Ranking the best under-23 NHL players: Who tops the list, Andrei Svechnikov or Jack Hughes?
Today I update my rankings of the best young players affiliated with NHL teams. This ranking comprises the best players currently on an NHL roster or on an NHL team’s reserve list who are under the age of 23 as of Jan. 1, 2022. This analysis is forward-looking, meaning these are the players I would want on my team for the rest of their career, not in a game tomorrow.
For the first time in a while, we’ve had data from every major hockey league to provide for a more normal update to this list — though we have no results from the world juniors to incorporate into this ranking as a result of the cancellation of the 2021-22 tournament.
The players who I feel are among the upper echelon of young talent in the game are placed in a tier corresponding to their NHL projection. Their skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete level are also given a grade, with their shot given a grade if it’s notably good or poor. The grading scale for tools consists of six levels, so it could be interpreted as 1-6, but it will be written out as: poor, below NHL average, NHL average, above NHL average, high-end and elite.
Previous ranking references are made to the Sept. 2021 list. Keep in mind there are fewer players eligible for this iteration than last time due to the graduation of many late birthdate picks from the 2017 draft.
Projected bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
1. Andrei Svechnikov, LW, Carolina
Mar. 26, 2000 | 6-foot-2 | 188 pounds
Drafted: No. 2 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 2
Tier: Projected bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Svechnikov is a very well-rounded forward who has been a top winger in the league this season. He’s a big, strong, competitive forward who can skate well and play a powerful style in how he wins battles and attacks the net using his speed and physicality. Svechnikov also has elite skill and strong playmaking ability, showing great creativity as a handler and making tough passes often. From the perimeter, he’s a pass and shot threat.
2. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey
May 14, 2001 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds
Drafted: No. 1 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 10
Tier: Projected bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Hughes missed a lot of time this season due to injury, but when he’s been healthy he’s looked excellent. He’s a dynamic skater and playmaker who competes well. He’s shown more of a finishing touch than he has in past seasons too. It’s too small a sample size to call his season a true breakout yet but I’m open to the possibility and am a big fan of Jack’s. I think he will be a cornerstone player for the Devils for a long time.
3. Lucas Raymond, LW, Detroit
Mar. 28, 2002 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 25
Tier: Projected bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: High-end
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Raymond has been as good as even his biggest fans could have hoped he’d be right away as a teenager in the NHL. He’s been a top player for the Wings, being a big part of their offense all season and playing the flank on their top power play. His skill and vision are exceptional and allow him to create a lot of chances despite not being the biggest or fastest small guy you’ve ever seen. In part that’s because he’s a strong competitor who shows good agility in his feet. He looks like a current and future NHL star who will be a big part of turning around the Detroit franchise.
4. Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim
Mar. 20, 2001 | six-foot | 169 pounds
Drafted: No. 9 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 12
Tier: Projected bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Elite
Compete: NHL average
Zegras’ first full NHL season has started off very well. He’s shown the tremendous creativity and vision that has made him a top prospect for years. He makes special plays with the puck consistently due to his skill and offensive IQ. Zegras isn’t the fastest player you’ll ever see or an amazing defensive player, but his compete is sneaky good. He doesn’t get pushed around physically, which helps complement his amazing puck game. He’s an emerging NHL star.
Projected NHL All-Star
5. Quinn Hughes, LHD, Vancouver
Oct. 4, 1999 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds
Drafted: No. 7 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 5
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: Elite
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: Below NHL average
Hughes is a player with dynamic aspects. His skating ability is special. The first few steps, speed and especially edgework combination allow him to accomplish a lot on the ice. He has great hands and has a fantastic offensive brain as a playmaker to make unique plays consistently. Hughes’ issue is that he’s a small defenseman who, despite being an excellent skater, will never be known as a true defensive standout. He moves and transitions pucks so well that he can still be a star but one who may need to be deployed in a specific manner.
6. Moritz Seider, RHD, Detroit
Apr. 6, 2001 | 6-foot-4 | 183 pounds
Drafted: No. 6 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 17
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
However high the hype could have been on Seider coming into this season, he has met those expectations and arguably exceeded them. He has been a big, mobile, physical defenseman for Detroit who can make stops you expected, but his offensive touch has also been really good. He’s shown more individual skill than I’ve seen from him in previous years to go with the athletic assets, making him a true two-way force as a rookie NHL player. He looks like a potential cornerstone defenseman.
7. Rasmus Dahlin, LHD, Buffalo
Apr. 13, 2000 | 6-foot-2 | 181 pounds
Drafted: No. 1 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 4
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Dahlin is a tough evaluation. His toolkit is tremendous. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman with elite hands who can skate well and make a lot of plays. On his best shift he can dazzle with his hands and overall creativity. He’s a good skater, not explosive, but with a deep knee bend and enough agility to get around well. Dahlin’s defensive play has and continues to be an issue in terms of his reads and ability to win battles. He has so much offensive ability that I think he will still be a star, high-scoring defenseman in the NHL but he may need to be used in a particular way rather than as a true all-situations force.
8. Owen Power, LHD, Buffalo
Nov. 12, 2002 | 6-foot-6 | 213 pounds
Drafted: No. 1 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 9
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Power has been arguably the best player in college hockey so far this season. The 2021 No. 1 pick is a huge defenseman who is highly mobile for a man his size and is a very smart puck-mover. He’s shown much more confidence offensively this season, consistently making plays off the offensive blue line to go along with his strong defensive play due to his feet and reach.
9. Miro Heiskanen, LHD, Dallas
July 18, 1999 | six-foot | 170 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 11
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Heiskanen’s been great as usual this season. He’s cooled off a little offensively after a torrid start, but he has shown a little more offensive confidence and creativity to go with his usual great skating and defending. He can shut down top players due to his feet and brain while also having the vision and shot threat to create inside the offensive zone. He is a true No. 1 defenseman in the NHL.
10. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa
Sept. 16, 1999 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 8
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Brady is an elite competitor who can make a ton happen around the high-percentage areas of the offensive zone due to his size and physicality. He has very good hands and sense to go along with his compete and size, which allows him to create a lot of scoring chances and shots on goal. His skating isn’t ever going to get you excited, but I still think the new Ottawa captain will be a star in the league despite that.
11. Tim Stützle, LW, Ottawa
Jan. 15, 2002 | 6-foot-1 | 187 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 7
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Stützle hasn’t killed it scoring-wise this season but when I watch him, I still see a lot of things that are very positive that will translate to more scoring. I see a tremendous skater with unique agility who has very high skill and compete levels. He can generate offense through flash but also by using his feet and compete to attack hard areas. I think he has a very bright future and will establish himself as a true star in the league in time.
12. Bowen Byram, LHD, Colorado
June 13, 2001 | six-foot | 193 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 34
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Byram’s second NHL season has gone quite well, looking much more comfortable than his limited-minute rookie season and a lot like the dynamic player we saw in the WHL. His skating is a differentiator with great edgework and quickness. He’s a creative player with the puck who can set up plays with his brain and feet while also being able to score goals. He hasn’t gotten top defensive responsibilities yet but with time I think he has the goods to be a top shutdown defenseman too and an all-around star blueliner.
13. Martin Necas, RW, Carolina
Jan. 15, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 167 pounds
Drafted: No. 12 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 19
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Necas has taken a step forward in recent years, being a big reason why Carolina is a contender. Necas has always had dynamic elements to his game. He’s very fast, he has great individual skill, he sees the ice at a high level and can score from range. He has also evolved his game from his teenager years. He’s far more consistent, showing ability to win more battles and has also earned significant PK duty from Carolina. He’s a very well-rounded winger now.
14. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas
July 22, 1999 | 6-foot-2 | 192 pounds
Drafted: No. 39 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 35
Tier: Projected NHL All-Star
Skating: Poor
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Robertson is one of the most interesting prospect cases of the past few years. He’s a player who has consistently been a top scorer in junior and now in the NHL, showing great skill, and even better vision and finishing ability. He creates so much inside the offensive zone, despite an awkward skating stride that has concerned scouts for many years. He’s found a way to overcome his skating issues and thrive, backing up a great rookie NHL season with a just-as-good second season. He’s now become a talking point in scouting circles when a prospect with skating technique issue is brought up.
Jason Robertson. (Darren Yamashita / USA Today)
Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
15. Dylan Cozens, C, Buffalo
Feb. 9, 2001 | 6-foot-3 | 180 pounds
Drafted: No. 7 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 15
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Cozens is an easy prospect to support. He’s a big center who can skate and has very good skill with a scoring touch. He works hard off the puck and seems to have every attribute you want in a future top-line forward. The scoring hasn’t truly popped yet in the NHL but I think it will come with time.
16. Alexis Lafrenière, LW, NY Rangers
Oct. 11, 2001 | 6-foot-1 | 193 pounds
Drafted: No. 1 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 6
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
The start of Lafrenière’s NHL time hasn’t gone incredibly well, at least in the context of a No. 1 pick. I still believe in this player — he has tremendous hands, creativity and he works hard, but watching him with the Rangers of late has often left a bland feeling. Part of that is his lack of footspeed, but his dynamic skill and sense don’t pop consistently yet.
17. Jake Sanderson, LHD, Ottawa
July 8, 2002 | 6-foot-2 | 185 pounds
Drafted: No. 5 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 27
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Sanderson’s play has continued to elevate over the last two years into that of a complete defenseman. He’s always had the excellent skating, the high compete level, and the ability to kill a lot of plays defensively. He’s brought more of a puck game of late, showing confidence and creativity as a handler and passer to go with his skating to create high amounts of offense.
18. Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina
Feb. 1, 2002 | 5-foot-10 | 175 pounds
Drafted: No. 13 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 41
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: Above NHL average
Jarvis has been as good as Carolina fans could have reasonably hoped for as a teenager. He’s been able to play real minutes, score at a strong rate, and look like he belongs versus men despite his age. He can do that because he’s a very strong skater with a great compete level. Jarvis has always played his game with no fear, heading straight to the net frequently to create offense and combining that with strong abilities with the puck.
19. Anton Lundell, C, Florida
Oct. 3, 2001 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds
Drafted: No. 12 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 37
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Lundell has been a successful rookie NHL player, playing a significant role on a top NHL team and producing offense while not getting real power-play time. He has good skill and playmaking sense. Being a big center who competes hard and can play at both ends has allowed him to earn the trust of his coaches quickly. His skating ability may never really impress, but everything else about his game points in a strong positive direction.
20. Luke Hughes, LHD, New Jersey
Sept. 9, 2003 | 6-foot-2 | 184 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 26
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Hughes has had a promising start to his collegiate career, being one of the top defensemen in his conference. He impacts shifts consistently with his dynamic and unique skating ability. He also doesn’t shy away from attacking with his skill and trying to create chances while also being able to move and shoot the puck well. The biggest improvement for him has been his defensive play. He hasn’t been perfect but he’s been a more steady defender who can kill plays this season which he wasn’t with the U.S. NTDP.
21. Quinton Byfield, C, Los Angeles
Aug. 19, 2002 | 6-foot-4 | 215 pounds
Drafted: No. 2 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 18
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Byfield missed the first half due to injury so his report is unchanged from the summer.
22. Kirby Dach, C, Chicago
Jan. 21, 2001 | 6-foot-4 | 197 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 13
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Dach didn’t have the first half he likely hoped for as the entire Chicago team came out of the gates slow. It’s hard to imagine a center with his size, skating and skill with strong enough compete not finding a way to become a highly successful NHL player. His first few years were more positive indicators than of late. I think he will become a true top driver of play but he may never become a top scorer in the league.
23. Josh Norris, C, Ottawa
May 15, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 192 pounds
Drafted: No. 19 in 2017 by San Jose
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 22
Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Ottawa had a tough first half, but Norris did what was expected of him. He’s played big minutes for the Senators and scored. He’s a well-rounded center. He’s a strong skater who can make highly skilled plays with the puck as a handler and passer. Norris is also a shot threat from mid-range who can create between the dots.
Projected top of the lineup player
24. Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim
Jan. 30, 2003 | 6-foot-1 | 207 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 63
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
McTavish has been very impressive this season between his professional and junior play. He looks like a player with every pro attribute you want. He’s a center with a good frame who is highly competitive, and he has tremendous skill. He can beat you with his hands or with power, can create for his linemates and finish plays. His skating looks better, too, than what I’ve seen previously.
25. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal
Aug. 10, 1999 | 5-foot-11 | 183 pounds
Drafted: No. 13 in 2017 by Vegas
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 14
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Montreal has had a tough season to date with a lot of things not going their way, but their one big positive has been the play of Nick Suzuki, who is emerging as a true impact player in the league. His puck skills and playmaking ability are outstanding, showing the elite sense to make tough plays consistently that other forwards can’t. He’s always been dinged for his size and skating, but he works hard, showing he can be a trusted two-way center this season who PKs.
26. Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis
July 2, 1999 | six-foot | 188 pounds
Drafted: No. 20 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 42
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Poor
Thomas’ development curve has had ups and downs, but this season he’s been in a straight upwards direction. He’s played a ton of minutes in all situations for the Blues as a 22-year-old, playing all situations and contributing a lot of offense. In the NHL he’s shown the legit puck skills and vision he has, but lately he’s also shown the two-way game he displayed in junior. He now looks like a center who can make the flashy plays while also winning battles and creating in the middle third of the ice. His ability to score goals remains the only hole in his skill set.
27. Matthew Beniers, C, Seattle
Nov. 5, 2002 | 6-foot-2 | 175 pounds
Drafted: No. 2 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 31
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Beniers’ sophomore season started off slow, but then he went on a scoring tear. His appeal has always been his very high work rate on the ice. He still shows the well-rounded play, but this season I’ve noticed him trying to create offense in more ways than through his will. He’s displayed more skill and creativity with the puck than I’ve seen before and a long-range shot threat, too.
28. Jamie Drysdale, RHD, Anaheim
Apr. 8, 2002 | 5-foot-11 | 175 pounds
Drafted: No. 6 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 16
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Drysdale hasn’t elevated yet into a top defenseman for the Ducks but he’s just a teenager and has shown indicators that he will with time. He’s an outstanding skater whose feet will allow him to make a lot of stops despite his size as he matures physically. He’s a very smart player with the puck. The skill level doesn’t pop and he may never be a true top scorer, but the combination of his sense and skating will allow him to create a fair amount of offense in the NHL.
29. Joel Farabee, LW, Philadelphia
Feb. 25, 2000 | six-foot | 164 pounds
Drafted: No. 14 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 28
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Farabee has been a solid NHL player for the Flyers since being in the league. He’s a highly intelligent and competitive winger who can make creative plays with the puck and generate offense through his effort. He may never be the flashiest player in the world, in particular due to a lack of great top-end speed, but he should be able to create legit top-six offense for a long time while providing good value away from the puck.
30. Matthew Boldy, LW, Minnesota
Apr. 5, 2001 | 6-foot-2 | 192 pounds
Drafted: No. 12 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 29
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Boldy missed a large chunk of the first half due to an injury, but when he came back to the AHL he picked up where he left off last season, being an important player for the Iowa Wild. His puck game is great, showing a very high level of skill and vision to create a lot of chances as well as using his frame to create inside the dots. He’ll never be a speedster but there’s enough to his game to be a top winger for an NHL team.
31. Dylan Guenther, RW, Arizona
Apr. 10, 2003 | 6-foot-2 | 175 pounds
Drafted: No. 9 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 21
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Guenther didn’t have the first half you expected after how he fared in the WHL his first two seasons. He played well but there was certainly a lack of consistent offense in his game, although there was also a midseason transition to center. He has a lot of tools still working for him: he can skate, is very skilled, can make and finish plays and has decent size. He also has versatility and can play well away from the puck, which will appeal to NHL coaches. I see a lot of attributes that will work in the NHL.
32. Nico Hischier, C, New Jersey
Jan. 4, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 176 pounds
Drafted: No. 1 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 33
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Hischier is a top player for the Devils. He logs big minutes consistently and is a big part of both special teams units for his club. His skill and compete levels are both very strong and make him a true top-line forward. He’s a well-rounded forward even if he may not be a true offensive dynamo in terms of his speed or puck game. Hischier will likely never live up to his No. 1 pick billing, but he’ll still likely be an excellent NHL player for a long time.
33. William Eklund, LW, San Jose
Oct. 12, 2002 | 5-foot-10 | 176 pounds
Drafted: No. 7 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 24
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: High-end
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Eklund impressed at Sharks camp, making the team for a brief period — and while he didn’t stick, his future looks promising. He’s a dynamic winger, showing great speed and agility with his skating and as a teenager he was able to use his skating to get inside versus NHL defenders. He’s also a highly creative player with the puck who can make tough plays consistently to go with a strong compete level. The only knock on him is his size and maybe a lack of finishing ability.
34. Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Los Angeles
June 26, 2001 | 6-foot-2 | 190 pounds
Drafted: No. 33 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 30
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end
Kaliyev has been up with the Kings all season. His performance has been OK; inside the offensive zone and on the power play you see the vision and shot elements that make him dangerous. There is a tempo adjustment that you figured was coming with Kaliyev’s skating and will take time for him to get used to but I still see a big offensive weapon as he matures.
35. Kaapo Kakko, RW, NY Rangers
Feb. 13, 2001 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Drafted: No. 2 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 20
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Kakko didn’t light it up in the first half of the NHL season for the Rangers, but there were some positive signs in his game. I’ve found he’s showing a better ability to win battles and create chances in the high-percentage areas of the offensive zone, reminiscent of what he did in Finland. There may be a humbling realization coming, though, that while he’s very skilled, it may not be the elite skill I thought he had at 17. Combined with so-so skating, his offensive ceiling may be as a good top-six forward instead of a true star type of player.
36. Cole Perfetti, LW, Winnipeg
Jan. 1, 2002 | 5-foot-11 | 177 pounds
Drafted: No. 10 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 39
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Perfetti has repeated his success in the AHL from last season, something not every teenager has been able to do in a more fully stocked AHL. With the puck on his stick he’s a threat due to his skill and vision, showing the ability to make high-quality plays at a high rate. His brain works at fast speed, so even though his skating will always be the thing that concerns scouts, there is a lot of hope his sense will be able to carry him to a major NHL role.
37. Jack Quinn, RW, Buffalo
Sept. 19, 2001 | six-foot | 176 pounds
Drafted: No. 8 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 137
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
After a so-so first pro season for Quinn, he came out like a rocket in the first half of this season before he was sidelined due to mono. He was one of the very best players in the AHL and led Rochester to early success. Quinn’s skill level pops. He can make difficult plays with the puck look routine and is a great playmaker to go with his scoring ability. He lacks great speed, but he works hard and has two-way ability. He looks like a player who is close to the next step.
38. Evan Bouchard, RHD, Edmonton
Oct. 20, 1999 | 6-foot-2 | 193 pounds
Drafted: No. 10 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 124
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Bouchard has taken real steps forward this season and become an important player for the Oilers. His vision with the puck is excellent, showing great outlet passes and ability to create inside the offensive zone due to his brain and hard point shot. His defending has progressed well enough. Due to his average skating, he may never be a true shutdown guy, but it should be good enough to go with his puck game to be an excellent NHL defenseman.
39. Connor McMichael, C, Washington
Jan. 15, 2001 | 5-foot-11 | 174 pounds
Drafted: No. 25 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 40
Tier: Projected top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
McMichael has held his own as a rookie NHL player. He hasn’t played a big role but he’s on a top NHL team. He’s shown for years that he has legit offensive skill and scoring ability, and a strong work level. His ability for a young player to get inside and create in the hard areas of the ice versus men is notable especially given he’s not the biggest or fastest. As he physically matures I expect his NHL play to become more consistent.
Matthew Beniers. (Paul Sancya / AP photo)
Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
40. Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Detroit
Feb. 5, 2003 | 6-foot-4 | 198 pounds
Drafted: No. 6 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 77
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Edvinsson has had a great season between his SHL play and with Sweden’s U20 team. He’s helping his SHL team win games, getting real minutes and scoring without power-play time. He has good enough skill and vision, but it’s the combination of his size, skating and physical play to go with a decent skill level that makes him a projected top defenseman on an NHL team.
41. Philip Tomasino, RW, Nashville
July 28, 2001 | six-foot | 179 pounds
Drafted: No. 24 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 80
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Tomasino has played all season up with Nashville. The scoring hasn’t been there in huge numbers, but in limited minutes I like how he’s played. He uses his great skating ability to get to the net and create in the high percentage areas. I know about his skill and hockey sense, so if he keeps playing that way as he grows physically the offense will come.
42. Owen Tippett, RW, Florida
Feb. 16, 1999 | 6-foot-1 | 200 pounds
Drafted: No. 10 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 56
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Tippett doesn’t receive a large role on a deep offensive team in Florida but when he does play he shows a lot of positives. He’s a fast, highly skilled winger who is a shot threat from range and can see the ice well. There are times he needs to be pushed by his coaches but I’ve found his game more consistent of late compared to when he was a junior.
43. Kent Johnson, C, Columbus
Oct. 18, 2002 | 6-foot-1 | 167 pounds
Drafted: No. 5 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 36
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: High-end
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Johnson has been one of the top forwards in the Big Ten, building off a strong freshman season. There is no doubting his pure skill level. Johnson can do highly imaginative things with the puck on his stick. He’s very slippery and deceptive as a handler despite not having great speed. He makes a lot of plays, but you’d like to see his elite puck game translate into chances at a higher rate. He has so much potential but only still shows you glimpses of the game-breaker he can be.
44. Cole Sillinger, C, Columbus
May 16, 2003 | six-foot | 197 pounds
Drafted: No. 12 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 70
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Shot: Above NHL average
Sillinger made the Blue Jackets out of camp and has looked like a real pro from September onwards. He has very good hands, and thinks the game at a high level with scoring ability, but what has helped Sillinger’s transition to the NHL so well is his work ethic. He’s a relentless competitor who is quite physical and shows no fear as an 18-year-old engaging with grown men. Even with so-so footspeed his tremendous energy level and pace to go with his skill make him look like a future top player for Columbus.
45. Peyton Krebs, C, Buffalo
Jan. 26, 2001 | 5-foot-11 | 180 pounds
Drafted: No. 17 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 66
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Krebs was a major part of the Jack Eichel trade between Buffalo and Vegas. In the NHL he didn’t do much but in the AHL he’s shown why he’s a top prospect. He brings great skill, vision, pace and competitiveness to his shifts. He’s not that big but he plays without fear and shows a well-rounded game that will endear him to pro coaches.
46. Dawson Mercer, C, New Jersey
Oct. 27, 2001 | six-foot | 180 pounds
Drafted: No. 18 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 69
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Mercer’s rookie NHL season has gone very well, becoming an important player for the Devils right away. He’s shown the ability to score and create offense, but the way he’s done it, by generating around the net-front area and winning a lot of battles as a rookie, is a reason to be excited about the player. His footspeed is still just OK, but as he physically matures the way he plays should translate into a great NHL forward.
47. Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota
Nov. 14, 2002 | 6-foot-3 | 214 pounds
Drafted: No. 20 in 2021
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 73
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Wallstedt is having a fantastic campaign in Sweden, and looks like the best goalie outside the NHL right now. His pure athletic tools never blow you away in terms of his quickness or size, but his sense and technical skills are outstanding. He always makes the right reads, has elite efficiency in his movements and knows how to position his body and stick to keep pucks out of the net.
48. Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Nashville
Apr. 22, 1999 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds
Drafted: No. 30 in 2017
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 57
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end
Tolvanen saw his production dip in the first half after a great rookie NHL season, following the pattern of see-saw development we’ve seen over his entire career. He’s a very good player, a winger with great hands, overall offensive instincts and an elite wrist shot that will keep him in the NHL. His frame, lack of top-end speed and perimeter play can frustrate observers but he’ll score enough to keep coaches playing him and putting him on their power play.
49. Barrett Hayton, C, Arizona
Jun. 9, 2000 | 6-foot-1 | 190 pounds
Drafted: No. 5 in 2018
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 51
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Hayton has played most of the season up with the NHL team, playing real minutes on the bottom-feeding Coyotes squad. I still think there’s a lot to this player even if his point totals haven’t been gaudy in the pros. He’s a skilled center who can make and finish plays, and he competes hard. Hayton projects to have legit two-way ability as an NHL center. His footspeed is the only real concern I have, but I think with time he’ll be a good NHL player.
50. Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary
Apr. 16, 2001 | six-foot | 156 pounds
Drafted: No. 214 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: Not ranked
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: High-end
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
It’s hard to have a better first half as a first-year pro than Wolf did in the opening months of the AHL season. He’s been dominant for Stockton, carrying over his excellent play over years in junior. I’ve always viewed Wolf as a super-smart goaltender without ideal size, but what I’ve seen this season has been high-end athleticism I haven’t seen or appreciated before. He makes tough saves consistently to go with his great reads. Despite his size he’s cleared a major hurdle showing he can be great versus men, and looks on track to be a quality NHL goaltender.
51. Marco Rossi, C, Minnesota
Sept. 23, 2001 | 5-foot-9 | 183 pounds
Drafted: No. 9 in 2020
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 75
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Rossi returned this season after a scary COVID-19 complication caused him to miss most of 2020-21 and he has looked more like his old self. He was a top player for Iowa, showing the skill to create for his teammates and run a power play like he did in junior. Despite his size he’s also shown he can create in the tough areas and be a responsible defensive player versus men. His speed still concerns scouts but everything else about his game is NHL level.
52. Spencer Knight, G, Florida
Apr. 19, 2001 | 6-foot-3 | 192 pounds
Drafted: No. 13 in 2019
Sept. 2021 Ranking: 32
Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player or quality starting goaltender
Skating: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Knight has played quite a lot for a 20-year-old goaltender in his first NHL season and has had his struggles in his first full pro season. He’s a very smart and polished goaltender who has good enough lateral athleticism and can play the puck well. He should progress as a player as he learns how to anticipate NHL shooters, but it may take some time.