With the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, it’s time to unveil a new round of rankings for the prospect pipelines of all 32 teams, highlighting the shifts from April’s assessments based on offseason activities.
Many prospects are receiving an opportunity to play up to nine games at the NHL level before their teams must decide whether to return them to the Canadian junior leagues. Others have already begun competing in the NCAA or other leagues globally. For inclusion in this ranking, a prospect must be under 23 years old and have their rights held by an NHL franchise.
Players anticipated to spend most of the season on NHL rosters are excluded from this list. Notable names in this category include Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Matvei Michkov, Cutter Gauthier, Shane Wright, Logan Stankoven, Brandt Clarke, and Rutger McGroarty.
The Bruins currently sit at the bottom of the rankings, particularly following the graduations of Matthew Poitras and Mason Lohrei last season. They managed to select Dean Letourneau in the draft, who, alongside Fabian Lysell, represents the only forwards projected to play over 200 games in a significant capacity.
Apart from this, the Bruins do not have prospects likely to reach the 200-game mark in the NHL, a drawback of their sustained success over the past two decades.
The Lightning’s drafting efforts have been minimal over the past five years, which is evident in their current situation. The offseason acquisition of Conor Geekie via the Mikhail Sergachev trade brings in a prospect expected to fulfill a middle-six scoring role in the NHL. Meanwhile, Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier are projected to establish themselves as NHL regulars, with Howard anticipated to contribute in a secondary scoring capacity.
If Gabriel Szturc and Dylan Duke continue to progress with Syracuse, they could emerge as dependable bottom-six options in the future.
Consistently trading away draft picks without hitting on the ones retained leads to a depleted prospect pool.
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However, there isn’t much to lament in general, as the Oilers boast two of the league’s top players and are firmly in their contention window.
The trades for Matthew Savoie and Roby Jarventie, along with Sam O’Reilly’s addition through the draft, enhanced their offensive lineup. These young talents are expected to take on significant roles alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Following Edmonton’s loss of Philip Broberg to an offer sheet, Beau Akey stands out as the prospect with the most potential to secure a top-four position in the NHL pipeline.
There is increased talent in the pipeline this season compared to previous years, and the Oilers are counting on their current stars to enhance the performance of these emerging prospects as they transition into the roster.
The standout prospect is undoubtedly Carter Yakemchuk; he is the only one anticipated to be a genuine game-changer in this group. Apart from Yakemchuk, who showcases potential as a premier defenseman, Zack Ostapchuk is expected to develop into a dependable bottom-six player. Tyler Boucher remains an enigma, likely limited to a bottom-six role as a physical presence known for forechecking.
Tomas Hamara and Xavier Bourgault project as depth players in the NHL, and they could increase their prospects with ongoing development in Belleville this season.
Considering the Golden Knights’ track record of trading away prospects and draft picks, it’s surprising that their current group isn’t rated the lowest. David Edstrom was traded to San Jose as part of the Tomas Hertl deal, and Trevor Connelly was drafted to fill that void in June. Connelly possesses significant talent; with proper development both on and off the ice, he has the potential to become a substantial contributor.
Brendan Brisson, a forward, and Lukas Cormier, a defenseman, are the prospects with the best chances of becoming reliable lineup players in their respective roles. Matyas Sapovaliv is forecasted as a middle-six winger with average potential, though he may ultimately settle into a third-line role in the NHL. Carl Lindbom stands out as a noteworthy goaltending prospect, but the overall goaltending options in Vegas’ system are limited.
As per the organization’s usual strategy, there is a greater likelihood that most of these players will be traded rather than making 200 appearances in Vegas.
The Panthers recently secured the Stanley Cup, which means their fans have a temporary reprieve from discussing prospects. Winning often comes at the cost of sacrificing draft picks and prospects, and this instance is no different.
Mackie Samoskevich is moving up to the main roster this season, creating a significant gap in the prospect pipeline. Justin Sourdif and Jack Devine are both projected to become functional bottom-six players, while Gracyn Sawchyn has a less favorable projection as a middle-six player. The development of Sandis Vilimanis and Marek Alscher last season offers promising depth options for Florida, provided they continue to evolve in the AHL.
The Islanders’ prospect system previously lacked an impactful player until Cole Eiserman was selected in the June draft, who is now seen as a legitimate scoring threat in the NHL—something this system has missed for years.
Jesse Pulkkinen was a commendable pick at No. 54 and is projected to be a top-four, all-situations defender. Calle Odelius and Danny Nelson are expected to become reliable middle-of-the-lineup players, fitting seamlessly into Patrick Roy’s offensive scheme. William Dufour, Matthew Maggio, and Alex Jefferies represent potential depth options, but they are more likely to be on the roster’s periphery.
With the inclusion of Eiserman and Pulkkinen, the Isles’ prospect pool has strengthened, and both players will be crucial for meaningful contributions in the near term.
<img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nhl/500/pit.png&h=110
For the past two decades, the Penguins have struggled to build a strong prospect pool, likely due to their success in winning several Stanley Cups and having three first-ballot Hall of Famers on their roster during this time.
Owen Pickering is anticipated to participate in NHL games, but he must undergo significant development to become the impactful defender the Penguins envisioned when selecting him in 2022. Tristan Broz is on a trajectory to become a middle-six offensive player and will aim to establish his rhythm in the AHL after his departure from Denver. Ville Koivunen strengthens the lineup and has the potential to become a bottom-six forward. Meanwhile, Joel Blomqvist serves as a solid goalkeeping option, though he is expected to see limited NHL action this season.
Calum Ritchie stands out as the only intriguing forward prospect and is projected to be a middle-six playmaker at the NHL level. He displayed his skills by netting a highlight-reel goal in the preseason and has become a two-way threat in the middle tier. He will begin the season with the NHL team but may be reassigned if he does not deliver exceptional performances.
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Both Sean Behrens and Mikhail Gulyayev are noteworthy prospects, with Gulyayev anticipated to be a significant defender.
These two impactful players contribute to Colorado’s advantage over several other teams with more prospects, as they are expected to be foundational players in the future. Behrens, Oskar Olausson, and Jean-Luc Foudy are all projected to participate in NHL games, though their development appears to be slower.
The Kings’ prospect pipeline has suffered recently due to the advancements of Alex Laferriere, Alex Turcotte, and Brandt Clarke.
Liam Greentree stands out as a solid addition to the prospect pool, representing Los Angeles’ best hope for an impactful player. They also have several dependable depth players, including Koehn Zimmer, Francesco Pinelli, Kenny Connors, and Samuel Helenius. Among them, Zimmer is the most promising and is likely to assume a third-line role in the upcoming years.
However, for the first time in a while, the Kings do not possess a genuine top-tier prospect and will need to focus on developing their current talent to strengthen the lineup.
The Stars have established a strategy focused on maximizing the value of late first-rounders and mid-round selections. While they may lack depth in their prospect pool, a few players are expected to make significant contributions at the NHL level. Their drop in rankings (from No. 18 in the spring) can be attributed to the departures of Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque.
Lian Bichsel and Emil Hemming are the top prospects in their pool, anticipated to assume middle-of-the-lineup roles. Defensemen Christian Kyrou and Aram Minnetian also have opportunities to compete in meaningful games, though their projections are less certain.
Dallas
While the prospect pipeline value might not be the highest, there is one team that excels in nurturing future stars: the Stars.
Among the standout prospects are Tom Willander and Jonathan Lekkerimaki, with Lekkerimaki considered the best chance for a genuine impact player in the top six. Although Willander’s performance in the 2023-24 season didn’t meet the Canucks’ expectations, he is still anticipated to develop into a sturdy second-pairing defenseman and should show significant improvement this season. Both players hold substantial value within their positions and are more likely to emerge as impactful players.
Elias Pettersson (the defenseman) and Kirill Kudryavtsev have decent potential to serve as depth defenders, adding solid value to the choices made.
Last season, Easton Cowan experienced considerable growth, prompting many within hockey circles to suggest he would be a top-15 pick in a 2023 redraft after being selected at No. 28 initially. The Leafs are in need of a player who can compete against the likes of Brad Marchand and the Tkachuks in the Atlantic Division. While Cowan may not fully reach that level, his style of play is a unique asset.
In the next few years, Artur Akhtyamov appears to be a strong contender for the starting goalie position with the Leafs. Fraser Minten must have another solid season to secure his place as a middle-six option, but his talent is evident. Ben Danford and Topi Niemala offer valuable contributions on defense, and although Niemala may not fit within Toronto’s new management framework, he retains value across the league. Nikita Grebyonkin has impressed many during the preseason and is expected to provide depth for the Leafs in the near future.
The Leafs boast quality prospects across all positions, essential for their success given the current salary cap constraints they face.
The Devils continue to excel in drafting, particularly in the early rounds. Seamus Casey is beginning the season with the Devils but may return to the AHL when other defensemen recover from injuries. He is expected to develop into a No. 4 or No. 5 defenseman by next season.
This year’s first-rounder, Anton Silayev, is an excellent addition as a large, agile defenseman who can complement the team’s finesse on the defensive line. Arseni Gritsyuk and Lenni Hameenaho are projected to become middle-of-the-lineup players in the NHL.
The Devils are a youthful team filled with exciting talent, and their slight drop in rankings can be attributed to the graduation of players like Simon Nemec. They are well-positioned for long-term success at every position.
With Cutter Gauthier departed and Matvei Michkov joining the main roster, the top two prospects are no longer in the pipeline, and Jett Luchanko is starting the season with the Flyers (though it’s likely he won’t spend the entire season in Philadelphia).
Oliver Bonk and Emil Andrae signify a promising future for the Flyers’ defensive lineup. They have three potential middle-six contributors in Denver Barkey, Elliot Desnoyers, and Massimo Rizzo, all expected to play a role in the next two or three years. In net, the Flyers possess two intriguing goaltending prospects in Alexei Kolosov and Carson Bjarnason.
the Flyers have a considerable amount of talent in their pipeline across all positions, particularly valuing their goaltending prospects.
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The Caps’ prospect pipeline may lack in quantity, yet it possesses several standout talents. Among them, Ryan Leonard is often regarded as one of the finest prospects outside the NHL, with expectations of becoming a long-term contributor in the top six and influencing the game on both sides of the puck. While he isn’t a replica of Tom Wilson, Leonard certainly embodies the characteristics of a talented player who can be a thorn in the side of opponents.
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Ivan Miroshnichenko and Hendrix Lapierre have demonstrated their ability to impact the NHL, both coming from the pipeline with anticipated roles this season. Andrew Cristall presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario; while his future is uncertain, his ceiling suggests he could evolve into a top-six playmaker. Recent addition Terik Parascak adds more skill to the Caps’ roster, with top-six potential. Additionally, Jake Karabela possesses the tools necessary to develop into a bottom-six NHL player if he continues his current trajectory.
In terms of defensemen, the Caps have Ryan Chesley and Vincent Iorio, both projected to play consistently in the NHL, although they lack a truly elite defender among their prospects.
The Jets boast multiple forward prospects anticipated to make a top-nine impact. Colby Barlow, Chaz Lucius, and Brayden Yager are each projected to fill middle-six roles. Meanwhile, Brad Lambert represents a high-risk, high-reward prospect, expected to contribute as a secondary scorer. Kevin possesses several NHL-caliber tools that warrant close observation in the coming years.
Swedish defensemen Elias Salomonsson and Alfons Freij could soon fill depth roles for the Jets, with Freij showing a reasonable chance at securing a second-pairing spot if he develops well.
Zayne Parekh significantly enhances the Flames’ prospect pool value, projected to become a top-pairing offensive powerhouse in the NHL.
Samuel Honzek, Andrew Basha, and Matvei Gridin all carry solid second-line projections. Luke Misa and Aydar Suniev possess top-nine NHL projections but come with some variability.
Apart from Parekh, the defensive line includes notable prospects such as Hunter Brzustewicz, Henry Mews, and Jeremie Poirier, all showcasing NHL potential. Both Brzustewicz and Poirier have the clearest NHL forecasts, likely taking on No. 4 or No. 5 roles with further development.
The Rangers may lack depth, but their top prospects hold promise as difference-makers. Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann are both anticipated to play pivotal offensive roles within the lineup.
Perreault enjoyed an exceptional season with Boston College in the NCAA, projecting to become a top-six player, with a good chance of developing into a top-line scoring winger. He is set to be a crucial component of the Rangers’ offense for years ahead. Othmann, having completed a solid first AHL season, is still not ready for a full NHL role and is projected to be a third-line player, contributing on both special teams.
EJ Emery stands out as a key prospect on the
The blue line shows promise, as he is expected to develop into a top-four defender. Among other noteworthy prospects are Bryce McConnell-Barker, Adam Edstrom, Adam Sykora, Brett Berard, and Victor Mancini, all of whom are anticipated to perform strongly in the AHL.
The Predators surged in prominence when Barry Trotz declared their intention to draft players with star potential, which they demonstrated by selecting Matthew Wood and Tanner Molendyk in 2023. Nonetheless, the trade of Yaroslav Askarov, widely regarded as the top goaltending prospect in the league, represents a significant loss in their overall pool value.
Apart from Wood and Molendyk, both of whom boast strong NHL projections for key roster positions, the Predators have considerable depth. The additions of Egor Surin and Teddy Stiga, along with Fedor Svechkov, Zachary L’Heureux, and Joakim Kemell, provide the Predators with multiple opportunities to enhance the middle of their lineup. Although losing Askarov involves calculated risk, the Preds are well-positioned to maintain their scoring capabilities for an extended period.
The Blues are rich in NHL forward talent and recently drafted Adam Jiricek, a player with remarkable potential on the blue line.
<p.Expectations for Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud, Zach Dean, and Zachary Bolduc are that they will all make offensive contributions at the NHL level. The synergy among these four players combines scoring, dynamic transition play, playmaking, and effective forechecking. Joining them is Otto Stenberg, a versatile player capable of controlling the pace of the game, along with Adam Jecho, who offers a mix of skill and size, giving the Blues six projected players poised to make an impact in top-nine roles.
Aside from Jiricek, the Blues lack equivalent talent on defense, with Theo Lindstein representing the most promising option for developing into a middle-pairing defenseman. The forward group clearly holds the most value and has the potential to thrive for years to come.
The Kraken possess several intriguing prospects anticipated to make a mark in the NHL, led by Berkly Catton, a talented center known for his scoring ability.
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In addition to Catton, the Kraken have Eduard Sale, Jagger Firkus, Carson Rehkopf, David Goyette, and Jani Nyman, all estimated to have reasonable NHL projections for middle-six roles.
The defensive side is particularly strong, with Ryker Evans, Lukas Dragicevic, and Caden Price expected to play regularly in the NHL. Niklas Kokko offers promise as a goaltending prospect with an acceptable NHL forecast.
The Kraken have developed an impressive pipeline of prospects, with numerous players poised to impact the NHL within the next two to three seasons.
The Hurricanes consistently find themselves in the “winners” conversation after each draft due to their knack for selecting high-ceiling players brimming with skill.
Key players in their system include a strong defensive lineup, with Alexander Nikishin projected to become a top-pairing defenseman within a few years, and the recently signed Scott Morrow expected to serve as a solid second-pair option. Dominik Badinka is another promising defender, slightly further from NHL readiness, but expected to provide good depth.
Up front, the Hurricanes have solid depth, with Bradly Nadeau forecasted to be a second-line scorer, while Jackson Blake and Gleb Trikozov are on track for roles in the top nine.
With three prospects at
With each skating position anticipated to have varying levels of impact, the Canes’ prospect pool remains robust, supported by depth players like Felix Unger Sorum, Nikita Artamonov, and Jayden Perron.
Having graduated Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther last season, along with trading Conor Geekie during the draft, Utah finds itself in a different position compared to its previous existence as the Arizona Coyotes. The new ownership is eager to win, enabling the league’s latest franchise to utilize its extensive prospect pool to acquire significant NHL talent.
The prospect pipeline is now led by Tij Iginla, Cole Beaudoin, and Dmitry Simashev, all of whom are expected to become impactful NHL players. Meanwhile, Julian Lutz and Daniil But are intriguing prospects, though they lack a solid offensive projection.
On the defensive front, Maveric Lamoureux has shown promising development and is expected to fill a depth role, while Michael Hrabal is slated to be an NHL goalie.
With a well-stocked prospect cupboard, Utah is well-positioned to enhance its NHL roster through trades and is not far from becoming a formidable team in the Western Conference.
Having back-to-back high lottery picks is typically advantageous, and that applies to Chicago. Artyom Levshunov, selected at No. 2 this summer, exhibits the qualities of a top-pairing defender and joins Kevin Korchinski as another promising defenseman in the pipeline. Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar stand out among the forward prospects, both projected to be top-six offensive contributors.
Beyond Levshunov and Korchinski on defense, Sam Rinzel and Nolan Allan are expected to develop into depth NHL players. The prospect pool in Chicago is further enhanced by goaltenders Adam Gajan and Drew Commesso, both of whom have strong potential to reach the NHL level.
The pipeline boasts potential impact players at every position and solid depth, with Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, Ryder Rolston, AJ Spellacy, Ethan Del Mastro, and Wyatt Kaiser contributing to the overall strength.
The Sabres employ a unique combination of analytical methods and scouting for their draft strategy, clearly adhering to the “best player available” approach with each selection. Consequently, they have developed a well-rounded prospect pool featuring Devon Levi in goal, defensemen Maxim Strbak and Gavin McCarthy, along with several high-value forwards like Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius.
The trade of Matthew Savoie to Edmonton has caused a drop in their rankings, compounded by the graduation of Zach Benson.
They possess NHL-caliber players across all positions, four potential impact players, and a strong depth that complements the existing talent on their NHL roster. Buffalo is on track for long-term success but must begin converting this potential into victories at the NHL level.
It’s unclear what exceptional strategies director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett and his team employ to consistently extract value through the draft, but each year, they manage to secure two or three players well beyond their expected selection range.
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In 2024, Zeev Buium and Aron Kiviharju stood out as top selections, and Ryder Ritchie’s choice at No. 45 was a commendable decision as well. Since 2020, the Wild have achieved their highest rate of signing draftees to entry-level contracts.
Leading this group is Jesper Wallstedt, who appears poised to become Minnesota’s goaltender of the future following his recent contract signing. The Wild’s forward lineup includes projected top-nine players such as Danila Yurov, Marat Khusnutdinov, Riley Heidt, Charlie Stramel, and Ritchie.
On defense, Buium shines as a standout alongside fellow prospects Carson Lambos and Daemon Hunt. These three players are expected to confidently fill roles as a top-pair, second-pair, and No. 4/5 defenseman, respectively.
The Wild consistently excel in their drafting efforts, which helps maintain their value even after the graduations of Liam Ohgren and Marco Rossi.
For over ten years, the Ducks have been a premier drafting team, which explains their position in the top 5. They have high-quality prospects across all positions, with 2024 No. 3 selection Beckett Sennecke leading the way. Alongside Sennecke, Olen Zellweger enhances a youthful NHL core that comprises Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov, and Lukas Dostal, setting the Ducks up for sustained success.
On the defensive end, Stian Solberg joins Tristan Luneau, Tyson Hinds, and Noah Warren, all projected to fill bottom-two pairing roles. Up front, Nathan Gaucher and Sasha Pastujov may prove to be valuable depth assets, while Calle Clang and Tomas Suchanek present reasonable options for goaltending depth.
Defensively, the Ducks’ prospect pool has significant value, with five players expected to reach the NHL in various capacities.
The Red Wings have gathered impressive talent in their recent drafts, resulting in the fourth-most-valuable prospect pool in the league.
Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin-Pelikka are both projected to become impactful top-four defenders within the next two years. Additionally, William Willander and Shai Buium present themselves as potential depth defenders at the NHL level.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Nate Danielson are expected to make their mark as middle-six forwards, while Marco Kasper should transition to the NHL lineup successfully.
In goal, the Red Wings can rely on solid options like Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, adding depth to that position.
Five players from the Red Wings’ pool are anticipated to make meaningful contributions at the NHL level, while three more are projected to provide valuable depth. Detroit’s future looks promising given the caliber of prospects they possess at every position.
While Montreal chose not to select Matvei Michkov in the 2023 draft, they made a smart move by selecting Ivan Demidov. Incorporating Demidov into a pipeline that already includes Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher on defense is commendable. Demidov is expected to become an NHL star and a vital component of Montreal’s scoring strategy.
Hutson is on track to be an offensive difference-maker both at even strength and on the power play. There are concerns about Reinbacher’s development due to injuries, but he possesses the talent to evolve into a solid top-four defender.
Michael Hage has gotten off to a strong start with Michigan and has a good chance of emerging as a middle-six player.
Filip Mesar, Owen Beck, and Joshua Roy are all expected to be dependable contributors in the bottom six. Jacob Fowler has shown remarkable development; while projecting goaltenders can be challenging, he could potentially become Montreal’s future goalie if he maintains his current path.
The prospect pool for the Blue Jackets is filled with both skill and depth. The strongest area of this pool is the blue line, featuring blue-chip prospects like David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk, both anticipated to be top-four defensemen. Stanislav Svozil, Charlie Elick, Corson Ceulemans, and Samuel Knazko are projected to become reliable No. 4 or 5 defenders with solid confidence.
On the offensive front, the addition of Cayden Lindstrom significantly enhances the strength of the team. He and Adam Fantilli are poised to form a formidable duo at center for years. In recent drafts, several skilled forwards such as Gavin Brindley, Jordan Dumais, and Luca Del Bel Belluz have been added to the pool; these players are developing well and are nearing the point of contributing to Columbus’ NHL lineup.
A prospect pool that includes three projected stars, four impactful players, and additional depth holds substantial value.
Fans in San Jose have much to look forward to; despite the current team’s struggles, help is on the horizon.
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The Sharks’ prospect pool significantly improved with the drafting of defenseman Sam Dickinson and the acquisition of goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. Along with Quentin Musty and Mattias Havelid, the Sharks boast ample talent to support Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact at the NHL level.
Additionally, the presence of Luca Cagnoni on defense and several promising middle-six options like Filip Bystedt, Daniil Gushchin, and Thomas Bordeleau enhances the overall value of the pool. While the Sharks’ strength lies primarily in their forward prospects, the inclusion of Askarov and Dickinson positions them as a formidable contender in the coming years.
A wave of young talent is on the way, promising to transform the Shark Tank back into a thrilling environment for years ahead.
# 2024-25 NHL Prospect Pipeline Rankings: Evaluating the Future Stars of All 32 Teams
As the NHL gears up for the 2024-25 season, the spotlight shines on the next generation of hockey talent. Understanding the prospect pipeline is essential for fans and teams alike, as it showcases the potential future stars that could shape the league. Here’s a comprehensive look at the prospect rankings for each of the 32 NHL teams, highlighting the key players to watch, their potential impact, and the overall depth of each team’s prospect pool.
## Understanding the Importance of Prospect Rankings
Prospect rankings serve multiple purposes in the NHL:
– **Team Development**: Assessing the strength of a team’s pipeline can highlight their future competitiveness.
– **Fan Engagement**: Fans love to follow promising players before they hit the ice in the NHL.
– **Trade Value**: Teams often leverage their prospect depth in trades, making these rankings crucial for understanding potential moves.
## NHL 2024-25 Prospect Rankings by Team
### 1. Anaheim Ducks
– **Top Prospect**: Leo Carlsson (C)
- **Notable Prospects**: Pavel Mintyukov (D), Olen Zellweger (D)
### 2. Arizona Coyotes
– **Top Prospect**: Logan Cooley (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Dmitri Simashev (D), Connor Geekie (C)
### 3. Boston Bruins
– **Top Prospect**: Matthew Poitras (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Mason Lohrei (D), Johnny Beecher (C)
### 4. Buffalo Sabres
– **Top Prospect**: Zach Benson (LW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Noah Ostlund (C), Ryan Johnson (D)
### 5. Calgary Flames
- **Top Prospect**: Matthew Coronato (RW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Emil Bemstrom (RW), Ilya Nikulin (D)
### 6. Carolina Hurricanes
– **Top Prospect**: Scott Morrow (D)
– **Notable Prospects**: Jack Drury (C), Pyotr Kochetkov (G)
### 7. Chicago Blackhawks
– **Top Prospect**: Connor Bedard (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Kevin Korchinski (D), Frank Nazar (C)
### 8. Colorado Avalanche
– **Top Prospect**: Gabriel Perreault (RW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Oskar Olausson (RW), Sean Behrens (D)
### 9. Columbus Blue Jackets
– **Top Prospect**: Adam Fantilli (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Denton Mateychuk (D), Jordan Dumais (RW)
### 10. Dallas Stars
– **Top Prospect**: Logan Stankoven (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Mavrik Bourque (C), Lian Bichsel (D)
### 11. Detroit Red Wings
– **Top Prospect**: Simon Edvinsson (D)
– **Notable Prospects**: Carter Mazur (RW), Albert Johansson (D)
### 12. Edmonton Oilers
– **Top Prospect**: Reed Schaefer (LW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Dylan Holloway (C), Olivier Rodrigue (G)
### 13. Florida Panthers
– **Top Prospect**: Anton Lundell (C)
- **Notable Prospects**: Mackie Samoskevich (RW), Colin White (C)
### 14. Los Angeles Kings
– **Top Prospect**: Brandt Clarke (D)
- **Notable Prospects**: Quinton Byfield (C), Alex Turcotte (C)
### 15. Minnesota Wild
– **Top Prospect**: Marco Rossi (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Calen Addison (D), Jesper Wallstedt (G)
### 16. Montreal Canadiens
– **Top Prospect**: Filip Mesar (RW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Arber Xhekaj (D), Owen Beck (C)
### 17. Nashville Predators
- **Top Prospect**: Luke Evangelista (RW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Yaroslav Askarov (G), Ryan Ufko (D)
### 18. New Jersey Devils
– **Top Prospect**: Simon Nemec (D)
– **Notable Prospects**: Luke Hughes (D), Alexander Holtz (RW)
### 19. New York Islanders
– **Top Prospect**: Aatu Räty (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Samuel Bolduc (D), Simon Holmstrom (RW)
### 20. New York Rangers
– **Top Prospect**: Brennan Othmann (LW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Will Cuylle (LW), K’Andre Miller (D)
### 21. Ottawa Senators
– **Top Prospect**: Shane Pinto (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Tyler Boucher (RW), Lassi Thomson (D)
### 22. Philadelphia Flyers
– **Top Prospect**: Cutter Gauthier (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Tyson Foerster (RW), Ivan Fedotov (G)
### 23. Pittsburgh Penguins
– **Top Prospect**: Owen Pickering (D)
– **Notable Prospects**: Nathan Legare (RW), Filip Hallander (C)
### 24. San Jose Sharks
– **Top Prospect**: William Eklund (LW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Thomas Bordeleau (C), Ryan Merkley (D)
### 25. Seattle Kraken
- **Top Prospect**: Shane Wright (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Riker Evans (D), Ty Kartye (RW)
### 26. St. Louis Blues
– **Top Prospect**: Zachary Bolduc (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Jake Neighbours (LW), Scott Perunovich (D)
### 27. Tampa Bay Lightning
– **Top Prospect**: Dylan Duke (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Jack Finley (C), Alex Barre-Boulet (RW)
### 28. Toronto Maple Leafs
– **Top Prospect**: Nick Robertson (LW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Topi Niemela (D), Matthew Knies (LW)
### 29. Vancouver Canucks
– **Top Prospect**: Aidan McDonough (RW)
– **Notable Prospects**: Jonathan Lekkerimäki (RW), Danila Klimovich (RW)
### 30. Vegas Golden Knights
– **Top Prospect**: Zach Dean (C)
- **Notable Prospects**: Brendan Brisson (C), Daniil Miromanov (D)
### 31. Washington Capitals
– **Top Prospect**: Ivan Morozov (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Hendrix Lapierre (C), Vinny Iorio (D)
### 32. Winnipeg Jets
– **Top Prospect**: Chaz Lucius (C)
– **Notable Prospects**: Billy Constantinou (D), Cole Perfetti (C)
## Key Trends in NHL Prospect Development
### Emerging Themes
– **Speed and Skill**: The modern NHL is increasingly valuing speed and skill, leading teams to prioritize agile forwards and puck-moving defensemen in their drafts.
– **Goaltending Depth**: With goaltending being a critical position, teams are investing more resources into developing young goalies.
– **International Talent**: A growing number of prospects from Europe and other regions are making their mark, reflecting the NHL’s global reach.
### Benefits of Monitoring Prospect Rankings
– **Informed Fan Engagement**: Fans can follow their team’s future stars, increasing engagement and anticipation for upcoming seasons.
– **Better Understanding of Team Strategy**: Knowing a team’s pipeline helps dissect their future trades and drafting strategies.
## Case Studies: Successful Prospect Development
### Example 1: Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche’s successful development of players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar showcases the importance of a strong prospect pipeline. Their commitment to scouting and player development has positioned them as a perennial contender.
### Example 2: New York Rangers
The Rangers’ recent focus on developing young talent, including players like Adam Fox and Kaapo Kakko, has rejuvenated their roster and set them on a playoff trajectory.
## Practical Tips for Following NHL Prospects
– **Stay Updated on Drafts**: Follow NHL Draft news to understand which prospects could impact your favorite team.
– **Watch Junior Leagues**: Many future NHL stars play in junior leagues or overseas. Keeping an eye on these leagues can give insights into rising talents.
– **Social Media Engagement**: Follow teams and prospect accounts on social media for the latest updates, highlights, and player development news.
## Conclusion
The NHL prospect pipeline rankings for the 2024-25 season reveal a wealth of talent across all 32 teams. By paying attention to these rankings, fans can anticipate the stars of tomorrow and gain a deeper appreciation for the game. As teams continue to develop their young players, the future of the NHL looks promising.
