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. Easton Cowan, Center
Easton Cowan (F, L, 5’10”, 180, London Knights, 05/20/2005)
Strengths: Strong two-way game, relentless work ethic, and a high hockey IQ. Cowan excels in the faceoff circle and is reliable defensively, often being used in penalty-killing situations. He’s quick to anticipate plays and makes smart, effective decisions with the puck. Weaknesses: Offensive ceiling is a bit limited. While he’s effective in transition and can create opportunities, he doesn’t have high-end scoring ability. Needs to improve his shot and playmaking consistency. Focus for NHL Success: Developing more offensive confidence and refining his skating explosiveness will be key. Needs to find ways to produce consistently in the offensive zone. Potential NHL Role: A middle-six center who can be used in all situations, especially in a shutdown or penalty-killing role.
2. Nikita Grebyonkin, LW/RW
Nikita Grebyonkin (RW, L, 6’2″, 210, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, 02/05/2003)
Strengths: Skilled, dynamic forward with excellent vision and hands. Grebyonkin is very effective at creating offense from the wings and has a deceptive shot. He can beat defenders one-on-one and generates quality scoring chances. Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and improve his play without the puck. His defensive game and board work require further development to handle NHL physicality. Focus for NHL Success: Grebyonkin will need to get stronger and learn to play in tighter spaces. Focusing on his defensive responsibilities and becoming more physical will help him round out his game. Potential NHL Role: A top-nine winger who can contribute offensively and play on the power play.
3. Fraser Minten, Center
Fraser Minten (C, L, 6’1″, 194, Kamloops Blazers, 07/05/2004)
Strengths: Physical, two-way center with a high motor. Minten thrives in physical battles and has a good defensive presence. He is capable in all three zones and shows a strong compete level in every shift. His size and skating make him a handful in puck battles. Weaknesses: Offensive consistency can be a concern. Minten tends to play a straightforward, north-south game, which limits his creativity at times. Needs to refine his playmaking ability and find better offensive timing. Focus for NHL Success: Continue developing his offensive tools, particularly his vision and playmaking. Becoming more versatile in the offensive zone will help him evolve into a complete player. Potential NHL Role: A middle-six, two-way center with the ability to play in tough matchups and contribute on the penalty kill.
4. Topi Niemela, Defenseman
Topi Niemela (D, R, 6’0″, 163, Karpat, 03/25/2002)
Strengths: Elite hockey IQ and puck-moving ability. Niemela excels at getting the puck out of the zone and transitioning it up the ice. He’s calm under pressure and very smart defensively, using his positioning and stick to break up plays. Excellent mobility. Weaknesses: Slightly undersized for a defenseman, and that can be exposed in physical matchups. He also needs to bulk up to handle the rigors of the NHL game. Focus for NHL Success: Adding strength without losing mobility is crucial. He needs to continue honing his defensive game to be effective against larger, more physical opponents. Potential NHL Role: A top-four, puck-moving defenseman who can quarterback a power play.
5. Dennis Hildeby, Goalie
Dennis Hildeby (G, L, 6’7″, 224, Farjestad BK J20, 08/19/2001)
Strengths: Big, athletic goaltender who covers a lot of net. Hildeby has good lateral movement for his size and is effective at tracking pucks through traffic. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations is a major asset. Weaknesses: Rebound control and consistency are areas of concern. He also needs to improve his puck handling to avoid turnovers behind the net. Focus for NHL Success: Improving his positioning and rebound control will help him limit second-chance opportunities. Developing more consistency from game to game is vital for his long-term success. Potential NHL Role: A starting goalie or reliable 1B option with the potential to play in high-leverage situations.
6. Ben Danford, Defenseman
Benjamin Danford (D, R, 6’1″, 194, Oshawa Generals, 02/06/2006)
Strengths: Excellent skating ability and puck-moving skills. Danford is strong in transition and moves the puck effectively under pressure. He’s very mobile and can play both ends of the ice. Weaknesses: Needs to be more assertive in his physical play. He can sometimes struggle in front of the net or along the boards, especially against bigger forwards. Focus for NHL Success: Improving his defensive zone coverage and physical play will be crucial. Adding some weight and becoming more assertive in his own end will help him handle NHL-level forwards. Potential NHL Role: A second-pairing, puck-moving defenseman who can contribute offensively.
7. Artur Akhtyamov, Goalie
Artur Akhtyamov (G, L, 6’2″, 176, AK Bars Kazan, 10/31/2001)
Strengths: Technically sound goalie with quick reflexes and excellent agility. Akhtyamov is very calm in the crease and has good rebound control. He excels at positioning and reading the play to make timely saves. Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and improve his ability to play through traffic. Can sometimes be caught off guard on second-chance opportunities. Focus for NHL Success: Strengthening his lower body to improve movement and handling the physicality of the NHL. Continuing to refine his technique, especially in traffic, will be key. Potential NHL Role: A backup goalie with potential to evolve into a starting role with development.
8. Roni Hirvonen, Center
Roni Hirvonen (F, L, 5’9″, 163, HIFK, 01/10/2002)
Strengths: Strong two-way player with excellent puck management skills. Hirvonen has a high hockey IQ and can play in various situations, including penalty kill and power play. He’s very reliable defensively and transitions the puck well. Weaknesses: Needs to improve his shot and offensive consistency. He can sometimes defer too much to teammates instead of taking charge in the offensive zone. Focus for NHL Success: Adding more confidence offensively and developing a better shot will help Hirvonen become a more well-rounded player. Continuing to improve his strength is also important. Potential NHL Role: A middle-six center who can be relied on in key defensive situations and special teams.
9. Nick Moldenhauer, Left Wing
Nicholas Moldenhauer (C, R, 5’11”, 170, Chicago Steel, 05/25/2004, Michigan)
Strengths: High-energy winger with excellent work ethic and speed. Moldenhauer is aggressive on the forecheck and can force turnovers. He has good hands and can be dangerous around the net. Weaknesses: Needs to improve his playmaking and decision-making with the puck. At times, he can rush plays or get caught trying to do too much. Focus for NHL Success: Becoming more patient and refining his decision-making under pressure will be crucial. Working on his playmaking ability and consistency will help him make the jump to the NHL. Potential NHL Role: A bottom-six, energy winger with potential to contribute on the penalty kill and forecheck.
10. Cade Webber, Defenseman
Cade Webber (D, L, 6’7″, 207, Penticton Vees, 01/05/2001, Boston University)
Strengths: Big, physical defenseman with a strong presence in front of the net. Weber is effective in shutting down the cycle and clearing the crease. He’s willing to block shots and is defensively sound. Weaknesses: Limited offensive upside. His puck skills and passing ability are below average, which can limit his effectiveness in transition. Focus for NHL Success: Improving his puck-handling and passing in the defensive zone will be crucial to becoming an NHL regular. Adding more offensive upside would also make him a more versatile player. Potential NHL Role: A stay-at-home, bottom-pair defenseman who can play a shutdown role and kill penalties.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images