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. Cayden Lindstrom – Center
Cayden Lindstrom (C, L, 6’3″, 210, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/03/2006)
Strengths: Lindstrom is a powerful two-way center with a solid physical frame at 6’3″, 205 pounds. He excels in board battles and puck protection, showcasing good defensive responsibility and solid playmaking ability. His skating stride is strong for a player his size, and he’s able to drive the play with speed and tenacity.
Areas for Improvement: To elevate his game, Lindstrom will need to work on his offensive consistency and puck-handling skills in tight spaces. Additionally, further development in his faceoff percentage is essential for him to excel as a reliable center at the NHL level.
2. Denton Mateychuk – Defense
Denton Mateychuk (D, L, 5’11”, 187, Moose Jaw Warriors, 07/12/2004)
Strengths: Mateychuk is an intelligent, puck-moving defenseman who has excellent vision and hockey sense. His skating ability allows him to transition the puck smoothly from defense to offense. He has strong gap control and can quarterback a power play effectively, reading the game at an elite level.
Areas for Improvement: Mateychuk needs to continue refining his defensive zone play, particularly in one-on-one battles against stronger opponents. Adding muscle to his frame will also help him in winning puck battles in high-traffic areas.
3. Jordan Dumais – Right Wing
Jordan Dumais (RW, R, 5’9″, 174, Halifax Mooseheads, 04/15/2004)
Strengths: Dumais has high-end offensive instincts and a knack for finding open ice, making him a dangerous goal-scorer. His vision and passing ability allow him to create scoring chances for teammates. His agility and quick hands make him a threat in tight spaces.
Areas for Improvement: Dumais will need to add strength to compete physically at the professional level, particularly in board battles and when defending against larger opponents. Improving his defensive consistency will also be key as he transitions to the NHL.
4. Gavin Brindley – Right Wing
Gavin Brindley (RW, R, 5’8″, 158, Michigan, 10/05/2004, Michigan)
Strengths: Brindley is a high-energy player with tremendous skating ability. He brings speed and tenacity to every shift, making him difficult to defend. His work ethic is a standout trait, and he shows strong defensive responsibility for a winger, making him a solid two-way player.
Areas for Improvement: Brindley needs to develop more finishing ability in the offensive zone to capitalize on the chances he creates. Working on his play in high-traffic areas and adding more physicality to his game will be critical for his future success.
5. Stanislav Svozil – Defense
Stanislav Svozil (D, L, 6’1″, 182, HC Kometa Brno U20, 01/17/2003)
Strengths: Svozil is a steady, two-way defenseman with good size and mobility. He reads the game well in the defensive zone, and his outlet passes are clean and efficient. His positioning and gap control are strong, and he’s shown the ability to make smart decisions under pressure.
Areas for Improvement: Svozil will need to improve his offensive instincts, particularly in terms of joining the rush and contributing on the power play. Additionally, continuing to add strength to handle NHL forwards in front of the net will be key to his development.
6. Luca Del Bel Belluz – Center
Luca Del Bel Belluz (C, L, 6’1″, 179, Brampton Steelheads, 11/10/2003)
Strengths: Del Bel Belluz has high-end puck skills and is an effective playmaker who can generate offense from the middle of the ice. His ability to anticipate plays makes him a dangerous offensive threat. His hands are quick, and he excels in puck possession.
Areas for Improvement: He will need to work on his skating, particularly his acceleration, to keep up with the speed of the NHL game. Becoming a more consistent 200-foot player, especially in the defensive zone, will help round out his game.
7. Charlie Elick – Defense
Charlie Elick (D, R, 6’3″, 201, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/17/2006)
Strengths: Elick is a physical defenseman with good size and strength. He excels at clearing the front of the net and plays with a hard-nosed edge, making him tough to play against. His reach and positioning help him shut down plays in the defensive zone.
Areas for Improvement: Elick will need to refine his puck-moving ability, especially under pressure. His offensive game is still developing, and scouts will look for improvements in his ability to contribute offensively, whether through breakouts or occasional shots from the point.
8. Luca Pinelli – Left Wing
Luca Pinelli (C, L, 5’9″, 165, Ottawa 67s U16, 04/05/2005)
Strengths: Pinelli is a crafty winger with elite playmaking ability. His vision and hockey sense are top-notch, allowing him to create scoring chances seemingly out of nothing. He has a quick release on his shot and is dangerous in transition.
Areas for Improvement: Pinelli’s size and strength are areas that need to improve. He will also need to work on his consistency in both ends of the ice, particularly in terms of his defensive zone play and decision-making without the puck.
9. Corson Ceulemans – Defense
Corson Ceulemans (D, R, 6’2″, 198, Brooks Bandits, 05/05/2003, Wisconsin)
Strengths: Ceulemans is a strong, offensive defenseman who can dominate with his skating and puck-handling skills. He’s a powerful skater with a heavy shot from the point and the ability to lead the rush. His size and physicality make him a presence in the defensive zone as well.
Areas for Improvement: Ceulemans will need to improve his decision-making, particularly when under pressure. While he excels offensively, refining his defensive coverage and discipline will be key to making the leap to the NHL.
10. William Whitelaw – Center
William Whitelaw (C, R, 5’9″, 173, Michigan, 02/05/2005, Wisconsin)
Strengths: Whitelaw is an intelligent, creative forward who can generate offense with his vision and hands. His hockey IQ allows him to find open space and make quick decisions with the puck. He plays with pace and can be a playmaker or a goal scorer.
Areas for Improvement: Whitelaw needs to continue developing his strength and conditioning to handle the rigors of professional hockey. Improving his consistency and play without the puck, particularly in his defensive game, will be crucial for his overall development.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images