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. Anton Silayev (D, R, 6’7″, 211, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, 04/11/2006)
Strengths:
- Silayev is an imposing, mobile defenseman with excellent reach. He uses his size to his advantage, excelling in defensive zone battles and limiting space for opposing forwards.
- His skating ability for his size is a major asset, allowing him to be effective in transition, and his puck-moving skills enable him to initiate offensive rushes.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve decision-making under pressure, especially in high-intensity situations.
- Adding more offensive consistency, particularly in creating chances from the blue line, will elevate his overall game.
2. Seamus Casey (D, R, 5’10”, 161, NTDP U18, 01/08/2004, Michigan)
Strengths:
- Casey is a dynamic puck-moving defenseman who thrives in transition. His ability to join the rush and generate offensive opportunities is a key asset.
- His agility and lateral movement make him highly effective in escaping forechecks and creating space in the offensive zone.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue to develop his physical play to compete effectively in front of the net and in the corners.
- Should work on improving his defensive positioning to balance out his aggressive offensive tendencies.
3. Kasper Pikkarainen (RW, R, 6’3″, 198, Red Deer Rebels, 08/07/2006)
Strengths:
- Pikkarainen is a right wing who has an NHLer’s mindset with a strong release, especially in tight. His knack for finding soft spots in the offensive zone makes him a goal-scoring threat. who will put you through the boards every chance he gets.
- He has a high motor and competes hard in all three zones, bringing energy to every shift.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his skating, particularly his first-step acceleration, to be more effective in the NHL pace.
- Should work on becoming more consistent defensively, especially in defensive zone coverage when covering activating defensemen.
4. Lenni Hameenaho (RW, R, 6’0″, 173, Assat, 11/07/2004)
Strengths:
- Hämeenaho is a versatile forward who can play in various roles, known for his strong hockey IQ and responsible two-way play.
- His ability to make plays in tight spaces and around the net makes him a valuable offensive contributor.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue working on his shot to add more scoring touch from distance.
- Should focus on improving his strength to compete more effectively in puck battles and along the boards.
5. Chase Stillman (RW, R, 6’1″, 180, Sudbury Wolves, 03/19/2003)
Strengths:
- Stillman is a physical, hard-nosed center who brings energy and physicality to every shift. His work ethic and forechecking ability make him disruptive in the offensive zone.
- He plays a reliable two-way game, effective on the penalty kill and in defensive situations.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his offensive production, particularly his playmaking and finishing ability around the net.
- Should work on his skating, especially his agility and lateral movement, to be more effective in transition.
6. Arseni Gritsyuk (RW, L, 6’0″, 196, SKA St. Peterburg, 03/15/2001)
Strengths:
- Gritsyuk is a creative winger with strong puck skills and offensive instincts. His playmaking ability and vision allow him to create high-danger chances for his linemates.
- He has quick hands and is effective in tight spaces, making him dangerous in and around the crease.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to focus on becoming more involved defensively, particularly with stick placement and keeping his head on a swivel.
- Should work on adding strength and power to handle the physicality of North American hockey.
7. Daniil Karpovich (D, L, 6’1″, 170, Dynamo Minsk U15, 12/06/2004)
Strengths:
- Karpovich is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who excels in shutting down opponents. His ability to win board battles and clear the front of the net is a key strength.
- His penalty-killing ability and shot-blocking make him a reliable defensive asset.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his puck-moving ability, especially under pressure, to help transition the play more efficiently.
- Should focus on improving his skating to keep up with faster opponents, particularly in wide defensive situations.
8. Mikhail Yegorov (G, L, 6’5″, 182, Omaha Lancers, 03/07/2006, Boston University)
Strengths:
- Yegorov is a smart, two-way center with good positioning and strong faceoff ability. His attention to detail in the defensive zone makes him a reliable presence down the middle.
- He’s a natural leader on the ice, often setting the tone with his disciplined play.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to develop his offensive game, particularly in creating more scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
- Should focus on improving his speed and acceleration to become more effective in transition.
9. Topias Vilen (D, L, 6’1″, 194, Pelicans, 04/01/2003)
Strengths:
- Vilen is a steady, reliable defenseman with strong positional awareness and good gap control. He reads the play well and rarely gets caught out of position.
- His ability to move the puck effectively out of the zone helps his team transition quickly.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to add more physicality to his game, particularly in front of the net and along the boards.
- Should work on improving his offensive output, especially his shot from the point.
10. Josh Filmon (F, L, 6’2″, 159, Swift Current Broncos, 05/06/2004)
Strengths:
- Filmon is a smooth-skating winger with a good shot and the ability to generate offense in transition. His speed allows him to create separation and take advantage of rush opportunities.
- He has a strong hockey IQ, reading plays well and finding scoring lanes.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his defensive responsibilities, particularly in backchecking and puck support.
- Should focus on getting stronger to handle the physicality of pro hockey, especially in puck battles.
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