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. Konsta Helenius (C)
Konsta Helenius (C, R, 5’11”, 180, Jukurit, 05/11/2006)
- Strengths: Helenius is a highly intelligent two-way center. He possesses a strong hockey IQ, reading plays well on both ends of the ice. His defensive awareness and faceoff abilities make him a reliable option in key situations. Offensively, he’s a poised playmaker who excels at distributing the puck.
- Areas for Improvement: Helenius needs to add more physical strength to handle the rigors of the NHL game. His skating stride could also use refinement, particularly in explosiveness and lateral quickness to elevate his overall pace of play.
2. Jiri Kulich (LW)
Jiri Kulich (C, L, 6’0″, 172, Czechia U18, 04/14/2004)
- Strengths: Kulich’s game is built around his elite shot and offensive instincts. He has a quick release and finds soft spots in defensive coverages, making him a dangerous scoring threat. His work ethic and motor are also high-end, consistently driving play at both ends.
- Areas for Improvement: While Kulich has developed nicely, scouts will be looking for him to round out his playmaking skills and improve his decision-making under pressure. Physicality will also be key as he adjusts to tougher competition at higher levels.
3. Noah Östlund (C)
Noah Ostlund (C, L, 5’11”, 163, Djurgardens, 03/11/2004)
- Strengths: A highly skilled playmaker, Östlund has a fantastic vision and hands, often creating offensive opportunities out of nothing. His creativity makes him a power-play asset, and his quickness and agility help him evade defenders.
- Areas for Improvement: Östlund will need to get stronger to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. He’ll also need to work on simplifying his game at times and making safer decisions under pressure, particularly in defensive situations.
4. Isak Rosen (RW)
Isak Rosen (F, L, 5’11”, 161, Leksand, 03/15/2003)
- Strengths: Rosen is an excellent skater with elite-level speed and a quick release. He thrives in transition and is capable of beating defenders wide. His offensive instincts allow him to find seams and get into high-danger scoring areas.
- Areas for Improvement: Rosen’s defensive play and puck management need to improve. Adding muscle to his frame will help him withstand physical play, especially in the tough areas of the ice. Increasing his consistency will also be key.
5. Maxim Strbak (D)
Maxim Strbak (D, R, 6’2″, 205, Sioux Falls Stampede, 04/13/2005, Michigan State)
- Strengths: Strbak is a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman who excels in both ends. His vision and ability to quarterback a power play stand out, and he is capable of shutting down opposing forwards with strong positioning and a good stick.
- Areas for Improvement: Strbak needs to work on his physical play, particularly in one-on-one battles and clearing the front of the net. Scouts will also be watching to see if he can add more offense from the blue line, particularly in terms of generating secondary chances.
6. Devon Levi (G)
Devon Levi (G, L, 6’1″, 180, Carleton Place Canadians, 12/27/2001, Northeastern)
- Strengths: Levi is an exceptional technical goaltender with lightning-quick reflexes and great lateral movement. He thrives under pressure and consistently tracks the puck well, making him tough to beat in one-on-one situations.
- Areas for Improvement: At 6’0″, Levi is slightly undersized by NHL standards, and he will need to continue working on his positioning to maximize his effectiveness. Scouts will also look for improved puck-handling skills, which will help with breakouts and defensive transitions.
7. Anton Wahlberg (C)
Anton Wahlberg (C, L, 6’3″, 194, Malmo, 07/04/2005)
- Strengths: Wahlberg is a physical, hard-working center who excels in the faceoff circle and plays with a relentless motor. He’s a strong penalty killer, using his defensive instincts and reach to disrupt opponents.
- Areas for Improvement: Wahlberg’s offensive game needs more consistency, particularly in terms of finishing around the net. Adding more creativity to his offensive zone play will help elevate him as a potential top-six forward at the pro level.
8. Adam Kleber (D)
Adam Kleber (D, R, 6’5″, 203, Lincoln Stars, 03/24/2006, Minnesota Duluth)
- Strengths: Kleber is a steady, reliable defenseman who plays with maturity beyond his years. He has good gap control and excels at making smart, simple plays under pressure. His calm demeanor on the ice allows him to handle high-stress situations well.
- Areas for Improvement: He will need to add more of an offensive dimension to his game, particularly in terms of getting pucks through from the point. Continuing to develop his skating, particularly his first step, will also be important for him to excel at the next level.
9. Prokhor Poltapov (LW)
Prokhor Poltapov (RW, L, 5’11”, 174, CSKA Moskva, 02/01/2003)
- Strengths: Poltapov is a power forward with a heavy shot and the ability to play a physical game. He thrives in net-front battles and along the boards, using his body effectively to create space and maintain possession.
- Areas for Improvement: While his physical play is a strength, Poltapov’s skating needs refinement, particularly his acceleration. He also needs to improve his puck decisions in high-pressure situations and develop a more consistent offensive output.
10. Brodie Ziemer (RW)
Brodie Ziemer (RW, R, 5’11”, 192, USA NTDP U18, 02/22/2006, Minnesota)
- Strengths: Ziemer is a versatile winger who plays a high-energy, two-way game. He is effective on the forecheck and is responsible defensively. His relentless work ethic and willingness to engage physically make him an asset in various situations.
- Areas for Improvement: Ziemer needs to improve his offensive consistency, particularly in creating scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates. Improving his puck skills and vision in the offensive zone will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images