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.
- Zayne Parekh (D, R, 6’0″, 181, Saginaw Spirit, 02/15/2006)
- Strengths: Parekh is a dynamic offensive defenseman with elite puck-handling and playmaking abilities. His mobility allows him to drive plays from the back end, transitioning effectively through the neutral zone and contributing to the rush. He has a strong shot from the point and excellent vision, making him a power play asset.
- Areas for Improvement: He will need to improve his defensive awareness and positioning, particularly in his own zone, to become more reliable. Adding strength to handle bigger forwards and becoming more assertive in puck battles will be key to his development.
2. Matthew Coronato (RW, R, 5’10”, 181, Chicago Steel, 11/14/2002, Harvard)
- Strengths: Coronato is a highly skilled winger with a strong offensive IQ and a nose for the net. His ability to shoot from various angles and get into prime scoring areas makes him a dangerous threat. His skating and quick release make him a versatile scoring option.
- Areas for Improvement: He can focus on becoming a more consistent player defensively, particularly in his positioning and board work. Adding muscle to compete more effectively in tight areas will help him transition to a more physical NHL game.
3. Hunter Brzustewicz (D, R, 6’1″, 194, London Knights, 11/29/2004)
- Strengths: Brzustewicz is a right-shot defenseman who excels in puck retrievals and making strong first passes out of the zone. He plays a mature, poised game and has shown the ability to break up plays defensively using his size and reach.
- Areas for Improvement: He’ll need to work on his skating agility and decision-making under pressure, especially in high-traffic areas. Becoming more comfortable in offensive zone activation could add another dimension to his game.
4. Dustin Wolf (G, L, 5’11”, 170, LA Jr. Kings U16, 04/16/2001)
- Strengths: Wolf has proven to be a top-tier goaltender at the AHL level with exceptional reflexes, puck-tracking, and the ability to handle high-danger chances. His athleticism and lateral movement are elite, making him a consistent performer under pressure.
- Areas for Improvement: Despite his strong play, his smaller frame for an NHL goaltender means he will need to focus on positioning and rebound control to compensate. Improving his ability to handle traffic in front of the net will be crucial.
5. Samuel Honzek (LW, L, 6’4″, 195, Vancouver Giants, 11/12/2004)
- Strengths: Honzek is a big, versatile forward who can play both center and wing. He’s strong on the puck, protects it well, and has a powerful shot. His two-way game is developing, and he’s shown flashes of being a reliable 200-foot player.
- Areas for Improvement: To succeed at the next level, he’ll need to improve his skating explosiveness and become more consistent in his defensive zone coverage. Adding more offensive creativity will also help him become a more complete forward.
6. Jakob Pelletier (F, L, 5’9″, 161, 03/07/2001)
- Strengths: Pelletier is a highly competitive winger with a relentless work ethic. His skating, puck control, and vision make him a consistent offensive threat. He’s also strong on the forecheck and capable of playing a defensively responsible game.
- Areas for Improvement: Pelletier will need to continue adding strength to win more puck battles, especially in the corners. He can also work on improving his finishing ability around the net to capitalize on scoring chances.
7. Etienne Morin (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Moncton Wildcats, 03/09/2005)
- Strengths: Morin is a smooth-skating defenseman who excels at moving the puck out of the defensive zone. He’s composed under pressure and can contribute offensively with his passing and shot from the blue line.
- Areas for Improvement: He’ll need to focus on his defensive positioning and become more physical in front of the net. Increasing his strength will help him deal with larger forwards at the next level.
8. Andrew Basha (C, L, 5’11”, 174, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/08/2005)
- Strengths: Basha is a playmaking center with excellent vision and the ability to make quick decisions with the puck. His hockey sense allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and he’s effective on the power play.
- Areas for Improvement: His skating is an area of focus, particularly his acceleration and edge work. Defensively, he needs to improve his faceoffs and overall awareness in his own zone to become a more reliable option.
9. Jeremie Poirier (D, L, 6’0″, 192, Lac St-Louis Grenadiers, 06/02/2002)
- Strengths: Poirier is an offensively gifted defenseman with a high-end shot and excellent puck-moving skills. He’s particularly effective on the power play, where he can quarterback from the point and create scoring chances.
- Areas for Improvement: His defensive game remains a work in progress, as he’ll need to be more disciplined in his positioning and decision-making. Becoming more engaged in puck battles and physical play will also be essential for his NHL future.
10. Matvei Gridin (RW, L, 6’1″, 185, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 03/01/2006)
- Strengths: Gridin is a skilled winger with a knack for scoring. His quick release and ability to find open space make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. He’s also a creative passer and can be dangerous on the rush.
- Areas for Improvement: His play without the puck, particularly on defense, will need attention. He can also improve his consistency in physical engagements and in winning puck battles along the boards.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images