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. Simon Edvinsson (LD)
Simon Edvinsson (D, L, 6’4″, 198, Frolunda, 02/05/2003)
- Strengths: Edvinsson is a big, mobile defenseman with excellent two-way potential. His skating for his size is a standout attribute, allowing him to join the rush and recover defensively. He’s also shown good puck-moving skills, particularly in transition, and the ability to make smart decisions under pressure.
- Improvement Areas: Edvinsson needs to continue refining his decision-making in his own zone, particularly under forecheck pressure. While he uses his size well, adding more strength and physicality to his game will help him in board battles and in front of the net at the NHL level.
2. Axel Sandin Pellikka (RD)
Axel Sandin Pellikka (D, R, 5’11”, 176, Skelleftea AIK, 03/11/2005)
- Strengths: Sandin Pellikka is an offensively gifted defenseman with a high hockey IQ. His vision and passing ability allow him to quarterback the power play effectively, and he’s very comfortable carrying the puck through all three zones. His skating is fluid and agile, enabling him to evade forecheckers and make plays at top speed.
- Improvement Areas: Defensively, he needs to work on his positioning and one-on-one play. His ability to handle physical forwards in his own zone is a concern, and adding muscle will be important for his long-term development.
3. Nate Danielson (C)
Nate Danielson (C, R, 6’2″, 185, Brandon Wheat Kings, 09/27/2004)
- Strengths: Danielson is a responsible, two-way center with an excellent work ethic. He’s strong on the puck and is dependable in all three zones, showing maturity beyond his years. He can contribute offensively with his playmaking and a solid shot, making him a potential top-six center with leadership qualities.
- Improvement Areas: He’ll need to improve his explosiveness and first-step quickness to keep pace with NHL-level play. While his offensive game is well-rounded, becoming more consistent as a goal-scoring threat will be key to unlocking his full potential.
4. Marco Kasper (C)
Marco Kasper (C, L, 6’1″, 183, Rogle BK, 04/08/2004)
- Strengths: Kasper is a hard-nosed center with a high compete level. He plays a physical game and thrives in the dirty areas, making him an effective net-front presence. He’s versatile, able to play in various situations, and brings a responsible defensive mindset to his game. His skating is strong, allowing him to be effective on the forecheck.
- Improvement Areas: Kasper needs to improve his offensive consistency, particularly his ability to finish scoring chances. He has the tools to produce at the NHL level but must refine his puck skills and shot accuracy to be a more consistent offensive contributor.
5. Sebastian Cossa (G)
Sebastian Cossa (G, L, 6’6″, 212, Edmonton Oil Kings, 11/21/2002)
- Strengths: Cossa is a big, athletic goaltender with a strong technical foundation. His size allows him to cover a lot of the net, and he’s shown excellent rebound control and quick lateral movement. Mentally, he’s composed in high-pressure situations and has shown the ability to steal games.
- Improvement Areas: Consistency remains the key area for Cossa’s development. He will need to improve his tracking of the puck, particularly through traffic, and refine his positioning. Handling adversity will be important as he takes on a heavier workload.
6. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (RW)
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (C, R, 6’1″, 194, Mora IK, 10/05/2005)
- Strengths: Nygard is a skilled winger with excellent offensive instincts. His speed and agility make him a threat in transition, and he’s shown the ability to score from difficult angles. His hands are quick, allowing him to beat defenders one-on-one, and he can set up teammates with accurate passing.
- Improvement Areas: Nygard needs to become more reliable defensively and improve his play without the puck. He also needs to bulk up to handle the physicality of the pro game and maintain his offensive production under pressure.
7. William Wallinder (LD)
William Wallinder (D, L, 6’4″, 192, 07/28/2002)
- Strengths: Wallinder is a smooth-skating defenseman with a strong two-way game. His puck-moving ability stands out, as does his ability to read plays and make smart decisions in transition. Defensively, he uses his reach effectively and shows solid positional awareness.
- Improvement Areas: Wallinder needs to focus on adding more strength to his frame, particularly to handle stronger forwards in front of the net and in corner battles. His offensive game can also be further developed, especially his shot from the point.
8. Dmitri Buchelnikov (LW)
Dmitri Buchelnikov (RW, R, 5’10”, 168, SKA 1946 St. Petersburg, 09/06/2003)
- Strengths: Buchelnikov is a dynamic offensive player with great hands and playmaking ability. He’s creative with the puck and can make high-level plays in the offensive zone. His speed and vision allow him to find teammates in scoring positions, and he’s not afraid to drive to the net himself.
- Improvement Areas: Defensive commitment is the biggest area where Buchelnikov needs to improve. He also needs to bulk up and increase his physicality to handle the rigors of North American hockey, particularly when competing along the boards and in front of the net.
9. Carter Mazur (RW)
Carter Mazur (LW, R, 6’0″, 170, Tri City Storm, 03/28/2002, Denver)
- Strengths: Mazur is a high-energy winger with a strong motor and physical edge. He’s relentless on the forecheck, using his speed and tenacity to force turnovers and create scoring chances. He’s versatile, capable of playing in various roles, and has shown a good ability to finish in tight spaces.
- Improvement Areas: Mazur needs to focus on improving his puck skills and decision-making with the puck under pressure. His offensive ceiling will depend on his ability to consistently make smart plays and finish at a higher level.
10. Trey Augustine (G)
Trey Augustine (G, L, 6’1″, 183, NTDP U18, 02/23/2005, Michigan State)
- Strengths: Augustine is a technically sound goaltender with strong fundamentals. He’s composed in net, tracks the puck well, and has good rebound control. His quick reflexes and strong lateral movement make him tough to beat on cross-crease plays. He’s mentally strong, showing resilience in tough situations.
- Improvement Areas: Augustine will need to improve his puck-handling skills and be more aggressive when coming out to challenge shooters. Adding more strength will also help him handle the physical demands of the pro game, especially when dealing with traffic in front of the net.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images