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. Macklin Celebrini (C)
Macklin Celebrini (C, L, 6’0″, 190, Boston University, 06/13/2006, Boston University)
- Strengths: Celebrini is a dynamic, high-octane center with elite hockey sense and offensive creativity. He has exceptional hands and vision, allowing him to excel as both a playmaker and goal scorer. His skating is explosive, and he has the ability to change the pace of the game on his own. He’s consistently a threat in transition and on the power play.
- Improvement Areas: Celebrini needs to focus on his defensive responsibilities, particularly in his own zone. His play away from the puck will need to improve to ensure he can be relied upon in all situations at the NHL level. Adding strength will also help him handle the physical demands of the pro game.
2. Yaroslav Askarov (G)
Yaroslav Askarov (G, R, 6’3″, 190, SKA-Neva St. Petersburg, 06/16/2002)
- Strengths: Askarov is an athletic, aggressive goaltender with elite reflexes and a quick glove hand. His ability to track the puck and his strong lateral movement make him difficult to beat, especially in one-on-one situations. He’s confident playing the puck and is capable of handling pressure situations.
- Improvement Areas: Askarov can sometimes rely too much on his athleticism, which leads to overcommitting on plays. He will need to improve his positioning and patience to be more controlled in the crease. Consistency will be key as he transitions to a full-time role in North America.
3. Will Smith (C)
Will Smith (C, R 6’00”, 178, Boston College, 03/17/2005)
- Strengths: Smith is a highly skilled offensive center with a great hockey IQ. His playmaking ability stands out, as he’s able to make high-level passes and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He’s a strong skater and has excellent puck control, especially in tight spaces.
- Improvement Areas: Smith will need to work on his defensive game, as his backchecking and positioning without the puck can be inconsistent. Adding physicality to his game will also help him be more effective in board battles and at net-front.
4. Sam Dickinson (LD)
Sam Dickinson (D, L, 6’3″, 195, London Knights, 06/07/2006)
- Strengths: Dickinson is a physically imposing defenseman with a strong shutdown game. He excels at clearing the front of the net and winning battles along the boards. His mobility is impressive for his size, and he has the ability to make quick, accurate outlet passes to start the transition.
- Improvement Areas: Dickinson will need to further develop his offensive game, particularly his ability to contribute from the blue line. Improving his puck-moving skills and decision-making under pressure will be important as he continues to grow as a two-way defenseman.
5. Quentin Musty (LW)
Quentin Musty (C, L, 6’2″, 200, Sudbury Wolves, 07/06/2005)
- Strengths: Musty is a power forward with a great combination of size, skill, and physicality. He uses his body effectively to protect the puck and drive to the net. His shot is heavy, and he has shown an ability to finish in a variety of ways. He’s also willing to play a physical game, which adds another dimension to his offensive skill set.
- Improvement Areas: Musty needs to focus on his consistency, as he can be prone to disappearing in games. His skating, particularly his acceleration, could also be improved to help him keep up with the pace of play at higher levels.
6. Igor Chernyshov (RW)
Igor Chernyshov (LW, R, 6’3″, 203, Saginaw Spirit, 11/30/2005)
- Strengths: Chernyshov is a highly skilled winger with excellent puck-handling and playmaking abilities. He’s creative in the offensive zone and has a knack for making plays in high-danger areas. His hockey IQ is high, allowing him to anticipate plays and exploit defensive breakdowns.
- Improvement Areas: Chernyshov’s physical game needs improvement, as he can be knocked off the puck easily. He’ll need to add strength to compete effectively in the NHL. His defensive game also needs more attention, particularly his positioning in the defensive zone.
7. Kasper Halttunen (RW)
Kasper Halttunen (RW, R, 6’3″, 206, London Knights, 06/07/2005)
- Strengths: Halttunen is a power forward with a heavy shot and strong net-front presence. He excels in cycling the puck and is willing to play a physical game. His size and strength make him tough to move off the puck, and he can finish well in tight areas.
- Improvement Areas: Halttunen’s skating is a work in progress, particularly his first-step quickness. He’ll need to improve his overall speed to be more effective in transition. Additionally, refining his defensive play and decision-making with the puck will be key to his development.
8. Shakir Mukhamadullin (LD)
Shakir Mukhamadullin (D, L, 6’2″, 170, Tolpar Ufa, 01/10/2002)
- Strengths: Mukhamadullin is a mobile, two-way defenseman with a strong reach and good positioning. He excels at breaking up plays with his stick and has a powerful shot from the point. His skating is above average for his size, allowing him to move the puck up the ice effectively.
- Improvement Areas: Mukhamadullin needs to be more consistent in his decision-making under pressure. At times, he can struggle with puck management, particularly in high-pressure situations. Adding more physicality to his game will also help him at the NHL level.
9. Filip Bystedt (C)
Filip Bystedt (C, L, 6’4″, 187, Linkoping HC, 02/04/2004)
- Strengths: Bystedt is a tall, rangy center with good skating for his size. He has solid puck skills and can make quick decisions in the offensive zone. His vision allows him to create plays, and he’s effective in the faceoff circle. His two-way game is developing nicely.
- Improvement Areas: Bystedt will need to focus on adding strength and improving his ability to win battles in the corners and along the boards. He also needs to show more consistency in his effort level, especially when playing in high-pressure situations.
10. Danil Gushchin (RW)
Danil Gushchin (F, L, 5’9″, 166, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 08/11/2002)
- Strengths: Gushchin is a dynamic winger with excellent speed and offensive creativity. He’s quick on his feet and can beat defenders with his agility. His offensive instincts allow him to find soft spots in the defense and capitalize on scoring chances.
- Improvement Areas: Gushchin’s size (5’8″) presents a challenge at the pro level, and he’ll need to add strength to withstand the physicality of the NHL. Defensively, he needs to become more engaged and improve his awareness in his own zone.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images