VANCOUVER, BC -- The BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects game is the premier prospect showcase of the season. I was in attendance last night in the old Pacific Coliseum, to scout many of the upcoming top draft’s top players.

While many players did well -- this is a top prospects showcase, after all -- I have picked several that I think stood out above the rest. The following describes those players’ performances included with some general scouting info about them.

This also serves as a prelude to my first full assessment of the 2016 NHL draft class posting next week which will include many of the same names.

Jake Bean

D, Calgary (WHL)

While Bean is known for his offense -- and rightfully so, given how good a puck mover he is and the big numbers he’s put up in the WHL -- what stood out to me at this game was his defense. Bean was making stops whenever the puck got onto his half of the ice, constantly made good, aggressive reads to get in lanes, created turnovers, and used his offensive IQ to quickly turn the play up the ice. I was unsure where I leaned on Bean coming into the game, and while one match doesn’t solve everything I left the game feeling very positive about him.

Markus Niemelainen

D, Saginaw (OHL)

Niemalainen has been on the prospect radar for a little while now, but I haven’t been too effectuated by his play in the OHL this season -- so I was pleasantly surprised by his standout performance. Big men who can skate and have a mind for the game well are hard to find. While Niemelainen’s pure skill didn’t quite dazzle me, he was in the right place a lot of the time and moved the puck effectively.

Alexander Nylander

RW, Mississauga (OHL)

I was really impressed by Nylander throughout, as he probably set up more quality shots on goal for his team than any other player. There are parts of Nylander’s game that leave you wanting -- he doesn’t have the blazing speed to gain the zone with ease, and he isn’t a highly edgy guy who grinds for pucks -- but his vision is elite, and Nylander makes so many good things happen on a regular basis.

Michael McLeod

C, Mississauga (OHL)

McLeod was named his team’s MVP after playing consistently excellent shifts throughout the game. He was one of the best pure skaters on the ice, but he was also one of the biggest forwards. Combine that with his solid skill level, his ability to move the puck well and the ability to play center reliably (in a draft light on top guys down the middle), he will be a very desirable prospect come June.

Matthew Tkachuk

LW, London (OHL)

I liked seeing Tkachuk in this environment, because even though he played on the top line in a showcase game he was surrounded by less talent than he’s been used to in recent years, playing on the same line as guys like Mitch Marner or Auston Matthews. His own individual skill and IQ shined through in this game, as he was a primary creator on multiple occasions. Tkachuk’s combination of high-end skill and work ethic is what makes him such a great prospect -- and a probable top five pick.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)

Dubois was outstanding during this game, displaying his wide range of talents to the scouts in attendance. He’s a big, strong winger with high-end offensive skill, who thinks the game well and plays his tail off for pucks. When he wasn’t dangling defenders, he was breaking up offensive plays, driving the net and just being an overall thorn in his opponents’ sides. He affirmed for me that he’s a top 10 talent in this year’s draft.

Vitaly Abramov

LW, Gatineau (QMJHL)

Abramov has generated a lot of discussion in the scouting community after a scorching first half in the QMJHL, with people asking just how good he is. You saw some of the great things Abramov can do in this game -- he dazzled with his puck skills, and created good shots on goal out of nothing. You also saw some of the bad things, as he made some big errors in his positioning and decision making. You want your offensive players to take chances, so I don’t ding him too hard, and I still think he and his whole line impressed, overall.

Olli Juolevi

D, London (OHL)

There is some talk among scouts that Juolevi, and not Jakob Chychrun, should be the first defenseman off the board. While I’m not 100 percent sure about that, I certainly see how the case can be made -- especially with more showings like he had in this game. Juolevi was an elite puck mover in this game. He made unique plays from the blue line, took risks and executed on his decisions; he controlled the flow very well, and showed great intelligence with the puck.

His body leaves you wanting -- Chychrun certainly has the edge in size, strength, and ability to separate pucks -- but Juolevi has that hockey IQ you dream about in a puck mover.

Pascal Laberge

C, Victoriaville (QMJHL)

Laberge has been quietly excellent with Victoriaville this season, showing a high level of skill, and while he isn’t the bulkiest guy he is a competitive player. Laberge was named MVP for his team and he was a consistent offensive force all night, including a highlight-reel goal. He was involved in numerous scoring chances due to his skill and vision. As a bubble top-tier prospect coming into this game, he’s probably the guy who gained the most from his showing here.

Luke Green

D, Saint-John (QMJHL)

Green is a guy I’m still debating about, as far as where I stand on him. He had a slow start to the season, but he’s really picked up his game of late. The former first overall pick in the QMJHL is loaded with talent, and I was watching for the distinct skills he possesses in this game. He was definitely upper-echelon among this peer group, in terms of creativity and shiftiness. I did see some overzealous plays at times, be it a jump up he shouldn’t have done or a dream pass he may have wanted back, but overall I left impressed by his talent and upside.