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. Alexander Nikishin, Defense
Alexander Nikishin (D, L, 6’3″, 196, 10/02/2001)
Strengths: Nikishin is a physical defenseman with strong positioning and excellent gap control. His ability to shut down opposing forwards with his size and strength is elite. His hockey IQ enables him to read plays effectively, contributing both defensively and when transitioning the puck up ice. Nikishin’s reach and ability to clear the crease make him a reliable defender. Areas to Improve: He could improve his offensive game, particularly his puck movement and shot from the point. While solid in his own zone, becoming a more consistent two-way threat will enhance his overall value.
2. Scott Morrow, Defense
Scott Morrow (D, L, 6’2″, 190, Shattuck St. Mary’s U18, 11/01/2002, UMass Amherst)
Strengths: Morrow is an offensively dynamic defenseman with excellent skating, vision, and puck-handling abilities. He loves to push the pace and join the rush, offering a significant offensive upside from the back end. His creativity and poise under pressure make him an asset on the power play. Areas to Improve: Morrow’s defensive play can be inconsistent, particularly in his one-on-one coverage and positioning. Focusing on tightening his defensive awareness and improving his physicality will be key to rounding out his game.
3. Bradly Nadeau, Left Wing
Bradly Nadeau (C, R, 5’11”, 179, Penticton Vees, 05/05/2005, Maine)
Strengths: Nadeau is a highly skilled winger with an exceptional hockey IQ and playmaking abilities. He has quick hands, elite vision, and the ability to create offense both individually and for his teammates. His skating and ability to change speeds add to his offensive toolkit. Areas to Improve: Nadeau needs to work on his defensive game, particularly in terms of positioning and commitment to backchecking. Improving his strength to better compete along the boards and in front of the net will also be important for his development.
4. Felix Unger Sorum, Right Wing
Felix Unger Sorum (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Leksands IF J20, 09/14/2005)
Strengths: Unger Sorum has a high motor and relentless work ethic. He plays an aggressive style, constantly pressuring opponents on the forecheck and disrupting plays. Offensively, he’s effective in tight spaces and creates opportunities with his quick release. Areas to Improve: His offensive consistency can be streaky, and he could benefit from improving his playmaking ability. Continuing to refine his offensive tools will help him become more of a threat in the offensive zone.
5. Jackson Blake, Right Wing
Jackson Blake (RW, R, 5’10”, 158, Chicago Steel, 08/03/2003, North Dakota)
Strengths: Blake is a skilled forward with quick hands and a strong hockey sense. He’s able to create offense through his vision and passing, and he plays well in tight areas. His creativity in the offensive zone makes him dangerous on the power play. Areas to Improve: Blake needs to add more strength to handle physical play, especially in board battles. His defensive game also requires improvement, particularly in terms of positioning and making quicker decisions when the puck is in his zone.
6. Dominik Badinka, Defense
Dominik Badinka (D, R, 6’2″, 172, Malmo, 11/27/2005)
Strengths: Badinka is a towering presence on the blue line with an excellent reach and solid defensive instincts. His physical play and shot-blocking ability make him effective in front of the net and on the penalty kill. He’s a reliable stay-at-home defenseman. Areas to Improve: He could improve his puck-handling skills and his ability to contribute offensively. Developing his first pass and playmaking ability will be key to increasing his value at the next level.
7. Jayden Perron, Right Wing
Jayden Perron (C, R, 5’9″, 163, University of North Dakota, 01/11/2005, North Dakota)
Strengths: Perron is a creative forward with excellent vision and playmaking skills. He excels in transition, using his speed and hockey sense to generate scoring chances. Perron is a versatile offensive player who can create off the rush or sustain pressure in the offensive zone. Areas to Improve: Like many young offensive players, he needs to bulk up to handle physical play better. His defensive game is a work in progress, and improving his commitment to playing without the puck will be crucial for his development.
8. Nikita Artamonov, Left Wing
Nikita Artamonov (RW, L, 5’11”, 187, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, 11/17/2005)
Strengths: Artamonov is a natural goal scorer with a quick and accurate shot. He can find space in the offensive zone and has the ability to finish plays from anywhere. His off-puck movement and positioning make him a constant threat. Areas to Improve: His playmaking ability and puck distribution need refinement. He tends to be more of a shooter than a creator, and rounding out his offensive game will make him a more complete forward. Defensively, he needs to be more engaged.
9. Aleksi Heimosalmi, Defense
Aleksi Heimosalmi (D, R, 5’11”, 170, Assat U20, 05/08/2003)
Strengths: Heimosalmi is a smooth-skating defenseman with strong offensive instincts. His puck-moving abilities and confidence with the puck make him a valuable asset on the power play. He’s adept at breaking out of the zone and creating transition opportunities. Areas to Improve: His defensive play is still developing. He needs to work on his physicality and positioning to become a more complete defenseman, especially when facing bigger, stronger opponents.
10. Gleb Trikozov, Left Wing
Gleb Trikozov (C, R, 6’1″, 185, Russia U18, 08/12/2004)
Strengths: Trikozov is a creative winger with strong offensive instincts and an accurate shot. He thrives in the offensive zone with his ability to create scoring chances from nothing. His vision and passing skills allow him to set up teammates effectively. Areas to Improve: Trikozov can improve his consistency and play away from the puck. He needs to commit more to defensive responsibilities and develop a stronger presence in physical battles.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images