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. David Edstrom, Center
David Edstrom (C, L, 6’3″, 187, Frolunda HC J20, 02/18/2005)
Strengths:
Edstrom is an incredibly smart two-way center with a high hockey IQ and excellent positioning. He understands the game defensively, often being in the right place to support the play and make key defensive reads. Offensively, his ability to distribute the puck is a highlight. He has soft hands, strong vision, and can make plays under pressure. Edstrom’s skating is fluid, and he transitions well through the neutral zone, often pushing play and controlling the pace of the game.
Improvements Needed:
Edstrom needs to work on his physicality, especially against stronger opponents. He has the frame, but adding muscle and playing with more of a physical edge will allow him to win more puck battles and maintain possession in tight spaces. Additionally, his shot could be more of a weapon; he often prefers to pass rather than shoot, so working on his release and confidence in scoring situations will be crucial for his development.
2. Joakim Kemell, Right Wing
Joakim Kemell (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, JYP, 04/27/2004)
Strengths:
Kemell is a dynamic offensive winger with elite-level finishing ability. His shot is NHL-caliber, with a quick release and pinpoint accuracy. He’s a natural goal-scorer who can find open space and has the instincts to capitalize on chances. Kemell also shows excellent puck control and creativity in tight spaces, allowing him to drive possession and create plays off the rush.
Improvements Needed:
Consistency in his defensive game is an area for improvement. While he’s competent offensively, Kemell can drift at times without the puck and needs to show more engagement in backchecking and defensive positioning. Additionally, his playmaking needs further refinement, as he can sometimes force plays rather than making the simpler, effective pass.
3. Tanner Molendyk, Defense
Tanner Molendyk (D, L, 6’0″, 182, Saskatoon Blades, 02/03/2005)
Strengths:
Molendyk is a smooth-skating defenseman who excels in transition. His ability to carry the puck and make clean zone exits is a huge asset. He’s very calm under pressure and can make plays with poise. His gap control and stick positioning are strong, which makes him effective in one-on-one situations. Molendyk also has offensive upside, contributing with a good shot from the point and solid puck distribution in the offensive zone.
Improvements Needed:
To reach the next level, Molendyk needs to develop a more physical edge to his game. He tends to rely on positioning rather than engaging physically, which works at his current level but may be exploited by bigger, stronger players in the NHL. Developing a more assertive presence in front of his own net and in board battles will be essential for his success as a top-four defenseman.
4. Yegor Surin, Left Wing
Yegor Surin (C, L, 6’1″, 176, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, 08/01/2006)
Strengths:
Surin is a highly skilled playmaker who has exceptional vision and hockey sense. His puckhandling skills allow him to create time and space for himself and his teammates, and his ability to thread passes through traffic is outstanding. He’s also a solid skater with good acceleration, allowing him to exploit defensive breakdowns and create offensive opportunities.
Improvements Needed:
Surin needs to become more involved physically and improve his overall consistency. He has a tendency to rely heavily on his skill, which can lead to him fading out of games when the physical intensity ramps up. Adding strength and developing a more reliable two-way game will help him round out his overall impact on the ice.
5. Matthew Wood, Left Wing
Matthew Wood (C, R, 6’4″, 193, University of Minnesota, 02/06/2005, Minnesota)
Strengths:
Wood is a power forward with a lethal shot and good hands for his size. His frame allows him to protect the puck well, and he’s difficult to knock off balance. Offensively, he can score from a distance or in tight, and his ability to win puck battles along the boards adds value in the offensive zone. His hockey IQ enables him to position himself effectively, making him a constant threat.
Improvements Needed:
His skating is the biggest area that needs improvement. While Wood is strong on the puck, his overall mobility and acceleration could be enhanced to help him keep up with faster competition at the NHL level. Improving his defensive awareness and play away from the puck will also be necessary for him to play up and down the lineup.
6. Zach L’Heureux, Left Wing
Zachary L’Heureux (LW, L, 5’11”, 196, Halifax Mooseheads, 05/15/2003)
Strengths:
L’Heureux plays with an edge and brings a gritty, physical style to his game. He’s relentless on the forecheck and thrives in battles along the boards. Offensively, he has a strong shot and the ability to finish in tight areas. His willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice makes him a valuable asset on any line, especially when playing against tough competition.
Improvements Needed:
Discipline is an area where L’Heureux needs to improve. He sometimes crosses the line with his physical play, leading to unnecessary penalties. Finding a balance between his aggressive style and staying out of the penalty box will be key for his progression. Additionally, refining his playmaking and puck control would make him more of an all-around offensive threat.
7. Teddy Stiga, Center
Teddy Stiga (C, L, 5’10”, 177, NTDP U18, 04/05/2006, Boston College)
Strengths:
Stiga is a cerebral player who excels in the faceoff circle and brings a solid two-way game. His ability to read plays defensively and provide reliable support makes him a strong candidate for a bottom-six role in the NHL. Offensively, Stiga is a capable passer with the ability to find open teammates in high-danger areas. His skating is fluid, and he can generate speed through the neutral zone.
Improvements Needed:
Offensive consistency will be an area of focus. While he has solid vision and playmaking abilities, Stiga doesn’t always assert himself in the offensive zone. Playing more confidence in his offensive game and improving his release will be important for him to make the jump to the next level.
8. Fedor Svechkov, Center
Fedor Svechkov (C, L, 6’0″, 187, Togliatti, 04/05/2003)
Strengths:
Svechkov is a highly responsible two-way center who excels in shutting down the opposition. His defensive instincts and positioning are among the best in his peer group, and he’s trusted in all key defensive situations. Offensively, he has a good sense of timing and can contribute with playmaking when needed. Svechkov’s leadership qualities and work ethic are also significant strengths.
Improvements Needed:
His offensive game needs further development. While he’s solid defensively, he lacks the dynamic offensive upside that some other centers possess. Working on his shot and becoming more of a threat in transition will help him round out his game and move into a top-six role.
9. Reid Schaefer, Right Wing
Reid Schaefer (LW, L, 6’3″, 214, Seattle Thunderbirds, 09/21/2003)
Strengths:
Schaeffer is a powerful winger with a great blend of size and skill. He excels in puck protection, using his body effectively to create space in the offensive zone. Schaeffer has a strong shot and the ability to score from various positions on the ice. His physicality and presence in front of the net make him an asset on the power play.
Improvements Needed:
His skating needs improvement, particularly his first-step quickness. Schaeffer’s speed can sometimes hold him back from keeping up with the pace of play, especially in transition. Enhancing his explosiveness and footwork will allow him to be more effective in all situations.
10. Ryan Ufko, Defenseman
Ryan Ufko (D, R, 5’10”, 183, Chicago Steel, 05/07/2003, UMass Amherst)
Strengths:
Ufko is a mobile defenseman with strong puck-moving skills and excellent vision. His ability to run a power play and distribute the puck efficiently from the blue line makes him a valuable offensive contributor. He’s composed with the puck and rarely panics under pressure, making him effective in both the offensive and defensive zones.
Improvements Needed:
His physical play and defensive zone coverage are areas that need further refinement. Ufko can sometimes struggle in battles against bigger forwards, and adding strength will help him in these situations. Continuing to work on his gap control and becoming more assertive defensively will be key for his development.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images