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. Owen Pickering – Defenseman
Owen Pickering (D, L, 6’5″, 179, Swift Current Broncos, 01/27/2004)
Strengths: Pickering is a mobile two-way defenseman with great size (6’4″) and solid skating ability. His agility allows him to close gaps effectively and transition the puck up the ice with confidence. He has shown maturity in his decision-making and a solid first pass to help in zone exits. Improvement: He needs to improve his physical game and use his size more effectively in the defensive zone. Adding muscle will help him handle NHL forecheckers and engage more effectively in puck battles. Projection: Top-4 NHL defenseman with shutdown ability who can contribute offensively.
2. Rutger McGroarty – Left Wing
Rutger McGroarty (C, L, 6’0″, 205, NTDP U18, 03/30/2004, Michigan)
Strengths: McGroarty is a power forward with a strong physical presence and a high hockey IQ. He drives the net with authority and has excellent puck protection skills. His offensive awareness allows him to be effective in tight spaces. Improvement: He needs to work on his foot speed to be more effective in transitions at the NHL level. Improving his defensive consistency is also key. Projection: Middle-six winger who can be a net-front presence on the power play and provide secondary scoring.
3. Ville Koivunen – Left Wing
Ville Koivunen (RW, L, 5’11”, 161, Karpat, 06/13/2003)
Strengths: Koivunen is a skilled forward with elite hockey sense and playmaking ability. He excels in finding seams in the offensive zone and setting up his teammates. His vision and creativity are standout qualities. Improvement: He needs to bulk up and get stronger to handle the physicality of the NHL, especially along the boards and in traffic. His skating could also benefit from added explosiveness. Projection: Top-9 forward with potential to become a playmaking winger in a top-six role.
4. Cruz Lucius – Right Wing
Cruz Lucius (RW, R, 6’0″, 177, NTDP U18, 04/04/2004, Wisconsin)
Strengths: Lucius is a pure goal scorer with a quick release and excellent accuracy. His ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage and get his shot off quickly makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. Improvement: He needs to round out his defensive game and show more engagement without the puck. Adding strength to improve his ability to win puck battles and be harder to knock off the puck is critical. Projection: Top-6 NHL winger, potentially a power play specialist who can be a consistent goal scorer.
5. Joel Blomqvist – Goalie
Joel Blomqvist (G, L, 6’2″, 184, Karpat, 01/10/2002)
Strengths: Blomqvist is a calm and technically sound goalie. His ability to track the puck and remain composed in high-pressure situations stands out. His athleticism allows him to make big saves when needed, and he excels in lateral movement. Improvement: Needs to improve his puck-handling ability and develop a stronger presence in net to better control rebounds. Consistency over long stretches will be important as he transitions to a full-time professional role. Projection: Potential NHL starter with the ability to be a reliable goaltender in high-pressure situations.
6. Harrison Brunicke – Defenseman
Harrison Brunicke (D, R, 6’3″, 184, Kamloops Blazers, 05/08/2006)
Strengths: Brunicki is a steady, reliable defender with a strong focus on positioning and defensive awareness. His gap control and ability to read plays make him tough to beat in one-on-one situations. He’s also a strong penalty killer. Improvement: He’ll need to improve his offensive game and work on his puck distribution skills to become a more complete two-way player. Physicality could also be improved to better handle NHL forwards. Projection: Bottom-pair NHL defenseman with shutdown and penalty-killing capabilities.
7. Vasily Ponomaryov – Center
Vasily Ponomaryov (F, L, 6’0″, 175, MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva, 03/13/2002)
Strengths: Ponomaryev is a versatile center who excels in all three zones. His work ethic and competitiveness make him an effective two-way player. He’s shown flashes of offensive skill, particularly in playmaking. Improvement: He needs to work on his faceoff ability and offensive consistency. His skating could also benefit from more power to improve his effectiveness in the NHL. Projection: Third-line center who can kill penalties and provide secondary scoring.
8. Mikhail Ilyin – Right Wing
Mikhail Ilyin (RW, L, 6’0″, 186, Severstal Cherepovets, 02/15/2005)
Strengths: Ilyin is a dynamic offensive talent with great hands and creativity. He thrives in one-on-one situations and can generate offense off the rush. His vision makes him a dangerous playmaker. Improvement: He needs to commit more to his defensive game and show more effort in puck battles. Strength and endurance will be important to his ability to sustain his skill set at the NHL level. Projection: Top-9 forward with upside to develop into a top-six scoring winger.
9. Tanner Howe – Left Wing
Tanner Howe (LW, L, 5’10”, 176, Regina Pats, 11/28/2005)
Strengths: Howe is a skilled forward with great offensive instincts. His hands are quick, and he can make plays in tight spaces. His ability to read the play and anticipate his next move helps him in offensive situations. Improvement: His physical play and strength need improvement to handle the demands of the NHL. Defensive reliability is another area to focus on for him to be more versatile. Projection: Top-9 forward with potential to be a complementary playmaker on a skilled line.
10. Samuel Poulin – Left Wing
Samuel Poulin (LW, L, 6’1″, 207, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 02/25/2001)
Strengths: Poulin is a strong, power forward who plays a complete 200-foot game. He’s effective on the forecheck and uses his size to win puck battles. His shot is heavy, and he can contribute offensively in multiple ways. Improvement: His skating needs to improve, particularly his acceleration. Consistency in his offensive production is also an area to focus on. Projection: Middle-six winger who can play in all situations and contribute as a physical presence with offensive upside.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images