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. Jimmy Snuggerud (RW)
Jimmy Snuggerud (RW, R, 6’2″, 187, NTDP U18, 06/01/2004, Minnesota)
Strengths: Snuggerud is a highly skilled offensive winger with excellent hands and playmaking abilities. He has a great hockey IQ, which allows him to find soft spots in the offensive zone and capitalize on scoring opportunities. He’s dangerous on the power play and can finish plays with his quick, accurate shot.
Areas to Improve: Snuggerud needs to round out his defensive game and improve his play away from the puck. His skating could benefit from added explosiveness to help him create separation at the NHL level.
2. Adam Jiricek (D)
Adam Jiricek (D, R, 6’3″, 178, HC Plzen, 06/28/2006)
Strengths: Jiricek is a mobile, right-shot defenseman with a strong two-way game. He has a powerful shot from the point and is reliable in transition, moving the puck effectively through the neutral zone. His defensive positioning and gap control are already at a high level.
Areas to Improve: He can sometimes overcommit offensively, leaving him exposed on the backcheck. He’ll need to improve his decision-making and puck management under pressure, especially against faster competition.
3. Dalibor Dvorsky (C)
Dalibor Dvorsky (C, L, 6’1″, 190, AIK J20, 06/15/2005)
Strengths: Dvorsky is an intelligent, two-way center with a strong work ethic. He’s effective at both ends of the ice, showing maturity in defensive situations and the ability to win key faceoffs. Offensively, he creates plays with his vision and high hockey sense.
Areas to Improve: To transition successfully to the NHL, Dvorsky will need to work on his skating acceleration and pace. Developing more consistency in his offensive production will also be key for him to reach his full potential.
4. Otto Stenberg (C/W)
Otto Stenberg (C, L, 5’11”, 181, Frolunda, 05/29/2005)
Strengths: Stenberg is a versatile forward capable of playing both center and wing. He is a creative playmaker with soft hands and good vision, making him dangerous in the offensive zone. He’s also a hard worker who competes in all areas of the ice. Areas to Improve: His physical game will need to develop, as he’ll need to handle the rigors of NHL competition. Improving his strength and balance, particularly in puck battles, will be important.
5. Zach Bolduc (C)
Zachary Bolduc (C, L, 6’1″, 184, Rimouski Oceanic, 02/24/2003)
Strengths: Bolduc has a lethal scoring touch and is a threat every time he has the puck in the offensive zone. He’s an aggressive shooter who can score in a variety of ways, whether with his quick wrist shot or his ability to drive to the net.
Areas to Improve: His playmaking ability is still developing, and scouts will be looking for more consistency in his ability to set up teammates. He also needs to refine his defensive awareness and be more engaged without the puck.
6. Theo Lindstein (D)
Theo Lindstein (D, L, 6’1″, 181, Brynas IF J20, 01/05/2005)
Strengths: Lindstein is a smart, steady defenseman with strong puck-moving skills. He’s efficient in his own zone, showing good gap control and positioning. He can make the first pass and is composed under pressure, rarely making mistakes with the puck.
Areas to Improve: Lindstein needs to increase his offensive involvement and show more confidence in joining the rush. He could also stand to improve his physicality in front of the net and along the boards.
7. Zach Dean (C)
Zach Dean (C, L, 6’0″, 175, Gatineau Olympiques, 01/04/2003)
Strengths: Dean is a highly competitive, two-way center with a motor that never stops. He’s effective in all three zones and is known for his forechecking and penalty-killing abilities. He brings a physical element to his game, winning battles and making life difficult for opposing players.
Areas to Improve: His offensive game is still a work in progress. Dean needs to focus on improving his puck-handling and shooting, particularly his finishing ability, to become more of a scoring threat.
8. Lukas Fischer (D)
Lukas Fischer (D, L, 6’3″, 173, Sarnia Sting, 09/09/2006)
Strengths: Fischer is a solid stay-at-home defenseman who plays a physical, no-nonsense game. He excels in one-on-one battles and has the ability to clear the crease, making him a reliable defender in his own zone.
Areas to Improve: Fischer’s puck distribution and decision-making with the puck will need to improve. Developing more poise and confidence when transitioning play up the ice will be crucial for his advancement.
9. Adam Jecho (RW)
Adam Jecho (RW, R, 6’5″, 198, Edmonton Oil Kings, 03/24/2006)
Strengths: Jecho is a skilled winger with a strong shot and a nose for the net. He’s dangerous in scoring areas and has the ability to finish plays with his quick release. His offensive instincts make him a consistent threat on the power play.
Areas to Improve: Jecho needs to work on his skating, particularly his top-end speed and agility. He also needs to become more reliable defensively and improve his play without the puck.
10. Colin Ralph (D)
Colin Ralph (D, L, 6’4″, 216, Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, 10/04/2005, St. Cloud)
Strengths: Ralph is a left shot defenseman who uses his size and strength to eliminate space for opposing forwards and create space for his goaltender. He’s tough and is effective at ending the cycle quickly. His physicality and ability to win puck battles stand out.
Areas to Improve: Ralph will need to improve his skating stride and overall speed to keep up with the pace of the NHL game. His offensive game, particularly his first touch and pulling pucks off the wall, will also need improvement for him to play a defensive role in the National League.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images