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. Matthew Savoie, Center
Matthew Savoie (C, R, 5’9″, 179, Wenatchee Wild, 01/01/2004)
- Strengths: Dynamic skater with excellent acceleration, elite puck skills, and high-end offensive instincts. Savoie’s ability to create space, anticipate plays, and finish in tight makes him a top-tier prospect.
- Weaknesses: Undersized and can struggle with physical play in heavy traffic. Needs to add strength to handle NHL defensemen.
- Focus: Improving strength and play without the puck, particularly in defensive-zone positioning.
- Potential Role: Top-six center with power play value, capable of driving offense and providing secondary scoring.
2. Beau Akey, Defenseman
Beau Akey (D, R, 6’0″, 173, Barrie Colts, 02/11/2005)
- Strengths: Mobile, puck-moving defenseman with strong vision and playmaking abilities from the back end. His smooth skating aids in transitions and allows him to break the puck out efficiently.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his physical game and defensive positioning under pressure.
- Focus: Physicality in defensive-zone battles and refining gap control against faster forwards.
- Potential Role: Top-four offensive defenseman who can anchor the second power-play unit.
3. Sam O’Reilly, Center
Sam O’Reilly (RW, R, 6’1″, 180, London Knights, 03/30/2006)
- Strengths: High hockey IQ, solid two-way game, and reliable in the faceoff circle. O’Reilly has strong playmaking ability and is effective in all zones.
- Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed, which could limit his offensive ceiling.
- Focus: Building strength and speed to stay competitive at NHL pace.
- Potential Role: Middle-six center with penalty-killing capabilities and reliable defensive play.
4. Shane Lachance, Left Wing
Shane Lachance (LW, L, 6’5″, 215, Youngstown Phantoms, 08/30/2003, Boston University)
- Strengths: Big, physical forward with a powerful net-front presence and an effective forechecker. Plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to initiate contact.
- Weaknesses: Lacks dynamic offensive skill and will need to work on quickness in tight spaces.
- Focus: Skating mechanics and puck control in the offensive zone.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six power forward who can provide grit and energy on the forecheck.
5. Roby Jarventie, Left Wing
Roby Jarventie (F, L, 6’2″, 185, Ilves, 08/08/2002)
- Strengths: Excellent shot and strong offensive instincts, especially on the power play. Has shown improvement in physicality and puck protection.
- Weaknesses: Needs to work on defensive consistency and play along the boards.
- Focus: Defensive zone play and physical engagement without the puck.
- Potential Role: Middle-six winger with offensive upside and power play potential.
6. Max Wanner, Defenseman
Max Wanner (D, 6’3″, 196, Moose Jaw Warriors, 03/12/2003)
- Strengths: Strong skater with a physical edge, effective in one-on-one battles. Shows promising puck-moving ability and can make safe, accurate passes.
- Weaknesses: Can be prone to turnovers under pressure; needs to improve decision-making speed.
- Focus: Refining hockey sense under pressure, particularly in defensive-zone exits.
- Potential Role: Bottom-four, shutdown defenseman who can play on the penalty kill.
7. Connor Clattenburg, Left Wing
Connor Clattenburg (F, L, 6’2″, 205, Flint Firebirds, 05/02/2005)
- Strengths: Good size and shot, strong in puck battles, and excellent net-front presence. His offensive instincts give him middle-six potential.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent awareness defensively; can improve his skating speed to reach NHL level.
- Focus: Defensive responsibility and improving agility and first-step quickness.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six power forward who brings a physical presence and secondary scoring.
8. Olivier Rodrigue, Goalie
Olivier Rodrigue (G, L, 6’1″, 172, Moncton Wildcats, 07/06/2000)
- Strengths: Quick reflexes and strong lateral movement. Rodrigue shows good focus and composure in high-pressure situations.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve rebound control and positioning, especially when facing traffic.
- Focus: Rebound management and reading plays to improve consistency.
- Potential Role: NHL backup or tandem goaltender with the potential to contribute in high-stakes situations.
9. Matvei Petrov, Right Wing
Matvei Petrov (LW, R, 6’2″, 181, Krylja Sovetov, 03/12/2003)
- Strengths: Smooth hands and a lethal shot, particularly effective on the power play. Has the potential to be a key offensive contributor.
- Weaknesses: Defensive play and work ethic without the puck need improvement.
- Focus: Defensive reliability and play away from the puck.
- Potential Role: Top-nine scoring winger with significant power play value.
10. Eemil Vinni, Goalie
Eemil Vinni (G, L, 6’3″, 187, HIFK, 12/18/2005)
- Strengths: Technically sound with strong positional play and good size. Shows confidence when challenging shooters and has a quick glove.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his recovery time and agility in net.
- Focus: Enhancing speed in lateral movements and reaction time on rebounds.
- Potential Role: NHL backup goaltender with potential to grow into a larger role.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images