If you’re a die-hard NHL fan eager to learn about the next wave of NHL talent, Neutral Zone’s rankings of current prospects are a must-read. What sets these evaluations apart? They come from Ian Moran, a 13-year NHL veteran who spent a total of 15 seasons playing professional hockey across North America and Europe. With international experience representing the U.S. in World Junior Championships and a World Championship, Moran’s insights come from a truly global perspective. Now Director of NHL Scouting for Neutral Zone, Moran leverages his unique, firsthand knowledge to provide in-depth, unbiased evaluations you won’t find anywhere else. Get the expert analysis that offers a clear view of the future, straight from someone who’s lived the game at the highest level.
1. Fabian Lysell (F, R, 6’0″, 180, Lulea, 01/19/2003)
Strengths: Lysell is an electrifying winger with elite speed and offensive creativity. His ability to generate scoring chances off the rush and his puck handling in tight spaces makes him a dynamic threat. His high hockey IQ allows him to anticipate plays well and find gaps in defensive coverage. His vision and passing make him dangerous as a playmaker, and his shot is deceptive, often catching goaltenders off guard.
Areas for Improvement: Lysell’s consistency and play without the puck are areas for growth. He needs to work on his physical play along the boards and his defensive positioning, especially in his own zone. Improving his strength will also help him win more puck battles and increase his effectiveness against bigger, stronger competition.
2. Dean Letourneau (C, R, 6’6″, 209, St. Andrew’s College, 02/21/2006, Boston College)
Strengths: Letourneau is a skilled, two-way center with a high compete level. His faceoff abilities and defensive awareness make him a reliable option in his own end, while his offensive upside shows promise with a good shot and strong net-front presence. He can play in all situations and is particularly valuable on the penalty kill due to his anticipation and active stick.
Areas for Improvement: Letourneau needs to work on his offensive consistency and his playmaking in the offensive zone. Adding strength to his frame will help him withstand physical battles at the pro level and improve his ability to hold onto the puck in high-pressure situations.
3. Georgii Merkulov (F, L, 5’10”, 165, Youngstown Phantoms, 10/10/2000, Ohio State)
Strengths: Merkulov is a dynamic offensive player with great hands and an ability to create offense out of nothing. His quick release and accurate shot make him a scoring threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. He excels at finding seams in coverage and has a nose for high-danger scoring areas. His offensive instincts are some of the best in the system.
Areas for Improvement: Merkulov’s defensive game and overall consistency need to be addressed. His size and strength will also need improvement for him to be effective in the physical grind of the NHL. Improving his work along the boards and play without the puck will be critical in his development as a complete player.
4. John Farinacci (F, R, 5’11”, 185, Dexter School, 02/14/2001, Harvard)
Strengths: Farinacci is a cerebral two-way center who excels in the faceoff circle and is trusted in defensive situations. He has a mature, well-rounded game, showing the ability to contribute in all zones. He plays with poise and is particularly effective at reading plays defensively, making him a reliable penalty killer.
Areas for Improvement: His offensive production needs to catch up to his defensive abilities. While he’s shown flashes of offensive upside, improving his shot and confidence in driving play offensively will elevate his game. Adding another gear to his skating could also improve his ability to separate from defenders.
5. Oskar Jellvik (LW, L, 5’11”, 175, Djurgardens, 02/08/2003, Boston College)
Strengths: Jellvik has quick game processing and is an excellent skater, allowing him to navigate the ice efficiently often times arriving in prime scoring areas with time and space . He’s a smart player with good puck control and an ability to read the play, contributing well on both ends of the ice. His agility and quickness make him effective in transition.
Areas for Improvement: Jellvik needs to add muscle to be more effective in physical battles. He also needs to increase his shot volume and develop more of a scoring touch to elevate his offensive game. Consistency in his play away from the puck and positioning in his own zone will also need refining.
6. Brett Harrison (C, L, 6’2″, 188, Oshawa Generals, 07/06/2003)
Strengths: Harrison is a big-bodied center with a heavy shot and a strong net-front presence. His ability to play in traffic and win puck battles is a major asset, and he’s shown a willingness to play a gritty game. His work in the faceoff circle is solid, and he can play up and down the lineup.
Areas for Improvement: His skating needs work, particularly his first few strides. As a larger player, improving his explosiveness and foot speed will be key for him to be effective at the NHL level. His playmaking ability could also use improvement, as he tends to rely heavily on his shot.
7. Philip Svedeback (G, R, 6’3″, 192, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/28/2002, Providence)
Strengths: Svedeback has excellent size and positioning, allowing him to cover a lot of the net. He’s calm under pressure and reads the play well, rarely being caught out of position. His rebound control and ability to track pucks in traffic are strengths, making him a reliable last line of defense.
Areas for Improvement: He needs to improve his lateral quickness and puck handling to deal with faster-paced NHL play. Adding strength and refining his technique, particularly his footwork and agility in the crease, will be important in his transition to the next level.
8. Frederic Brunet (D, L, 6’2″, 185, Rimouski Oceanic, 08/21/2003)
Strengths: Brunet is a smooth-skating defenseman with good puck-moving skills. His ability to transition the puck quickly out of his own zone makes him an asset in the modern game. He’s effective at making the first pass and has shown some offensive upside, particularly on the power play.
Areas for Improvement: Brunet will need to improve his physical play and ability to defend against larger forwards. He sometimes struggles with his decision-making under pressure, leading to turnovers. Adding strength to his frame will help him win more battles in the corners and in front of the net.
9. Trevor Kuntar (F, L, 6’0″, 203, Youngstown Phantoms, 06/20/2001, Boston College)
Strengths: Kuntar plays a hard-nosed, physical game with a relentless work ethic. He’s tough to play against, using his body to win battles and create space for his teammates. He has shown offensive upside, particularly around the net where he’s hard to move and has a quick release.
Areas for Improvement: Kuntar needs to continue working on his skating, particularly his acceleration and agility. His offensive game, while solid, could use more polish, especially in his playmaking. More consistent production and better puck management will be key for his NHL future.
10. Jonathan Myrenberg (D, R, 6’2″, 185, Linkoping J20, 04/11/2003)
Strengths: Myrenberg is a big, strong defenseman with a heavy shot and a physical presence. He’s effective at breaking up plays in his own zone and uses his size well in front of the net and along the boards. His reach and stick work make him difficult to play against on the rush.
Areas for Improvement: His skating, particularly his lateral mobility, needs refinement. He also needs to improve his decision-making under pressure and develop more poise with the puck. His offensive game is still developing, and adding more consistency in his transition play will help round out his game.
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