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. Logan Stankoven, Center
Logan Stankoven (C, R, 5’8″, 170, Kamloops Blazers, 02/06/2003)
Strengths: Stankoven is a highly skilled and dynamic forward who excels in all three zones. His speed, hockey IQ, and playmaking ability stand out, as he can create plays under pressure and push the pace of play. His ability to win puck battles, despite his smaller stature, is a testament to his tenacity and work ethic. Stankoven is also a reliable scorer with a quick release, capable of finishing plays from multiple areas on the ice.
Areas for Improvement: While his offensive skills are top-tier, Stankoven needs to continue to work on his defensive positioning and consistency in the faceoff circle. His size may also present challenges at the NHL level, particularly in winning physical battles along the boards against bigger, stronger opponents. Improving his defensive reads will allow him to play a more prominent role in all situations.
2. Lian Bichsel, Defenseman
Lian Bichsel (D, L, 6’5″, 216, Leksand, 05/18/2004)
Strengths: Bichsel is a big, physical defenseman with a strong presence in his own zone. He excels at using his size to break up plays, clear the crease, and separate opponents from the puck. His physicality and reach make him difficult to play against, especially in net-front battles and along the boards. Bichsel also possesses a heavy shot, making him a potential asset on the power play.
Areas for Improvement: Bichsel’s puck-moving ability is still a work in progress. He needs to improve his decision-making under pressure and be more consistent with his breakout passes. His mobility and skating, especially his agility, will also need refinement to keep pace with faster NHL forwards.
3. Mavrik Bourque, Center
Mavrik Bourque (C, R, 5’10”, 195, Shawnigan Cataractes, 01/08/2002)
Strengths: Bourque is a versatile center with excellent hockey sense and two-way play. He consistently makes smart decisions with the puck, displaying high-end vision and playmaking skills. His work ethic on both ends of the ice is commendable, and he can be trusted in key defensive situations. Bourque’s ability to contribute offensively while playing a responsible defensive game makes him an ideal candidate for a middle-six NHL role.
Areas for Improvement: Bourque needs to continue to develop his strength to handle the physical demands of the NHL, particularly in battles along the boards and in the corners. Increasing his foot speed will also allow him to create separation from defenders and elevate his transition game.
4. Christian Kyrou, Defenseman
Christian Kyrou (D, R, 5’11”, 183, Erie Otters, 09/16/2003)
Strengths: Kyrou is a smooth-skating, offensive defenseman with great puck control and transition ability. He’s particularly effective on the power play, where he can distribute the puck, walk the blue line, and create scoring chances with his shot. His offensive instincts and puck-moving skills are NHL-ready.
Areas for Improvement: Defensively, Kyrou needs to work on his positioning and gap control. He sometimes struggles with physical forwards and can be caught out of position when trying to make plays in the offensive zone. His overall defensive awareness will need to improve for him to handle top-four minutes at the NHL level.
5. Emil Hemming, Right Wing
Emil Hemming (RW, R, 6’1″, 205, Barrie Colts, 06/27/2006)
Strengths: Hemming is a pure goal scorer with a lethal shot and quick release. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and create scoring opportunities makes him dangerous in the offensive zone. Hemming’s speed and agility also allow him to create chances in transition, and he’s effective at using his body to shield the puck.
Areas for Improvement: Hemming needs to round out his defensive game and become more involved in puck retrievals. He can be overly reliant on his shot, so diversifying his offensive approach and becoming more of a playmaker will help him at the next level. Additionally, his physical play could use improvement to help him win more puck battles.
6. Aram Minnetian, Defenseman
Aram Minnetian (D, R, 5’11”, 192, NTDP U18, 03/19/2005, Boston College)
Strengths: Minnetian is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with excellent skating ability. His edge work and lateral movement allow him to escape pressure and carry the puck up the ice effectively. His hockey IQ and passing ability stand out, making him a key asset in transition.
Areas for Improvement: While Minnetian’s offensive skills are evident, he needs to work on his defensive game, particularly his physicality and coverage in the defensive zone. He can be caught out of position at times, and improving his awareness in his own end will help him become a more well-rounded defenseman.
7. Aryton Martino, Left Wing
Ayrton Martino (LW, L, 5’11”, 160, Omaha Lancers, 09/28/2002, Clarkson)
Strengths: Martino is a creative playmaker with great vision and passing ability. He thrives in offensive situations, particularly on the power play, where he can exploit gaps in the defense. His puck-handling skills and hockey sense allow him to create chances for his teammates in tight spaces.
Areas for Improvement: Martino needs to become more consistent in his play away from the puck, particularly in the defensive zone. Adding strength will also be key to helping him win more puck battles and improve his effectiveness along the boards. His skating, while good, could benefit from a quicker first step.
8. Remi Poirier, Goalie
Remi Poirier (G, L, 6’2″, 112, Magog Cantonniers U18, 10/06/2001)
Strengths: Poirier has great size and covers the net well, using his athleticism to make difficult saves. His ability to track the puck through traffic and recover quickly from his butterfly stance are strengths. He’s shown composure in high-pressure situations, and his rebound control is improving.
Areas for Improvement: Poirier needs to continue to work on his puck-handling ability to aid in transitions and breakouts. His lateral movement and post-to-post quickness can also be refined to ensure he’s covering all angles effectively. Developing greater consistency in his overall play will be crucial as he moves closer to an NHL role.
9. Tristan Bertucci, Defenseman
Tristan Bertucci (D, L, 6’2″, 176, Flint Firebirds, 07/12/2005)
Strengths: Bertucci is a well-rounded defenseman who plays with poise and confidence. He’s reliable in his own zone, using his positioning and hockey sense to make smart decisions with the puck. His ability to jump into the rush and contribute offensively is also a key part of his game.
Areas for Improvement: Bertucci can improve his physicality and assertiveness in defensive zone battles. While his skating is good, he could work on his explosiveness and agility to better handle the pace of play at the NHL level. Continuing to refine his puck-moving ability under pressure will be important.
10. Maxim Mayorov, Goalie
Maxim Mayorov (G, L, 6’7″, 250, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 06/13/2004)
Strengths: Mayorov has a strong technical foundation and displays good rebound control. He’s calm and composed in the net, rarely getting rattled by opposing pressure. His ability to square up to shooters and read plays before they develop is one of his key strengths.
Areas for Improvement: Mayorov needs to continue working on his puck-handling skills, as he can sometimes struggle when playing the puck outside his crease. His lateral movement and recovery speed can also be improved to handle faster, more dynamic NHL-level shooters. Increased consistency in his positioning will help him take the next step in his development.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling/Images