In examining the 2015 NHL draft class this preseason, it looks quite strong, even beyond top prospect Connor McDavid, whom I profiled in depth this offseason.
A common question I get is if this year could produce a draft class on par with 2003's group, which included Marc-Andre Fleury, Eric Staal, Thomas Vanek, Ryan Suter, Dion Phaneuf, Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown, Zach Parise, Brent Seabrook, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Oh, and two franchise cornerstones in the second round in Patrice Bergeron and Shea Weber.
While it's certainly possible for this to be another super class, I do not see it as of now. It's a very strong one, with the caveat that a lot can change between now and June.
One other noticeable facet to this year's class is that this might be one of the strongest American classes in several years, with two Americans in the top five and five in the top 15.
Here are my early top 30 prospects for the 2015 NHL draft, with honorable mentions listed at the bottom. Note that players are listed with their 2014-15 team.
1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)
Date of birth: 01/13/97
2013-14 stats: 56 games played | 28 goals | 71 assists
To restate the important section of my scouting report, McDavid is special and the clear No. 1. Jack Eichel would be a good candidate to go first overall in a standard draft, as he's an elite prospect, but McDavid is a level above elite.
2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (NCAA, Hockey East)
DOB: 10/28/96
2013-14 stats: 24 GP | 20 G | 25 A
Eichel's pure skill level with the puck is elite, and he can make defensemen look silly on a regular basis. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, Eichel also uses his body well to evade pressure and make the tough offensive plays that some smaller players aren't able to handle. He isn't a blazing skater, but his skating is commonly described as "deceptive" in terms of speed and agility.
3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)
DOB: 05/19/97
2013-14 stats: 32 GP | 2 G | 4 A
Kylington is the youngest goal scorer in SHL history and one of the best 16-year-old defensemen that league has seen in the modern era. His skating ability is off the charts, and he's a regular threat to lead the offensive attack into the opposing zone. He also has the IQ to be effective at both ends of the rink. He's very advanced for his age, but continued adjustments to the faster pace of pro hockey could elevate him to a higher level of prospect status.
4. Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College (NCAA, Hockey East)
DOB: 01/25/97
2013-14 stats: 31 GP | 6 G | 14 A
The Massachusetts native has an aggressive nature to his game. When the puck is on his stick, he has the confidence that he can make something happen, and often does. His tremendous skating and offensive creativity allow him to be a threat on the rush, and he is adept at bringing the puck out of the zone. When you couple that with a very developed frame for his age and a commitment to get on back on D, it makes Hanifin an elite prospect.
5. Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL)
DOB: 03/11/97
2013-14 stats: 63 GP | 26 G | 44 A
Konecny is no stranger to accolades, as he was the OHL's first overall pick in 2013 and was named that league's top rookie this past season. He's a dynamic skater and offensive creator who always is involved in the play and sees the ice very well. He's got a small frame, but has the necessary bite and intangibles you want in a small player to overcome that issue as an NHLer.
6. Pavel Zacha, LW, Sarnia (OHL)
DOB: 04/06/97
2013-14 stats: 38 GP | 4 G | 4 A
Zacha has followed a similar development path to the one Aleksander Barkov took two years ago. While he hasn't had many long stretches where he's dominated the past few seasons, that's due largely in part to the fact he's played considerably ahead of his age group or as one of the youngest in the pro Czech league. On a tools level, he has everything you want: size, speed and a high skill level. With his transfer to major junior this season, it will be interesting to see if he can take over versus other teenagers.
7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL)
DOB: 05/26/97
2013-14 stats: 59 GP | 14 G | 40 A
The Vancouver native plays the game with energy and pace. The first overall pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam draft is a great skater and puck handler who plays hard and brings top-notch effort to each shift. He has a good hockey IQ and is able to make the right decisions in tight lanes on top of setting up his linemates.
8. Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
2013-14 stats: 64 GP | 14 G | 30 A
There's so much to like about what Roy, who was exceptional for a 16-year-old defenseman in major junior, brings to the table. He's a smooth player in terms of his mobility and puck movement, and even though he's undersized, his high-level hockey IQ will allow him to be a tough-minutes, two-way defenseman at the NHL level. He can be dynamic in a simple way.
9. Colin White, C, USNTDP (USHL)
DOB: 01/30/97
2013-14 stats: 35 GP | 14 G | 14 A
White was the top scorer at last year's IIHF World Under-17 challenge and gets high praise for all elements of his game. He's a good skater with a high level of skill, creativity and understanding of how to positively impact scoring-chance differentials in all ends of the rink. His talent won't blow you away, but he knows how to get on the score sheet and neutralize the opponent's top line.
10. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)
DOB: 03/07/97
2013-14 stats: 60 GP | 10 G | 29 A
If you ask people around the OHL, there are many who believe Strome could end up being better than his brother, Ryan Strome (the No. 5 overall pick by the New York Islanders in 2011). While he's ahead of him at the same point on a development level, Ryan had a huge draft season, with 106 points in 65 games. They have similar skill sets in terms of skill/vision combinations but mediocre skating. Dylan might be a little slower, but he has a good frame -- he's 6-foot-3, 187 pounds entering the season -- and arguably more skill than Ryan.
11. Zach Werenski, D, Michigan (NCAA, Big Ten)
DOB: 07/19/97
2013-14 stats: 35 GP | 6 G | 13 A
Werenski is part two of the dynamic duo of American defensemen in this year's class. Said one source about Werenski: "He'll make the same dynamic plays as Hanifin does, but he'll make it seem like he's doing if effortlessly." Werenski's hockey sense drives a ton of value, which will help him to be effective as he leaves the NTDP early to play college hockey at age 17.
12. Mitch Marner, RW, London (OHL)
DOB: 05/05/97
2013-14 stats: 64 GP | 13 G | 46 A
If you want to be entertained at a hockey game, go watch Marner play, because he puts on a show. His puck skills and pure creativity are elite, and, when you combine that with his impressive skating and vision, he can create chances most players can't. He's not going to be the greatest physical or defensive player, but if you need a goal, send him over the boards.
13. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
DOB: 03/17/97
2013-14 stats: 67 GP | 30 G | 38 A
The Dutch Dangler (nobody calls him that to my knowledge ... yet) had a very successful first season in the QMJHL, and was one of the that league's top rookies. He's an explosive player who brings plus-speed, plus-hands and a great shot to the table. And though he's an undersized player who isn't the best in physical battles, he is dangerous skating through the neutral zone.
14. Rasmus Andersson, D, Barrie (OHL)
DOB: 10/27/96
2013-14 stats: 43 GP | 3 G | 10 A
A year ago, I'd have called you nuts to have Andersson outside the top 10 in this year's draft class. But while he's incredibly talented, his play has stagnated somewhat over the past 12 months. Still, he's an incredibly smooth skater and gifted puck handler who can be effective at both ends, and particularly on offense. There are some defensive issues he needs to tweak, and a few makeup concerns have been brought up within the industry.
15. Jeremy Bracco, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
DOB: 03/17/97
2013-14 stats: 34 GP | 9 G | 28 A
Bracco had 58 assists in 54 games with the USA under-17 team, more than Patrick Kane's 50 at the same age. "An assist machine" as one source put it, and a player commonly referred to as an "elite playmaker" by scouts. Bracco is a player with high-end puck skills and a great offensive mind who knows all the little plays that need to be made to generate offense. He's tiny at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, and he's not going to put anyone through a wall, but he'll dominate on power-play chances.
16. Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston (OHL)
DOB: 06/23/97
2013-14 stats: 63 GP | 15 G | 12 A
Crouse brings many elements that make him an appealing prospect. He's a quality skater and puck handler -- especially at 6-foot-3 -- and is strong defensively and uses his frame well. The former No. 5 overall pick in the OHL draft didn't put up giant numbers with Kingston this past season, but I think he could be due for a breakout.
17. Erik Cernak, D, HC Kosice (Slovakia)
DOB: 05/28/97
2013-14 stats: 13 GP | 0 G | 0 A
After a subpar 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship, Cernak got some negative press, but playing at that event as a 16-year-old defenseman is never easy. He's always played ahead of his age group though, including strong under-18 showings as a 15- and 16-year-old, and playing in Slovakia's top league at age 16. He's a gifted skater and puck mover for a big defenseman and has a solid projection in terms of own-end output.
18. Matt Spencer, D, Peterborough (OHL)
DOB: 03/24/97
2013-14 stats: 64 GP | 1 G | 15 A
Spencer was so-so in his first OHL season, but I expect a big performance from the former No. 3 OHL prospect in 2014-15. He's a really skilled puck handler who sees the ice well and has the skating tools to evade pressure and get up in the attack. With more consistency and adjustments to playing at a faster pace -- as he showed at the recent Ivan Hlinka -- I think he'll be a good one.
19. Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown (USHL)
DOB: 12/09/96
2013-14 stats: 56 GP | 31 G | 43 A
Connor was one of the top players in the USHL this past season, and as he heads back for a third campaign, he should contend for top scoring honors in that league. He's a high-end skater with a powerful stride who can be a major threat in transition. Connor knows how to make plays with the puck, and while he's not a dazzler, he has above-average possession skills.
20. Denis Malgin, C, GC Lions (NLB)
DOB: 01/18/97
2013-14 stats: 38 GP | 6 G | 13 A
I put Malgin at this spot but by midseason this could look foolishly low. He's been extremely impressive through his 15- and 16-year-old seasons as a small but very dynamic offensive player in terms of speed, hands and creativity. At age 16, he has played against men, and also played against older players internationally.
21. Nicolas Roy, RW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
DOB: 02/05/97
2013-14 stats: 63 GP | 16 G | 25 A
Roy was a much-hyped prospect coming up into the QMJHL. The tools make you pay attention: He's a 6-foot-3, 190-pound forward with high-end skills and the ability to make plays with his skating and offensive IQ. He's not a threatening player off the puck, and a little more consistency in that area will go a long way to maximizing his value.
22. Evgeni Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
DOB: 10/31/96
2013-14 stats: 29 GP | 14 G | 13 A
Due to his late-1996 birth date, Svechnikov has been around the prospect scene for a few years (many players on this list were born in 1997). He's a skilled puck handler with good speed and the ability to make tough offensive plays. I'm not sure he's a dynamic offensive talent, but I've seen flashes of that. A recent transfer to North America will make his commitment to the NHL easier to buy.
23. Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna (WHL)
DOB: 05/23/97
2013-14 stats: 66 GP | 25 G | 33 A
Merkley was the top rookie in the WHL this past season, putting up really impressive box-car numbers for a 16-year-old. He's a highly skilled player with a lot of flash and dynamic abilities to his game. Merkley can create, drive the tough areas and is constantly on the attack. However, he can be inconsistent off the puck and with his overall energy at times.
24. Aleksi Saarela, C, Luuko (Liiga)
DOB: 01/07/97
2013-14 stats: 12 GP | 0 G | 2 A
Saarela is one of the youngest players ever to register a point in Finland's top league, but he didn't blow people away in his 16-year-old season. I see a player with great hands, good offensive hockey sense and quality finishing skills, even if he's below average in terms of size and speed. He's tough to read right now. It's not crazy to envision him in the top 10 or out of the first round come June.
25. Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George (WHL)
DOB: 05/23/97
2013-14 stats: 67 GP | 10 G | 24 A
The Cleveland native isn't flashy, but he finds a way to be effective every game, and is solid-to-above average across the board. He has good speed, fine puck skills, is pretty effective defensively and has a decent physical game.
26. Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon (WHL)
DOB: 01/13/97
2013-14 stats: 56 GP | 6 G | 13 A
Provorov suits up for Russia's national program, but has come up playing through the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton program. He's a very gifted and nimble skater, with good-to-great two-way hockey sense. He makes a lot of the tough passes and can be a creator on the power play. He is responsible in his own end, but will be better there once he bulks up.
27. Graham Knott, LW, Niagara (OHL)
DOB: 01/13/97
2013-14 stats: 64 GP | 8 G | 14 A
Knott's a tough player to read, but certainly is a top NHL prospect as of now. He's a big winger (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) who skates very well for his size. Despite posting a mere 22 points in 64 games -- decent, but not great for a 16-year-old -- he has shown that he possesses some above-average skill elements. And while he might not be the most creative playmaker, he projects as a good two-way forward given his natural tools and noteworthy defensive acumen.
28. Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS (Liiga)
DOB: 10/29/96
2013-14 stats: 37 GP | 5 G | 4 A
Rantanen had a fine 17-year-old season topped off with a strong IIHF under-18 tournament. He's a big winger with impressive skill and vision who can make tough offensive plays. While not a very mean or edgy forward, he does protect the puck well and is strong in possession. He's also a decent penalty killer, and has been deployed in all situations. His skating is the area that needs the most improvement.
29. Blake Speers, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 01/02/97
2013-14 stats: 62 GP | 19 G | 21 A
Speers was a top rookie in the OHL in 2013-14, and among the top under-17 scorers. He shows very good speed, hands and intelligence as a passer. He's small -- 5-foot-11, 161 pounds -- and it's debatable if he has the talent you need at that size to be successful in the NHL. For now he remains interesting but needs a big 17-year-old campaign to remain in the first-round mix.
30. Thomas Novak, C, Waterloo (USHL)
DOB: 04/28/97
2013-14 stats: 25 GP | 26 G | 44 A
Novak started off his draft season with a bang, leading the Ivan Hlinka tournament in scoring after a strong 16-year-old season for St. Thomas Academy. He's a very good skater, especially given his size, and has above-average puck skills and a great wrist shot. He showed flashes at the Hlinka of being a high-IQ, high-pace player, but projecting high school players in that area is always tough. As a result, this will be a telling USHL season for Novak.
Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order):
Sebastian Aho, LW, Karpat (Liiga)
Sebastian Aho, D, Skelleftea (SHL)
Paul Bittner, LW, Portland (WHL)
Gustaf Franzen, C, Kitchener (OHL)
Nikita Korostelev, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
Kirill Pilipenko, RW, HK MVD (MHL)
Parker Wotherspoon, D, Tri-City (WHL)