After ranking the top 100 NHL prospects for 2015-16, and ranking each team by organizational depth, ESPN Insider Corey Pronman ranks the top 10 prospects for each NHL team. Here is his entry for the Winnipeg Jets. Extended write-ups on prospects ranked in the top 100 can be accessed here.
The Jets are well represented on my top prospects board -- with five skaters in my top 100, as well as the No. 5 goalie -- and have developed one of the best farm systems in the NHL.
Acquired as part of the Evander Kane blockbuster last season, Brendan Lemieux (son of longtime NHLer Claude Lemieux) scored 40 goals in the OHL this past season. He's not an overly flashy player, but his speed is solid, he has above-average skill and he has a great, two-way work ethic. Lemieux gets to the front of the net very well and can be a handful for defenders to box out.
In contrast, Michael Spacek is a flashy and exciting offensive player. He sees the ice at a very high level, which makes him dangerous when he sets up with space. He's an agile skater who can be quite elusive and make defenders miss. Spacek plays the game with energy and good work ethic, but overall, his physical game is less than impressive, and he doesn't look all that imposing when he engages in puck battles.
Andrew Copp is a fantastic north-south, in-your-face type of forward with high-end speed who projects to be a quality defensive forward as a pro with some offense to chip in. Hockey sense is Jansen Harkin's (11th) best trait, as he is patient, anticipates the play well, has good vision and is creative with the puck. He has the pure skill level to score, as well as the grit and frame to kill penalties effectively. His skating isn't necessarily a giant hole in his game, but his stride is a little awkward.
Chase De Leo (12th) and Eric Comrie (13th) are guys I have to mention, as well. I was impressed with De Leo's game this past season because of his talent and versatility. I don't think I've ever seen him take over a game, but he's a consistent positive factor because of his above-average speed, work ethic, skill and two-way hockey sense. His size is the major knock.
Comrie is an athletic goalie with impressive hockey sense, and he is a tough competitor for loose pucks. His technical details could be tightened up to limit low-percentage goals.
Noteworthy prospect
One of the main pieces in the Kane deal, Joel Armia was a late cut of mine from the top 100 after a, frankly, disastrous second half, with eight points in 21 AHL games following his trade from Buffalo to the Jets. His skill level is elite, and he's a big man, as well, but there have always been huge inconsistencies in his game in terms of his play off the puck and overall decision-making. As he enters his age-22 season, one has to wonder if he'll ever really round out his game to take the next step forward.
2015-16 impact
Here's where it gets interesting, as the ascendant Jets will have some tough calls to make. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is ready for the NHL, but with goalies, it's always a matter of there being only two spots on the big club, and it depends how the camp process plays out. The Jets' top prospects -- Nikolaj Ehlers, Nic Petan and Josh Morrissey -- should all be competitive during camp to make the team, particularly Ehlers. Copp could also be in the mix as a midseason injury call-up.