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. Cole Eiserman, Left Wing
Cole Eiserman (LW, L, 6’0″, 196, NTDP U18, 08/29/2006, Boston University)
- Strengths: Elite goal-scoring ability, quick release, and strong offensive instincts. Eiserman is dangerous in all areas of the offensive zone and has a knack for finding open space. His speed and shot accuracy make him a constant threat.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his defensive awareness and add physical strength to handle NHL competition.
- Focus: Two-way play and strength training to improve durability and physical engagement.
- Potential Role: Top-line scoring winger who can contribute consistently on the power play.
2. Jesse Pulkkinen, Defenseman
Jesse Pulkkinen (D, L, 6’6″, 203, JYP, 12/27/2004)
- Strengths: Smooth-skating, mobile defenseman with a high hockey IQ. Pulkkinen shows poise under pressure and is effective at making a clean first pass. His vision makes him valuable in transition.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his physical game and decision-making in the defensive zone.
- Focus: Physicality and defensive positioning to become a more complete defender.
- Potential Role: Top-four defenseman with puck-moving ability and special teams potential.
3. Danny Nelson, Center
Danny Nelson (C, L, 6’3″, 202, NTDP U18, 08/03/2005, Notre Dame)
- Strengths: Big, strong, and responsible two-way center. Nelson is effective in the faceoff circle and brings a high level of compete. His playmaking abilities are solid, and he’s reliable in both ends of the ice.
- Weaknesses: Skating needs refinement, particularly his first-step acceleration.
- Focus: Skating and offensive consistency to add more impact in the NHL.
- Potential Role: Middle-six center who can contribute on both the power play and penalty kill.
4. Tomas Machu, Defenseman
Tomas Machu (D, R, 6’4″, 195, Youngstown Phantoms, 03/02/2003, Providence)
- Strengths: Strong physical presence with a shutdown mentality. Machu clears the net effectively and is willing to engage in board battles. Has a solid reach and good positioning.
- Weaknesses: Limited offensive upside and skating agility.
- Focus: Improving puck handling and foot speed, especially in transitions.
- Potential Role: Stay-at-home, bottom-pair defenseman with penalty-kill utility.
5. William Dufour, Right Wing
William Dufour (RW, R, 6’2″, 216, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 01/28/2002)
- Strengths: Big body, powerful shot, and excellent puck protection skills. Dufour is effective on the forecheck and has shown good scoring instincts, particularly around the net.
- Weaknesses: Needs to work on his defensive zone coverage and skating acceleration.
- Focus: Defensive play and improving foot speed to keep up with NHL tempo.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six power forward who can bring physicality and secondary scoring, especially on the power play.
6. Calle Odelius, Defenseman
Calle Odelius (D, L, 6’0″, 185, Djurgardens, 03/30/2004)
- Strengths: Smart, mobile defenseman with reliable positioning and smooth puck-moving skills. Odelius reads the play well and makes high-percentage passes to start transition plays.
- Weaknesses: Needs to add physical strength and improve his shot to become a bigger offensive threat.
- Focus: Strength development and adding a physical edge in defensive situations.
- Potential Role: Top-four defenseman who contributes in all situations with an emphasis on transition and power play support.
7. Kamil Bednarik, Center
Kamil Bednarik (C, L, 6’0″, 186, NTDP U18, 05/26/2006, Boston University)
- Strengths: Versatile, tenacious center with strong two-way play. Bednarik competes hard on every shift, excels in the faceoff circle, and has a sound defensive game.
- Weaknesses: Lacks high-end offensive creativity, and his finishing ability can be inconsistent.
- Focus: Improving offensive production and finding ways to impact the game in the offensive zone.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six center with defensive reliability, capable of taking on penalty-kill assignments.
8. Jesse Nurmi, Left Wing
Jesse Nurmi (LW, L, 5’11”, 165, London Knights, 03/07/2005)
- Strengths: Good skater with strong puck control and offensive instincts. Nurmi plays with confidence and has a quick release, making him effective in scoring areas.
- Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and improve his play without the puck.
- Focus: Physical development and defensive awareness to round out his game.
- Potential Role: Middle-six winger with potential for secondary scoring and power-play contributions.
9. Alex Jefferies, Right Wing
Alex Jefferies (F, R, 6’0″, 195, Frederick Gunn, 11/08/2001, Merrimack)
- Strengths: Hard-working winger with good speed and offensive awareness. Jefferies drives the net and has shown consistent improvement in his offensive production.
- Weaknesses: Needs to become stronger and improve his shot consistency.
- Focus: Strength training and refining his shot to increase his scoring efficiency.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six energy winger who can chip in with secondary offense and bring a tenacious forecheck.
10. Cameron Berg, Center
Cameron Berg (C, L, 6’0″, 192, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 01/29/2002, North Dakota)
- Strengths: Solid two-way center with good speed and faceoff ability. Berg is reliable defensively and has the versatility to adapt to different roles.
- Weaknesses: Lacks high-end offensive upside, and his playmaking is limited by average puck skills.
- Focus: Improving puck skills and adding offensive confidence to become a more impactful player.
- Potential Role: Depth forward or bottom-six center who can bring energy and contribute on the penalty kill.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images