As teams begin to fall out of the NHL playoff picture and more are looking ahead to the future, it's as good a time as any to take a look at how the top prospects have progressed. Sorry to those teams that are both out of the playoff picture and a little light on top-50 prospects.
There was a big shakeup at the top from our preseason list. Over 20 players from the summer list reached "graduate status," meaning they've played at least 26 games in the NHL this season. Basically, if a player's Calder Trophy eligibility for 2019-20 has been spoiled by games played this season, they're not eligible to be included here. There are a few on the list that are likely to be graduates before the season ends.
For those still eligible, this was a much tougher list to compile at the top, but one player took such huge strides in his development that I think he leaped over a whole host of players that were ahead of him in the preseason edition of the rankings. Here we go:
1. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
Previous: 20
Current team: UMass (Hockey East)
Of every drafted player I've watched this season, none has impressed me more than Makar. He is an elite skater with high-end puck skills, excellent distribution skills and adequate defensive play. A one-man transition who can get up the ice as fast as anybody outside of the NHL right now, this is a player who has taken significant steps to solidifying his projection as a likely top-pairing stalwart.
There are a few other factors that put Makar at No. 1 after a relatively low No. 20 spot at preseason. There has been noticeable and marked improvement in all facets of his game. Makar plays a ton, in all situations and the team goes as he goes. I have not seen a single skater make this level of an impact on his collegiate team since Jack Eichel helped put Boston University back on track as a freshman. It's just not an easy thing for one guy to do, but Makar is doing it.
Lastly, Makar's character is such an important piece of his skill set. Greg Carvel, coach at UMass, told me that Makar is simply "one of the guys," blends in and has been coachable, despite his pedigree as a top-5 NHL draft pick. Makar needed to work on his defensive game and picking his spots offensively, and has done so. Carvel also noted that in his career as a college head coach, he has not seen a player as good as Makar. A former coach with the Ottawa Senators, Carvel worked with Erik Karlsson, just as an FYI. To me, Makar has taken his game to a level that I did not necessarily see as possible a year ago based on his freshman performance. As one opposing coach put it, "He doesn't even belong in our league. He should be in the NHL right now."
2. Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks
Previous: 9
Current team: Michigan (Big Ten)
One of the most naturally gifted skaters you'll see, Hughes uses his feet to his advantage in all zones. His edgework allows him to deceive oncoming checkers, and he has the vision and hockey sense to make high-end plays. Hughes can sometimes take a few too many risks and get burned, but he's such a unique talent that you live with those plays. At his best, Hughes is a one-man breakout who often turns that rush into offense at the other end.
3. Filip Zadina, RW, Detroit Red Wings
Previous: 5
Current team: Detroit (NHL)
It hasn't always been easy for Zadina in his first professional season. The pace has been an adjustment, but as the season has progressed so has the overall No. 6 pick's confidence. Before being called up to the big club, the Czech winger had put up 11 points over 10 games with AHL Grand Rapids. When Zadina has that confidence, he makes high-end plays, shows some creativity and drives the net. I still see star potential here.
4. Martin Necas, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Previous: 10
Current team: Charlotte (AHL)
A solid all-around forward who improves with each passing season, many believed Necas would make the Canes' roster this season. He has had a few short appearances at the NHL level but has primarily stayed in the minors where he has continued to make the transition to the North American game. With 34 points, he is the top under-20 scorer in the AHL, and has managed to play a leading role on one of the league's best teams. His two-way skills and offensive confidence give him a chance to be a difference-maker at the next level.
5. Kirill Kaprizov, RW, Minnesota Wild
Previous: 7
Current team: CSKA Moscow (KHL)
At 21, Kaprizov led the KHL in scoring, continuing a trend of his being one of the top young players outside of the NHL. The sooner the Wild can get him across the pond, the better, as we're getting to the territory where you might lose some of his prime scoring seasons. With his 51 points this season, Kaprizov surpassed Evgeny Kuznetsov for the KHL's all-time scoring lead among players 22 or younger. He has 168 career points in 236 games. I think his skill set translates remarkably well to the NHL, though I think he'd need some time to adjust to the pace before he can start putting up big numbers.
6. Cody Glass, C, Vegas Golden Knights
Previous: 16
Current team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
One of the more gifted playmakers outside of the NHL, Glass has dominated when healthy in the WHL. He leads the league in points per game, and was a standout for Canada at the World Juniors this year. Glass is the last man standing from the Golden Knights' inaugural first round (Nick Suzuki and Erik Brannstrom were both traded), and remains very much the key cog of their future core.
7. Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues
Previous: 19
Current team: San Antonio (AHL)
Speed and skill, long the two hallmarks of Kyrou's game, have come with him to the AHL. The first-year pro leads San Antonio in scoring, and was named an AHL All-Star. He was dominant in junior last year and he has made himself very difficult to defend in the pro game already, averaging a point per game as a rookie.
8. Barrett Hayton, C, Arizona Coyotes
Previous: 35
Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
The Coyotes caught some heat for taking Hayton with the No. 5 pick last summer, but I think he has made them look pretty good since. He missed a portion of the season because of injuries and the World Juniors, but in 37 games he has already matched his point total from last season. Additionally, Hayton has shown higher-end puck skills and playmaking abilities while also possessing a smooth skating stride. When he's healthy, he can be the driver of an offensive attack.
9. Nick Suzuki, C/W, Montreal Canadiens
Previous: 21
Current team: Guelph (OHL)
A gifted playmaker who has taken multiple steps forward in his development this season, Suzuki has all the makings of a top-six forward. His vision is elite and his puck skills are trending up in terms of being able to beat defenders 1-on-1. Suzuki has dominated the OHL this season, and since being traded to Guelph has helped that team become an offensive juggernaut.
10. Erik Brannstrom, D, Ottawa Senators
Previous: 31
Current team: Belleville (AHL)
An exceptional distributor and skater, Brannstrom has shined in his first season in North America. The key piece Ottawa got back in the Mark Stone trade, Brannstrom is another cornerstone prospect in the rebuild. While I think the Erik Karlsson comparisons are a tad overblown here, you can see the influences Karlsson had on Brannstrom's game. He's a very smart, young player who gets better with each viewing. It is extremely rare for an under-20 defenseman to come into the AHL and have the level of success and production Brannstrom has had. The most recent to play at a similar level as Brannstrom was John Carlson.
11. Vitali Kravtsov, RW, New York Rangers
Previous: 40
Current team: Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)
Kravtsov's KHL season ended Monday, paving the way for him to join the Rangers in the near future. He had a fine season, but statistically it wasn't overly special. What remains impressive, however, is Kravtsov's confidence and creativity with the puck. Where I have some concern is in his hockey sense, in terms of his ability to read plays and make good decisions with the puck instead of forcing plays. It's a minor gripe because players with his size (6-foot-2) and skill level blend don't come around a lot.
12. Noah Dobson, D, New York Islanders
Previous: 22
Current team: Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
I think Dobson is a true two-way defenseman who really does take care of his own end first. Despite that attention to detail defensively, to go along with his smooth skating and 6-foot-3 frame, Dobson has been able to showcase himself more offensively since moving to Rouyn-Noranda in a trade this season. He has progressed in a way that I'd expect him to push for a roster spot with the Isles next season, especially with his high-end hockey sense.
13. Morgan Frost, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Previous: 27
Current team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Frost has been an absolute scoring machine, having surpassed 100 points in each of the past two seasons. This season is a bit different, because the Soo Greyhounds had quite a few departures that theoretically would have made scoring harder for Frost, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. He has produced everywhere he has been, and has continually shown high-end offensive instincts and high enough skill to create space for himself and teammates. He's not an amazing skater, but he has improved some in that area and I haven't seen reason to call it a concern at this point.
14. Grigori Denisenko, LW, Florida Panthers
Previous: 30
Current team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
One of the more fun players to watch when he's on his game, Denisenko has the speed and creativity to back down defenders and be a weapon on the rush. And while he lacks an intimidating physical presence, he backs down from nothing and plays a good, hard-nosed game. He didn't produce a ton in the KHL this season, but as he showed at the World Juniors, he has the goods to reach a ceiling that indicates top-six talent.
15. Owen Tippett, RW, Florida Panthers
Previous: 32
Current team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
A natural sniper with terrific net sense, Tippett had to be disappointed with being sent back to junior, but I think it has proven to be the right call. My one concern is that he hasn't necessarily shown a ton of year-to-year progression. He had a high bar to clear, however, and has continually produced. He has one of the best shots outside of the NHL, and while he has more rounding out to do to be an everyday NHLer, his offensive skill set is high end and should make him a threat at the next level as he continues to mature.
16. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, New York Islanders
Previous: 17
Current team: Boston College (Hockey East)
It has been a rough year for Wahlstrom, and it has reached a point where there's some concern. During his draft year, it seemed that he had enough skill to not have to rely on a quality center to feed him pucks. Now I'm not so sure. Wahlstrom has an elite release, but he's having a harder time scoring in college, where time and space is harder to come by. I think he's going to need another year there, and Boston College is getting some higher-end players in its next recruiting class that should help Wahlstrom rediscover his goal-scoring touch.
17. Troy Terry, LW, Anaheim Ducks
Previous: 47
Current team: Anaheim (NHL)
Terry is only a few games away from graduating from prospect status, but what he did in the AHL this season before being called back up by the Ducks was special. Watching some of his games with the Gulls, Terry was so good at finding soft ice and buying time for himself to make plays. He also was able to navigate the offensive zone with relative ease, and showed the vision and puck skills to pick apart defenses. Though he still has a slight frame that will challenge him in the big Pacific Division, his deft touch and higher-end hockey sense should allow him to produce at the next level.
18. Eeli Tolvanen, RW, Nashville Predators
Previous: 14
Current team: Milwaukee (AHL)
Some of the concerns about Tolvanen's game during his draft year have reemerged this season as he has had to play in the tougher AHL. It was the same thing at the World Juniors, too. Though Tolvanen has an elite shot and can get it off from anywhere, there are too many instances where he fades into the background in games. If he's not scoring, he's not doing enough other things to help his team. I still think that elite goal-scoring skill gives Tolvanen enough to keep him among the top prospects in hockey, but I'll definitely want to see some more progression soon.
19. Ty Smith, D, New Jersey Devils
Previous: 37
Current team: Spokane (WHL)
One of the better passers I've seen over the past few years, Smith is a modern defenseman who is a weapon in transition and on the power play. His vision and distribution skills are elite, and he has great footwork to minimize concerns about his smaller frame. I like the way he's able to get pucks out of his zone as well. Based on what we've seen from the Devils this season, he could help their NHL roster as early as next season.
20. Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers
Previous: 25
Current team: London (OHL)
Bouchard is one of the tougher players to evaluate this season, because I had a lot of good viewings of him last season and several of my live viewings of him this season left me underwhelmed. There is no denying he is an excellent passer and has good offensive instincts, but I think there are times when he lacks quickness and can be a step behind. Hockey sense can help make up for that, but I still want to see more out of Bouchard before I can buy him as a big-minutes, power-play threat type of defenseman.
21. Kristian Vesalainen, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Previous: 26
Current team: Jokerit (KHL)
Vesalainen decided to go home to Finland and play for Jokerit in the KHL and I think it might have worked out pretty well for him. He was handed a pretty big role and has produced at the highest per-game rate of any under-20 player in the KHL this season. Vesalainen also performed well in the AHL during a brief stint. He should be in the mix for an NHL roster spot right away next season.
22. Adam Boqvist, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Previous: 18
Current team: London (OHL)
Averaging better than a point per game in the OHL, Boqvist is giving the Blackhawks something to smile about after allowing him to head to Canadian junior hockey. Despite Boqvist's production, it is clear he needed more time to figure out North American ice. Defensively, he needs a ton of work, which is why I think he still needs a year or two before he can be an NHLer, but offensively he can make some special plays.
23. Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers
Previous: 42
Current team: Philadelphia (NHL)
Hart is on the verge of graduating from prospect status at least a year earlier than expected. His performance in the AHL this season wasn't poor, but it also wasn't great. He was going through some of the expected growing pains of his first pro season, and then suddenly he gets called up and immediately looked as if he belonged. It's incredibly rare for a young goalie to come in and play as well as Hart has. Whether this was the right move for his long-term development remains to be seen, but it's another example of Hart's ability to rise to the big moment on top of having superb technical skills and focus.
24. Drake Batherson, C, Ottawa Senators
Previous: 74
Current team: Belleville (AHL)
Batherson's development arc is a fascinating one. A bit of a late bloomer compared to his peers, Batherson has continued to improve at a faster rate than many of the players he was drafted alongside in 2017. He has gone from a fourth-round pick to a dominant QMJHL player to now one of the best first-year players in the AHL. Batherson also performed especially well in stints with the Senators this season. He has become a huge part of their future in these past two years thanks to his solid skills and higher-end hockey sense.
25. Alex Formenton, RW, Ottawa Senators
Previous: 49
Current team: London Knights (OHL)
Injuries have prevented Formenton from playing a full season, but he doesn't appear to be knocked off track for a fairly quick NHL arrival. Formenton has explosive speed and moves well north and south, as well as laterally. He also protects the puck well and can process the game at his high pace, making him a particularly good fit for the modern NHL.
26. Joel Farabee, LW, Philadelphia Flyers
Previous: 38
Current team: Boston University (Hockey East)
Work ethic, skill, speed and smarts all stand out in Farabee's first college season. His game has really taken off since he returned from the World Junior Championship where he won silver with Team USA, averaging better than a point per game.
27. Joe Veleno, C, Detroit Red Wings
Previous: 33
Current team: Drummondville (QMJHL)
There is still some concern about Veleno's overall offensive upside because of his average puck skills, but he's dominating the QMJHL this season. I've always respected his work ethic and high-end hockey sense and those traits continue to shine through.
28. Rasmus Kupari, RW, Los Angeles Kings
Previous: 46
Current team: Karpat (Liiga)
Blazing speed mixed with an effortless stride has allowed Kupari to navigate the ice with relative ease. His skills are also making him a difficult player to defend. As a result, he has had a very productive season in Finland and should be ready to make the jump to North America next year, albeit in the AHL.
29. Juuso Valimaki, D, Calgary Flames
Previous: 29
Current team: Stockton (AHL)
Valimaki dealt with an injury earlier in the season, and lost significant time. However, he has performed well in the AHL, showcasing an ability to produce while also remaining stout defensively. There's just not a huge book on him this season, but what we can see looks right on track with where he was trending.
30. Adam Fox, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Previous: 44
Current team: Harvard (ECAC)
High-end vision, poise and an ability to read plays especially well have all helped Fox become one of the top defensemen in college hockey. He is an assist machine, can quarterback a power play and gets up the ice especially well. Defensively there is room for improvement. Now we have to wait and see if he signs with Carolina or goes back for his senior season at Harvard.
31. Ilya Samsonov, G, Washington Capitals
Previous: 45
Current team: Hershey (AHL)
Samsonov has not had the easiest transition to North America, but that's not wholly unusual for young goaltenders in a tough pro league. Though his early numbers were poor, Samsonov has a .925 save percentage since Jan. 1. He's finding his game.
32. Liam Foudy, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous: 71
Current team: London (OHL)
Foudy was a late riser in last year's draft, and continues to improve. He can fly down the wings and burn teams in transition but also has showcased improved finishing ability and even better offensive instincts.
33. Igor Shestyorkin, G, New York Rangers
Previous: 59
Current team: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
A dominant force in the KHL during the regular season, it is widely believed that Shestyorkin is coming to North America ahead of next season. He just had his best season in the KHL, and looks as if he has No. 1 potential, making him the heir apparent to Henrik Lundqvist.
34. Sam Steel, C, Anaheim Ducks
Previous: 34
Current team: Anaheim (NHL)
Steel has needed the extra time in the AHL to get more comfortable with creating at the pro pace. An offensive dynamo in junior, he seems to have found his game and confidence in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls, earning him a late-season call-up.
35. Ryan Poehling, C, Montreal Canadiens
Previous: 36
Current team: St. Cloud State (NCHC)
Poehling has gotten better in every season he has played in college, and continues to look like a strong two-way center with solid playmaking skills. He has been a leading player on the best team in college hockey, and looks near ready to make the jump.
36. Dante Fabbro, D, Nashville Predators
Previous: 66
Current team: Boston University (Hockey East)
Fabbro made the decision to go back to school, and I think he's having his best collegiate season. He's healthy, he's productive and he's as steady as ever. There is nothing flashy about him, but he always seems to make the right plays.
37. K'Andre Miller, D, New York Rangers
Previous: 51
Current team: Wisconsin (Big Ten)
Before missing the past few weeks because of an injury, Miller had shown maturation in his game even from his draft season just a year ago. At the time of his injury, he was one of the top freshman scorers in the nation, and led Wisconsin. He's figuring out how to use his offensive tools more, and is an excellent skater for such a big body.
38. Isac Lundestrom, C, Anaheim Ducks
Previous: 23
Current team: Lulea (SHL)
It has been a weird season for Lundestrom, who started with the Ducks, then got sent to the AHL and eventually was loaned back to Lulea in the SHL. He is an advanced two-way center who skates very well, but he was a victim of too much too soon. Reports out of Sweden suggest he has been playing well enough since his return, though he hasn't necessarily wowed anyone.
39. Aleksi Heponiemi, C, Florida Panthers
Previous: 41
Current team: Karpat (Liiga)
A remarkably gifted playmaker, Heponiemi is putting up numbers comparable to Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen in their seasons immediately preceding their NHL rookie campaigns. Heponiemi has elite vision and is a brilliant passer, overcoming some concerns about his slight, 5-foot-10 frame.
40. Logan Brown, C, Ottawa Senators
Previous: 61
Current team: Belleville (AHL)
I wasn't sure how Brown would do in making the transition from junior to pro, but he has done quite well. He currently ranks third in scoring on a resurgent Belleville squad and has become a consistent producer for them. This is a really positive step for Brown after dealing with injuries last season.
41. Serron Noel, F, Florida Panthers
Previous: 70
Current team: Oshawa (OHL)
A mammoth 6-foot-5 forward, Noel has taken a big step forward this season by rounding out his offensive game. He ranks third among under-19 scorers in the OHL, showcasing improved skating and better touch around the net.
42. Ty Dellandrea, C, Dallas Stars
Previous: 60
Current team: Flint (OHL)
Playing in an adverse situation with the Flint Firebirds, Dellandrea brings his best to the ice regularly. Despite being the focal point of his team's offense and a focus of other teams' defenses, he still produces thanks to great on-ice work ethic and hockey sense.
43. Ian Mitchell, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Previous: 87
Current team: Denver (NCHC)
Mitchell grows on me with each viewing because of his mature, poised game. He has excellent vision and can make plays but never sacrifices his ability to defend.
44. Akil Thomas, C, Los Angeles Kings
Previous: Not ranked
Current team: Niagara (OHL)
Thomas was a guy who dropped from first-round candidate to a third-rounder last year, but he has been a riser this season. He's proving some doubters wrong with a tremendously productive season, thanks to his speed and superior vision.
45. Jack Studnicka, C, Boston Bruins
Previous: Not ranked
Current team: Niagara (OHL)
Another major riser in the past year, Studnicka has taken his game to another level this season. With excellent speed and puck skills to maximize his skating, he is turning into a greater offensive force.
46. Alex Barre-Boulet, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous: Not ranked
Current team: Syracuse (AHL)
Signed as an undrafted free agent, I've been stunned by Barre-Boulet's easy transition to the AHL and into a leading role for the Syracuse Crunch. Early indications are that the Lightning found another undrafted gem, which has been a hallmark of their recent roster construction.
47. Nicolas Hague, D, Vegas Golden Knights
Previous: 56
Current team: Chicago (AHL)
A big defenseman who moves the puck well, Hague has managed the jump to pros with relative ease as he earns big minutes and plays in key situations for the Chicago Wolves.
48. Alexander Nylander, RW, Buffalo Sabres
Previous: 48
Current team: Rochester (AHL)
Nylander has been better in the AHL this season and has enough skill to make it to the NHL, but how much of an impact he can make at the top level is a bigger question.
49. Philippe Myers, D, Philadelphia Flyers
Previous: 92
Current team: Philadelphia (NHL)
This is the season during which Myers has put it all together. He's such a good skater at 6-foot-5, and his numbers warranted his recent call-up to the Flyers. I think he's rounded out into an NHL-caliber defenseman with some smoothing out still needed.
50. Gabriel Vilardi, C, Los Angeles Kings
Previous: 15
Current team: Ontario (OHL)
If Vilardi were healthy and progressing as he had last season, he'd be among the top prospects in hockey. Unfortunately, he is not healthy and has played only four AHL games this season while dealing with back issues.
Honorable mention (alphabetical)
Emil Bemstrom, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Dominik Bokk, RW, St. Louis Blues
Kale Clague, D, Los Angeles Kings
Martin Kaut, LW, Colorado Avalanche
Klim Kostin, C, St. Louis Blues
Ryan Merkley, D, San Jose Sharks
Josh Norris, C, Ottawa Senators
Rasmus Sandin, D, Toronto Maple Leafs
Alexandre Texier, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Kailer Yamamoto, RW, Edmonton Oilers