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. Jesper Wallstedt (G, NA, 6’3″, 214, Lulea, 11/14/2002)
- Strengths: Wallstedt is one of the top goaltending prospects in the world, possessing excellent composure, positioning, and puck-tracking ability. He plays a calm, controlled style, rarely over-committing or getting out of position. His rebound control is exceptional, and he handles high-pressure situations with poise.
- Improvement Areas: While his technical game is advanced, Wallstedt will need to continue developing his puck-handling skills and decision-making when playing the puck outside the crease. Improving his communication with defensemen will be key for his transition to the NHL.
2. Zeev Buium (D, L, 6’0″, 183, Denver University, 12/07/2005, Denver)
- Strengths: Buium is a smart, puck-moving defenseman with a strong two-way game. His vision and passing ability allow him to effectively start the transition from defense to offense. He’s comfortable in all situations, capable of playing on both the power play and penalty kill, and shows good positional awareness in his own zone.
- Improvement Areas: Buium needs to work on his physicality, especially in board battles and net-front situations. Adding strength and developing more assertiveness in his defensive play will help him handle the rigors of the NHL.
3. Danila Yurov (RW, L, 6’1″, 179, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, 12/22/2003)
- Strengths: Yurov is a dynamic winger with strong offensive instincts and creativity. He’s effective in open ice, using his skating and stickhandling to create scoring opportunities. He possesses a hard, accurate shot and is capable of setting up his teammates with precision passing.
- Improvement Areas: Yurov needs to improve his play in the defensive zone, particularly his awareness and consistency in supporting his defensemen. Additionally, continuing to bulk up will be important for him to withstand physical play at the NHL level.
4. Aron Kiviharju (D, L, 5’10”, 172, TPS, 01/25/2006)
- Strengths: Kiviharju is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent hockey IQ and puck-moving abilities. His smooth skating allows him to transition quickly from defense to offense, and he’s comfortable making plays under pressure. He excels at creating offense from the blue line and is adept at quarterbacking the power play.
- Improvement Areas: Kiviharju’s smaller frame means he will need to continue adding strength to be more effective in physical battles. His defensive game, particularly in terms of positioning and gap control, can be further refined as he adapts to tougher competition.
5. Liam Ohgren (LW, L, 6’1″, 187, Djurgardens, 01/28/2004)
- Strengths: Ohgren is a versatile winger with a strong two-way game. He plays with a high motor, contributing offensively with his ability to drive the net and defensively with responsible play in all three zones. His shot is a major asset, and he’s shown a knack for scoring in tight spaces.
- Improvement Areas: Ohgren needs to continue improving his playmaking ability, as his offensive upside is higher when he balances his scoring with setting up teammates. Adding more explosiveness to his skating will also help him create more separation from defenders.
6. Marat Khusnutdinov (F, L, 5’9″, 165, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, 07/17/2002)
- Strengths: Khusnutdinov is a highly skilled, two-way center with excellent skating and work ethic. He plays a high-paced game, excelling in transition and showing strong defensive instincts. He’s also a reliable penalty killer and can contribute on both ends of the ice.
- Improvement Areas: Khusnutdinov needs to continue improving his offensive consistency, particularly his finishing ability. He also needs to add strength to compete more effectively in the faceoff circle and along the boards against bigger NHL competition.
7. Riley Heidt (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Prince George Cougars, 03/25/2005)
- Strengths: Heidt is an offensively creative center with great vision and puck skills. He excels in playmaking, using his hockey IQ to read plays and set up teammates for high-quality scoring chances. He has shown the ability to control the pace of play, particularly on the power play.
- Improvement Areas: Heidt needs to work on his defensive game and play without the puck. Additionally, his shot could be more of a weapon—developing a quicker release and more accuracy will make him a more complete offensive threat.
8. Carson Lambos (D, L, 6’1″, 201, Winnipeg Ice, 01/14/2003)
- Strengths: Lambos is a physical, two-way defenseman with a strong skating base and an aggressive defensive style. He excels in shutdown situations, using his size and physicality to disrupt opponents and win battles along the boards. He also shows the ability to contribute offensively, especially with his shot from the point.
- Improvement Areas: Lambos needs to work on his decision-making with the puck, particularly under pressure in his own zone. Continuing to improve his puck distribution and playmaking will elevate his offensive upside at the pro level.
9. Ryder Ritchie (LW, R, 6’0″, 176, Prince Albert Raiders, 08/03/2006)
- Strengths: Ritchie is a skilled forward with excellent puck-handling and a high hockey IQ. His ability to create offense both as a shooter and a playmaker makes him a dynamic threat in the offensive zone. He’s also shown good awareness and anticipation, allowing him to capitalize on turnovers and quick transitions.
- Improvement Areas: Ritchie will need to focus on adding strength and improving his defensive commitment. He’s still developing his ability to play in traffic and win puck battles, both of which will be key for his progression toward the NHL.
10. Charlie Stramel (RW, R, 6’3″, 210, Wisconsin, 10/15/2004, Wisconsin)
- Strengths: Stramel is a big, physical center with a strong net-front presence. His ability to play a power-forward style, combined with his faceoff prowess and defensive reliability, makes him a valuable asset in various situations. He’s also shown flashes of offensive potential, particularly around the net.
- Improvement Areas: Stramel will need to continue refining his skating, particularly his first-step quickness and agility. His offensive game is still developing, and finding more consistency as a goal scorer will be key to unlocking his full potential.
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