With the junior evaluation camps in Lake Placid, New York, and Montreal in the rearview mirror, it's time to roll out my initial top 100 drafted prospects rankings for 2014-15.
The 2014 draft class shows very well in these rankings, which is not a huge surprise given the number of new No. 1 prospects around the league.
Changes in my ranking philosophy from previous lists include more emphasis on upside, and a little less on older players who are closer to the NHL and have AHL experience. I also value defensive defenders a little more, thus a player like Scott Harrington makes the list in a significant spot after being previously omitted.
The criteria for a player to be no longer eligible for this list are: more than 25 games played in any one regular season or 50 career NHL regular-season games. For example, Mikhail Grigorenko is eligible, but Beau Bennett and Brett Connolly are not.
As part of this package, we will also have the organization pipeline ranks, and will have the top 10 prospects by team running next week.
Here are prospects Nos. 1 through 50 for the 2014-15 season, listed with the highest-level team for which they played this past season. Previous ranking here refers to the ranking the player was given last summer:
Top 100 index | No. 1-50 | No. 51-100 | Top 10 goalies
1. Jonathan Drouin, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous ranking: 1)
2013-14 team: Halifax (QMJHL)
2013-14 stats: 46 GP | 29 G | 79 A | 43 PIM
After the Lightning elected to not keep him on the NHL roster for 2013-14, Drouin had another elite season in the QMJHL, torching the league in terms of point production. He led the QMJHL playoffs in points (41 in 16 games) despite Halifax not advancing to the final round. His skill level and hockey sense are both off the charts, he's a very elusive skater and he has the ability to create a scoring chance at will. When you combine all of his offensive elements (all of which are high-end), Drouin is the clear best forward prospect outside the NHL. He converted to center this season, showing pretty effective play in the defensive zone, which was previously a weakness. With a good summer from a physical development standpoint, he should be a player to watch for next year's Calder Trophy.
2. Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Barrie (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 58 GP | 23 G | 30 A | 91 PIM
The first overall pick from the 2014 NHL draft was the top defenseman in the OHL this past season -- and was my No. 1 prospect heading into the draft. He's an elite physical specimen and has fantastic hockey IQ, a big slap shot and good skating and puck-moving ability. Ekblad is still young, but is quickly becoming the complete package who may be able to impact the NHL sooner than most elite defense prospects. A concussion at Canada's junior evaluation camp is not expected to keep him out of training camp.
3. Sam Bennett, C, Calgary Flames (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Kingston (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 57 GP | 36 G | 55 A | 118 PIM
Bennett is a fun player to watch because of all the different ways he can impact a game. This year's No. 4 overall pick is a dynamic skater and puck handler who thinks the game very well and has a real edge to how he plays. Bennett stands out regularly and can be an impactful player. As my top forward from the 2014 draft, he's not at the level of Nathan MacKinnon or Drouin during their draft year, but he's just a notch or two below.
4. William Nylander, RW , Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Modo (SHL)
2013-14 stats: 22 GP | 1 G | 6 A | 6 PIM
Nylander had a so-so first half to combine with an outstanding second half, adding up to the highest-scoring under-18 season in SHL-2 history (27 points in 35 games), and was the top scorer at the IIHF Under-18 Championship (16 points in seven games). His skill level is incredible; he's the kind of player to whom you give the puck and let him do all the work. Nylander's ability to gain the zone, make defenders miss and create chances is high-end. He's not the biggest, meanest or best player defensively, but when it comes to offense, he's right up at the top.
5. Sam Reinhart, C, Buffalo Sabres (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Kootenay (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 60 GP | 36 G | 69 A | 11 PIM
The youngest -- and the most talented -- of Paul Reinhart's three sons stands out due to his incredible hockey IQ. Reinhart's ability as a playmaker, in terms of how he can slow the game down and see his options in the corner of his eye, drives his value. He's a highly skilled puck handler as well, but his strength is as a distributor.
6. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Halifax (QMJHL)
2013-14 stats: 63 GP | 49 G | 55 A | 51 PIM
Ehlers had one of the top 17-year-old seasons by a CHL import that I can remember. For a newcomer to the North American game, he took very little time to adjust and dominated the QMJHL. Ehlers may be a small winger, but due to his incredible speed, skill and hockey sense, he creates offense in bunches. His offensive potential is at a star level.
7. Kevin Fiala, LW, Nashville Predators (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: HV71 (SHL)
2013-14 stats: 17 GP | 3 G | 8 A | 10 PIM
Fiala rose about as much as one prospect can as the season went along. He was a top-six forward for his SHL team, and even played at the IIHF World Championship for Switzerland. He's a really skilled offensive threat with top-end puck skills and offensive hockey sense. Fiala's ability as a playmaker, and how he maintains puck possession, does a lot for his team.
8. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Prince Albert (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 64 GP | 38 G | 67 A | 24 PIM
The Deutschland Dangler was a top offensive player in the WHL this past season. He's an incredible playmaker whose instincts and quick-pace reactions allow him to make distinct types of plays. Draisaitl can beat you with his hands, vision and also his body in terms of how well he protects and controls the puck.
9. Michael Dal Colle, LW, New York Islanders (Previous ranking: Not eligible)
2013-14 team: Oshawa (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 67 GP | 39 G | 56 A | 34 PIM
Dal Colle is a player whom scouts commonly describe as a pure "puck possessor." He's so smart and skilled with the puck that he creates and maintains consistent pressure on the opposing defense. Dal Colle can create a lot with his offensive IQ, on top of having a very good shot.
10. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals (Previous ranking: 4)
2013-14 team: Washington (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 17 GP | 3 G | 6 A | 6 PIM
Kuznetsov has trended down somewhat as a prospect, which partly contributed to why he wasn't invited to play for Russia's Olympic team in Sochi. But even with that in mind, he's still a top talent. Kuznetsov's skating, puck skills and overall offensive instincts are all high-end. He's a goal scorer and playmaker who can stand out due to his dynamic capabilities. He should log significant minutes down the line in a top scoring line role for the Caps.
11. Filip Forsberg, RW, Nashville Predators (Previous ranking: 13)
2013-14 team: Nashville (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 13 GP | 1 G | 4 A | 4 PIM
Forsberg was the MVP of the IIHF World Junior Championship and also enjoyed a solid season in the AHL (34 points in 47 games). He is an extremely dangerous scorer due to his high skill level, great competitive nature and a big frame that he uses well. On his best shift, he can dominate the puck, utilizing all of those abilities.
12. Teuvo Teravainen, C, Chicago Blackhawks (Previous ranking: 21)
2013-14 team: Chicago (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 3 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 0 PIM
Teravainen had a very impressive 19-year-old season, with a dominant performance in the under-20 camp in August 2013, a strong January, when he led the WJC in scoring, and an impressive spring, when he went on a lengthy run of accumulating points. His vision is off the charts, and when he gets the puck on the power play, it's just a matter of time before a scoring chance is created.
13. Haydn Fleury, D, Carolina Hurricanes (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Red Deer (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 70 GP | 8 G | 38 A | 46 PIM
Fleury was the top defenseman at the World Under-18 Championship, showing the regular minutes-eating play he displayed all season in the WHL. Fleury is a big defender who skates very well, and is adept at playing the body. When you combine those physical abilities with offensive skill and a high fitness level, you get a player coaches don't want to take off the ice.
14. Curtis Lazar, RW, Ottawa Senators (Previous ranking: honorable mention)
2013-14 team: Edmonton (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 58 GP | 41 G | 35 A | 30 PIM
Lazar had a really impressive season, as a key cog for Canada's WJC team as an underage player, and for the Memorial Cup-winning Oil Kings. Lazar is a high-end skater with great natural speed and a motor that he displays on every shift. He's very advanced defensively for his age, and shows above-average skill and a plus shot. His great intangibles are always evident, but Lazar is also a player who gets it done at a consistent level on the ice.
15. Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: KalPa (Liiga)
2013-14 stats: 47 GP | 7 G | 7 A | 10 PIM
It was a tough season for Kapanen -- son of former NHLer Sami Kapanen -- between injuries and playing on a very poor team in Finland's Liiga. When he's on his game, Kapanen can take a shift over with his speed, skill and drive. He has the high-end offensive capabilities to make all kinds of plays with the puck individually and to set up his teammates.
16. Brandon Gormley, D, Arizona Coyotes (Previous ranking: 19)
2013-14 team: Arizona (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 5 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 2 PIM
There are some concerns about the fact that Gormley hasn't graduated to the NHL yet, and he may be tailing off as a prospect. I think that's a reasonable issue to bring up, but for me, the lack of graduation is more about Arizona's depth chart as opposed to the player -- he scored 36 points in 54 games for the Coyotes' AHL affiliate this past season. Praise for Gormley's hockey IQ is echoed by anyone who has seen him play. He's a quality two-way defenseman who has continued to improve on the physical components of the game. However, I will echo the common concern that this upcoming season has to be the one in which Gormley secures a full-time NHL gig.
17. Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Buffalo Sabres (Previous ranking: 7)
2013-14 team: Buffalo (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 18 GP | 2 G | 1 A | 2 PIM
Grigorenko has trended down somewhat as a prospect, although it's tough to tell how much of it is on him and how much has been the significant lack of game repetitions due to his handling by the organization. To wit, he played 18 games with the Sabres, nine games with the AHL affiliate in Rochester and 23 with his QMJHL team. However, Grigorenko is still very appealing because he's as good a playmaker as there is in the prospect world.
18. Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets (Previous ranking: 80)
2013-14 team: Prince Albert (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 59 GP | 28 G | 45 A | 59 PIM
Morrissey was one of the top defensemen in the WHL this season and had a nice run of performance during a pro tryout in the AHL playoffs. He's an exciting player whose value is tilted toward the offensive side due to his high-caliber skating and offensive instincts. Morrissey can be dynamic when controlling the puck with the man advantage.
19. Bo Horvat, C, Vancouver Canucks (Previous ranking: 28)
2013-14 team: London (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 54 GP | 30 G | 44 A | 36 PIM
In his first season after essentially being the player Vancouver acquired for Cory Schneider, Horvat had a pretty good campaign. He was a top scorer and tough minute logger for London in the OHL, and played a top-six role for Canada at the WJC as an 18-year-old. He's not an overly flashy player, but Horvat has a lot of skill to go with a developed frame, advanced defensive play, and ace faceoff work. He'll push for NHL time this season.
20. Griffin Reinhart, D, New York Islanders (Previous ranking: 34)
2013-14 team: Edmonton (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 45 GP | 4 G | 17 A | 55 PIM
Big Griff -- brother of No. 5 prospect Sam -- was the WHL playoff MVP and the anchor blueliner for the Memorial Cup champs. He's a player who has grown on me, as an exceptionally smart defensive player with a large frame and decent mobility. He's also become more comfortable with the puck, jumping into the rush and making more plays from the blue line. He isn't going to be a top power-play unit player in the NHL, but could contribute to a second PP unit, and projects to being a shutdown defender in his own zone.
21. Nikita Zadorov, D, Buffalo Sabres (Previous ranking: 32)
2013-14 team: Buffalo (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 7 GP | 1 G | 0 A | 4 PIM
A tower of terror on the blue line, the big Russian defender got some NHL time for Buffalo early on before coming back to be one of the OHL's top defensemen, scoring 30 points in 36 games for London. He's 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, and uses every square inch of that frame to win battles and deliver crushing body blows to opposing forwards. He's the rare defenseman who top scorers truly fear when coming down the wing. It helps that Zadorov is such a great skater to let him stay with the quicker players. He's become more confident with the puck, and has a big shot from the point.
22. Andre Burakovsky, LW, Washington Capitals (Previous ranking: 26)
2013-14 team: Erie (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 57 GP | 41 G | 46 A | 35 PIM
Andre is an electric offensive talent who brings observers out of their seats on a regular basis. His elite combination of speed and puck skills can make him a nightmare to check, especially given that he's not small, either. Burakovsky creates scoring chances with the best of them, and that's mostly what you want out of your wingers.
23. Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers (Previous ranking: 20)
2013-14 team: Oklahoma City (AHL)
2013-14 stats: 4 GP | 0 G | 1 A | 0 PIM
Nurse was a third-team OHL All-Star (with 50 points in 64 games) and a surprise cut from Team Canada's WJC team this past season, and had a cup of coffee with Edmonton's AHL side in Oklahoma City. He's a very good skater, with a plus physical game and solid puck-moving skills. Overall, he tends to show pretty good reads and overall hockey IQ. He made the Oilers give him a long look in their NHL camp a year ago, so he should be interesting to watch going into this summer to see how much physical progress he's made.
24. Nicolas Petan, C, Winnipeg Jets (Previous ranking: unranked)
2013-14 team: Portland (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 63 GP | 35 G | 78 A | 69 PIM
Petan has lit the WHL on fire the past two seasons as one of junior hockey's most dangerous scorers. He led the WHL in assists the past two seasons, and tied for the lead in points in 2012-13. Petan's ability to create scoring chance has led to many highlight-reel moments for Portland, as he's anchored an elite offense. He has grown into a top-end prospect.
25. Pavel Buchnevich, RW, New York Rangers (Previous ranking: 69)
2013-14 team: Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)
2013-14 stats: 40 GP | 7 G | 11 A | 12 PIM
Eighteen points in 40 games may not seem that great, but Buchnevich had the third-most-productive under-19 season in the history of the KHL. He was a top forward for Russia at the WJC as well. Buchnevich has a dynamic skill level, on top of good offensive instincts and a great wrist shot. Should he ever transfer to North America, the Rangers will have a legit high-end talent.
26. Jake Virtanen, RW, Vancouver Canucks (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Calgary (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 71 GP | 45 G | 26 A | 100 PIM
The No. 6 overall pick was one of the top goal scorers in the WHL this past season. His skating is elite, and he aids his team in a significant manner by how easily he gains the zone with the puck to establish pressure. Virtanen can also unleash a great shot.
27. Max Domi, C, Arizona Coyotes (Previous ranking: 16)
2013-14 team: London (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 61 GP | 34 G | 59 A | 90 PIM
Domi was just OK by his standards in the first half of the season, but after being a cut from Canada's WJC team, he really picked up his game, making better decisions and showcasing his outstanding all-around skills. Domi's an elite playmaker with great speed and pucks skills. His size will always be an issue, but he should be able to overcome it with a great compete level.
28. Alexander Wennberg, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous ranking: 31)
2013-14 team: Frolunda (SHL)
2013-14 stats: 50 GP | 16 G | 5 A | 8 PIM
Wennberg was a productive SHL player this past season and one of Sweden's best players at the WJC, and he even got a few games with the senior-level national team. Wennberg is an extremely smart two-way player with high-end vision. He has all the tools to play in the NHL very soon, so long as he continues with appropriate physical development.
29. Derrick Pouliot, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous ranking: 68)
2013-14 team: Portland (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 58 GP | 17 G | 53 A | 74 PIM
Pouliot had a great 2013-14 season in which he was named CHL Defenseman of the Year and was the No. 1 defenseman for Canada at the WJC. He's an extremely gifted offensive defenseman, with top-end hands, vision and skating ability. Though he needs to develop his own-zone play, he is the future for Pittsburgh's top power-play unit.
30. Sonny Milano, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: USNTDP (USHL)
2013-14 stats: 25 GP | 14 G | 25 A | 21 PIM
Milano had one of the most productive seasons in the USNTDP's history, and while elite prospect Jack Eichel aided him, he was a large part of a ton of goals for the U.S. program. Milano's puck skills and pure offensive creativity are tremendous, and he can make some unique plays due to those traits. He skates well, too, and has worked to improve his defense. Milano's major weakness is his frame and physical game.
31. Hunter Shinkaruk, C, Vancouver Canucks (Previous ranking: 22)
2013-14 team: Medicine Hat (WHL)
2013-14 stats: 18 GP | 5 G | 11 A | 29 PIM
Shinkaruk did not have a great season, seeing his performance dip and his season get derailed by injury. However, he has shown a lot prior to this season, so that's why I'm willing to give him one year as a mulligan to see what he's like when healthy. At the top of his game, Shinkaruk has fantastic puck skills, agile skating and a real craftiness to his game. Though he's listed as a center, he likely projects to the wing at the NHL level.
32. Jakub Vrana, LW, Washington Capitals (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Linkoping (SHL)
2013-14 stats: 24 GP | 2 G | 1 A | 2 PIM
Vrana has been one of the better prospects in the Czech program in recent memory, and an average draft season probably prevented him from going in the top 10 picks. Vrana is a quick skater who can dazzle with the puck and create a lot of scoring chances. He's got his flaws, but his upside is tantalizing, and he's a player worth gambling on considering his top-line-caliber skills.
33. Anthony Mantha, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Previous ranking: 86)
2013-14 team: Val-d'Or (QMJHL)
2013-14 stats: 57 GP | 57 G | 63 A | 75 PIM
Mantha had a ridiculously productive season, scoring at a goal-per-game pace through the QMJHL season and playoffs, being named CHL Player of the Year and finishing as a top scorer for Canada at the WJC. He's got very good speed, above-average puck skills and a tough shot for goalies to handle. He's not a perfect player -- he likely won't be a top-end defensive forward and I'm concerned with how he'll handle tough pro minutes -- but he's certainly someone about whom Detroit fans should be excited.
34. Jacob de la Rose, LW, Montreal Canadiens (Previous ranking: 95)
2013-14 team: Leksand (SHL)
2013-14 stats: 49 GP | 7 G | 6 A | 18 PIM
De la Rose has continued his impressive play at the pro level, getting a regular top-nine shift in the SHL for Leksand, and showing very good production for an 18-year-old. De la Rose won't stand out during a game with a highlight-reel play, but he always seems to be making plays. I've had questions before about his offensive potential, but I'm convinced enough to think he projects into a top-six role in the NHL.
35. Robby Fabbri, C, St. Louis Blues (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Guelph (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 58 GP | 45 G | 42 A | 55 PIM
Fabbri was impressive all season, from the Ivan Hlinka summer tournament right through the CHL postseason. He's a dynamic little guy who can beat opponents with skill, speed, vision and sheer work ethic. He has the character you want in a smaller player to be able to overcome the physical challenges. That being said, Fabbri's size/strength combo remains an issue in projecting his role in the NHL.
36. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Sodertalje (Allsvenskan)
2013-14 stats: 36 GP | 8 G | 16 A | 24 PIM
Playing in the SHL-2, Pastrnak had one of the most productive under-18 seasons in the league's history, playing a top-six role against grown men. Pastrnak is extremely crafty, with a high level of offensive IQ and above-average skating ability. He won't bring a ton of energy to games, but he has worked on his defense and is able to do a lot of damage with the puck.
37. Riley Barber, RW, Washington Capitals (Previous ranking: Unranked)
2013-14 team: Miami (NCAA)
2013-14 stats: 38 GP | 19 G | 25 A | 28 PIM
Barber had another quality season, playing big minutes for Miami as well as the USA's under-20 team. He's a pretty impressive all-around prospect who can beat you with speed, puck skills, finishing and his IQ. Barber has shown the ability to be a good defensive forward to couple with his impressive offensive capabilities. He's trended up a lot since his draft year.
38. Brendan Perlini, LW, Arizona Coyotes (Previous ranking: not eligible)
2013-14 team: Niagara (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 58 GP | 34 G | 37 A | 36 PIM
Perlini took huge strides forward this season and put up pretty significant numbers in the OHL. He's intriguing because of his high-end speed, shot and good skill level along with a big frame. At times this season, he looked like an elite prospect; however, there were many times when he was not close to that level. He'll need to round out his game to make an impact at the NHL level.
39. Rickard Rakell, C, Anaheim Ducks (Previous ranking: 44)
2013-14 team: Anaheim (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 18 GP | 0 G | 4 A | 2 PIM
Rakell had a fine first full pro season as a top scorer for a struggling Norfolk team -- 37 points in 46 games -- and got some spot duty in the NHL for Anaheim. He's a player who can dazzle with his puck skills in terms of gaining the zone, and identifying the options to create offense. He's really come along defensively, to where he's a notable player in that regard.
40. Mirco Mueller, D, San Jose Sharks (Previous ranking: 94)
2013-14 team: Worcester (AHL)
2013-14 stats: 9 GP | 0 G | 2 A | 2 PIM
Mueller's offense actually ticked down this season in the WHL from 31 points to 27 (after a nine-game stint for San Jose's AHL affiliate), yet his ranking shot up. How could this be? It's all about the defensive value Mueller brings to the table. In every game this season -- at the WHL and international level -- he was the tough matchups guy who was thrown out in every difficult situation. At 6-4 with plus mobility to combine with his elite defensive instincts, Mueller is a nightmare for top forwards to try to beat. He's not a total zero on offense, as he can exit his zone fine and move the puck, but he'll make his impact on the defensive end.
41. Ville Pokka, D, New York Islanders (Previous ranking: unranked)
2013-14 team: Karpat (Liiga)
2013-14 stats: 54 GP | 6 G | 21 A | 16 PIM
Pokka had a very good season, including a top performance for Finland at the WJC, putting up big points in the Liiga playoffs, playing for the senior-level national team in a few games and being named a finalist for his league's top defenseman. While Pokka doesn't have a lot of flash to his game, he's a really smart defenseman who plays well at both ends.
42. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Calgary Flames (Previous ranking: 50)
2013-14 team: Calgary (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 1 GP | 1 G | 0 A | 0 PIM
Gaudreau put up an astonishing two points per game for Boston College (36 goals and 44 assists in 40 games), leading the NCAA in goals and assists en route to a runaway Hobey Baker win. He was also a top scorer at the World Championships for the USA and scored a goal in his one game for the Flames. His puck skills are clearly elite, and his offensive instincts are at the same high level. He's so elusive and creative that he creates a ton of scoring chances without getting hit too much. At times he looks like he has eyes in the back of his head.
43. Dmitrij Jaskin, LW, St. Louis Blues (Previous ranking: 51)
2013-14 team: St. Louis (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 18 GP | 1 G | 1 A | 8 PIM
Jaskin was pretty impressive to start his first pro season in North America (including 29 points in 42 games for the Blues' AHL team), but his production hit a bit of a wall during a long campaign. He's a big, strong winger with skill and finishing capabilities who gets a ton of pucks on net. His skating is an obvious issue and has been for most of his prospect career. There are notable uncertainties projecting Jaskin, but the skill-size combo keeps him ranked high for at least one more year.
44. Hudson Fasching, RW, Buffalo Sabres (Previous ranking: unranked)
2013-14 team: Minnesota (NCAA)
2013-14 stats: 40 GP | 14 G | 16 A | 22 PIM
One of the biggest risers of the season was the big winger from Apple Valley, Minnesota. After an up-and-down draft season, Fasching had a pretty good freshman season with the Golden Gophers and a great WJC. He has learned how to use his size a lot better and has really developed his defensive game. The Sabres acquired Fasching from the Kings at the trade deadline.
45. Mathew Dumba, D, Minnesota Wild (Previous ranking: 39)
2013-14 team: Minnesota (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 13 GP | 1 G | 1 A | 2 PIM
If you have a clear read on Dumba, you're further along in the evaluation process than I am. He's been one of the bigger up-and-down top prospects over the past few years. He possesses only average size, but plays very hard, has a big shot and is a skilled puck mover. Dumba's decision making and defensive abilities have held him back, which is part of the reason why the Wild sent him back to his junior team for 26 games (where he scored 24 points) in 2013-14.
46. Oscar Klefbom, D, Edmonton Oilers (Previous ranking: 17)
2013-14 team: Edmonton (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 17 GP | 1 G | 2 A | 0 PIM
I probably jumped the gun in regard to Klefbom last season. He had a pretty slow first half to start off his North American career, but picked up his game, earning a call-up later in the season after scoring 10 points in 48 AHL games. He held his own with the Oilers, despite a very aggressive defensive zone deployment by Dallas Eakins. Klefbom is a plus skater and physical player who projects as a tough-minutes defensive player with continued adjustments to the pro game.
47. Chris Bigras, D, Colorado Avalanche (Previous ranking: unranked)
2013-14 team: Owen Sound (OHL)
2013-14 stats: 55 GP | 4 G | 22 A | 46 PIM
Bigras' point production actually dipped this season, but given how good he looked at the Avs' camp this summer, it wouldn't be a shock to see him break camp in the NHL, at the least for a trial. His hockey sense is exceptional, as he is always in the right spot making a quick, precise play with or without the puck. He could use some more physical development.
48. Mark Stone, RW, Ottawa Senators (Previous ranking: 99)
2013-14 team: Ottawa (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 19 GP | 4 G | 4 A | 4 PIM
Stone showed this past season what he can do at the pro level when healthy, being a top scorer at the AHL level on a per game rate (40 points in 37 games), and playing pretty well in the NHL with limited usage. While he's not the most physical player, Stone is a high-end playmaker and goal scorer who really understands the game. He isn't a worry-free prospect, but I think there's enough to him as a player to be optimistic about his scoring future.
49. Vincent Trocheck, C, Florida Panthers (Previous ranking: 58)
2013-14 team: Florida (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 20 GP | 5 G | 3 A | 6 PIM
After winning OHL MVP in 2012-13, Trocheck had a very successful first pro season, scoring a lot in the AHL (42 points in 55 games) and doing fine in the NHL while faced up against good players on a nightly basis. Trocheck plays hard and has really become an all-around player. Trocheck skates well, is pretty good with the puck and can set up his teammates at an above-average level. With a good summer of bulking up, he could have a big NHL campaign in 2014-15.
50. Ryan Spooner, C, Boston Bruins (Previous ranking: 36)
2013-14 team: Boston (NHL)
2013-14 stats: 23 GP | 0 G | 11 A | 6 PIM
Spooner is a really hard player on whom to get a read, but his production as a pro has been outstanding, including 46 points in 49 AHL games this past season. He's a plus skater with great acceleration and shiftiness. Spooner's size and defense are question marks, and even though he's very talented, the biggest question for him is where he fits on Boston's loaded depth chart going forward.
For the rest of the top 100, click here.