This article is part of our The Kids' Table series.
Let's face it, everybody loves lists, and just about all hockey fans enjoy prospects. Ranking these kids throws fuel on the fire of those great debates about who'll turn out to be the next big star. Perhaps one guy has a bit more upside in the scoring department, but chances are the conservative coach will hold him back until he's defensively responsible. Or another may have been drafted in the sixth round, but because he's in an organization like the Red Wings or Kings or Stars, he's got a legit chance to turn into a stud.
I think having a "top five" for most everything is a good way to judge what kind of person you are. But in this instance, they simply provide fodder for discussion and a chance for us to gain some perspective. When playing in dynasty formats, it's important to keep a number of lists for prospects who can potentially provide a boost in an area you're lacking. Here are 10 lists of five for you to praise, criticize, use, tweak, whatever, if you want to get an edge over your opponent.
Note: These lists include only players who have been drafted or are eligible to sign with any team.
Top Five: AHL
1. William Nylander, LW, TOR – Eyeing a future spot on the Leafs' top line.
2. Kevin Fiala, LW, NAS – Hasn't scored yet, but too talented for us to worry.
3. Jakub Vrana, LW, WAS – Rookie season in
Let's face it, everybody loves lists, and just about all hockey fans enjoy prospects. Ranking these kids throws fuel on the fire of those great debates about who'll turn out to be the next big star. Perhaps one guy has a bit more upside in the scoring department, but chances are the conservative coach will hold him back until he's defensively responsible. Or another may have been drafted in the sixth round, but because he's in an organization like the Red Wings or Kings or Stars, he's got a legit chance to turn into a stud.
I think having a "top five" for most everything is a good way to judge what kind of person you are. But in this instance, they simply provide fodder for discussion and a chance for us to gain some perspective. When playing in dynasty formats, it's important to keep a number of lists for prospects who can potentially provide a boost in an area you're lacking. Here are 10 lists of five for you to praise, criticize, use, tweak, whatever, if you want to get an edge over your opponent.
Note: These lists include only players who have been drafted or are eligible to sign with any team.
Top Five: AHL
1. William Nylander, LW, TOR – Eyeing a future spot on the Leafs' top line.
2. Kevin Fiala, LW, NAS – Hasn't scored yet, but too talented for us to worry.
3. Jakub Vrana, LW, WAS – Rookie season in the A, six points in six games.
4. Josh Morrissey, D, WPG – Jets' most prized defensive prospect.
5. Kasperi Kapanen, RW, TOR – Could be "Thank You Kessel" round two.
Top Five: OHL
1. Dylan Strome, C, ARI – Having another nice season even without Connor McDavid.
2. Mitch Marner, C, TOR – Should look nice playing alongside Nylander and Kapanen.
3. Michael Dal Colle, LW, NYI – Starting to produce after a slow start.
4. Travis Konecny, C/LW, PHI – Breaking out big-time; perhaps the steal of the 2015 draft.
5. Pavel Zacha, C, NJD – The Devils' only hope of a top-line center at the moment.
Top Five: WHL
1. Ivan Provorov, D, PHI – See: Konecny, Travis.
2. Mathew Barzal, C, NYI – Nearly cracked the Isles' lineup out of camp.
3. Brayden Point, C, TAM – Leading the circuit in scoring with 39 points in 16 games.
4. Nick Merkley, RW, ARI – Wouldn't be a bad idea to invest heavily in young Coyotes.
5. Travis Sanheim, D, PHI – Should eventually help shape up the Flyers' blue line.
Top Five: QMJHL
1. Evgeni Svechnikov, LW, DET - Has physical tools, needs to work on D.
2. Timo Meier, LW, SJ – Thrived with Nikolaj Ehlers, but doing fine without him.
3. Anthony Beauvillier, LW, NYI – The third Isles prospect to grace this page.
4. Jeremy Roy, D, SJ – Plays a nice two-way game the Sharks could use.
5. Dennis Yan, LW, TAM – Another elite scorer for Tampa Bay to get hyped about.
Top Five: NCAA
1. Zach Werenski, D, CLM - Could bolt school early to join struggling Blue Jackets.
2. Jimmy Vesey, LW, Harvard – When this kid signs, be sure to scoop him up.
3. Kyle Connor, LW/C, WPG – A lot of size and speed, but buried in a deep system.
4. Colin White, C/RW, OTT – A tenacious freshman, he should pay dividends in a few seasons.
5. Alex Tuch, RW, MIN – This speedy winger is one of many Golden Eagles to keep track of.
Top Five: International
1. Pavel Buchnevich, RW, NYR (Russa) – Big boost in value following Anthony Duclair's departure.
2. Oskar Lindblom, LW, PHI (Sweden) – A big-bodied forward, he's pulling nearly a point per game.
3. Axel Holmstrom, C, DET (Sweden) – Seventh-rounder + Red Wings = keep on radar.
4. Denis Guryanov, LW, DAL (Russia) – Many thought Stars reached on him; high-end skill.
5. Sebastian Aho, LW, CAR (Finland) – The kind of winger you hate to play against.
Top Five: Goalies
1. Malcolm Subban, BOS – Struggling early in AHL; could use a trade to provide value.
2. Thatcher Demko, VAN – Unreal numbers at BC right now; patience is a virtue.
3. Juuse Saros, NAS – The heir apparent to Pekka Rinne.
4. Connor Hellebuyck, WPG – It's crowded in Winnipeg's crease, but he has potential.
5. Jon Gillies, CGY – The Flames' goalie situation is a mess, so he has a real shot in the future.
Top Five: Sleepers
1. Christian Dvorak, C, ARI - Former linemate of Max Domi; should join him next season.
2. Josh Ho-Sang, RW, BYI - Some red flags due to his character, but he has top-six talent.
3. Jake DeBrusk, LW, BOS – Landed in a good situation after the Bruins drafted him.
4. Ilya Sorokin, G, NYI – Stopping everything in the KHL and showing great upside.
5. Conor Garland, RW, ARI – Undersized, but the reigning QMJHL scoring champ.
Top Five: Power Forwards
1. Brendan Perlini, LW, ARI – Your standard puck possession forward with plus tools.
2. Lawson Crouse, LW, FLA – His development will be under a microscope.
3. Anthony Mantha, RW, DET – Not showing much lately, but should still be targeted.
4. Hudson Fasching, RW, BUF – Could be a valuable bottom-sixer for Buffalo's young core.
5. Nick Ritchie, LW, ANA – The Ducks need scoring; Ritchie could provide that right now.
Top Five: Systems
1. Coyotes – Such a glut of forward talent in their system, it's hard to ignore.
2. Jets – Add Morrissey, Connor and Hellebuyck to guys like Ehlers and Nic Petan.
3. Leafs – Sort of top-heavy, but that includes Nylander, Marner and Kapanen.
4. Flyers – Reaching a bit here, but they may have the deepest pool of defense prospects.
5. Islanders – They've added a ton of talent in the last two drafts.
