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.
Nikolai Kovalenko (RW, L, 5’10”, 195, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, 10/17/1999), Center
Strengths: Kovalenko plays a relentless two-way game with a high motor, excelling in puck pursuit and creating offensive pressure through his forechecking. His speed and edgework allow him to transition quickly from defense to offense, making him a valuable player in all situations. He has strong vision and passing ability, enabling him to find open teammates in tight spaces.
Areas to Improve: Kovalenko needs to work on his consistency with puck handling under pressure, particularly when facing bigger, more physical NHL opponents. Additionally, his faceoff skills need to improve to be a more effective center at the NHL level.
Projection: Middle-six center with penalty-kill duties and the ability to be a matchup player.
Mikhail Gulyayev (D, L, 5’11”, 161, Omskie Yastreby, 04/26/2005), Defenseman
Strengths: Gulyayev is an elite skater with excellent mobility, allowing him to jump into the play offensively while recovering defensively. His offensive instincts and puck-moving ability are top-notch, as he can quarterback a power play and make plays from the blue line. His hockey IQ stands out in terms of positioning and anticipating plays.
Areas to Improve: Gulyayev needs to bulk up to handle the physicality of North American hockey, particularly in the defensive zone. He also needs to work on his gap control and defensive reads to avoid being caught out of position.
Projection: Top-four offensive defenseman with power play responsibilities.
Calum Ritchie (C, R, 6’2″, 187, Oshawa Generals, 01/21/2005), Center
Strengths: Ritchie is a big-bodied center with excellent puck protection skills and the ability to drive play through the middle. His shot is a standout feature, particularly his quick release in tight spaces. He’s a reliable presence on both sides of the puck and has shown leadership qualities.
Areas to Improve: His skating is an area of focus, especially his first-step acceleration, which can limit his ability to create separation from defenders. Ritchie also needs to enhance his playmaking under pressure, particularly in high-intensity situations.
Projection: Middle-six center with the potential to be a power play and penalty-kill contributor.
Ilya Nabokov (G, L, 6’1″, 180, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, 03/27/2003), Goalie
Strengths: Nabokov is a calm and composed goalie with excellent positioning and the ability to track pucks well through traffic. His size and athleticism allow him to cover a lot of the net, and his rebound control is strong. He has a confident, competitive mindset that helps him maintain focus in high-pressure situations.
Areas to Improve: Nabokov’s puck-handling skills need refinement, as he can sometimes struggle with decision-making when playing the puck. Additionally, his lateral movement can improve to better handle quick plays across the crease.
Projection: NHL backup with the potential to develop into a starting goaltender.
Justus Annunen (G, L, 6’4″, 200, Karpat, 03/11/2000), Goalie
Strengths: Annunen has the size and frame to be an imposing presence in the net. His athleticism and reflexes allow him to make acrobatic saves, and he excels in high-danger situations. His work ethic and ability to stay square to shooters are consistent strengths.
Areas to Improve: Annunen needs to improve his consistency, particularly in controlling rebounds and managing the mental aspects of his game during stretches of poor team play. His puck-handling also needs to become more refined.
Projection: NHL backup with the potential to compete for a starting role.
Sean Behrens (D, L, 5’10”, 177, NTDP U18, 03/31/2003, Denver), Defenseman
Strengths: Behrens is a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman who excels in transition. He reads the play well and can contribute offensively with his vision and passing ability. His skating allows him to close gaps quickly and break up plays.
Areas to Improve: Behrens needs to add strength to improve his ability to win battles in the defensive zone, especially against larger opponents. His shot from the point can also become more of a threat if he adds power.
Projection: Middle-pairing defenseman with power play upside.
Oskar Olausson (F, L, 6’2″, 180, HV71, 11/10/2002), Left Wing
Strengths: Olausson is a gifted offensive player with a strong shot and a knack for finding open spaces to unleash it. His skating is fluid, and he can beat defenders wide or drive the net with speed. He’s also an underrated playmaker, often drawing defenders and creating space for teammates.
Areas to Improve: Olausson needs to engage more physically, particularly along the boards and in puck battles. His defensive awareness is still a work in progress, and he will need to improve his consistency in his own zone to secure an NHL spot.
Projection: Top-nine winger with scoring potential, possibly top-six if he rounds out his defensive game.
Nikita Ishimnikov (D, R, 6’3″, 194, Avto Yekaterinburg, 04/21/2005), Defenseman
Strengths: Ishimnikov is a steady, reliable defenseman who excels in his own zone. His positional play is strong, and he uses his size to box out opponents and clear the crease effectively. His passing is clean, and he can make a good first pass to start the breakout.
Areas to Improve: Ishimnikov lacks the offensive upside of some of his peers and will need to improve his decision-making under pressure when moving the puck. His skating, while effective, could be more dynamic to handle faster NHL forwards.
Projection: Bottom-pairing defensive defenseman with penalty-kill responsibilities.
Jean-Luc Foudy (C, R, 5’11”, 168, Windsor Spitfires, 01/01/2002), Center
Strengths: Foudy is an electrifying skater with dynamic speed and agility, making him dangerous in transition. His playmaking ability shines, particularly in open ice, where he can create chances for his teammates. His defensive game is improving, and he’s shown the ability to disrupt plays with his speed.
Areas to Improve: Foudy needs to add strength to be more effective in puck battles and along the boards. He also needs to work on his consistency in the offensive zone, particularly finishing plays and improving his shot selection.
Projection: Middle-six center or winger with potential as a transition and penalty-kill specialist.
Will Zellers (LW, L, 5’10”, 164, Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, 04/04/2006, North Dakota), Center
Strengths: Zellers is a smart, two-way center with good vision and a high compete level. His hockey IQ stands out in both the offensive and defensive zones, and he’s shown the ability to win face-offs and play in key situations. His skating is solid, and he makes good reads in transition.
Areas to Improve: Zellers needs to continue developing his offensive game, particularly his shot and playmaking under pressure. He’ll also need to add strength to handle the physical demands of the pro game, especially in tight spaces.
Projection: Bottom-six center with the potential to become a reliable depth forward capable of playing in all situations.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images