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. Brandt Clarke, Defense
Brandt Clarke (D, R, 6’2″, 185, Don Mills Flyers U16, 02/09/2003)
Strengths: Clarke is a high-end, puck-moving defenseman with excellent vision and creativity on the offensive end. His ability to read plays and anticipate movements allows him to control the pace of the game, especially in transition. His skating is fluid, and he’s a confident power-play quarterback. Defensively, he uses his stick effectively to break up plays.
Areas for Improvement: Clarke needs to improve his physicality in defensive zone battles, particularly in front of the net. While his hockey IQ is high, his decision-making under pressure can still be more consistent, especially against tougher NHL competition. Strengthening his defensive positioning will be crucial for him to make an impact at the next level.
2. Liam Greentree, Right Wing
Liam Greentree (RW, L, 6’2″, 207, Windsor Spitfires, 01/01/2006)
Strengths: Greentree is a dynamic offensive winger with a high motor. He drives play through his relentless forechecking and is known for his quick release and ability to score from difficult angles. His skating is strong, and he can quickly adapt to varying game situations, showing an excellent hockey IQ.
Areas for Improvement: His defensive awareness and backchecking need further development, especially his ability to support his defensemen in transition. Greentree will also need to focus on bulking up to win more puck battles and be more effective in net-front situations at the NHL level.
3. Carter George, Goalie
Carter George (G, L, 6’1″, 182, Owen Sound Attack, 05/20/2006)
Strengths: George’s lateral mobility and quick reflexes are his standout attributes. He tracks the puck exceptionally well, even through traffic, and is confident in one-on-one situations. His ability to stay composed during high-pressure situations makes him a reliable goaltender in key moments.
Areas for Improvement: To continue his development, George needs to work on his rebound control, ensuring that pucks are directed to safe areas. Additionally, he will benefit from refining his puck-handling skills to better assist his defensemen in breakout situations.
4. Erik Portillo, Goalie
Erik Portillo (G, L, 6’6″, 205, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 09/03/2000, Michigan)
Strengths: Portillo is a big, technically sound goalie who uses his size to his advantage, covering a lot of net. He’s calm and composed, rarely caught out of position. His ability to track the puck and maintain control of rebounds is one of his strong suits, and his overall consistency has been a key feature in his game.
Areas for Improvement: Portillo will need to improve his agility and quickness, especially when moving laterally across the crease. His post play can also be more refined when facing tight-angle shots. Continuing to enhance his reaction time will help elevate his game further at the NHL level.
5. Alex Turcotte, Center
Alex Turcotte (F, L, 5’11”, 185, USA NTDP U18, 02/26/2001, Wisconsin)
Strengths: Turcotte is a highly skilled, two-way center with exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. He has strong skating mechanics, making him effective in both offensive zone entries and backchecking. His commitment to defense and ability to be responsible in his own end are standout traits.
Areas for Improvement: Health and durability have been the primary concerns for Turcotte. He’ll need to work on staying healthy and consistently in the lineup. Offensively, he can improve his shot selection to become more of a scoring threat. He also needs to continue working on faceoffs to be a more reliable option down the middle.
6. Martin Chromiak, Right Wing
Martin Chromiak (F, R, 6’0″, 181, 08/20/2002)
Strengths: Chromiak is a pure goal scorer with a lethal shot and excellent finishing ability. He has a knack for finding open space in the offensive zone and can score in a variety of ways. His speed and offensive instincts make him a constant threat on the rush.
Areas for Improvement: Chromiak needs to develop his game without the puck, particularly in defensive situations. He’s been prone to inconsistent effort on the backcheck and will need to improve his overall defensive responsibility. Increasing his strength to withstand the physical demands of the NHL will also be important.
7. Jakub Dvorak, Defense
Jakub Dvorak (D, L, 6’4″, 203, Bili Tygri Liberec, 05/25/2005)
Strengths: Dvorak is a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman with great size and physicality. He excels in shutting down opposing forwards and is particularly effective in penalty-killing situations. His positioning and gap control are mature for his age, and he’s not afraid to use his body to block shots and win puck battles.
Areas for Improvement: Offensively, Dvorak’s puck movement and breakout passes need to be quicker and more precise. His decision-making with the puck, particularly under pressure, is an area that requires further development. Improving his foot speed will also help him handle faster opponents in transition.
8. Francesco Pinelli, Center
Francesco Pinelli (C, L, 6’0″, 185, Kitchener Rangers, 04/11/2003)
Strengths: Pinelli is a creative offensive center with high-end vision and playmaking skills. He excels at creating space for himself and his linemates and has the ability to set up plays in the offensive zone. He’s also responsible defensively and plays a mature 200-foot game.
Areas for Improvement: Pinelli will need to work on his overall pace and speed to succeed at the NHL level. He can also be more assertive in physical battles, particularly in high-traffic areas. Increasing his shot volume and becoming more of a dual-threat offensively will be key to his development.
9. Koehn Ziemmer, Right Wing
Koehn Ziemmer (C, R, 6’1″, 203, Prince George Cougars, 12/08/2004)
Strengths: Ziemmer is a power forward with an excellent shot and a strong net-front presence. He excels in puck protection and has shown the ability to be a consistent offensive producer. His willingness to drive the net and win battles along the boards makes him a tough player to defend.
Areas for Improvement: Ziemmer will need to improve his skating, particularly his first few strides, to keep up with the pace of play at the next level. Defensively, he needs to become more engaged and responsible. His decision-making with the puck can also be more consistent, especially in transition.
10. Angus Booth, Defense
Angus Booth (D, L, 6’1″, 176, Shawnigan Cataractes, 04/27/2004)
Strengths: Booth is a smart, steady defenseman with a strong defensive mindset. He excels in positioning and reads plays well, making him highly effective in his own zone. His ability to shut down rushes, maintain strong gap control, and use his stick to disrupt plays makes him a reliable presence on the back end. He also has solid puck-moving skills, showing confidence when transitioning the play out of the defensive zone with quick, efficient passes.
Areas for Improvement: Booth will need to work on his physicality, particularly in board battles and net-front coverage, to handle the bigger, stronger forwards he’ll face at higher levels. Offensively, he can improve his shot from the point and be more willing to jump into the rush or contribute more in transition. Increasing his overall skating speed and footwork will also help him deal with quicker forwards in transition.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images