The regular season has concluded for most leagues outside of the North American professional ranks, which offers us an opportunity to reflect on the season that was. While champions are yet to be crowned across junior, college and European pro hockey, we've got a pretty good book on top prospects across the landscape.
With that in mind, we decided to take a look at the top 50 drafted prospects outside of the NHL right now. This list was put together based on multiple viewings of each prospect, some live and some on tape. Input from scouts and coaches was considered, as well.
The players are ranked by who I think will make the biggest impact at the next level over the long term. NHL readiness is not a factor.
Also, players who appeared in at least 25 NHL games this season or have appeared in 50 NHL games in their career are no longer eligible for inclusion. That means Tage Thompson of the St. Louis Blues and Jack Roslovic of the Winnipeg Jets are left off our rankings, among others.
Here are the top 50 prospects at the end of the regular season.
Note: Heights, weights and positions are listed as recorded by NHL Central Scouting Services, while 2017-18 stats are via eliteprospects.com. Draft picks are included next to the players' names.
1. Elias Pettersson, C/W, Vancouver Canucks (No. 5, 2017)
Vaxjo Lakers (SHL): 44 GP, 24 G, 32 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 161
The gap among the top three prospects on this list is razor thin, but I'm giving the slight edge to Pettersson. It is already well documented that Pettersson won the Swedish Hockey League's scoring title with 56 points in 44 games, while also breaking the scoring record for players under 20 (previously held by Kent Nilsson for 42 years). All of that is a nice feather in his cap, but what makes him stand out is the experience he's gained as the player all of his teammates look to for the big plays. That's insane for a 19-year-old.
The next closest junior-aged player in the SHL in terms of points this season was Buffalo Sabres prospect Marcus Davidsson, who had 35 fewer. Pettersson made the most of his opportunities thanks to a deadly accurate shot and a skill level that creates space for himself and his teammates.
Concerns about Pettersson's physical strength are valid. He didn't disappear in more physical games at the World Junior Championships, like the ones against the U.S. and Canada, but the game definitely was tougher for him.
Canucks fans are rightfully salivating, but they should afford Pettersson some time to adjust to the smaller rink and physical grind of the Western Conference. Once he gets there, though, he absolutely has star potential.
2. Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Nashville Predators (No. 30, 2017)
Jokerit Helsinki (KHL): 49 GP, 19 G, 17 A
Age: 18 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 181
Similar to Pettersson, Tolvanen is depended on in the late-game situations and has been an offensive leader in a professional setting. He also set the KHL's scoring record for a player under 19, while scoring at an identical per-game rate as Evgeny Kuznetsov at the same age with 0.73 points per game. Goals can be hard to come by in the KHL, yet Tolvanen had 19 in 49 games for Jokerit, thanks to his devastating release and his confidence to shoot from just about anywhere.
Tolvanen's game is still a little rough around the edges, and I think early on in his career he's going to need a little help creating scoring chances, as he's not creative in the way Pettersson and Casey Mittelstadt are. But he does one thing better than anyone else on this list, and that's put the puck in the net. Few players come along with the combination of power and deception that Tolvanen generates with his shots. Then you combine that with his elite ability to shoot off the pass, and you've got a bona fide offensive weapon. He could be with the Predators as soon as his Jokerit season ends.
3. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Buffalo Sabres (No. 8, 2017)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (Big Ten): 34 GP, 11 G, 19 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 201
Mittelstadt has a case for being at the top of this list, but the one thing I'd like to see more from him before placing him ahead of these other two is more consistency. There is no question in my mind that he is one of the finest playmakers outside of the NHL right now. His ability to beat players one-on-one is such a separating factor, as Mittelstadt has a bottomless bag of tricks to fool defenders and stun goalies. He also has elite vision and patience with the puck on his stick.
The big question right now is what Mittelstadt will do after this season now that Minnesota missed out on the NCAA tournament and his coach is departing. He probably could play in the NHL as early as next season and do well, but his production at the college level was quite a bit below what we've seen top prospects do in recent years. At 0.88 points per game, Mittelstadt's immense skills didn't translate to gaudy totals. While that's a moderate concern, it's fair to point out that the Big Ten conference was far tougher this year than it was in recent seasons for guys like Kyle Connor and Dylan Larkin just a few short years ago. We also have the World Juniors to point for a sign of Mittelstadt maximizing his talent, claiming MVP honors and providing a truly dominant showing throughout.
There is little reason for Sabres fans to be anything less than thrilled he is part of the team's future. I've probably watched Mittelstadt more than any other player on this list, so I very well could be nitpicking here based on that, but I see a player who has not fully unlocked his potential. When and if he does, he has a chance to be special.
4. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild (No. 135, 2015)
CSKA Moscow (KHL): 46 GP, 15 G, 25 A
Age: 20 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 192
I have long been fascinated by Kaprizov as a prospect. He has an immense skill level, but what I've seen over the last two years of viewings in particular is a player who is adding more power to his game despite being listed at 5-10, 192. His relentlessness on the puck, his battle along the boards and his sturdiness in open ice adds so much to his skill set.
He's been a top young player in the KHL and landed himself in the top 20 in league scoring in each of the last two seasons. After scoring the golden goal for Team OAR at the Olympics this season, he cemented his status as the top player under 24 in the entire Russian system. He was an absolute force in that tournament.
The only question at this point is when and if Kaprizov comes over. If he does, he'd inject some more offense into a Wild team that has several core players getting older. I think after a brief adjustment period, he'd be able to be a pretty quick contributor. We saw what he could do on the small ice at last year's World Juniors, so you wouldn't think he'd need long to adjust.
5. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars (No. 3, 2017)
HIFK (Liiga): 30 GP, 11 G, 12 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 170
Not a single player in all of Finland's Liiga averaged more minutes per game than Heiskanen's 25:06. He had 23 points in 30 games for HIFK this season, and his 0.77 points per game ties for most by a defenseman under 19 and ranks second for a defenseman under 20 in Liiga history. He just turned 18 in July, and he's already doing things like this at the professional level? He was also a top-four defenseman for Finland at the Olympics and the team's No. 1 at the World Junior Championships.
Watching Heiskanen, there is a smoothness to his game. He has incredible poise under pressure and moves around the ice confidently. He's a really good skater, moving laterally especially well, which serves him both defensively and offensively. At his size, it's difficult to project just how quickly he will be able to make an impact, as he could stand to build strength. Aside from that, he's a very well-rounded defenseman.
6. Henrik Borgstrom, C, Florida Panthers (No. 23, 2016)
Denver Pioneers (NCHC): 38 GP, 22 G, 28 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
One of the most entertaining players in all of college hockey, Borgstrom is creative and smart. His puck skills are among the elites presently outside of the NHL, as few players can make the plays he does. It is incredibly difficult to step right into college hockey and dominate, but over 75 NCAA games, Borgstrom has 93 points, including 50 this season. He is a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker as a sophomore and an offensive leader on one of the nation's top teams. At 6-3, 195, he's getting better and better at puck protection and has committed more to rounding out his game, contributing more in his own end. I haven't seen a player in college hockey this season who looks more pro-ready than Borgstrom.
7. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche (No. 4, 2017)
UMass Minutemen (Hockey East): 34 GP, 5 G, 16 A
Age: 19 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 181
As you're about to see in the 2018 NHL Draft, there are a lot of really good offensive-minded defensemen coming up. Few have the upside of Makar, whose puck skills will get you out of your seat. He had a solid freshman season in a tough situation with a very young University of Massachusetts team. The Minutemen will be better next year, but it remains to be seen if Makar returns. As of right now, his coach thinks he's coming back, and I can't fault him for the move. Another year of college and an opportunity to master that level would do Makar good. I think he'd be fine in the AHL, too, but the way he played after a strong showing at the World Juniors in his expansive role at UMass showed more of the Makar who went No. 4 last draft.
He's an exceptional skater and puck mover who is still improving and needs time to build up some strength and get reps as the No. 1 guy against good competition. He's going to get that at UMass under former NHL assistant coach Greg Carvel.
8. Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues (No. 35, 2016)
Sarnia Sting (OHL): 56 GP, 39 G, 70 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
My appreciation for Kyrou grows with each viewing. He plays the game at such a high rate of speed that he challenges defensemen and forces his team to keep up with him. We've seen the puck skills and the offensive sense that allowed him to put up 1.95 points per game, which was tops in the OHL. He also was an offensive leader for Canada at the World Juniors.
What I like most about Kyrou is that he is fearless around the net. He can score the perimeter goals, but he attacks the net as well as anyone I've seen this year. I would be extremely surprised if he didn't make the Blues out of camp next year.
9. Martin Necas, C/W, Carolina Hurricanes (No. 12, 2017)
Kometa Brno (Czech): 24 GP, 9 G, 8 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 168
After getting a small taste of the NHL at the beginning of the season, the Hurricanes sent Necas back to the Czech Republic to get more pro reps and development time. The 19-year-old has made the most of his opportunity with 17 points in 24 games, which leads all U20 players in the Czech league.
The lasting memory of this season for Necas, however, was his incredible performance during the World Junior Championships. He and top draft prospect Filip Zadina were dominant together, regardless of who they played. Necas had such commitment to playing at both ends of the ice and showed such skill and effort throughout that tournament. I think the Canes have a reliable player who will be able to play in a variety of situations as soon as next season.
10. Dylan Strome, C, Arizona Coyotes (No. 3, 2015)
Tucson Roadrunners (AHL): 47 GP, 22 G, 28 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
The pressure is on Strome because of things beyond his control. Being the No. 3 pick in the "Connor McDavid Draft" is a big deal, and only having played 18 NHL games while players selected after him continue to become major contributors, impatience may be setting in. It shouldn't, and Strome has continually proven why.
It is true that his skating is a sticking point, and it's harder to improve. However, he has a lot of ability and reasonably good hockey sense. Averaging over a point per game at the AHL level is no small feat, and Strome is doing it. This upcoming summer is going to be a big one for him, but those who have moved on from him as a top prospect do so at their own peril. They're different players, but people were starting to give up on Bobby Ryan right before he rattled off four straight 30-goal seasons. If the Coyotes can put Strome in the right situation, he still has potential for a high level of success at the next level.
11. Gabriel Vilardi, C, Los Angeles Kings (No. 11, 2017)
Kingston Frontenacs (OHL): 32 GP, 22 G, 36 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 207
After missing the first half of the season following back surgery, Vilardi left no doubt that he was the same guy the Kings used the No. 11 pick on last year. He appeared in just 32 games during the regular season, but managed to put himself among the OHL's top 60 scorers in half a season. His 1.81 points per game were second in the league only to Kyrou. Vilardi has great size and quick hands, and he sees the ice well. If he's healthy, he could challenge for a spot in Kings camp as early as next fall.
12. Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues (No. 20, 2017)
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL): 49 GP, 24 G, 51 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 192
An especially smart player with excellent vision, Thomas' hockey sense had scouts buzzing earlier in the season. Some were already talking about how much higher he'd go in a redraft. I think there's been a slight cooling on that since he was traded to Hamilton and away from some of the stars he played with in London. That said, the talent level is unquestioned. He might not be scoring at as high a clip, but he can still control shifts when he's on the ice. He has the puck a lot when he's out there, and I think he's maximized the talents of his linemates in Hamilton.
13. Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers (No. 27, 2017)
Soo Greyhounds (OHL): 67 GP, 42 G, 70 A
Age: 18 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 170
After finishing second in the OHL scoring race this season, Frost's profile is way up. It helps that he plays for one of the best teams in all of Canadian junior hockey, but there's no way that team reaches that status without Frost. He is dominant on a shift-by-shift basis, beating defenders one-on-one and finding seams with relative ease.
A knock on Frost is his skating, but I don't see it as one that will hold him back terribly much at the next level. I think it's always fair to be a little wary of a sudden, dramatic jump in points, but having just seen Frost up close, I'm buying what he's doing. He's a special player.
14. Cody Glass, C, Vegas Golden Knights (No. 6, 2017)
Portland Winterhawks (WHL): 64 GP, 37 G, 65 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 179
Glass has the right mix of speed, size and skill to help him make an impact at the next level soon. He's been filling out his frame a little more this year, and after another summer of work, he is going to be able to challenge for a spot with the Knights. He finished second among U19 forwards in the WHL with 102 points.
15. Filip Chytil, C, New York Rangers (No. 21, 2017)
Hartford Wolfpack (AHL): 44 GP, 11 G, 20 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
Born 10 days before the draft cutoff, Chytil's youth only makes his performance in the AHL to date more impressive. I thought he should have been more assertive at the World Juniors this year, but seeing how he is performing against pros in his first year in North America, I couldn't be more impressed. The rebuilding Rangers will want to handle their prospects somewhat delicately going forward, but Chytil has clearly benefited from playing at the AHL level. He'll be better prepared should the Rangers start him with the big club next year.
16. Adam Fox, D, Calgary Flames (No. 66, 2016)
Harvard Crimson (ECAC): 29 GP, 6 G 22 A
Age: 20 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 181
As lofty as this position may be for Fox, I haven't seen any other defensemen be able to tilt a game in his team's favor as effectively as Fox. His agility on his feet and with the puck on his stick is impressive. He also has the confidence to try things and can often bail himself out when he gets in trouble. There are legitimate concerns about how well Fox defends and if his decision making is where it needs to be to excel at the pro level, but he's been better than a point-per-game defenseman over two years of college hockey and is an effective playmaker from the blue line.
17. Owen Tippett, C, Florida Panthers (No. 10, 2017)
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL): 51 GP, 36 G, 39 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 204
Tippett got a seven-game tryout with the Panthers this year before being sent back to Mississauga. It was absolutely the right call from the organization, as tough a pill as it may have been to swallow for Tippett. He matched last season's point total in nine fewer games and often displayed his solid skating and natural scoring ability. Where Tippett still needs to improve is in his game away from the puck. It's clear he knows his way around the offensive zone, though, and he has an elite shot.
18. Nick Suzuki, C, Vegas Golden Knights (No. 13, 2017)
Owen Sound Attack (OHL): 64 GP, 42 G, 58 A
Age: 18 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 183
Suzuki has showcased a good skill set, solid skating and a flair for the offensive. He joined the century club this year with his first 100-point season in juniors and was one of only two U19 players in the OHL to get there, with Frost being the other. I think Suzuki still needs to get a bit stronger to maximize what he's able to do out there, but his skill level gives him a high ceiling.
19. Erik Brannstrom, D, Vegas Golden Knights (No. 15, 2017)
HV71 (SHL): 44 GP, 2 G, 13 A
Age: 18 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 181
Getting the chance to finally see Brannstrom up close at the World Juniors this year gave me a greater appreciation for his overall skill set. He is an elite skater who can exploit seams and get up the ice quickly to aid the rush. His vision and ability to get pucks up ice to his forwards is right where it needs to be. The only U20 defenseman who had more points than him in the SHL was projected 2018 No. 1 pick Rasmus Dahlin.
His defending needs work, but he is not a liability. He was still able to effectively play top-four minutes for one of the top clubs in Sweden at 18 years old. I'll be interested to see where Vegas goes next with him in terms of his development. He's progressed rather nicely.
20. Lias Andersson, C, New York Rangers (No. 7, 2017)
Hartford Wolfpack (AHL): 23 GP, 5 G, 9 A
Age: 19 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 198
Andersson got all sorts of notoriety for tossing his silver medal into the stands after Sweden lost the World Juniors final, but it overshadowed what I thought was actually an excellent tournament for him. Having talked to him multiple times over the course of the tournament, his competitive fire is very evident. That's something I think will serve the Rangers well in these rebuilding years.
One big thing that stands out to me about Andersson is his hockey sense. He's an especially smart player who can play in all situations, is aggressive in all areas of the ice and brings his best every shift. He played the last two games at the World Juniors with a shoulder injury that made him less effective, but he just kept playing.
Now in the AHL, he's producing at a nice clip for a 19-year-old, and I think he's going to be a long-term leader for the Rangers organization. I think his skill level at this point is a little questionable, but he's able to create offense due to his hockey sense, getting to the right areas. There's also his willingness to crash the net and take some hits to make plays. As Sweden coach Tomas Monten said at the WJC, "Lias is the model for how we want our team to play." I would not be surprised to hear the Rangers say that one day, too.
21. Sam Steel, C, Anaheim Ducks (No. 30, 2016)
Regina Pats (WHL): 54 GP, 33 G, 50 A
Age: 20 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Creative, shifty and quick, Steel has always had dynamic qualities in his game. Over the last year-plus, I think we've seen him mature more as a player and round out his game a bit. The thing I've always liked about Steel is his ability to make extra time for himself in the zone, make patient plays and spread the wealth with his playmaking ability. His production has taken a dip this season, which is moderately concerning, but I also think he didn't get near enough credit for how good he was at the World Juniors. He was an offensive leader for Canada and made a lot of pro-level plays in the process. I think he's still probably going to need a little AHL time before he can make the jump, but I have little doubt about his ability to produce at the next level.
22. Alexander Nylander, RW, Buffalo Sabres (No. 8, 2016)
Rochester Americans (AHL): 43 GP, 6 G, 18 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Everyone is waiting for Nylander to break out as a pro. It hasn't really happened yet. There are some valid concerns about effort level, and maybe he needs to find some confidence. There's little doubt he has the talent to be an impact player. He's showing some signs of life late in the season, though, with 11 points in his last 11 games for Rochester. Because of the skills he's shown at various points, there's enough intrigue to keep him among the top 25 prospects.
23. Juuso Valimaki, D, Calgary Flames (No. 16, 2017)
Tri-City Americans (WHL): 43 GP, 14 G, 31 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205
Valimaki has been a tougher player for me to get a read on because I think I've managed to catch some of his rougher games offensively. I think he's got some high-end defensive skills. Obviously the size is a factor, and he moves very well, making him tougher to beat. There's definitely a quiet confidence in his game that I think stands out, and his production is certainly impressive. I also like how aggressive he is in getting himself up the ice.
There's no question he has pro upside. I'm just not sure how much of his offensive game is going to translate at the NHL level, but there's potential there.
24. Ryan Donato, LW, Boston Bruins (No. 56, 2014)
Boston Bruins (NHL): 29 GP, 26 G, 17 A (at Harvard)
Age: 21 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 181
For his pre-draft seasons, I usually had a hard time getting a good handle on Donato. I wasn't sure he'd be able to take what he was doing in prep school and bring it to the higher levels successfully. However, Donato has developed into a modern goal scorer who has a deceptive, quick release. He puts himself in good positions to score, and in the last two years, he's gone to the dirty areas, too. Having built physical strength at Harvard, he's become a more difficult player to contain. I think he's got some high potential to score at a decent clip at the next level.
25. Troy Terry, LW, Anaheim Ducks (No. 148, 2015)
Denver Pioneers (NCHC): 37 GP, 13 G, 31 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 174
I don't know that Terry has convinced everyone of the upside he possesses, but in the games I've watched this year, he's been every bit as engaged and involved in Denver's success as Borgstrom. He was also Team USA's second best forward at the Olympics, showing he could easily play his style against pros.
There may be some concern about Terry's thin frame, but I think with the way he sees the ice and his smarts, he's going to find a way to make a difference at the next level. This may be an aggressive slotting for him, but having seen the way Terry has developed over the last three years leaves me encouraged about the track he is on.
26. Kristian Vesalainen, LW, Winnipeg Jets (No. 24, 2017)
Karpat (Liiga): 49 GP, 22 G, 21 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209
Vesalainen quietly put together a very strong season in Finland this year. His 43 points was the fourth most by a player under 19 in Liiga history, putting him in similar territory to Carolina's Sebastian Aho for a draft-plus-one season. What stands out to me is Vesalainen's hockey sense. There's a patience about him that allows him to let things open up a bit before he strikes with a shot or pass. The Jets have done such a good job with their first-round picks over the years, and Vesalainen looks like another gem.
27. Olli Juolevi, D, Vancouver Canucks (No. 5, 2016)
TPS (Liiga): 38 GP, 7 G, 12 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 198
Juolevi's draft season was really, really good. What has come after has been puzzling and frustrating at times, but I think he's getting his game back this season. Returning to Finland and getting a chance to be challenged in play against pros is going to end up being phenomenal for his game. In what I saw of him this year, he's getting better habits defensively and still has the skill level to make plays and generate offense. Juolevi was a bright spot on a disappointing Finnish WJC team, too. I think the Canucks will have to continue being patient into working Juolevi up the system. He'd do well to get some AHL time, but the upside still exists for him to be part of Vancouver's long-term plans.
28. Dante Fabbro, D, Nashville Predators (No. 17, 2016)
Boston University Terriers (Hockey East): 36 GP, 9 G, 20 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192
Watching Fabbro, I often have to remind myself that he's only 19. He is a smart, reliable defender with an especially mature game. There is zero panic to him in any zone, and he often makes the right play. He was second among U20 defensemen this season with 29 points, which is an impressive total for a sophomore in a tough conference. It's too bad he was injured for much of the WJC and limited in his playing time, as he was expected to play a bigger role for them. I'll be interested to see if he signs after his BU season is over or if he sticks it out one more year given Nashville's defensive depth. I don't think he can go wrong either way.
29. Klim Kostin, C, St. Louis Blues (No. 31, 2017)
San Antonio Rampage (AHL): 57 GP, 6 G, 16 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 196
Kostin is one of the more intriguing players on this board to me. I think it can be difficult to gauge just how successful a teenager is at the AHL level because it is an incredibly tough league for the youngsters. That said, I think Kostin has been handling it great. When he was against his peers at the World Juniors, he was dominant.
I think he'll probably need another year in the AHL to refine his game a bit and cut down on his penalties, but with this year of experience, I think he's got a chance to do something special thanks to that power game of his. This is an aggressive placement for him, but I like what I've seen this year.
30. Aleksi Heponiemi, C, Florida Panthers (No. 40, 2017)
Swift Current Broncos (WHL): 57 GP, 28 G, 90 A
Age: 19 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 148
An especially gifted playmaker with elite vision and distribution skills, Heponiemi has put up video game numbers in the WHL this year. He is the first player under 19 to average better than two points per game in the WHL since Jarome Iginla had 2.16 per game in 1995-96. It's ridiculous. The issue at this point is that Heponiemi is slight. I don't think size is as big of an issue now, but he'll probably need to work on adding some weight. Also, Heponiemi was held largely in check at the World Juniors, but I feel like Finland's overall lack of production in that tournament may have been a system issue, as opposed to a talent issue.
31. Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers (No. 48, 2016)
Everett Silvertips (WHL): 41 GP, .947 SV%, 1.60 GAA, 7 SO
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Hart just put together one of the best seasons by a goalie in WHL history, posting a .947 save percentage and 1.60 goals-against average, while winning 31 games. He backstopped Canada to the gold medal at the World Juniors and has continually progressed over his WHL career. While the European goalies further down this list are putting up big numbers in pro leagues, I think Hart's performance this year emphatically announced his arrival as the top goalie prospect in the game. A big thing that strikes me about him beyond his technical skill is his calmness in all situations. His outward appearance is that nothing fazes him, and that matters for a goalie.
32. Timothy Liljegren, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (No. 17, 2017)
Toronto Marlies (AHL): 36 GP, 1 G, 12 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193
Liljegren is another one of those tricky prospects where you can see all of the talent and the potential, but there are also times you wonder if he's going to put the pieces of his game together to maximize it all. I think he's performed admirably in the AHL as an 18-year-old. Playing D in that league at that age is a huge challenge. But at the World Juniors, he left me wanting more. He was fine defensively and engaged physically, but I saw very little of the offensive potential that I think is locked away in his game. I think he's on the cusp of figuring things out, and he's in a really good spot to continue developing and getting to the next level of his game, which is why I remain fairly high on him.
33. Kailer Yamamoto, RW, Edmonton Oilers (No. 22, 2017)
Spokane Chiefs (WHL): 40 GP, 21 G, 43 A
Age: 19 | Height: 5-8 | Weight: 154
Yamamoto has been a favorite prospect of mine for a few years. Despite his size, he plays the game at a high pace and has this unrelenting motor that has to drive opponents bananas. This has been a bit of a weird year for him. He made the Oilers out of camp and had three assists in nine NHL games before being sent back to juniors (which was the right call). He had some early consistency issues after being sent back, didn't have a particularly strong World Juniors and then essentially dominated the rest of the way. His 1.60 points per game marked the best scoring rate of his four-year WHL career. Yeah, he'll be fine.
34. Henri Jokiharju, D, Chicago Blackhawks (No. 29, 2017)
Portland Winterhawks (WHL): 63 GP, 12 G, 59 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
There's a lot to like about Jokiharju's game. Tied for third among WHL defensemen with 71 points, he has made the most of the highly-talented team around him. His offensive smarts are high end, but I don't think he needlessly sacrifices defense just to jump into plays. He has that ability to pick his spots, and I think he does a really great job of getting shots through. Jokiharju has good mobility and is mature enough to potentially challenge for a spot on Chicago's blue line in camp, though I wouldn't rush him just because there might be an open spot.
35. Conor Timmins, D, Colorado Avalanche (No. 32, 2017)
Soo Greyhounds (OHL): 36 GP, 8 G, 33 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 193
This is the part of the rankings that gets a little trickier, as I think there is very little separation from here on out. One of the players who I think has really jumped out to me this season more and more is Timmins. He does pretty much everything well, while I don't think he has any one elite skill to point to. He's as capable a defender as we have on this list and still gets involved offensively. I think he's got a long future as a top-four blueliner in the NHL.
36. Logan Brown, C, Ottawa Senators (No. 11, 2016)
Kitchener Rangers (OHL): 32 GP, 22 G, 26 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 214
37. Kieffer Bellows, LW, New York Islanders (No. 19, 2016)
Portland Winterhawks (WHL): 56 GP, 41 G, 33 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214
38. Vitaly Abramov, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 65, 2016)
Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL): 56 GP, 35 G, 59 A
Age: 19 | Height: 5-9 | Weight: 172
39. Ilya Samsonov, G, Washington Capitals (No. 22, 2015)
Metallurg (KHL): 26 GP, .926 SV%, 2.31 GAA, 3 SO
Age: 21 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205
40. Kale Clague, D, Los Angeles Kings (No. 51, 2016)
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL): 54 GP, 11 G, 60 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 181
41. Colin White, C, Ottawa Senators (No. 21, 2015)
Belleville Senators (AHL): 44 GP, 8 G, 14 A
Age: 21 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
42. Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders (No. 78, 2014)
CSKA (KHL): 37 GP, .931 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 2 SO
Age: 22 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 176
43. Thatcher Demko, G, Vancouver Canucks (No. 36, 2014)
Utica Comets (AHL): 39 GP, .920 SV%, 2.51 GAA, 1 SO
Age: 22 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 192
44. Jordan Greenway, C, Minnesota Wild (No. 50, 2015)
Boston University Terriers (Hockey East): 34 GP, 12 G, 21 A
Age: 21 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 227
45. Adam Gaudette, C, Vancouver Canucks (No. 149, 2015)
Northeastern Huskies (Hockey East): 37 GP, 30 G, 30 A
Age: 21 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 183
46. Igor Shestyorkin, G, New York Rangers (No. 118, 2014)
SKA (KHL): 28 GP, .933 SV%, 1.70 GAA, 7 SO
Age: 22 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 183
47. Michael Rasmussen, C, Detroit Red Wings (No. 9, 2017)
Tri-City Americans (WHL): 47 GP, 31 G, 28 A
Age: 18 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 220
48. Nick Merkley, C/W, Arizona Coyotes (No. 30, 2015)
Tucson Roadrunners (AHL): 38 GP, 18 G, 21 A
Age: 20 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 194
49. Luke Kunin, C, Minnesota Wild (No. 15, 2016)
Iowa Wild (AHL): 36 GP, 10 G, 9 A
Age: 20 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 192
50. Ryan Poehling, C, Montreal Canadiens (No. 25, 2017)
St. Cloud State Huskies (NCHC): 35 GP, 14 G, 17 A
Age: 19 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Honorable mentions:
Sebastian Aho, D, New York Islanders
Drake Batherson, C, Ottawa Senators
Jake Bean, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Jonathan Dahlen, C, Vancouver Canucks
Alex Formenton, LW, Ottawa Senators
Boris Katchouk, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Kole Lind, LW, Vancouver Canucks
Michael McLeod, C, New Jersey Devils
Philippe Myers, D, Philadelphia Flyers
Ian Mitchell, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Taylor Raddysh, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Dylan Sikura, RW, Chicago Blackhawks