The 2015 NHL draft class contains four elite prospects, although there is a clear separation between Connor McDavid and the next three players. The draft is being promoted as a "superdraft" comparable to 2003, but I think that's a stretch at this point. There are still plenty of question marks on plenty of prospects, as talented as they may be, which is why projecting a draft's strength when most of the players are 16 years old is extremely difficult.
For now, the draft class generally looks strong, mostly due to a very strong top end, but we'll have to see how these guys progress over the next six to eight months before I declare the class as anything more than that.
Here is an early look at my top 10 prospects for next year's draft. This will be updated after the Ivan Hlinka tournament in August.
1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)
There is no debate here. None. At all. McDavid is the best prospect since Sidney Crosby, although he's not at the same level Crosby was at the same age. His skating, hands and hockey sense are all elite, and his hockey IQ could be generational, as he simply looks like a unique player in terms of how he processes the game. It will take a very bad draft season -- coupled with someone else taking a big step forward -- for McDavid to not end the year as my No. 1 prospect.
2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (Hockey East)
Eichel's skill level is outstanding, as he can make opponents look foolish regularly. He's a very good skater to couple with his elite hands and good understanding of how to create offense. He is currently a fixture as the second-best prospect in this class, but he has a late 1996 birth date, so we'll see how he looks a year from now when the younger players get their critical 17-year-old seasons going.
3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)
A player of Swedish and Eritrean decent, Kylington is the best Swedish defense prospect since Victor Hedman. He is the youngest player to ever score a goal in the history of Sweden's top division. He's a dynamic defenseman, with plus-plus skating and instincts, who can make plays at both ends but is probably tilted toward offense.
4. Noah Hanifin, D, USNTDP (USHL)
Hanifin had a better IIHF under-18 tournament than both Eichel and Jacob Trouba did at the same age -- although slightly below Seth Jones' tournament -- after an impressive 16-year-old season. Hanifin is pretty physically developed for his age (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) and has high-end mobility and good puck-moving skills. The offensive tools and size make for an appealing package in this defenseman.
5. Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL)
Konecny won OHL Rookie of the Year after being the top overall OHL draft pick. He is an undersized player (5-9, 172 pounds), but he's so dynamic offensively that it can make you somewhat look past the size. His combination of skating, skill and vision is really top end and can make him a fun player to watch. His ability to elude checks and shiftiness are distinct characteristics. His physical progression will be an important development during his draft season.
6. Pavel Zacha, LW, Libersch (Czech Extraliga)
Zacha is an extremely toolsy prospect who played a full pro season in the Czech Republic during his 16-year-old campaign. He is big (6-3, 201 pounds), strong and an above-average skater with a really high skill level. You don't often see the flash and dazzle in a big man who can skate well, and that combination of skills is why Zacha fits into this top tier.
7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL)
Barzal is also a former first overall pick, selected first by Seattle in the 2012 WHL bantam draft. He's a pretty good skater with a nice burst in his step. Barzal is a pretty coordinated puck handler, with some flash to his game to couple with top-end vision. He could make a few better decisions and has some room to fill out his frame.
8. Colin White, C, USNTDP (USHL)
White was one of the more dynamic players to suit up for the U.S. under-17 team in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was the leader in goals and points at the IIHF World Under-17 Challenge. He's a pretty good skater who plays with energy and pace. Despite an average frame, he shows good physicality. White also has a high level of skill and hockey IQ.
9. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Sprong could be the fifth Dutch player drafted in NHL history and the first to play an NHL game since the Blues drafted John Wensink in 1973. He's such a fun player to watch, with electric offensive tools. Sprong's skating, puck skills and shot are all high end or better, and he's the kind of player who can create scoring chances out of nothing. His size (5-10, 161) and lack of strength are his most notable weaknesses.
10. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)
The younger brother of New York Islanders lottery pick Ryan Strome is a highly skilled forward with fantastic hockey IQ. The second overall pick in last year's OHL draft, Strome is a rare combo of size (6-2, 176 pounds) and top-end skill, and if he continues to develop well, that could make him a dangerous NHL player. Strome needs to improve his skating; otherwise, other prospects will catch him.