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. Matvei Michkov, Left Wing
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Strengths:
Michkov’s elite offensive creativity and high hockey IQ set him apart. His vision and puck-handling skills allow him to generate plays in tight spaces, while his quick release makes him a threat in all scoring areas. His ability to maneuver through defenses and make high-percentage plays in the offensive zone is at an NHL level. He consistently reads the play ahead of time and can be a game-breaker on the power play.
Areas for Improvement:
To reach his full potential, Michkov must continue developing his defensive game, particularly away from the puck. His commitment to backchecking and positioning in the neutral and defensive zones will need refinement to become a more complete, two-way player.
2. Oliver Bonk, Defense
Oliver^Bonk|
Strengths:
Bonk’s defensive reliability is a standout feature. He plays with strong positioning, excellent gap control, and a physical edge that helps him clear the crease and contain opposing forwards. His decision-making with the puck is calm under pressure, and he makes smart outlet passes to transition play.
Areas for Improvement:
Bonk could be more dynamic offensively, especially on the rush. While solid defensively, he needs to improve his puck-handling and play-driving skills to become more of a two-way threat. His shot from the point could also be more of a weapon, especially on the power play.
3. Jett Luchanko, Center
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Strengths:
Luchanko is a powerful skater with strong puck-protection skills. He excels in winning puck battles along the boards and drives the net with force. His vision in the offensive zone allows him to make sharp, decisive plays, particularly in the high-danger areas.
Areas for Improvement:
Consistency in his defensive zone awareness needs improvement. Luchanko also needs to be more responsible with puck management, as turnovers can be an issue when under pressure. His face-off technique is an area that can be refined to make him a more dependable center at the next level.
4. Alexei Kolosov, Goalie
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Strengths:
Kolosov is an athletic goaltender with excellent lateral movement and quick reflexes. He excels in one-on-one situations and has a strong glove hand. His ability to track the puck and anticipate plays gives him the edge in high-danger scoring chances.
Areas for Improvement:
Kolosov needs to improve his rebound control, as second-chance opportunities sometimes expose him. Additionally, his puck-handling skills behind the net could be refined to help his team’s transition game.
5. Denver Barkey, Center
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Strengths:
Barkey has elite skating ability, which makes him a dangerous offensive threat in transition. He is quick on his edges and has the agility to evade defenders in open ice. His offensive instincts, combined with his passing vision, make him an excellent playmaker.
Areas for Improvement:
Barkey’s physicality and ability to handle tougher competition need to improve. He can be pushed off the puck by bigger defenders, and adding strength will be crucial as he adjusts to playing against larger and stronger opponents at the pro level.
6. Emil Andrae, Defense
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Strengths:
Andrae is a strong two-way defenseman with great mobility and vision. He is very good at moving the puck quickly out of the defensive zone and activating offensively when needed. He’s responsible defensively, particularly with his gap control and positioning.
Areas for Improvement:
Andrae could stand to improve his shot from the point, as it’s not as threatening as it could be. Additionally, while he plays with a physical edge, improving his overall strength will help him handle bigger forwards more effectively in board battles.
7. Jack Berglund, Center
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Strengths:
Berglund is a smart, defensively responsible center who excels in his positioning and awareness. He’s reliable in the face-off circle and can play in key defensive situations. His work ethic and leadership qualities also stand out.
Areas for Improvement:
His offensive game is still a work in progress. While he’s solid in his defensive play, he needs to create more offensively, particularly in generating scoring chances from his passing and play-making skills.
8. Massimo Rizzo, Center
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Strengths:
Rizzo brings high-end hockey IQ and the ability to read plays well before they develop. He is a very effective playmaker with soft hands and an excellent passing touch. Rizzo is also effective on special teams, both on the penalty kill and power play.
Areas for Improvement:
Rizzo needs to add size and strength to handle the physicality of professional hockey. His footspeed, while not a detriment, could be improved to make him more dangerous in transition and quicker in closing gaps defensively.
9. Carson Bjarnason, Goalie
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Strengths:
Bjarnason’s size and presence in the net are standout traits. He covers the lower part of the net very well and uses his size to his advantage. His calm demeanor allows him to stay composed under pressure, and he excels in his positioning.
Areas for Improvement:
Bjarnason’s lateral movement needs to be quicker, especially when reacting to cross-ice passes. He can also improve his rebound control and work on directing pucks into less dangerous areas.
10. Alex Ciernik, Left Wing
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Strengths:
Ciernik is a skilled winger with excellent puck control and offensive creativity. His quick release makes him a dangerous scoring threat from multiple angles. He excels in one-on-one situations and is not afraid to challenge defenders with speed and skill.
Areas for Improvement:
Ciernik’s defensive game will need continued focus. His positioning in the defensive zone is inconsistent, and he needs to engage more physically to win puck battles. Improving his play away from the puck will make him a more complete player.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images