Top prospects for every NHL team, including 2017-18 impact

After ranking the top 100 NHL prospects and every team in order of prospect pipeline strength, it's now time to look at each team in depth.

For each club, I've provided a system overview, ranked the top 10 prospects and identified the players that will make a push for playing time with the big club in 2017-18. In addition, you'll find some brief thoughts on players from each team that are outside the top 100 overall (or top 10, for goalies).

The teams are listed in alphabetical order, but to skip to a specific team click on the link below:

ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CBJ | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN | MTL | NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | VGS | WSH | WPG

Anaheim Ducks

Pipeline rank: 21
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: Anaheim's system got a big boost from 30th overall pick Sam Steel turning into a world destroyer in the WHL this past season. Unfortunately, the pipeline doesn't stretch too far after the top six or seven prospects. After Steel, there isn't a ton in high-end talent, with Jacob Larsson stagnating a bit and Max Jones having question marks on his projection despite some occasional dynamic moments.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Maxime Comtois trended down this season after entering his draft year as a potential top-five pick; instead, the Ducks landed him No. 50 overall. For a guy standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he's a good skater with an easy burst out of his stride. He competes for pucks, is good defensively and can get to the tough areas. There is certainly skill in his game, but it's not of the high-end variety. He can make the odd play using his hands to create space, but he gets more chances with his speed and grit.

Antoine Morand is a small but skilled center who has been very good the past two seasons in the QMJHL. He's an above-average skater, quicker out of the gates than fast, but he's effective getting up the ice. Morand has very good stick skills and coordination while handling the puck. He excels as a playmaker, using his skill and vision to create chances, as well as being able to slow down the pace to let the play develop. Despite his smaller frame, he has shown that he can be an effective center at the QMJHL level.

Josh Mahura bounced back well after an injury-plagued draft season. His mobility looked good and was not affected by the knee surgery. He showed he could be effective at both ends, and he was a key player for Regina, one of the top CHL teams this past season.

The slightly undersized Deven Sideroff continues to grow on me. He has an edge to his game, is a quality skater and puck handler and can kill penalties. He's not a game breaker, but he could be a useful, versatile pro. I wasn't a huge Alex Dostie fan coming into the season, but he persuaded me that he belongs in the Ducks' Top 10. He is an impressive, small, skilled forward who skated on one of the top lines in the QMJHL this past season and was an important part of their dominance.

Kyle Olson is small but has a good skill level and competes at both ends of the rink. He has the puck skills to make quick-twitch plays and create off the rush. He shows an above-average shot, as well, and isn't afraid to get goals by going to the greasy areas. I don't love his skating for a smaller player.

It's also worth remembering the name Tyler Soy, who has continued to impress year after year. He's a skilled two-way player with good hockey sense and has shown enough improvements in his skating to make me think he can be an effective pro.

Noteworthy prospect: One of the key figures for the gold medal-winning Team USA at the World Juniors, Troy Terry also had a fantastic sophomore season for Denver, helping them to the NCAA title. Terry is a well-rounded prospect. He's a quality skater with good edge work and top speed. He's also a skilled puck handler who can make tough plays in tight spaces and make smart plays. Moreover, he can play a two-way game, with the ability to kill penalties and win battles. His shootout skills are obviously well known, too. He's not a game-breaker, but he's a player who will help a team in any role in which he's used.

2017-18 impact: Jacob Larsson, who made the Ducks out of camp last year, is an early favorite to push for ice time, especially after the Ducks traded Shea Theodore to Vegas. The Ducks have quite a few nice depth pieces in Nic Kerdiles, Kalle Kossila and Nic Sorensen who could chip in, too, but likely not in a significant manner.

Arizona Coyotes

Pipeline rank: 2
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: The Coyotes have the most elite talent of any system, with the No. 1 prospect in Clayton Keller, Dylan Strome not being far behind, and Christian Fischer, who established himself as a top prospect this past season. After that, the Coyotes have solid depth, but they aren't bursting at the seams with talent at each position. With Keller, Strome and Fischer potentially graduating this season, it's possible the Coyotes will be near the bottom of this list a year from now.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Nick Merkley has had a tough go the past few seasons. He hasn't taken a major step forward, and he's been hurt multiple times. His stats don't look gaudy, either. However, when you watched him play for Kelowna, you saw a player who still has a ton of NHL upside. Merkley has great vision and can be electric when he has the puck due to how instinctive he is at creating chances, looking like he's three steps ahead of the play at times. He's small and he needs skating work for a guy his size, but I still believe in him despite the bumps in the road.

Filip Westerlund established himself in the SHL this season, getting a regular shift with Frolunda as a 17-year-old. He has great hockey sense and overall puck-moving skill. Westerlund is calm and composed when he has the biscuit, making great outlets and evading pressure, and has soft hands. Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of other selling points to his game. Westerlund has mediocre speed, he's undersized and he isn't physical. His IQ allows him to be competent defensively, and he closes his gaps fine, but I wouldn't qualify him as a shutdown player.

Ryan MacInnis, son of Hall of Famer Al MacInnis, struggled in his first full pro season. He's a big center with above-average skills, but his lackluster speed continues to be an issue. He did show he could be useful in a penalty-killing role if he needs to be transitioned from a scoring to a defensive center.

Brandon Hickey is never going to wow you with offensive skill, but he's mobile, tough and strong and has a decent point shot. He could be a capable defensive defender at the lower or middle part of a lineup.

Mackenzie Entwistle is a big power winger with a decent all-around tool kit. I've seen him take faceoffs this past season, but he probably projects on the wing as a pro. Entwistle skates at an above-average level and is well above average for a 6-foot-3 player. He works hard to win battles and uses his big frame to his advantage. He's not going to be a primary creator of chances on his line at the NHL level, given his skill level, but he has fine hands.

I'll also drop a mention for Conor Garland (No. 11) as a high-skill guy who could break out next season, as well as Kyle Capobianco (No. 12) and Noel Hoefenmayer (No. 13) as young defensemen to keep an eye on.

Noteworthy prospect: Even as a 20-year-old rookie, Kyle Wood was one of the top defensemen in the AHL, showing a remarkably quick transition to the pro game. Acquired from Colorado in exchange for Mikkel Boedker in 2016, Wood has quickly become an important piece for the Coyotes. He's a tall defenseman with decent hands and a big point shot (he won the AHL hardest shot competition) and can make quality reads at both ends of the rink. Wood's major issue for years has been his skating, and that continues to be the case.

2017-18 impact: The Coyotes will have an influx of young talent this season, as Keller, Strome, Fischer and Wood could make the team or be immediate call-up options if the roster fills up. Keller and Strome will both be early favorites for the Calder Trophy.

Boston Bruins

Pipeline rank: 10
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: C-

Team overview: Charlie McAvoy's emergence as one of the best prospects in hockey this past season is a prime reason for Boston's high ranking. The Bruins also have a deep pipeline, with talent at every position. However, despite many first-round picks in recent drafts, they are lacking in true game-breaking talent outside of McAvoy, who will graduate this season.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Zach Senyshyn can be a frustrating player. His skating is elite, he has good puck skills and he can score goals single-handedly. However, his hockey IQ is just passable and he's not that great off the puck. Players with his size and talent are worth continuous monitoring, and I do see a real NHL shot for him, but I'm not sure he'll be a top-level scorer.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson had a solid sophomore season at Boston University along with Bruins teammate Charlie McAvoy. Forsbacka-Karlsson is a smart two-way player, who can play in tough defensive situations and still put up points. I know some NHL scouts see high-end potential in him, but I'm a little skeptical of his offensive skill and creativity at the next level.

Jakub Zboril has been up and down since being picked No. 13 overall in 2015. He's a high-end skater who can lead a rush, make a skilled play and use his body well defensively. However, his hockey sense is questionable, as he often gets into trouble trying to do too much. He's still on the NHL radar, but he's not as touted as he once was.

Jeremy Lauzon plays a hard-nosed game and also shows more than competent vision as a puck-mover. His skating needs to show improvement for him to be an effective two-way NHL player.

Anders Bjork has long been a favorite of mine, and he broke out with 52 points in 39 games as a junior for Notre Dame this season as one of the top players in college hockey. Bjork is a great skater who plays hard without taking penalties and has a decent skill level. I'm not sure I see him as a top scorer in the NHL, but he's smart enough and, given his legs, can get himself enough scoring chances.

Ryan Lindgren is a good skater who can join the rush effectively and has the mobility to stay with quick forwards. He is a tough competitor who battles for pucks as hard as anyone and will lay out some crushing hits on occasion. His decision-making with the puck and creativity aren't top-notch, and he will be more of a tough-minutes defender in the pros than a puck-mover.

Emil Johansson needs time, but he's one of my favorite under-the-radar prospects.

Noteworthy prospect: Trent Frederic is a player who proved me wrong this season, showing a lot more offensive potential than I'd previously noticed. He's a big man with good vision and an above-average shot who can also play in tough defensive situations. He could be quicker and isn't a dangler, but his offensive IQ drives value and led him to being a top player in the Big 10, skating for Wisconsin.

2017-18 impact: Charlie McAvoy could step into the Bruins' top four right away based on how he looked in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. DeBrusk and Forsbacka-Karlsson will also likely push for a starting job out of camp. The Bruins' system is deep. There are several older pro-level players - such as Peter Cehlarik and Danton Heinen up front, Matt Grzelcyk on D and Zane McIntyre and Malcolm Subban in goal -- who stretch the depth chart out and could chip in at the pro level. Daniel Vladar is also a promising goalie prospect on the younger side in the pro ranks but won't likely be ready this season.

Buffalo Sabres

Pipeline rank: 11
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: The Sabres have picked in the top 10 for two straight drafts, bringing in a pair of quality prospects in Alexander Nylander and Casey Mittelstadt. Later picks like Cliff Pu, Rasmus Asplund and Brendan Guhle also had strong 2016-17 seasons. The system is a little thin after the top names, with their AHL affiliate lacking in potential contributors.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Buffalo is high on Brendan Guhle. I'm not as enthusiastic about him, but I see things to like. He's a fantastic skater, particularly for his size, who can lead an attack well and close his gaps efficiently. I worry that his offensive skills aren't as developed; while he's fine handling the puck, he can be rather ordinary, moving it with his vision rather than his feet.

After a successful few years in the KHL, including being named a first-team All-Star and a leading scorer in last season's playoffs, Antipin looks ready to be a useful NHL player. He's a skilled puck-mover with good mobility. He's small and doesn't play a physical game, but his defense is passable given his gap control and reads.

Nick Baptiste had a solid second pro season. He's a good skater who plays a simple yet effective game. He's not a pure dangler, but he's smart enough to go to the right spots to get his scoring chances.

Scouts I talk to overseas have one common description of Marcus Davidsson: smart. He's a versatile player who can play center or the wing effectively and play a role on both special teams. Davidsson skates at an above-average level, sometimes flashing at a higher level. He can make some offensive plays, works hard to win pucks and projects to have value defensively as a pro.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a physically towering netminder, and he takes away a lot of net before we even get into his skill set. He's not a super-athletic goalie but rather gets his stops by taking away space, being economical with his movements and reading the play well. He can get across the crease when he needs to, with solid power from his legs, and can make the occasional highlight-reel type of play.

I'm losing patience on Hudson Fasching (No. 11). I see a big man with decent tools and the ability to make plays at both ends, but it just seems like he's never going to develop the offensive instincts to be an important player at the NHL level.

Noteworthy prospect: Casey Fitzgerald is a great skater who can make standout offensive plays. I've always been troubled by his defensive coverage and risk management, but he's at least shown some progress on both fronts. In the end, he's still a work in progress.

2017-18 impact: The Sabres' system isn't ready to graduate too many players, though KHL import Antipin will be an NHL regular and potentially useful on Buffalo's power play. Guhle should get a long look at camp but could probably use some AHL time. Baptiste and Fasching could also contend for a depth role.

Calgary Flames

Pipeline rank: 25
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: C+

Team overview: The Flames don't have an elite player in their system after Matthew Tkachuk graduated in 2016-17, but solid drafting has resulted in reasonable talent at every position, particularly on defense with Juuso Valimaki, Adam Fox and Oliver Kylington. Their AHL team was entertaining this past season, with talent to see throughout the lineup. Their system could provide a lot of help to the big club during the next two seasons.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Tyler Parsons has quickly become one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey. It's easy to see what is appealing about Parsons when you watch him, as his athleticism is fantastic. He often makes saves he has no business making, and gets to second-chance shots with high frequency. He can be a little all over the place in his crease, but goalie scouts I've talked to attribute that to him being so quick and not knowing how to control his abilities yet.

Matthew Phillips was one of the best players in the WHL this past season. At 5-foot-7, his size will always be brought up, but he's dynamic. An improvement to his speed has elevated his stock, when combined with good skating, top-end skill, a good shot and a willingness to compete.

Adam Ruzicka's assist totals weren't gaudy in the OHL, but I think he has fine vision and can make creative plays. There may have been an issue of pace for him at times in juniors; the talent shines through, but inconsistently. Ruzicka is also able to play a decent power game and shows an above-average wrist shot as well. His skating is worrisome, however, as he has a heavy first step.

There is a lot to like about Rasmus Andersson. He's smart, has good puck skills with pro size and has shown for years he can produce versus men. His fitness and skating continue to be problems, though.

Andrew Mangiapane had a great rookie pro season. He's a high-end speedster with good puck skills and a great work ethic who needs to work on his defense and lower the risk in his decision-making.

Signed as a free agent after three seasons at Union College, Spencer Foo is a hard-working player with a good physical game and fine skill set.

Noteworthy prospect: Mark Jankowski will never live up to the hype the Flames organization generated for him on his draft day -- taking him No. 21 overall in 2012 -- but he has developed well since turning pro and could end up being a useful piece. He's a skilled playmaker with size, and while he isn't a great penalty killer, his off-the-puck play has come a long way. He's not a dominant talent, but he could get points in the NHL.

2017-18 impact: Calgary's deal for Travis Hamonic makes the path for Andersson a little tougher. Kylington could at least make a rumble at camp, although he likely still needs more AHL time. Jankowski and Foo may be able to play a depth role for the Flames. Goaltender Jon Gillies is an X factor due to his talent and injury issues. He may enter camp and not be close to the NHL, or he could be knocking on the door.

Carolina Hurricanes

Pipeline rank: 15
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: Carolina has done a good job building quality young assets the past few seasons, including 2016-17 graduate Sebastian Aho. The bulk of their strength is from the many first-round picks that remain in their system, but later picks like Nicolas Roy are also a reason for their high ranking. They will have a number of options from their AHL team ready to help at the NHL level in 2017-18.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Janne Kuokkanen is not an outstanding offensive player in any one regard, but he's a well-rounded threat who can play center or wing, though he projects more as a winger. Kuokkanen has a strong burst in his skating, he can make skill plays, and he maintains possession in tight spaces. He has a decent power game in his arsenal, as I've seen him drive in the area in front of the net and protect the puck effectively.

Lucas Wallmark is a high-level playmaker with great offensive IQ who had a solid first season in the AHL. Wallmark's skating has always been a major hindrance, and it remains to be seen if it will hold him back from making a mark at the NHL level.

A member of many "All-Name Team" lists from the 2017 NHL draft class, Stelio Mattheos is a solid defensive forward who can play multiple positions up front. Mattheos is coordinated with the puck and has creativity but is more effective when he's driving the net than trying to be a playmaker. In seemingly every stop along his development, he has earned a high share of ice time, including at the IIHF under-18 championship, where he was one of Canada's top players and leading shot generators.

Roland McKeown went deep into Carolina's camp and had a decent 2016-17 season in the AHL. He's a very good skater, who makes smart defensive reads. Every now and then he shows you flashes of being a real offensive player, but it looks like the offensive part of his game is unlikely to develop.

Noteworthy prospect: Aleksi Saarela had a slightly odd season. After not participating in any under-20 tournaments, he was good in Finland -- being one of Liiga's top shot generators but not getting a ton of points -- and then came to the AHL, where he scored at a point-per-game pace. Saarela is small, but tough. He won't wow you except maybe with his shot, but he's average to above-average in most areas of the game.

2017-18 impact: The Hurricanes have a lot of players in Charlotte this past season who could provide help: Saarela, Wallmark, Sergey Tolchinsky and Valentin Zykov up front; Fleury and Trevor Carrick on D. Roy and Gauthier have the most upside in the pipeline but will likely need some time in the AHL before joining the roster on a full-time basis.

Chicago Blackhawks

Pipeline rank: 27
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 2
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: Chicago's recent drafting has been a mixed bag. Alex DeBrincat was the top player in the CHL this past season, but some other recent high picks have stagnated or struggled. There is decent depth in the system, but there is a lack of top talent outside of DeBrincat and 2017 first-round pick Henri Jokiharju.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Ian Mitchell is a smart puck-mover with good stick skills. He can be an evasive player in open ice, outlet the puck well and quarterback a power play. His skating isn't explosive, but he has above-average speed, with good edge work and ability to get out of trouble. His 5-foot-11 frame will obviously be a point of contention. While I don't think he's amazing defensively, his impressive hockey sense allows him to make stops and be in the right positional spot.

It was rare for me to watch a game involving Evan Barratt and not come away with at least a mildly positive impression of him. He's able to make a lot of tough offensive plays with the puck on his stick. He has soft hands in tight spaces, and makes above-average passes seem routine. He'll make soft touch plays but also has the grit in his game to win battles and get to the net. Defensively, he plays his position fine and isn't afraid to sacrifice the body. I don't love his speed, particularly for a smaller player.

John Hayden had a good senior season for Yale, and was a useful player for Chicago down the stretch. He has decent skill for his size, has a solid physical game and gets pucks to the net. He could also potentially be a decent defensive forward in the NHL, although adding a step to his mediocre skating will help him be a competent penalty killer.

After an appearance in the top 10 of some 2017 draft-prospect rankings last summer, Chad Krys had a rough start to the season, then picked it up in the second half before going No. 45 overall. He's a great skater and puck-mover who can be a true power-play quarterback. However, defensively he can still be quite troublesome in part due to his size and reads. The significant upside is still there, but he may take a while.

"A grinder with the skill to make the plays a lot of hard-nosed guys can't," one NHL scout said of Tim Soderlund. He's often a shorthanded threat, because if he ever gets puck control and is near the defenseman, he can easily blow past him. While Soderlund is not a playmaking dynamo, he has solid puck skills and can move the puck around.

Lucas Carlsson displays solid to average stick skills and is a very good puck-mover. On defense, he makes stops using good positioning and stick play. He's not going to be a dominant player, but he has NHL upside.

Noteworthy prospect: Dylan Sikura was a monster in his junior season for Northeastern as one of the more dangerous scorers in the country. He's a skilled playmaker with good offensive hockey sense and quality speed. He's probably not dynamic enough for a small player to be a top scorer as a pro, and he could stand to improve defensively.

2017-18 impact: Never say never with a prospect like DeBrincat, especially with all the changes in Chicago, but my hunch is he takes some time in the AHL. It's much more likely the bottom of their roster is populated with older players like Hayden and Ville Pokka.

Colorado Avalanche

Pipeline rank: 20
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 2
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: Colorado usually tends to target players that aren't high-skill or upside types of talent, but they landed a 2017 draft class that seems to deviate from that trend. High-quality talents Tyson Jost and Cale Makar -- the club's first-rounders from the past two drafts -- salvage what has otherwise been a near disastrous past five years at the draft for the organization.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: J.T. Compher didn't trend way up this season, but he was very good in the AHL and OK in the NHL and at the world championships. There are legitimate questions at this point in his development if there's enough in his game to be an NHL scorer, despite having some desirable offensive qualities. However, he is a grinder, can play his defensive position responsibly as a center and does have some creativity in his game.

Conor Timmins can look like a rather boring player and isn't going to excite a lay observer. However, his hockey sense drives a ton of value to his game. He is a very effective puck mover with top-level vision. You rarely see him cough up the puck, and he's effective at quickly relieving pressure and making a good play with the puck. Defensively, he's solid because of his IQ and the way he battles to win pucks, though he needs to continue to bulk up.

Andrei Mironov has been a favorite of mine for a few years. His upside isn't through the roof, but he's a pro-sized defenseman who skates fine and makes stops with reads, and his body and can be competent moving the puck. He has held his own in the KHL the past few seasons, including being a 20 minutes-per-game player this past season.

Nicolas Meloche has stagnated the past few years, but there is still some promise in his game. Meloche skates well in all directions, has good stick skills, can outlet and quarterback a power play. He also is a pretty physical player who toes the line between physical and undisciplined. I'm not sure his IQ is high-end enough to make the most of his tools, but the upside is tantalizing.

Nick Henry had a great rookie season in the WHL for Regina, putting up a lot of points skating alongside WHL MVP Sam Steel, the No. 30 pick in the 2016 draft (Anaheim). His skill level doesn't jump out at you, but Henry is a very effective offensive player. He's a solid, if not above-average, skater who pressures defenders on the forecheck with his speed and hustle. He's a smart playmaker, with the vision and pace to slide in on the top power-play unit next to elite CHL players and fit right in.

Anton Lindholm is never going to be an offensive dynamo, but he's a steady defenseman who showed this season that he can be OK at the NHL level. He skates quite well, plays hard and is able to take the tough defensive minutes.

Denis Smirnov was one of the top scorers and playmakers in college hockey, skating as a teenage freshman for Penn State. His skill level and work ethic are high-end. He can make some risky mistakes, but in general his great creativity and vision allow him to make tough plays seem routine. NHL scouts are tentative on him in part because of how slow he is for a smaller guy.

Center Jean-Christophe Beaudin is a name to file away as a future contributor as a two-way forward.

Noteworthy prospect: A.J. Greer got off to a great start in the first half of the season and then cooled off. He's a big forward with a nice skill level for his size and battles hard for pucks. He's not that quick, but his skating is coming along. I do have questions, as I have had for years, about his ultimate offensive upside, but he has alleviated a lot of my concerns with a strong rookie pro campaign, including not looking out of place in a brief amount of NHL time.

2017-18 impact: Jost isn't a lock but is a strong candidate to make this thin team out of camp. Compher, Greer and Lindholm all provide depth and showed they could contribute in the NHL last season. Mironov is a real option to play in the NHL to bolster a poor blue line. I'm not a huge fan of Spencer Martin, but he could be an emergency option as a goalie.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Pipeline rank: 16
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B-

Team overview: A year later, Columbus' 2016 draft class looks like a mixed bag. I'm all-in on third-rounder Vitaly Abramov, who was MVP of the QMJHL and looks like a real game-changer. I like No. 3 overall pick Pierre-Luc Dubois a lot, but he took a step back this past season. I don't see a ton of upside in second-rounder Andrew Peeke. They did fine with what they had in 2017, and I still believe in Sonny Milano to an extent. However, after graduating Zach Werenski in 2016-17, there are enough question marks in their system to make me wary.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Alexandre Texier is as non-traditional a player as you will find in the NHL prospect world, playing his entire first draft-eligible season in Grenoble of the top France league. He impressed at every level: the pro league, the under-20 and under-18 tournaments, and while playing for the French senior national team. He's a highly skilled playmaker who can make very technical skill plays routinely. However, he isn't a well-rounded player, needing to add speed to his game and play harder off the puck in battles.

I've always been a bit of a Gabriel Carlsson skeptic, as some Blue Jackets fans might be aware. I see the positives: a big, mobile defenseman who makes smarts plays. However, the lack of skill is glaring, and I have significant concerns about his long-term upside. His hockey IQ gives reason for hope. He makes stops without taking penalties, and he gets the puck out of pressure situations fine. He also held up fine in his NHL games, including postseason play.

Emil Bemstrom is a skilled winger who can make tough, coordinated plays with the puck, make solid distributions and is able to finish chances from a distance. His skating is fine, but I don't love his speed, given that he's 5-foot-11. Bemstrom has played center in the past and could be competent taking a draw here and there, but he projects on the wing as a pro, given that he isn't an overly physical player or a very reliable defensive forward.

Calvin Thurkauf had a solid season between the WHL and his play at the World Juniors. He chips in at both ends of the rink. His speed, hands, vision and shot all show at a pro-average level or a little higher. I don't see a dynamic offensive player, but at the least, he could be a quick forward who wins battles and gets a few chances.

Despite the fact that Daniil Tarasov missed the entire 2016-17 season, scouts have a long memory of how he stepped into the world under-18 championships as an underage player amid the drug scandal plaguing Team Russia and was a wall versus older players. When I scouted Tarasov in 2015-16, I saw an athletic 6-foot-3 goalie with solid reads in how he squared up pucks. His technique isn't perfect, as he can look a little jumpy at times, but I attribute that to his inherent quickness.

Andrew Peeke is a good skater for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. He evades pressure and is able to join the rush pretty effectively. Peeke shows solid vision, but his puck skills aren't at that level. Peeke's defense is quality, with his positioning a slight issue, but his mobility, size and work ethic allow him to be a quality defender.

Noteworthy prospect: Vladislav Gavrikov, who just signed a two-year deal in the KHL, is uncertain to make it to Columbus in the near future but has shown well in the KHL and at the World Championships. He skates well for a 6-foot-3 defender, is physical and makes good reads. He'll never be a premier puck mover in the NHL, though.

2017-18 impact: Dubois should make a good case to make the team out of camp, likely getting at least a trial, though I'm not convinced he's ready to be a full-time player. Milano should get a longer stretch of NHL games and even get work on the power play. Carlsson played at the bottom of Columbus' lineup when he was up last season. I'm not sold that he's a lock to make the team, but he'll be in the mix.

Dallas Stars

Pipeline rank: 19
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: A solid 2017 draft class inserted some optimism into a somewhat mediocre Dallas system, the highlight of which was two recent first-round picks in Julius Honka and Denis Guryanov. Miro Heiskanen, the system's top prospect and No. 3 overall pick this past June, is a true front-line defense prospect. The Stars also show moderate depth at every position except center, although the progression of 2016 third-round pick Fredrik Karlstrom provides a little depth at that area.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Jason Robertson put up big scoring and shot numbers this past season. He is a tall, strong forward who works hard to win pucks. He has above-average puck skills and can make plays in open ice. Robertson is often tagged as a goal scorer, with a very good shot that helped him be one of the top scorers in the OHL this season. However, he is also a smart player who gets his chances through good reads and getting to the right spots on the ice. I've also seen him make nice passes and smart reads that help his team maintain possession. The big problem with Robertson is that he has anvils for feet, and it's his skating that causes a lot of debate on his long-term value.

Denis Guryanov has been up and down in his post-draft development. At his best, such as at times during the World Juniors, you see a tall, strong forward with excellent speed who can make skilled plays and drive the net. However, he gets lost in the pace a little too often, and despite his working hard in the physical game, this can result in his being inconsistent. He showed quality skill for a teenager at the AHL level but had trouble earning significant minutes. He has a lot of upside, but the former first-rounder (2015) needs more time.

Roope Hintz had a very solid season, including leading the Liiga playoffs in scoring. He's an above-average playmaker -- particularly good for a 6-foot-2 player -- and has decent speed, too. He has never been great away from the puck, and that continued this past season, but he can score and has shown that he can do so versus men.

Jason Dickinson has always been a little dull for me. I see things to like with him. He's big and has decent skill and above-average speed. Defensively, he's strong on his checks and can win battles, too. He just doesn't have the next-level ability to be a core player at the NHL level.

Frederik Karlstrom had a nice 18-year-old season, serving as a very effective player in Sweden's second-tier pro league. He's a smart playmaker with decent hands and speed for a 6-foot-2 forward. He isn't a spectacular player at any one area of the game, but he's steady and effective in a lot of them.

Remi Elie is what he has always been: a fierce competitor, a great skater and someone who can make the occasional scoring chance happen. But he isn't an imaginative playmaker.

A couple young defensemen also worth mentioning are Gavin Bayreuther (No. 11) and Dillon Heatherington (No. 12). Bayreuther is a work in progress off the puck, but he's a good puck-mover with a quality shot. On the other hand, Heatherington is a tall defensive defender with decent feet and a great work ethic.

Noteworthy prospect: Riley Tufte had a rough freshman season at University of Minnesota-Duluth, scoring his first point in the middle of the season despite playing in most games, though his play did pick up in the second half. He's a gifted skater for a big man, with decent skills and a quality power game. I question if his hockey sense is pro level.

2017-18 impact: The Stars have quite a few young players ready to help. As previously mentioned, Honka looks ready for the next level and could possibly be a top-four defenseman as soon as this season. Dickinson, Elie and Gemel Smith could provide depth at the bottom of the forward rotation. I wouldn't rule out Hintz making a case for NHL time, but I'd like to see him in the AHL for a full season.

Detroit Red Wings

Pipeline rank: 24
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 5
2017 NHL draft grade: B-

Team overview: On the bright side, the Wings have used more high draft picks the past few years than they usually have, providing a lot of depth to their ranks and building in the proper fashion. On the negative side, I haven't loved what they've done with some of those high picks the past two years, leaving them in a position of being more average than they should be.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: I watched a lot of Dennis Cholowski this past season, and I saw in flashes the player Detroit envisioned at 20th overall. He's a mobile defenseman with good stick skills who can make some tough offensive plays. But I didn't always see that player, and I am skeptical about how much impact he might have, given that he is an average defender.

Axel Holmstrom missed most of the season recovering from an injury, and when he returned he wasn't too effective between the SHL and AHL, though he had a nice SHL postseason. Worries about his skating persist. Despite how much I like his vision, his skill/size combo and his two-way game, I worry that he is never going to elevate his game to that next level after looking so promising a few years ago.

It's easy to see a big forward with a ton of penalty minutes and average point numbers and roll your eyes, but when I've scouted Givani Smith, I have seen traits of a guy who could be an NHL player. He has pretty good puck skills for a big man but is not going to win a fastest skater competition.

Noteworthy prospect: Tyler Bertuzzi -- nephew of long-time NHLer Todd Bertuzzi -- was the MVP of the AHL playoffs. His skill level isn't outstanding but is arguably above average. He couples that with fine speed, a great work ethic and an agitating style of play.

2017-18 impact: Although Detroit is usually tentative with young players, I wouldn't be shocked to see Svechnikov get a long look out of camp. If Bertuzzi is ever going to be an NHLer, this looks like his time after how he played at the end of the season. Defenseman Robbie Russo is a depth option but replaceable if lost on waivers.

Edmonton Oilers

Pipeline rank: 28
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: A rare sight during the past decade: The Oilers don't have much coming in terms of prospects! This year's first-round pick Kailer Yamamoto is promising, and the Oilers have some decent depth at defense, but overall, the system is thin and light on impact. More than any other fan base, I imagine long-suffering Oilers fans aren't incredibly concerned with this at the moment, given that their youthful team made it to the Western Conference sem-finals this past spring.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Laurent Brossoit is a big goalie who moves easily between the pipes and squares himself up very effectively for just about any shot. Brossoit has athleticism but is also a very smart goaltender who picks up plays before they happen and can anticipate the passes. His stock has held steady, and though he isn't a top-end prospect, he seems like a candidate for NHL starts next season.

Dmitry Samorukov is mobile, particularly at 6-foot-2, and is more than capable of jumping up into the attack. His skill level isn't elite, but he's a smart puck-mover who can make creative plays. On defense, he isn't afraid to get involved in the physical play and can win battles.

At 6-foot-5, Ostap Safin has very good feet for a big man, with an easy first few steps. He handles the puck fine, can make the occasional creative play or distribution, possesses an accurate wrist shot and is able to finish chances well. However, he isn't going to be a primary playmaker on his line as a pro.

Markus Niemelainen is never going to dazzle you with offensive skill, but he's a good skater for a tall defenseman, and can be a rock in his own end with his reads and mobility.

Dylan Wells has explosive feet and good reflexes, and he makes one or two unbelievable saves in each game. He's a top-form player off the ice as well, as he trains as hard as anybody. His positioning is subpar, though. He isn't the most sound technically goalie, but he showed good progress in that area this season.

Noteworthy prospect: Ethan Bear was voted the top defenseman in the WHL this season, finishing a stellar major junior career. He's a solid defender with fine puck skills who shows good IQ on his outlets and power-play management. He also has a cannon from the point. Bear's major flaw is his so-so skating, which keeps him from top prospect status in my eyes.

2017-18 impact: There isn't much on the way for the Oilers in 2017-18. They have some players who could provide depth, such as Brossoit in net as a backup or Jujhar Khaira at forward. Jesse Puljujarvi isn't considered a prospect per my definition -- due to his playing 28 NHL games last season -- but he will be the young player to monitor.

Florida Panthers

Pipeline rank: 22
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: By drafting Owen Tippett and Henrik Borgstrom the past two years, the Panthers have added a lot of upside into their system, with some other intriguing high-skill forwards picked later. The ranks are thin at the AHL level though, and some of their drafts prior to 2016 have failed to add depth into the pipeline.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Texas native Max Gildon has real offensive upside, as he's a smooth skater, particularly for a 6-foot-3 player. He moves the puck fine, and has a big shot from the point. His hockey IQ can be up and down. Some days he's showing good vision and creating well, other days he's making brain-cramp turnovers and misreading the play. There are consistency issues in his game, but at the end of the day he can make a difference.

Ian McCoshen has always been quietly steady and effective. Some scouts love his skill set, but personally I've never been wowed by him in terms of speed or skill. He's a smart two-way player with good defensive reads and isn't afraid to play a physical game.

Jayce Hawryluk shows flashes of skill, creativity and vision, but he's likely not a great NHL scorer; he'll be more of a reliable two-way player. Off the puck, he's tough, determined, can lay out the occasional big hit and disrupts offensive plays even though he's not the largest player on the ice.

Jonathan Ang isn't a perfect player but has some dynamic traits. He's got a great first step and can jet through the neutral zone as well as most CHL forwards to couple with good hands. He's small, but he battles well and can chip in on a penalty kill.

Maxim Mamin has shown me quality speed for a forward his size. His skill level is just fine, but it is passable for a pro and shows a willingness to play at both ends.

Dryden Hunt is a gifted playmaker with good hockey IQ and competitiveness who showed well as a rookie pro. His skating, particularly for his size, causes me to continue to hedge on him as a top prospect.

Some other names to know: winger Henrik Haapala, along with defensemen Mike Downing and Linus Nassen. Haapala is a skilled little guy, but I'm not convinced his skill level is high enough to score in the NHL given his size. Downing is a hard-nosed big defender with decent tools, but I've never loved his hockey IQ. Nassen's puck transporting skills impressed when I've seen him, but he has a ways to go.

Noteworthy prospect: I was impressed by Aleksi Heponiemi all season, from his dominant performance at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in the summer through his season in the WHL. Heponiemi is a dynamic playmaker. He can use his great skating ability to push the pace and create chances off the rush. He also has the top-level vision to see plays develop from a slower pace, and make the difficult feeds. Heponiemi has above-average stick skills, and though he isn't a dangerous shooter, he's a dangerous offensive weapon overall. Detractors will point to his 5-foot-10 frame, and that he isn't physical.

2017-18 impact: The Panthers don't have a lot of significant help on the way, but they have a lot of older players who can chip in at the bottom of their lineup. Hawryluk, Hunt, Mamin, Haapala, Downing and McCoshen could all chip in if a call-up is needed, with Hawryluk having the biggest chance to make an impact. Sebastian Repo is a darkhorse for a roster spot.

Los Angeles Kings

Pipeline rank: 17
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: A-

Team overview: Prior to the 2017 draft, the Kings' system looked like it'd stay near the bottom of the league. But a great class, headlined by first-rounder Gabriel Vilardi, salvages this system's previously thin ranks. Defenseman Kale Clague has also rebounded to top prospect form, giving the Kings some top-end talent for the future.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Markus Phillips is a smart, skilled defenseman who has shown that he can be a useful contributor everywhere he goes. His skating stands out immediately. He isn't blazing fast, but he has an easy stride and skates well in all directions. Although his offensive skills aren't elite, he can make some above-average plays off the rush to evade pressure. He's solid defensively, as he can grind for pucks and make good reads.

Younger brother of Devils prospect Joey Anderson, Mikey Anderson is a sound two-way defenseman. Defensively, he's a rock, with great gap control, good reads and a willingness to sacrifice the body. He shows good vision transitioning the puck up ice and solid stick skills when evading pressure. I'd like to see a more explosive gear in his skating, particularly for a player under 6-foot-0.

Paul LaDue is an older prospect but has shown well in his time as a pro, and has potential remaining even though he's entering the typical prime for players. He's a tall defenseman who skates and handles the puck well for his size, and doesn't hurt his team. He won't blow anyone away with his skill, but can be an effective two-way defenseman.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan isn't an elite skill type of player, but he does a lot well, and was always noticeable during games. I like the first few steps, speed and hustle in his game. His hands are slightly above-average, but he makes plays because he's quick.

Mike Amadio is a quality two-way center. He win a lot of battles and works as hard as anyone does shift to shift. He's not incredibly flashy, but he's always around the puck, making quick, aware reads. Amadio has fine hands and can make some plays, but his speed isn't ideal.

Spencer Watson is a tough guy to get a read on. He's a skilled player who can generate chances with his vision and hands, and has a good shot. His off-the-puck game hasn't shown a ton of progression, nor has he gotten much quicker, since his draft season. There's upside remaining, but he needs to work on those deficiencies.

Another name to file away is Jonny Brodzinski, who has been good in the AHL. He has a great shot and good hands but isn't the best skater. Paul Ladue isn't dynamic, but he's a quality puck mover and skater for a big man who can make stops.

Noteworthy prospect: Austin Wagner is a fun player to watch because of how electric a skater he is. He's not much of an east-west skill player, but he flies through the neutral zone, attacks the net and is a quality penalty killer, often getting shorthanded scoring chances.

2017-18 impact: Kempe and LaDue look ready to be useful full-time NHL players. Brodzinski could also make the team out of camp, but he likely will be more of a depth player.

Minnesota Wild

Pipeline rank: 6
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: B-

Team overview: Despite not having first-round picks in two of past five drafts, losing their other first-rounder in the expansion draft, and never picking in the top 10 in that time frame, the Wild have built a very good farm system, with star-level prospects at the top. It's not a deep system, but few other teams can match a top four of Joel Eriksson Ek, Jordan Greenway, Kirill Kaprizov and Luke Kunin.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: A Los Angeles native, Ivan Lodnia dangles defenders seemingly every shift and can create dangerous chances with consistency. His vision isn't as good as his puck skills, but he's clearly an above-average playmaker. He isn't a perfect player, and that's because he's small. He isn't a great skater for a player at 5-foot-10, and he isn't going to be the first guy you want to kill a penalty.

Mason Shaw has high-end puck skills, great vision and makes quick decisions with the puck. Shaw has a pass-first mentality to his game, and is often the starting point of offense for Medicine Hat. His foot speed has gotten a little better this season, but it's not a selling point, particularly for a 5-foot-9 player. He's surprisingly decent defensively, especially on the penalty kill.

Whether it was in the KHL, or centering Valeri Nichushkin and Ivan Telegin in international play, Andrei Svetlakov showed a steady two-way game down the middle. I don't see truly dynamic qualities in his play, but he does a lot well. He's an above-average skater, has solid puck skills, grinds for pucks and can be a reliable penalty killer.

Gustav Olofsson is a little dull at times, but big defensemen who skate well aren't easy to find. He's smart enough to be a competent two-way defenseman in the NHL, and while he has decent hands I don't see him as a game-breaker.

Louis Belpedio is a personal favorite of mine, and not just because it's fun to say his name. Belpedio is a good skater who can lead a rush and move the puck. He's a smaller player, but he battles hard for pucks and makes fine defensive reads.

A couple other small forwards to know are Christoph Bertschy and Justin Kloos. Bertschy has a fine skill/speed combo, but isn't a dynamic player. Kloos skates well and can be a useful two-way forward.

Noteworthy prospect: Dmitry Sokolov scored 48 goals and was one of the top shot generators in the OHL. He is a highly skilled forward with an elite shot who can dominate based on his puck skills and power game. He's an iffy skater, but as he has gotten his weight more under control that aspect has looked somewhat better. I'd like to see him make more plays to teammates, but he creates a lot of chances.

2017-18 impact: Eriksson Ek could be a middle-six forward out of camp. Kunin is also knocking on the door, making for an interesting and potentially competitive training camp for the Wild's top prospects. Olofsson will likely make the team as well, in a lower role.

Montreal Canadiens

Pipeline rank: 23
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: Montreal was one of the hardest systems to evaluate. From middle-round picks like Victor Mete looking fantastic, first-rounders like Nikita Scherbak and Noah Juulsen not dominating like you'd hope, to top prospect Martin Reway having to miss a season with a heart condition, there's a lot of uncertainty with this group.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Noah Juulsen had a fine finish to his WHL career and World Juniors, but there is a blandness to his game. He's likely to be a solid yet unspectacular two-way defenseman in the NHL who can win battles, make some stops and get the puck up the ice.

Charles Hudon has been a little stagnant the past few years, being a very good AHL player but not finding a way to convince the Habs that he is a legitimate NHL forward. He had a good skill level and an above-average shot and can skate with pros. The concern is whether he's dynamic enough for a small player to get a clear NHL role.

Nikita Scherbak had a solid second pro season, showing significant progression from where he was the previous season. He's a big winger with above-average hands and vision, with the ability to stand out with his talent. On the negative side, he isn't great off the puck, and his speed is just OK.

Will Bitten is an explosive skater who brings a lot of energy to every shift. He's a skilled offensive player who shows creativity, even if his point totals with Hamilton weren't fantastic this season. Bitten has the speed and work ethic to be a fine penalty killer and plays with the intensity you want in a checker.

Jarret Tyszka skates well, with a great jump in his first step, dangerous top gear and ability to move quickly in all directions. He has solid stick skills and can make skilled plays off the rush. He has the size to win battles, but he isn't smooth in his own end, in terms of reads or disrupting plays.

Josh Brook is a good skater and is mobile for a 6-foot-1 player. His skill level isn't fantastic, but he's a competent puck mover with decent stick skills. His point totals this season are a little higher than his true talent, but I think he can put up points in the pro ranks. He's solid defensively, with good gap control, a physical edge and the ability to disrupt plays.

A couple of young goalies to know are Michael McNiven and Cayden Primeau. McNiven stood out this season as one of the best netminders in the OHL, with some dynamic qualities.

Noteworthy prospect: Martin Reway is challenging to rank. He was near the bottom of my top-100 prospects rankings a year ago, only to miss the entire season following heart surgery. It looks like he will return this season, and if healthy, he's a dynamic playmaker.

2017-18 impact: Hudon has an opportunity to be a full-time NHL player this season, or else he'll have to clear waivers to be moved back and forth from Laval. Theoretically, Reway could be an option, but after a full year off with his heart complications, I wouldn't be banking on it. Brett Lernout is a depth option in the system, though he lacks upside. Jakub Jerabek has been a solid defenseman in the KHL and likely slides in right away at the tail end of the roster. Charlie Lindgren could be worth a call-up if the Habs need help in goal.

Nashville Predators

Pipeline rank: 3
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 6
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: The Predators have assembled a top-five farm system without a top-10 draft pick since 2013, and just made a run to the Stanley Cup Final. While I love the Eeli Tolvanen pick they made in the 2017 draft, their farm is much more than just him. They have two of the best defense prospects in hockey (stop me if you've heard this before) in Dante Fabbro and Samuel Girard, and Juuse Saros is an elite goalie prospect. Their talent in the AHL is deep, and recent middle-round picks look promising.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Yakov Trenin is a two-way center with excellent defensive abilities as a penalty killer and faceoff man who can win a ton of battles. He also has quality puck skills and can get scoring chances through creativity or bulldozing the net area with his big frame. His skating is a major flaw in his toolkit, and it keeps him from being a safer projection in the top six.

A second-rounder this summer, Grant Mismash is an interesting player who can create mismatches on the ice (blame my editor for that bad pun). He's a versatile, skilled big man who was one of the USNTDP's top players this past season. He makes skilled plays through the neutral zone using his solid speed (for a bigger player) and hands to get successful zone entries. His skill level isn't extraordinary, but I like his hockey sense and ability to make creative plays.

David Farrance is a fantastic skater who can get up into the rush in a blink while having the four-way mobility to evade pressure and control the puck. He's a creative and coordinated puck handler who makes tough offensive plays. Defensively, he'll need to show progression, as he can lose his check too often, and his 5-foot-11 frame doesn't help.

Some other names to know are his teammates at the University of Minnesota, Thomas Novak and Rem Pitlick. Novak is a playmaker, whereas Pitlick plays with speed and energy at both ends of the ice. Frederic Allard is a quality puck-moving defenseman, but he needs to get quicker.

Noteworthy prospect: Alexandre Carrier has always been a favorite of mine, and this season he was excellent as a 20-year-old AHL rookie. He's a smart, two-way defenseman who doesn't wow with speed and skill but is reliable.

2017-18 impact: Kamenev and Carrier could potentially provide useful roles in Nashville if an injury creates an opening, but their time to shine is likely 2018-19. Players many people are now intricately familiar with after a run to the Stanley Cup Finals, such as Pontus Aberg and Frederick Gaudreau, will likely open the season on the Preds roster. Saros will be in the NHL as well, continuing to push Pekka Rinne for more starts.

New Jersey Devils

Pipeline rank: 5
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: A-

Team overview: The Devils' system was kind of awful prior to the 2017 draft. But after getting Nico Hischier with the No. 1 pick and drafting well in the later rounds, their future looks substantially brighter. Mike McLeod, Joey Anderson, Blake Speers and John Quenneville supplement Hischier, and the depth behind them is decent.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: John Quenneville was a leader in the AHL and looks like a player on the cusp of being a full-time NHL player. He has good but not elite skill, makes plays to teammates and doesn't mind playing a hard-nosed game. He isn't an explosive skater, and he could be better defensively, given his playing style.

Yegor Rykov continued his strong play in 2017-18, especially at international events. He isn't a dynamic player, but he does a lot at a desirable level. He can move the puck, has some offensive creativity and is a reliable positional defender who has shown the ability to check the best players in his age group.

Forwards such as Nikita Popugaev who are 6-foot-6 with a high skill level will always draw attention from any scout. Popugaev is incredibly coordinated for a player his size, using his big body to shield the puck when his team is on the attack, and he gets his nose dirty in the corners as well. He has a big shot, but his game is better when he's looking to be a playmaker. His skating is subpar, with just an OK top gear and poor first step.

Fabian Zetterlund was consistently solid throughout the season at the junior and international levels. He has above-average puck skills, vision and finishing ability. He makes good plays in open space and can operate as a quarterback on the power play. He should have competent speed at the pro level, with the occasional burst of something extra.

Jesper Boqvist possesses good speed and puck skills. You occasionally see him have a "wow" moment in which he makes a creative play with the puck or evades pressure in a difficult manner. He can be taken out of the game physically, though. I've never been a fan of his defensive play, but the way he has transitioned to the pro game provides optimism that he could be a competent forward in his own end. He can play both center and wing.

Mackenzie Blackwood was up and down as an AHL rookie, but I do believe in his projection. Tall goalies who can move well and make smart reads are reasonable players to bet on for an NHL future, even if it takes time. I wish I saw more dynamic elements from him on a consistent basis, as he waits for the game to come to him too often.

Some skilled forwards to know are Jesper Bratt and Brandon Gignac. Bratt will likely be on Sweden's World Junior team this season and can play in a scoring or grinding role. Aarne Talvitie was a standout at the World Junior camps, showing solid two-way play and offensive ability.

Noteworthy prospect: Blake Speers turned heads when he made the Devils as a 19-year-old, and he was pretty good after being sent back down to his junior team. Speers shows a lot of creativity handling the puck and has a great shot. He's a very smart two-way player, shows good effort on defense and is a decent penalty killer. His physical game and size are obvious limitations.

2017-18 impact: On a rebuilding Devils teams, there will be a lot of opportunities for youngsters to step up. Despite being a No. 1 overall pick, I think it's 50/50 that Hischier is a full-time player for New Jersey next season. Speers and Quenneville should have every opportunity to make the team, with Speers' versatility providing a possible leg up.

New York Islanders

Pipeline rank: 4
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: C+

Team overview: The Islanders are regularly high on my farm rankings, but not always high in the NHL standings, with several promising names over the years fizzling out. This year's crop is headlined by Mathew Barzal, one of the most dynamic playmakers I've scouted. Josh Ho-Sang's solid NHL debut this past spring helped ease some concerns, and he looks like a premium prospect again. Ilya Sorokin is one of the best goalie prospects in hockey, but it remains a mystery when he'll come over from Russia. The depth here is good as well.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Michael Dal Colle was good as a rookie in the AHL. Although he might underwhelm if you consider his draft slot (fifth overall in 2014), he is still a good prospect. Dal Colle is a tall winger with good puck skills and a quality wrist shot. He has a way to go in terms of improving his speed and play away from the puck, in terms of physicality and D-zone coverage, but he has loads of offensive potential.

Robin Salo is an efficient, do-it-all type of defenseman. He's mobile with decent skill and good vision as a puck mover, and he can make defensive stops. He isn't a dynamic player, but he always seems to be making a difference. Mitchell Vande Sompel is a favorite of mine because of how he can effectively play forward or defense; however, he is a better NHL prospect as a defenseman. He skates and thinks the game well, with great vision and creativity.

Sebastian Aho is a mobile skater with top-end hockey sense. He moves the puck well and has some creativity in his game. The main knock against Aho is that he's a small defenseman, which hinders his NHL potential. However, his IQ allows him to be an effective stick checker and execute proper positioning.

Linus Soderstrom put up fantastic numbers as a 20-year-old in the SHL. He's a smart goalie who tracks the puck well and squares up a ton of pucks. He has controlled aggressiveness in his positioning but isn't a very explosive side-to-side goalie.

Parker Wotherspoon was one of the top defensemen in the WHL and put up big numbers despite not getting a lot of top power-play unit time.

The Islanders system runs deep, so I must mention some other quality prospects. At forward, Logan Cockerill couples speed and tenacity with decent skill. Anatoly Golyshev was up and down this past season, but he has dynamic qualities. Devon Toews turned heads as a rookie pro, showing great vision and pace. Ryan Pulock has an elite shot but needs to show other components in his game. Otto Koivula has an intriguing skill/shot combo for a big man, but his skating continues to be a concern.

Noteworthy prospect: Small, offensely tilted defensemen such as David Quenneville are easy to dismiss, but he's skilled and has put up giant numbers the past few seasons, which makes it hard to ignore him. He's a skilled puck handler with an elite slap shot, and he moves the puck efficiently. He's a good skater but not the blazer you want at 5-foot-8. His defense has shown progression, but that will never be his money maker.

2017-18 impact: The kids are marching into Brooklyn. Barzal and Ho-Sang should be full-time players this season, and Dal Colle isn't far away. Ryan Pulock's time is now, or else he'll be a waiver-wire target. Toews is a very good depth option on defense, especially with Travis Hamonic gone. I wouldn't rule out Sebastian Aho if he transitions quickly to North America.

New York Rangers

Pipeline rank: 29
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 2
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: The good news: The Rangers brought in a decent amount of talent at the 2017 draft. The bad news: There was so little in the system prior to the 2017 class -- thanks to dealing away early-round picks in previous seasons -- that it brings the system just a notch above awful. The Rangers have tried to plug the holes with free-agent signings and the depth isn't horrible, but there isn't a lot here.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Filip Chytil was a regular in the top Czech league as a bottom-six forward for his team, despite being one of the youngest players eligible for the 2017 draft. It was hard for me to get a read on Chytil this season. On the one hand, I see a player with a fair amount of talent. On the other, I never saw him take over a game when playing against his age group, as he was often the best player on the second-best line more than he was a game-changer. Chytil is an impressive skater who can be tough to check when he's coming through the neutral zone with speed. His stick skills are above average, and he can create chances out of nothing. Off the puck, he needs to improve his grit and awareness.

Sean Day is one of the hardest prospects to get a read on. He's an elite skater for his size, and can move the puck well and be a high-end shot generator at times. But too often he's in the background or not playing hard enough on his check. He has ability, but he needs to show up more consistently.

Ryan Graves is not a blow-you-away type of player, but he's a steady two-way defenseman. He moves the puck OK, is mobile for his size, has a big shot, and can make stops with his body/reads.

Neal Pionk is a skilled offensive defenseman. He can skate and move the puck at above-average levels. He's a small player who is just OK defensively, but grinds for pucks and isn't afraid to throw his body around.

Alexei Bereglazov isn't a flashy defenseman, but he's a smart two-way defender. He has decent mobility, moves the puck fine and has good defensive instincts. He could be more physical, and I'm not sold that his upside is all that high.

Ryan Gropp is a power winger with a decent skill level. He's a good skater and shooter, but doesn't have much of an east-west game in terms of vision or creativity.

Tim Gettinger isn't the fleetest of foot, but he's a huge winger with quality skills for a big man and doesn't cough up the puck easily. He'll never be a premier scorer, but he can make the occasional nice play with the puck.

Although the Rangers don't have a great system and clearly lack top-end talent, the depth is decent. Brandon Crawley and Calle Sjalin are two defenders selected in 2017 who I like. In goal, Tyler Wall was quite impressive as a freshman for Umass-Lowell, and Brandon Halverson has upside.

Noteworthy prospect: Netminder Adam Huska had a solid freshman season at UConn. He moves around efficiently in the net and tends to not beat himself, making consistent smart reads. I don't see him making highlight-reel saves left and right, but he has athleticism and the ability to steal a game with his size/IQ/quickness combination.

2017-18 impact: There isn't a whole lot of young support coming for the Rangers in terms of high-end talent. Older defensemen such as Graves, Bereglazov and Pionk could have an impact filling roles at the bottom of the roster. Cristoval Nieves is one of the few depth options at forward, but he's a fourth-liner.

Ottawa Senators

Pipeline rank: 12
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: C-

Team overview: Thomas Chabot had a fantastic 2016-17 season, heading a top-heavy Sens system that has done well in recent first-round picks like Chabot, Colin White and Logan Brown. However, the team has struggled to find talent in the middle rounds, other than Jonathan Dahlen, who was dealt for Alex Burrows. The result is that Ottawa's future rests in the hands of a handful of highly gifted prospects.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Shane Bowers is a great skater, with an easy first few steps. He works hard to pressure defensemen and can play on both sides of the ice. The ultimate question is his offensive ceiling. Some scouts swear by him as a potential front-line NHL player; other scouts question whether he'll be able to score much as an NHLer. I'm part of the second group. That's not to say Bowers can't make high-level offensive plays. He has good hands and vision, and was more consistent in that regard in the second half of the season.

Nick Paul was fine as a second-year pro, but didn't take a huge step forward. There are things to like in a tall center with decent skill, but he lacks a "wow" factor. He isn't a blazing skater, a dynamic playmaker or a high-end defensive forward; he's just fine at a lot of things.

There's a one-word pitch on Alex Formenton: Speed. At 6-foot-1, his ability to jet is that much more impressive. He works hard in puck battles and can be a useful penalty killer. He doesn't have All-World hands, but has decent skills and was used by London as a net-front guy on the power play this past season.

Filip Chlapik had a bounce-back season in the QMJHL as one of the league's top scorers, although he was underwhelming at the world juniors. He's a fine playmaker with the puck and has good puck skills, but isn't an offensive dynamo. He shows a good power game, playing with more of an edge this past season. He can handle himself defensively and projects to play down the middle as a pro. Speed is his major flaw.

Andreas Englund is a boring player, but he's a smart defender with high-end physicality and decent feet.

Christian Jaros skates well for a bigger defenseman and has solid two-way hockey IQ. He has the potential to play on both special teams at a higher level because he can move the puck, win battles and evade pressure.

Going beyond the top 10, defenseman Ben Harpur impressed me when I saw Ottawa's farm team. He's a tall defenseman with a decent skill set for a big man, and can potentially be a competent two-way player at the top level.

Noteworthy prospect: Christian Wolanin's numbers weren't great this past season and he's an older player, but he's a defenseman with pro size who skates and handles the puck well. That kind of package is projectable to the NHL.

2017-18 impact: Chabot and White should both open the season in Ottawa. Chabot could be a top-four defenseman right away. I'm more hesitant on White providing that kind of immediate impact, but it's not out of the question. Paul, Harpur and Englund provide call-up depth, but not a lot of upside.

Philadelphia Flyers

Pipeline rank: 1
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 6
2017 NHL draft grade: A-

Team overview: The Flyers don't have as much game-breaking talent as the Coyotes do at the top of their system, but 2017 No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick is right up there; after Patrick, the Flyers have the cupboards lined with talent at every position. The group includes solid first-round picks, middle-round selections who have trended up, and an undrafted free agent in Philippe Myers who is one of the very best defense prospects in hockey. Not too long ago, the Flyers' farm system was a laughingstock, with C-grade college free agents making it into their top five. Today, they are in the best position of any NHL team in terms of adding young premium players to their roster.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: There is a lot to like about German Rubtsov, while at the same time acknowledging he didn't have the greatest season due to injury and a lack of ice time in Russia, both of which hindered his development. From what we did see, he has the capability to be a very good two-way forward. He can make plays and be effective around the puck with speed and skill, coupled with good physical play and awareness at both ends of the rink.

Matthew Strome isn't as good a prospect as his older brothers, Dylan and Ryan, were at the same age, but he remains a noteworthy prospect. He's more of a pure goal scorer and less of a playmaker than his brothers, but the playmaking is more than competent. He has above-average stick skills and makes plays to his teammates at a high level. He's strong for his age and uses his big frame well. Strome's major issue is his skating; he's very sluggish, which led to his falling so far in the draft.

Morgan Frost showed significant development last season as a 17-year-old. His hockey sense is what stands out. Frost is a great playmaker who is often a primary creator of scoring chances. While he's great when he has the puck on his stick, he needs to improve away from the puck and is not a fierce competitor in puck battles. His top gear is fine, and he shows great agility and burst in his first few steps.

Beyond the top 10, Isaac Ratcliffe drew a lot of attention in the OHL as a towering forward who can score, due in part to a bullet of a wrist shot. He has decent offensive skills for a big man, creating scoring chances with his puck protection skills and winning battles around the net, but he can also make creative plays with the puck.

Netminder Anthony Stolarz is an incredible athlete for a 6-foot-6 goalie, and looks ready for his NHL shot. Robert Hagg is a decent two-way defenseman who improved his physical play this season. Samuel Morin is a tall defenseman with great physical play and good feet for his size, but is limited with the puck. Tanner Laczynski opened eyes as a smart two-way center for Ohio State this past season and for Team USA's under-20 squad internationally. Taylor Leier is a do-it-all forward who can provide depth. Mike Vecchione has a fine skill level, is fantastic on faceoffs and can push play forward, but he can be taken out of a game with physical play.

Noteworthy prospect: Mikhail Vorobyov had a strong season as a 19-year-old, including centering Russia's top line at the world juniors. He could be quicker but is not lacking in any other area. He's a tall center with skilled hands and great vision, is one of the better playmakers in his age group, and shows good awareness away from the puck.

2017-18 impact: Patrick will likely be on the opening night roster as a middle-six forward right away. Myers, Sanheim and Lindblom could all compete for spots. The two defensemen might require some AHL time at first, but Lindblom could possibly break camp with the team. I could see any of those four making an impact if given a chance. Down the depth chart, Hagg, Morin, Leier, Vecchione and Stolarz could all play NHL games this upcoming season, though they won't be as impactful.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pipeline rank: 31
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 1
2017 NHL draft grade: D

Team overview: The Penguins have been at the bottom of my farm rankings two of the past three years -- and of course, they have won the Stanley Cup two straight seasons. I think the Penguins and their fans will take it. Daniel Sprong remains the sole shining light in the pipeline, but the system is shot after a heavy push to move picks for NHL-ready assets in recent seasons.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Goaltender Filip Gustavsson looks like a pro between the pipes, with a sturdy frame, easy movements and a good sense of positioning. He's a quality athlete who moves well for a goalie his size, and can play the puck. He's trending well and should have a big season as a 19-year-old.

Fellow netminder Tristan Jarry has quick feet and a strong glove hand. He saw improvement in his reads and anticipation of where the puck is going, which carried him to a fantastic second pro season. Jarry doesn't look far away from being NHL-ready.

Dominik Simon has high-end puck skills, good vision and finishing touch. His speed was better this season, and though not a blazer, he skates fine. He's not great off the puck; despite a decent work ethic he isn't great physically or in the defensive zone.

Kasper Bjorkqvist is a hard-nosed, two-way winger who plays with speed and energy. He won't confuse anyone for a playmaker, but he wins battles, gets to the net, and is smart enough to put his team in good situations.

Clayton Phillips' talent level stood out this past season. He's a good skater with decent hands and quality vision moving the puck. However, he's small, and while he can make stops due to his feet closing gaps, he needs time to round out his game so he has the puck more often.

German import Frederik Tiffels' point production hasn't been great in his time at Western Michigan, but there is offensive upside to his game. He's a shifty skater with above-average puck skills and makes the occasional dynamic play. To round out his game, he must improve his ability to win pucks and make better reads.

Jeff Taylor is a quality, puck-moving defenseman with fine hands and vision. His skating is mediocre, and he's not an imposing physical presence, either.

Connor Hall is a smart, gritty defender who won't provide much offense but can take tough defensive minutes. He missed most of the 2016-17 season with a shoulder injury.

Beyond the top 10, Lukas Bengtsson has upside, but after being diagnosed with POTS and missing most of the season, his future is unclear.

Noteworthy prospect: Zach Aston-Reese was one of the top players in college hockey, leading the nation in goals (31) and points (63); he skated for Northeastern prior to signing as a free agent this past spring. He has solid puck skills, a quality shot and a great work ethic. He gets to the net, is hard along the boards, and gets back on defense. His skating will be the problem, as he lacks pro-level explosiveness.

2017-18 impact: Sprong should compete for an NHL job and could possibly play useful minutes this season. Jarry could provide goaltending depth in the event of injury to Matt Murray or Antti Niemi. Simon isn't an impact player, but could plausibly fill in at the bottom of the roster.

San Jose Sharks

Pipeline rank: 30
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 0
2017 NHL draft grade: B-

Team overview: With Timo Meier graduated, there isn't a ton left to supplement the Sharks. Of course, I've said that for years, and they always seem to find a way to make an NHL player out of a depth prospect. Michigan-bound Josh Norris is a solid center, and Jeremy Roy is intriguing, but there isn't a ton of upside here overall.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Josh Norris was the top center for the USNTDP this past season, a well-rounded but not outstanding player. He's got decent stick skills, above-average offensive hockey sense and can finish chances from middle distance. Norris was also one of the top penalty killers for the NTDP, and an occasional shorthanded threat. The Michigan native is headed to Ann Arbor to be a Wolverine this fall.

Jeremy Roy is a tough player to get a read on because he has been hurt so much the past few seasons. He showed a lot of promise as a healthy 17-year-old, but he has missed so much development time since. When healthy, he's a smart, two-way defender with above-average puck skills and mobility. While not the biggest defender or incredibly physical, his work ethic and hockey sense allows him to make a lot of plays in his own end and consistently get the puck up the ice.

Rourke Chartier is a good skater, with solid puck skills and a great motor to grind for pucks. He's not a spectacular player at any one thing, but does a lot well at both ends of the rink. He also brings versatility to a roster due to his play style, and being able to play center and wing.

Sasha Chmelevski came into the season with hype, but didn't quite get up to the level some hoped he would. He has a ton of talent. He can get up the ice with above-average speed, has great puck skills and can evade pressure. He sees the ice and can be a decent finisher, too. His off-the-puck play needs a lot of work, and needs more consistency.

Ivan Chekhovich, a top performer at the IIHF under-18 tournament, is a solid skater and can make skilled plays with the puck despite a lack of dynamic offensive elements. He's responsible defensively, but he's not a big, crushing physical player. Instead, his game goes through his hockey sense. He sees the ice well, has the variety of tools and IQ to know how to complement any linemate he's given, and always seems to be in the right place.

Julius Bergman had a solid second pro season, trending up from where he was a year ago. He's a smart, two-way defenseman who can make crisp feeds and understands his position. He doesn't blow by defenders, but can generate chances. Bergman also isn't afraid to battle hard for pucks or net space. His shot underwhelms, and he may be too much of a tweener to find a clear NHL role.

Dylan Gambrell was one of the top players in the NCHC, and an important part of Denver's NCAA championship team. He's a quality speedster and puck handler who can make tough offensive plays, but he competes defensively, using his speed to kill penalties. He's not a game-changer and may lose battles at the next level, but the talent is intriguing.

Filip Sandberg is an old favorite of mine, so I was glad to see San Jose sign him after he went undrafted. He's small, but he's talented, works hard and can provide value in all zones. He was dominant in the SHL playoffs, and displayed the budding skill of which we've seen flashes through his career.

Noah Gregor stagnated this season, but has enough talent to have a big upcoming season. He is an elusive player with good skating ability, and a gifted playmaker who has soft hands. He has a decent defensive game for a player his size.

Beyond the top 10, Noah Rod is quick, wins battles and is quality defensively, but he doesn't have much skill. Maxim Letunov is a tall, skilled puck handler, but loses too many battles and isn't that quick. All-Name Team candidate Rudolfs Balcers has a nice skill/creativity package and has had success versus his age group, but his talent isn't dynamic enough to be a top-end prospect. Mario Ferraro was picked high for his skating and work ethic, but I'm not sold on his offensive upside. I liked netminder Josef Korenar heading into the 2016 draft, and thought was a quality free-agent signing for the Sharks.

Noteworthy prospect: Danny O'Regan led AHL rookies in scoring, and although he's already 23, he shows promise as an NHL prospect. O'Regan faded in recent seasons, but his initial pro showing is hard to ignore. He's a gifted playmaker who processes the game quickly. His skating has progressed to a level to where he can get up the ice at a high speed. He works hard, but isn't a great defensive player given his size and mediocre physical game.

2017-18 impact: Bergman is close to being ready, but there is a question of where on the Sharks' depth chart he fits. O'Regan is ready for the top level, but it will likely be on the wing. Marcus Sorensen could be a bottom-six forward for the Sharks to start the season. Tim Heed is a sleeper power-play specialist who could be in the mix at some point.

St. Louis Blues

Pipeline rank: 8
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 6
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: Similar to some other teams in the top 10, the Blues' system is top-heavy, with a lot of high-end talent -- and good representation throughout my top 100 prospects list -- but after their top tier, it drops off a cliff. They've shot for the stars with a lot of their picks in recent drafts, and the end product of their strategy has landed them players like Klim Kostin, Jordan Kyrou, Vince Dunn and Jake Walman -- high-upside prospects they've acquired later in the draft than their skills dictated.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Jordan Schmaltz is a smooth puck mover who makes quick, clever plays and is an above-average skater. He has never had a physical presence, or been the most refined defender, which has kept him from advancing to the NHL level. The 23-year-old needs to find a way to win more pucks to take advantage of his skill.

Alexei Toropchenko a good skater for a 6-foot-3 forward, and isn't afraid to drive the high percentage areas. He's not a top-end skill guy, but can make plays, and looked quite good in Russia's junior league this season.

Oskar Sundqvist is a dull prospect, but he was solid in the AHL this past season, prior to coming over in the trade that shipped Ryan Reaves to Pittsburgh. He has the abilities to be a quality two-way center with decent hands, a good work ethic and the ability to take tough defensive draws. However, his skating is subpar and he's not a dangler.

Noteworthy prospect: Netminder Ville Husso had a few bumps in his first North American season after coming over from Finland, but became more comfortable as the season went along. He thinks the game at a high level, showing great anticipation in his positioning. He's not a dynamic athlete, but moves more than adequately in the net and competes for loose pucks. He has all the tools to be a NHL goalie.

2017-18 impact: Petteri Lindbohm has stagnated a bit, opening the day for Dunn, Walman and Schmaltz to provide some support to the Blues' defense unit. This is Schmaltz's time if he's ever going to be an NHL player, otherwise the other two will likely pass him on the depth chart soon. Husso could be a call-up option if an injury occurs in goal.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Pipeline rank: 7
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 6
2017 NHL draft grade: C+

Team overview: Tampa's system got a big boost after getting blueliner Mikhail Sergachev in the Jonathan Drouin trade. Their 2016 draft class is also a big part of this ranking, as Brett Howden and Taylor Raddysh had fantastic post-draft seasons. Anthony Cirelli also turned heads everywhere he went, and he played everywhere this past season. The system isn't as deep as it used to be, with the Bolts graduating a lot of youngsters the past few seasons, but they should get solid value on their recent picks.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Alexei Lipanov was quite impressive for an under-18 player facing men in the KHL minor league this season, and was great for Russia in international play. Lipanov is a good skater, who can push defenders back off the rush. He's more of a playmaker than a hands guy, as he creates chances with his vision. Lipanov's intelligence translates to the defensive side of the puck, as he has been leaned on as a critical situations player against his age group.

Libor Hajek is a tough competitor, who battles hard for pucks and can make a lot of defensive stops. Some scouts express concern with Hajek's skating, but it has looked quite good whenever I've seen him live. His puck moving is fine, but he's not a standout offensive player.

Looking deeper in the system, Boris Katchouk isn't an offensive dynamo but has some skill, works hard and scored a ton of shorthanded points this season. Erik Cernak, acquired from the Kings in the Ben Bishop trade, has been on the radar a while, but his development has been poor lately. Dominik Masin is a fine defensive defenseman, with decent feet and a good work ethic, but there's not much upside. Connor Ingram is the top goalie prospect in the system. He's not perfectly refined, but is a good athlete.

Noteworthy prospect: Ben Thomas didn't do a ton at the tail end of his junior hockey career, but he had a solid rookie pro campaign with Syracuse, and was a monster in the AHL playoffs, aiding Syracuse's surprise run to the finals. He's a mobile puck mover who doesn't wow with his dekes, but is a quick, effective distributor. His defense is just OK, but his hockey IQ is promising.

2017-18 impact: Sergachev has a shot to make the team, but it's 50-50 whether he's ready to stick past the nine-game mark before heading back to junior. Cirelli looked good enough against men already that despite a loaded forward group at the NHL level, he may be one injury away from a call-up. Matthew Peca is the alternative call-up option at forward. Thomas and Masin are both good prospects, but neither is ready to make the jump yet.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Pipeline rank: 13
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 5
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: The Leafs' system is much different from a year ago, with star talents like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander having graduated. The system remains good, with high-end talents on forward and defense, but the Leafs don't have a premium prospect anymore, just a lot of good ones.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: A second-rounder from 2016, Carl Grundstrom had a solid season, as a contributor for his SHL team and for Sweden at the World Juniors, along with four points in six games for the Marlies. Grundstrom has above-average speed, with quality puck skills and finishing ability. He grinds in battles, and can be an effective penalty killer. There are flashes of high-end creativity as well.

Andrew Nielsen had a great first pro season, being one of the best rookie defensemen in the AHL. His skating remains a problem, but his hockey sense is off the charts. He's a calm and aware puck mover, who finds himself frequently involved in the play despite his poor speed. He anticipates opposing forwards well, but isn't afraid to use his big frame to win battles. He continues to trend way up.

Yegor Korshkov is a towering power forward, with a strong 6-foot-4 frame used to bulldoze to the front of the net and win many battles along the boards. He's a good skater for a man his size, but his hands won't dazzle. He makes some quality offensive plays, but his game is more projected to the middle of an NHL lineup than the top.

Andreas Borgman never stood out to me in previous seasons, but a strong 21-year-old season -- with a particularly great stretch in the SHL playoffs -- was convincing. He's a quick skater who wins battles, but his hockey IQ and skill don't stand out.

The system stretches beyond the No. 10 player quite well. Adam Brooks is a dynamic skater with good hands. I'm hesitant to get too excited about players who break out at age 19 or 20 in the CHL, but he's worth monitoring this season with the Marlies. Miro Aaltonen is an old favorite of mine who the Leafs signed out of Finland. He's a bit of a long shot, but has a lot of skill. Calle Rosen, a signee from Sweden, is a mobile defender with marginal offensive touch. J.D. Greenway has upside as a big, mobile defender with decent hands, but has a long way to go to round out his game. Eemeli Rasanen is a tall defender who put up great numbers this season in the OHL, but he's a poor skater and his stats mislead his true offensive ceiling. Finally, winger Martins Dzierkals and defenseman Jesper Lindgren both have enough skill to be worth mentioning, but are long shots.

Noteworthy prospect: Andreas Johnsson had a solid first season with the Marlies. His speed, skill, shot and hockey sense all grade as above average. He has an offensive flair to his game, though he hasn't risen to a top-echelon level of play, casting doubt on whether he'll be a top-six NHL forward.

2017-18 impact: Kapanen is NHL-ready, and could be a useful middle-of-the-lineup winger for the Leafs this season if the depth chart allows it. Demott showed well at the end of this past season, and should be in the mix for NHL time.

Vancouver Canucks

Pipeline rank: 9
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 6
2017 NHL draft grade: B+

Team overview: I'm sure Vancouver fans may argue their slot should be a little higher after using back-to-back No. 5 overall picks, with those picks being Olli Juolevi and Elias Pettersson. Although both are good prospects, they don't move the needle at an elite level. However, Brock Boeser provides a lot of value, and looked outstanding in his brief NHL time this past season. Getting Jonathan Dahlen from Ottawa was also a boost to this system.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: A former first-round pick of the Sharks, Nikolay Goldobin was acquired by Vancouver ahead of the 2016-17 trade deadline. He had a solid second pro season, and though he hasn't broken through at the NHL level, he's moving in the right direction. He is a treat to watch due to fantastic puck skills and creativity. He needs to add a ton of strength and work on his off-puck game, as he can be taken out of the play too often.

I don't see one tool from Kole Lind that is elite, but he does a lot well. He skates at an above-average level, has soft hands and can create off the rush. He sees the ice well, and can beat goalies from a distance with his wrist shot; to wit, he served as the high-slot option for Kelowna's top power-play unit to launch shots and finish plays.

The youngest of the Subban brothers, defenseman Jordan Subban was an AHL All-Star and one of the biggest bright spots for the Utica Comets. Guillaume Brisebois is a mobile, defensive defender with enough IQ to make stops and make a first pass, but he's not an NHL scorer. Zack MacEwen has decent hands and shooting skill, while also providing a physical game.

Noteworthy prospect: Adam Gaudette had a breakout season at Northeastern, finishing ninth in the nation in scoring. He probably won't be an offensive dynamo in the NHL, but has a decent skill set, showing average to above-average hands and hockey sense. He competes well at both ends of the rink. He's not a blazing skater but has shown improvements in that area.

2017-18 impact: Boeser could provide a jolt to the Canucks' lineup, potentially being a top-six forward from the start of this season. Goldobin is knocking on the door if he has a good summer and bulks up. Subban and Even McEnemy could chip in for depth on the blue line but likely not in an impact role.

Vegas Golden Knights

Pipeline rank: 14
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: A

Team overview: Probably the hardest farm system to rank is Vegas' due to how thin it is, the obvious byproduct of just starting a franchise. However, a very strong 2017 draft class helps carry it into the teens, given that the Knights used first-round picks on premium center prospects Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki, and a topflight defense prospect in Erik Brannstrom. They have some other nice pieces, such as Nikita Gusev and Alex Tuch, whom they acquired in trades prior to the expansion draft, but almost all the value of their system is in their three first-round picks.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: I've always been a huge Brendan Leipsic fan, and he has proven all that he can at the AHL level during the past few years. He's a highly skilled little guy with good speed, and has shown he can be equally effective creating chances in open ice, and pressuring players on the penalty kill. He buzzes around the ice making consistent smart plays. I think he could be a helpful piece during Vegas' first season.

Nicolas Hague is tall, skates well, can move the puck and uses his big frame to his advantage. His skill level isn't incredibly high, but he's more than competent on the power play in terms of his playmaking and has a great shot too. Hague was a shot-generating machine this season for Mississauga, in part due to how well he creates space with his speed, which is great for such a large player. He's a rock defensively, arguably as good if not better than his offensive game and plays with an edge.

Son of former NHLer Curtis Leschyshyn, Jake Leschyshyn is a solid to above-average skater. He hustles on every shift, and with his IQ/work ethic combo, he can project to play the center position reliably as a pro. Leschyshyn has quality stick skills, and while his game is more north-south than east-west, he can make skilled plays and be dangerous off the rush. His season ended early due to a torn knee ligament.

Maxim Zhukov was the best goalie at the world under-18 championship this season, and he also was solid, albeit inconsistent, through his first USHL season. When I've talked to USHL scouts about Zhukov, the first thing they always mention is his athleticism. He's a dynamic goalie at his size. He can be a little all over the place, though.

Regarding Jonas Rondbjerg, one NHL scout said: "He's a coach's dream. He's super smart, plays like a pro and is responsible in all areas of the game." Rondbjerg's skating has always stuck out to me as the major flaw in his skill set. You never really see him put defensemen on their heels.

In terms of other players to put on your radar, Lukas Elvenes is a highly skilled playmaker but needs a lot of work before he's on the NHL radar. Keegan Kolesar generated some hype after leading the WHL Playoffs in scoring. I see some desirable power-forward attributes in his game but skeptical he has NHL-level skill.

Noteworthy prospect: Former first-round pick Alex Tuch is a power winger with skill who had a solid season with Minnesota's farm team before being moved to Vegas. There are legitimate concerns on how dynamic a playmaker and skater he is, but there is certainly enough talent and upside in his game to be a useful NHL player.

2017-18 impact: This is obviously a unique section for the Golden Knights, relative to whether players are actually NHL-ready. Leipsic and Tuch will likely start the season in the NHL, with Leipsic being ready and Tuch more of a 50/50 situation. Gusev is NHL-ready, but won't cross the pond this upcoming season. Reid Duke, Tomas Hyka and Tomas Nosek could plausibly play on the big team, but I don't think they are long-term NHL players.

Washington Capitals

Pipeline rank: 26
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: D

Team overview: Washington didn't get much value from the 2017 draft -- not surprising, given that its first pick was in the fourth round -- top prospect Jakub Vrana didn't have a great 2016-17 season, and 2016 first-rounder Lucas Johansen didn't have a great campaign, either. What prevents this system from being a complete disaster was the progression of several middle- and late-round picks into real NHL prospects, including Connor Hobbs and Damien Riat.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Swiss import Jonas Siegenthaler -- a teammate of Auston Matthews' with ZSC during the 2015-16 season -- has shown he can be a minute-eating defenseman who can play in all situations. He's a mobile defender with pro size who battles hard every shift and makes quality defensive reads. While Siegenthaler is competent moving the puck, there is some question of his offensive upside at the NHL level.

Madison Bowey is a fantastic skater with a great first few strides. He can make difficult offensive plays with his feet and has a bullet of a shot. The downsides include his defensive positioning and proclivity to take risks. I see a lot of uncertainty in his projection right now, but there is certainly NHL upside.

The younger brother of Predators center Ryan Johansen, Lucas Johansen is a tough player to read. I see a pro-sized defender with reasonable mobility who moves the puck fine and makes a lot of defensive plays. However, there is a lack of a "wow" factor in his game. He's never stood out as a guy who can create a scoring chance or dictate a shift.

Damien Riat was very impressive at the World Juniors for Switzerland, and even got an invite to play for the senior national team. He's not a game breaker but does a lot well. He shows good speed, can set up scoring chances and can break up plays on the defensive end.

I used to be a big Riley Barber fan, but he hasn't shown a ton of progression since he hit his early 20s. There are positive components in his game: He has skill, works hard to win pucks and shows a quality shot. He doesn't really stand out at the pro level, though, being good but not great offensively without the dynamic speed or skill to be a difference-maker.

Shane Gersich was one of North Dakota's best players this season. He possesses fantastic speed, and while not a great playmaker, he's skilled enough to make the occasional high-difficulty play. He also hustles to win pucks. He's a bit of a long shot for the NHL, but his tools create intrigue.

Beyond the top 10, Chandler Stephenson is a two-way center with good speed but not a ton of upside. Travis Boyd has been very productive the past few seasons and shows good IQ and work ethic, but his skill set screams NHL/AHL tweener. Tobias Geisser is a tall, toolsy defender who recently converted from forward to D, but he's a long-term project.

Noteworthy prospect: Christian Djoos led AHL defensemen in assists last season. The 23-year-old is not going to score 50 points in the NHL like he did for Hershey, but he's a quality puck mover with enough talent -- between his puck skills, mobility and vision -- to be useful on an NHL power play. The question is whether he can check NHL forwards, but I'd bet on the skills and coach him up to figure out the rest.

2017-18 impact: The clock is ticking on Vrana. While it's not guaranteed he steps up this season, this is his moment to grab some important ice time, given the Caps' offseason losses. The Caps have a decent amount of AHL depth between Barber, Stephenson, Boyd, Djoos and Bowey. The latter two could provide potential impact on the blue line, but both have question marks in the defensive zone.

Winnipeg Jets

Pipeline rank: 18
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 3
2017 NHL draft grade: B

Team overview: Despite not having a lottery pick in recent drafts, the Jets have quite a few top prospects in their system, between Kyle Connor, Jack Roslovic and Kristian Vesalainen. Not every pick they've made has looked like a winner, and the depth is just OK, but they could supplement an already good young NHL core with their top prospects.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Nobody will ever confuse Logan Stanley for an offensive dynamo. While he's a lightning rod of old school-vs.-new school scouting debate, the reality of the situation is he's a fine prospect and not a great one. For a 6-foot-7 player, he skates and moves the puck quite well and is certainly not a giant pylon on the ice. However, he's prone to giveaways and won't be a primary puck carrier. Defensively, he leans on forwards well with his big frame, winning a lot of battles, and makes stops thanks to his wingspan and reads.

Dylan Samberg measures 6-foot-3, and while he's not an elite skater, he moves quite competently for a big man. He closes his gaps quickly and is physical, often making stops by finishing with the body. He's already quite strong for a player his age. His puck skills aren't great, but they're about average. His defensive game looked good at the high school level, but there were moments when he needed to be challenged more and sharpen his reads.

You won't see Erik Foley highlights every night on Twitter, but he does a lot well. He is creative with the puck, sets up plays and works hard to win pucks. His skating isn't explosive, but he can get up the ice just fine and shows reasonable speed overall.

Netminder Eric Comrie hasn't broken through yet at the pro level, but the scouting community remains high on his talent. He's athletic and competes well for pucks, continuing to show improvements on the technical aspects of the game. His reads and positioning still need work.

Michael Spacek bounced back well this past season, being a top scorer in the WHL and having a strong showing for the Czech Republic at the World Juniors. He's not a perfect player, but has a good talent base of quickness and skill and has improved his play away from the puck.

Pavel Kraskovsky is a skilled big man who remains a bit of a project but has done fine at the pro level. He has upside to be relevant in the NHL at some point down the line.

Santeri Virtanen is an interesting player. He's a quick, two-way forward with decent skill and showed well at the IIHF under-18 tournament after missing most of the season. Brendan Lemieux (Claude Lemieux's son) had a disappointing season. He has decent offensive upside and an elite power game, but his instincts and speed hold him back. Mikhail Berdin is a goalie to watch next season and could be the top netminder for Russia's World Junior team.

Noteworthy prospect: Tucker Poolman had a great season at North Dakota, earning first-team All-American status. Though he was named NCHC defensive defenseman of the year, his strength is more as a puck mover than a stopper. He has good hands and mobility for a 6-foot-4 player. You tend to hedge on players in their mid-20s who spike, but Poolman looks like a prospect with all the right NHL-level tools to succeed -- potentially right away.

2017-18 impact: Connor is ready to be a full-time NHL player -- and potentially an impactful one right out of the gates. Poolman could also open the season on the NHL roster. Roslovic needs a little more time in the AHL, but I wouldn't be shocked if he was called up at some point this season.