchise.

55. Cody Glass (F-VGK): While Glass' floor is slightly lower than Suzuki's his ceiling is considerably higher. Much like Suzuki, Glass relies on his smarts to make plays. He plays hard and he is very adept at setting up his teammates. Glass projects as that big, two-way center who can impact a game in a multitude of ways. Glass gets a lot of comparisons to Winnipeg center Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is slightly bigger, but there are similarities. As Glass' game matures, he has the skill set to rise up the rankings. Suzuki and Glass were two terrific selections for the expansion Golden Knights.

56. Max Jones (F-ANA): Jones could be ready to help the Ducks in a depth role as early as this season. He has terrific size (6-3, 205) and he is freakishly strong on his skates. He excels at getting in on the forecheck and causing havoc. And while I wouldn't call him a pure sniper, he has pretty good hands in front of the net. Jones isn't the type of player who will go end to end and skate around five guys. The vast majority of his offense comes as the result of sheer hard work down low. Jones should spend this season in the AHL if he can't crack the Anaheim roster out of camp. He would have little to gain by returning to OHL London for another season.

57. Vitali Abramov (F-CBJ): Abramov was named QMJHL MVP after posting 46 goals and 104 points for Gatineau this past season. He has 197 points in 129 career QMJHL games. The very definition of a diminutive sniper, the 5-9 Abramov plays much bigger than his listed height would indicate. He battles all over the ice and he is equally adept at finishing or setting up his teammates. Abramov finished the season by posting four points in four AHL contests. He is going to have to play a top-six role in order to be an effective NHL player, but he certainly has the skill set to do so. Abramov is already one of the most dominant offensive players in all of junior hockey.

58. Alex Tuch (F-VGK): The Wild dumped Tuch to Vegas as part of an expansion draft trade. The Golden Knights are getting a massive (6-4, 220) power forward with an exceptional set of hands. Tuch posted 18 goals and 37 points in his first AHL season. He also got into six games with Minnesota. As expected, there were times where he looked lost and there were also times at which point he took over games. I am 100 percent certain that Tuch is ready to help the Vegas power play. Just stick his big body in front of the net and let him clean up rebounds. Vegas' offensive depth is going to be tested all season long and Tuch will be given an opportunity to earn a significant role right out of the starting gate.

59. Vince Dunn (D-STL): Those in deeper leagues should take note of Dunn. He rarely gets talked about but he is an offensive defenseman who should be able to help the Blues at some point later this year. With 13 goals and 45 points in 72 games, Dunn's first AHL season was a rousing success. He has a unique ability to make the most difficult passes seem simple and he is very smart about when to jump into the rush. Dunn isn't very big (6-feet, 180) and he isn't overly physical, but he skates well and excels at playing an up-tempo game.

60. Jon Gillies (G-CGY): Gillies was forced to essentially redshirt his first professional season in 2015-16 due to hip surgery, so this past year was really his first true taste of the AHL ranks. He ended up a 2.93 GAA and .910 save percentage in 39 games for Stockton. He also played poorly in the playoffs. Gillies is so big (6-6, 225) and takes up so much room that the key to his success is simply not moving too much in the net. Now that he had a full season to knock the rust of his surgery off, this will be a huge season for Gillies development. He still possess the traits necessary to be a starting goaltender at the NHL level.

61. Sam Steel (F-ANA): The Ducks spent the 30th overall pick in the 2016 draft on Steel and he responded in a big way. One season after posting just 23 goals and 70 points in 72 games WHL Regina, Steel upped those marks to 50 goals and 131 points this past year en route to winning the WHL Scoring Championship. He was also named WHL MVP. I clearly don't think that Steel's big season was a fluke, but it's always a concern whenever a player sees such a sudden, dramatic increase in scoring output. Steel isn't going to be winning scoring titles at the NHL level, but he does multiple things well and he plays a mature game for a kid who won't turn 20 years old until February.

62. Daniel Sprong (F-PIT): Sprong missed the early part of the year with a shoulder injury before returning and playing very well (32 goals, 59 points in 31 games) for QMJHL Charlottetown. There are few prospects in the league that are as dynamic with the puck on their stick as Sprong. He can turn nothing into something in a blink of an eye. In order for Sprong to be effective, he has to be putting up points. He isn't a physical player and he would be of next to no use in a checking role. The Penguins have the forward depth to allow Sprong to develop in the AHL for a season or two. He has the offensive skills to eventually flank a Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

63. Owen Tippett (F-FLA): The best pure sniper available in this past June's draft, Tippett posted 44 goals in 60 games for OHL Mississauga during the 2016-17 season. He is a high-risk/high-reward selection. No one is doubting Tippett's ability to put the puck in the net, but his effort level is questionable at times and he certainly isn't an asset defensively. He isn't helping your hockey club if he isn't scoring goals. Dynasty owners attempting to hit a home run should consider investing in Tippett, but just realize that his "bust potential" is significant.

64. Carter Hart (G-PHI): Hart, who won the Del Wilson Trophy as the WHL's top goaltender in 2016-17, led the league in both GAA (1.99) and save percentage (.927). He has been amongst the best goaltenders in the league ever since he took overall a substantial role for the Silvertips three seasons ago. Hart is a big body (6-2, 180) and he does a nice job of bouncing back after letting up a bad goal. The Flyers have a bunch of goaltending depth in their system, but Hart currently has the inside track to be their goaltender of the future.

65. Luke Kunin (F-MIN): Kunin captained Team USA to a gold medal at the World Junior Championship in January. He had another productive season at the University of Wisconsin (22 goals, 38 points in 35 games) and inked his entry-level deal with the Wild in late March. He finished the year by posting eight points in 12 AHL contests. Despite the solid production across a pair of levels, Kunin still strikes me as a guy who is best served filling a secondary role. There is no reason he can't score 20 goals annually as a professional, but I don't expect to see him leading the league in scoring at any point. He is a mature player for a 19-year-old and it's not out of the realm of possibility he spends some portion of this coming season in Minnesota.

66. Filip Chlapik (F-OTT): It took a couple seasons, but Chlapik finally had his breakout year. He posted 34 goals and 91 points for QMJHL Charlottetown and also, perhaps most impressively, finished the year with a plus-24 rating. He also chipped in 98 penalty minutes. Chlapik is a sniper. He has a big shot and is very crafty creating offense off the rush. He gives the Sens another high-end offensive talent in their system. He is slated to begin this coming year in the AHL.

67. Klim Kostin (F-STL): Once viewed as a potential top-five selection for this past June's draft, Kostin barely played in the KHL this past season and ended up falling to the Blues with the final pick of Round 1. Kostin would have been far better served playing in the WHL, but he had no interest in playing for Kootenay. Due to a violation that forced Dynamo Moscow to release all their players from their contracts, Kostin has already signed his entry-level deal with St. Louis. His upside is that of a power forward who can dominate down low. He has elite size (6-3, 200) and he excels at protecting the puck with his body. The early guess is that Kostin starts the year in the AHL. He has the ceiling of a top-25 prospect.

68. Martin Necas (F-CAR): Necas' speed make him an intriguing long-term prospect. One of the best skaters available in the most recent draft, Necas spent last season playing against men in his native Czech Republic. His numbers weren't elite (seven goals, 15 points in 41 games) but his skill level is evident. Necas is a right-handed shot and he excels as using his wheels to create scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates. He clearly makes for a fine option in all keeper/dynasty leagues, but Necas won't arrive stateside for at least another year.

69. Ville Husso (G-STL): One of the top goaltenders in Europe prior to his arrival in North America last fall, Husso inexplicably spent half the season in the ECHL. He was better during his time in the AHL, but he then played poorly in the playoffs. Husso struggled to find a rhythm throughout the year. Husso is massive (6-3) and extremely athletic. He would be a better choice for the Blues backup goaltender position than Carter Hutton, but for now I would just be happy if they make him their de factor starter at the AHL level.

70. Will Butcher (D, UFA): Originally a fifth-round pick of Colorado in 2013, Butcher just finished up his senior season at the University of Denver where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey. An undersized (5-10, 190) offensive defenseman, Butcher's defensive positioning is underrated. He makes such smart decisions with the puck that he took a grand total of 53 penalty minutes in four years of college hockey. Jimmy Vesey Butcher is going to sign with a team that offers him an immediate chance to play at the NHL level. He is a potential second-pairing defender and all 31 clubs should be interested in him – especially for nothing but monetary cost.

Update: Butcher signed with the New Jersey Devils on August 27

71. Erik Brannstrom (D-VGK): Brannstrom will go into the records books as the first defenseman ever drafted by Vegas. It was a smart pick at No. 15 overall. The only complaint regarding the Swede is at 5-10 and 170, he isn't very big. To counter that, he moves well and makes smart decisions with the puck. It's very rare that Brannstrom will make a poor pass coming out of his own end. He is your prototypical, puck-moving, offensive defenseman. He has the talent to be a significant long-term building block for Vegas.

72. Filip Hronek (D-DET): Hronek's past experience playing against men in his native Czech Republic served him well in his first OHL season. He averaged more than a point per game for Saginaw (61 points in 59 games) and looked very comfortable on the smaller ice surface. The biggest knock on Hronek is that he lacks the size (6-feet, 170) to play a physical game. His success is based upon movement and puck possession. Hronek will get his first full-time foray into professional hockey this fall.

73. Jonathan Dahlen (F-VAN): Dahlen has improved considerably over the past 12 months to the point that the Senators trading him to Vancouver for Alex Burrows in February is probably going to end up looking like an awful move for Ottawa. Dahlen displayed more skill this year for his club team in Timra than I thought he possessed. He averaged just under a point per game (25 goals, 44 points in 45 games) while playing in a solid league. With his entry-level deal inked, Dahlen is ready to roll for the Canucks. He should begin the year with AHL Utica before pushing for a spot in Vancouver later in the season.

74. Adam Fox (D-CGY): Playing the vast majority of his freshman season at Harvard as an 18-year-old, Fox posted 40 points in 35 games. He also won a Gold Medal with Team USA at the World Juniors. While he can struggle to defend at times due to his smaller frame, Fox's offensive skills aren't in question. He is extremely mobile and can quarterback a power play. He reminds me of current Rangers defenseman Anthony DeAngelo minus the initial maturity concerns. Fox isn't going to need four years of collegiate hockey, but many players who play at Harvard end up staying the duration.

75. Kieffer Bellows (F-NYI): What will end up being Bellows' only season at Boston University didn't go well. He finished with just seven goals and 14 points in 34 games and he was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. And while he scored a couple of goals at the World Juniors, his performance in the tournament wasn't much better. Bellows has soft hands and an underrated shot. There is no reason that he shouldn't develop into a useful offensive player as a professional. I imagine that Bellows' production will increase considerably as he heads to WHL Portland this year.

76. German Rubtsov (F-PHI): Rubtsov left Russia for the QMJHL in early January and the move allowed him to sign his entry-level deal with Philadelphia in March. The 19-year-old is a gritty two-way center who has shown a willingness to battle at both ends of the rink. His numbers for Chicoutimi were impressive (22 points in 16 games) and I expect him to average well over a point-per-game this season playing junior hockey. I project Rubtsov to eventually settle in as the Flyers third-line center behind Claude Giroux and Nolan Patrick. His ability to play up and down a lineup is a huge asset.

77. Madison Bowey (D-WSH): It was a rough season for Bowey. The talented defender was limited to just 34 games for AHL Hershey in which he managed just 14 points. Bowey is a strong skater, an asset on the power play, and a right-handed shot, so there is potentially a role for him in Washington right out of training camp. Bowey will make questionable decisions with the puck at times, but they are generally the result of him trying to force things. He should be able to drop that habit when he plays with more talented players at the NHL level. This is a make-or-break season for the 22-year-old.

78. Jake DeBrusk (F-BOS): I have long been a believer in DeBrusk's elite hockey sense and he responded with a strong (19 goals, 49 points in 74 games) first AHL season. DeBrusk has heavy feet and lacks explosiveness, but he skates better with the puck than without it. His smarts on the ice should allow him to carve out a substantial role at the NHL level, possibly as soon as this coming season. I see him as a 15-20 goal third-liner who can fill a top-six role in a pinch.

79. Adam Mascherin (F-FLA): A short (5-9), stocky sniper who is very strong on his stick, Mascherin posted 35 goals and 100 points in 65 games for OHL Kitchener this past season. He played the early part of the season with top Toronto prospect Jeremy Bracco but he continued to produce even after Bracco was dealt to Windsor in January. I think Mascherin is best suited for the wing where his speed and shot will be more of a factor. He is expected to play one more season in the OHL.

80. Jordan Kyrou (F-STL): Never lacking in the talent department, Kyrou didn't put it all together until this past season. A year after posting 17 goals and 51 points in 2015-16, Kyrou upped those totals to 30 goals and 94 points this past season for a Sarnia team that didn't employ a whole lot of offensive firepower. Kyrou can do a lot of positive things with the puck. He is a strong skater and a very good passer. And while Kyrou will never be known as a defensive specialist, his ability to get in on the forecheck is a major asset. Assuming he stays healthy, I like Kyrou's chances of cracking the 100-point mark this coming year.

81. Kailer Yamamoto (F-EDM): Yamamoto adds some much needed offensive firepower to a barren Edmonton system. The only concern surrounding the 22nd overall pick in this past June's draft is a lack of size. He is generously listed at 5-8 and he may very well weigh less than 165. Yamamoto is shifty and rarely gets hit, but his detractors are concerned that his slight frame won't hold up against physical defensemen at the professional level. Still, his selection was a smart gamble by the Oilers. Edmonton has two all-world offensive players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and they were able to add another high ceiling player to their system in Yamamoto. He posted 42 goals and 99 points for WHL Spokane in 2016-17.

82. Erik Foley (F-WPG): Foley raised his stock considerably over the past year. He had a strong offensive season (34 points in 36 games) for Providence College and he was very effective in a checking role in helping Team USA win the Gold Medal at the World Juniors. His performance at the WJC really stood out to me. Foley showed that he can have a major impact on a game even if he isn't doing a heck of a lot offensively. My guess is that he will sign with Winnipeg after one more season of collegiate hockey. Foley could theoretically be able to help the Jets at some point during the 2018-19 season.

83. Mitchell Stephens (F-TB): Stephens' skill set is similar to that of several players in the final quarter of the top 100. He has been a productive offensive player over the course of his junior career, but he figures to be best suited to a third-line role at the NHL level. Stephens' game has no weaknesses. He is responsible defensively and has good speed. He battles in the corners and can finish in front of the net. He is going to start the season in the AHL, but I wouldn't be surprised if Stephens spends a decent chunk of the 2017-18 campaign in Tampa.

84. Nicolas Roy (F-CAR): Roy's numbers took a slight step back (36 goals, 80 points in 53 games) for QMJHL Chicoutimi this past season, but he still had a dominant year. He had a strong performance for Team Canada at the World Juniors and he played very well in the QMJHL playoffs. Roy slipped to the 96th overall pick in 2015 due to concerns about his skating. At 6-4 with elite hands, Roy would be a top-25 prospect if it wasn't for that issue. To his credit he has improved in that area, but it will never be a strength of his. I don't ultimately think it will impact Roy's ceiling all that much, but it's something to keep an eye on as he turns pro this coming season.

85. Victor Mete (D-MTL): With the trade of Mikhail Sergachev to Tampa Bay, Mete finds himself the top prospect in a depleted Montreal system. As expected, Mete's production for OHL London this past season (15 goals, 44 points in 50 games) increased as he was given more responsibility. Mete's game is built for the "new NHL". He is an undersized (5-10), mobile puck-mover. He isn't a true power play quarterback, but he possesses great vision and is an asset with the man advantage. He is one of the few bright spots in a shockingly poor system.

86. Vili Saarijarvi (D, DET): It's quite possible Saarijarvi might have been even higher on the list had he not been limited to just 34 games for OHL Mississauga this past season. He posted 31 points in those 34 contests and added another 15 points in 20 playoff games. A fourth-round selection in 2015, the only concern surrounding Saarijarvi is a lack of size. He is listed at 5-10 and he may be smaller than that. He is a swift skater and he rarely puts himself in bad positions with the puck, so that helps negate his lack of size. The talented Finn is one of the better defensive prospects in the game despite the fact he rarely gets talked about.

87. Anders Bjork (F-BOS): The Bruins were able to convince Bjork to sign his entry-level deal at the end of May after he completed his junior, and most successful season at Notre Dame. The Hobey Baker Award finalist posted 21 goals and 52 points in 39 games for the Fighting Irish. Bjork has gotten consistently better since he was drafted 146th overall in 2014. He has good hands, a quick release, and has shown an ability to make something out of nothing. He has the talent to eventually work his way into a top-six role at the NHL level.

88. Julien Gauthier (F-CAR): Viewed by many as a one-dimensional sniper entering this past season, Gauthier's assist total improved considerably during a year in which he split time between QMJHL Val-d'Or and Saint John. Unfortunately, as his assist total rose, his goal-scoring total dropped. Gauthier posted 17 goals in 43 games just one season after he tallied 41 goals in 54 contests. He played considerably better in the QMJHL playoffs (11 goals, 17 points in 16 games), but consistency was once again an issue for Gauthier. His ranking is based entirely upon his unique ability to put the puck in the net, but he remains a serious bust risk moving forward.

89. Anthony Cirelli (F-TB): Cirelli is the type of player that all successful teams need. He will do anything his coach asks of him and he can fill a variety of roles for a hockey club. He has never scored 64 points in any one junior season, but I think he has more offensive ability than those numbers would indicate. It's unlikely that Cirelli ever develops into a top-six option as a pro, but I see no reason he can't score 20 goals per season while filling in on the top two lines here and there. Cirelli has a very high floor.

90. Riley Tufte (F-DAL): Tufte remains more physical projection than current production at this point. The 6-5, 205-pound physical force struggled early in his freshman season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth although he got a bit better as the year progressed. The final numbers weren't pretty (nine goals, 16 points in 37 games), but the early issues didn't surprise me. As the former winner of the Mr. Hockey award as the best high school player in the state of Minnesota, don't be surprised if Tufte takes a significant step forward in his sophomore season. All the tools are there for him to develop into a dominant power forward at the NHL level. He is a good buy-low candidate in keeper/dynasty formats.

91. Carl Grundstrom (F-TOR): Grundstrom signed with Toronto after his season with Frolunda in Sweden ended and he finished the season playing for the Marlies (AHL) in their brief playoff run. A physical player who plays an aggressive game, it's no surprise that Grundstrom adapted well to the North American style of play. The vast majority of Grundstrom's offensive production is going to come as the result of sheer hard work. He figures to be a nice compliment to the skilled guys on the Leafs such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.

92. Trent Frederic (F-BOS): One of the biggest offensive surprises on college hockey last season, Frederic posted 15 goals and 33 points in 30 games in his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin after struggling to score throughout his junior career with the US NTDP. I've always viewed Frederic as a big body, penalty-killing type, but he proved last season that he might be able to develop into a bit more than that. It's entirely possible that the sudden increase in offensive production was a fluke, but he should now be on the radar of all dynasty league owners.

93. Nikita Gusev (F-VGK): It appeared for quite a while that Gusev, a seventh-round pick of the Lightning in 2012, would never leave his native Russia, but with his rights now traded to Vegas, it appears as if he may be in the NHL as soon as the 2019-20 season. Gusev posted 24 goals and 71 points in 57 games for SKA St. Petersburg last season. He is a gifted offensive player who could fill a top-six role at the NHL level right now. Gusev signed an altered contract with SKA this summer that extended his deal another season.

94. Michael Dal Colle (F-NYI): The fifth-overall pick in the 2014 draft, Dal Colle's stock has plummeted to the point that he nearly finds himself out of the top 100 completely. His overall numbers in his first season with AHL Bridgeport weren't terrible (15 goals, 41 points in 75 games), but he certainly didn't look like the dynamic offensive player that we saw throughout his OHL career. Dal Colle has good size (6-2) and a terrific wrist shot. There is no reason he can't score 25 goals annually as the NHL level, but he is badly in need of a bounce back season. His value to both the Islanders, and around the league, has fallen considerably.

95. Connor Hobbs (D-WSH): Hobbs led all WHL defensemen in both goals (31) and points (85) this past season for Regina. He also finished with a plus-30 rating and added 92 penalty minutes. Hobbs has average size (6-1 185 but he isn't a physical player. He is a right-handed shot, who as you can see by his insane point totals this past season, it obviously a major asset on the power play. Hobbs' transition to professional hockey this season will be fascinating to watch.

96. Lias Andersson (F-NYR): Andersson doesn't have the upside of some of the other players on this list, but his well-rounded game and the fact he will help the Rangers in the near future give him additional value. Andersson figures to settle in as a long-term third-liner who chips in 15-plus goals a season, but there figures to be long stretches of time where he fills a top-six role for New York. The Swede can kill penalties, help on the power play, and fill a variety of roles at even strength to help his team win. He is mature beyond his years. He stands a decent chance of opening the season at the NHL level despite the fact he is just 18 years old.

97. Joel Eriksson Ek (F-MIN): Eriksson Ek began last season in Minnesota before returning to his native Sweden and then rejoining the Wild later in the year. He finished with seven points in 15 games for Minnesota and also dressed for three playoff contests. The Swede plays a complete, 200-foot game. Having played against men in his home country for the last three seasons, Eriksson Ek is ready to help the Wild right now. Don't be surprised if he begins the season in a secondary role before pushing for more ice time as the year progresses.

98. Haydn Fleury (D-CAR): With all the young, talented defenders on Carolina's NHL roster, Fleury has become a bit of a forgotten man. The seventh-overall pick in 2014 posted seven goals and 26 points in his first AHL season. Fleury has everything that scouts look for. He skates well, has size (6-3, 220) and has a big shot. Although Fleury hasn't sniffed NHL action as of yet, there is still reason for optimism moving forward. This is a big year for his development.

99. Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (F-BOS): JFK decided to leave Boston University after his sophomore season to sign with the Bruins and he dressed in their regular season finale against Washington. More of a playmaker than a finisher, JFK is a terrific passer who will show flashes of brilliance with puck on his stick. Forsbacka Karlsson is a no doubt center iceman and while he figures to begin this season in the AHL, it isn't out of the question that he could help Boston significant later in the year.

100. Blake Speers (F-NJ): Speers was well traveled this past season. He began the year in New Jersey before being shipped back to his OHL club, Sault Ste. Marie. He also played for Team Canada at the World Juniors and finished the year playing for the New Jersey's AHL club in the playoffs. Speers is an offensive player who needs to bulk up. He works hard and can make plays in the offensive zone, but he still struggles at times when battle physical defensemen along the boards. He is at his best when there is open ice and he can let his skill level take over. Speers will begin the year with AHL Binghamton.