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. Conor Geekie, Center
Conor Geekie (C, L, 6’4″, 205, Wenatchee Wild, 05/05/2004)
Strengths: Geekie is a big, rangy center with strong puck protection and excellent vision. He’s effective in traffic and has the ability to make plays under pressure. His offensive creativity stands out, especially when setting up teammates. He’s also reliable in the faceoff circle and shows strong hockey sense. Weaknesses: Skating remains an area for improvement, as he lacks elite speed and acceleration. This can limit his ability to separate from defenders. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his first-step quickness and overall skating stride will be key. He should also continue refining his two-way play to become a more complete center. Potential Role: Middle-six center with power play potential who can contribute offensively and in key defensive situations.
2. Isaac Howard, Left Wing
Isaac Howard (LW, L, 5’10”, 183, NTDP U18, 03/03/2004, Minnesota Duluth)
Strengths: Howard is a highly skilled, offensive-minded winger with quick hands and a nose for the net. He’s elusive, a strong puck handler, and dangerous in transition. His shot is deceptive, with a quick release that catches goalies off guard. Weaknesses: His defensive game needs attention, as he can be caught puck watching. He also needs to add more strength to be effective along the boards and in puck battles. Focus Areas for NHL: Howard must develop his play away from the puck and build strength to withstand NHL physicality. Potential Role: Middle-six winger with scoring potential and power play usage.
3. Niko Huuhtanen, Right Wing
Niko Huuhtanen (RW, R, 6’2″, 204, Tappara, 06/26/2003)
Strengths: Huuhtanen is a physical power forward with a strong net-front presence. He has a heavy shot and excels in close, particularly on the power play. He’s willing to battle in the dirty areas and brings a gritty element to his game. Weaknesses: His skating is average, which limits his effectiveness in transition. He needs to improve his pace to be effective at the next level. Focus Areas for NHL: Skating development will be crucial. Additionally, refining his playmaking and decision-making in the offensive zone will elevate his game. Potential Role: Middle-six power forward who can provide secondary scoring and net-front presence on the power play.
4. Ethan Gauthier, Right Wing
Ethan Gauthier (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 01/26/2005)
Strengths: Gauthier is a dynamic, high-energy winger with a relentless motor. He’s a strong forechecker, causes turnovers, and plays a responsible two-way game. He has solid offensive instincts and is dangerous in transition with his speed and tenacity. Weaknesses: Gauthier lacks elite offensive tools, and his finishing ability can be inconsistent. He sometimes struggles to generate offense in tight spaces. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his puck-handling in tight areas and his finishing touch around the net will help him transition to the next level. Potential Role: Bottom-six energy winger who can kill penalties and provide a physical presence.
5. Gage Goncalves, Center
Gage Goncalves (F, L, 6’1″, 170, Everett Silvertips, 01/16/2001)
Strengths: Goncalves is a smart, two-way center with strong playmaking abilities. He has good size, wins faceoffs, and plays a mature, responsible game in all three zones. His hockey IQ allows him to be an effective penalty killer and a reliable defensive presence. Weaknesses: He lacks high-end speed, which can limit his ability to create offense off the rush. Goncalves also needs to improve his shot to become a more consistent scoring threat. Focus Areas for NHL: Continued development of his skating and offensive consistency will be key for him to carve out a regular NHL role. Potential Role: Third-line center who can match up against top lines and contribute on special teams.
6. Dylan Duke, Left Wing
Dylan Duke (LW, L, 5’10”, 175, NTDP U18, 03/04/2003, Michigan)
Strengths: Duke is a hard-working, tenacious forward who thrives in front of the net. He excels at tipping pucks and finding loose rebounds, making him a natural power play threat. His work ethic and willingness to go to the dirty areas are standout traits. Weaknesses: Duke’s skating is average, and he doesn’t possess elite speed. He also needs to improve his playmaking ability and vision to be more of an offensive threat. Focus Areas for NHL: Enhancing his skating and puck distribution will round out his game. He should also continue developing his physicality to be an asset in a bottom-six role. Potential Role: Bottom-six grinder who excels on the power play and in net-front situations.
7. Harrison Meneghin, Goalie
Harrison Meneghin (G, L, 6’3″, 165, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 09/13/2004)
Strengths: Meneghin has strong fundamentals, with a quick glove hand and good lateral movement. His size helps him cover a lot of the net, and he’s calm under pressure. He tracks the puck well and doesn’t overcommit to shooters. Weaknesses: Rebound control is a work in progress, and he sometimes struggles with positioning when dealing with screens or deflections. Focus Areas for NHL: Refining his rebound control and improving his puck handling behind the net will be critical areas of focus. Potential Role: Potential backup goalie with the ability to develop into a 1B option.
8. Jack Finley, Right Wing
Jack Finley (C, R, 6’5″, 207, Spokane Chiefs, 09/02/2002)
Strengths: Finley is a big, physical forward who plays a power game. He uses his size to protect the puck well and is effective in net-front battles. He also has a hard shot and can be a dangerous scoring option in tight. Weaknesses: His skating remains a concern, as he lacks the speed to keep up with quicker opponents. He also needs to improve his consistency in all three zones. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his skating and overall agility will be crucial, as will developing a more well-rounded game. Potential Role: Bottom-six power forward who can provide a physical presence and contribute offensively in spurts.
9. Roman Schmidt, Defenseman
Roman Schmidt (D, R, 6’5″, 216, Kingston Frontenacs, 02/27/2003)
Strengths: Schmidt is a big, strong defenseman with a shutdown mindset. He’s physical, clears the front of the net well, and excels in penalty-killing situations. He’s tough to beat in one-on-one battles and uses his long reach to break up plays. Weaknesses: His puck-moving skills and offensive contributions are limited. He can struggle with decision-making under pressure and needs to improve his first pass. Focus Areas for NHL: Developing his puck-moving ability and decision-making will help round out his game, particularly as the NHL becomes more speed and transition-focused. Potential Role: Bottom-pair shutdown defenseman and penalty kill specialist.
10. Jack Harvey, Left Wing
Jack Harvey (LW, L, 5’10”, 176, Chicago Steel, 03/31/2003, Boston University)
Strengths: Harvey is a skilled, creative winger with a high hockey IQ. He’s elusive with the puck and can thread passes through tight windows. His vision and playmaking ability are standout traits, and he’s an effective power-play option. Weaknesses: Harvey lacks size and strength, which can make it difficult for him to win puck battles or play through contact. His defensive play also needs improvement. Focus Areas for NHL: Adding strength and improving his play without the puck will be essential for him to be effective at the next level. Potential Role: Top-nine winger with offensive upside and power play potential.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images