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. Dmitri Simashev – Defenseman
Dmitri Simashev (D, L, 6’5″, 205, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 02/04/2005)
Strengths:
- Simashev is a towering defenseman with strong skating ability for his size. His reach and gap control make him an excellent shutdown presence, particularly in one-on-one situations.
- His poise with the puck under pressure allows him to make smart, simple plays, helping his team transition from defense to offense effectively.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his offensive instincts, particularly in activating in the offensive zone and joining the rush.
- Should focus on increasing his physicality to dominate in defensive zone battles, especially along the boards and in front of the net.
2. Tij Iginla – Left Wing
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 186, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Strengths:
- Iginla plays a high-energy, two-way game. His speed and tenacity make him effective on both the forecheck and the backcheck.
- He has shown an ability to score in different ways, with a quick release and strong net-front presence.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to develop his consistency in the offensive zone, particularly in creating plays for teammates.
- Should work on improving his strength to handle the physical play of the professional level, especially in puck battles along the boards.
3. Daniil But – Left Wing
Daniil But (C, R, 6’5″, 207, Loko Yaroslavl, 02/15/2005)
Strengths:
- But has excellent size and skill, with a natural scoring touch. His hands and vision allow him to be a creative playmaker in the offensive zone.
- He’s effective in using his frame to protect the puck and create space for himself, making him difficult to defend.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue improving his skating, particularly his first-step explosiveness, to better keep up with faster competition.
- Should work on his defensive awareness and play without the puck, as he can sometimes be caught out of position in his own zone.
4. Josh Doan – Right Wing
Josh Doan (RW, R, 6’1″, 183, Chicago Steel, 02/01/2002, Arizona State)
Strengths:
- Doan is a high-character player with leadership qualities, bringing a strong work ethic and consistent effort every game. His shot is a weapon, especially on the power play.
- He has a solid two-way game, using his size to win puck battles and create turnovers in the offensive zone.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his puck-handling and creativity when under pressure, especially in tight spaces.
- Should focus on improving his skating stride and quickness to keep pace with faster opponents.
5. Cole Beaudoin – Center
Cole Beaudoin (C, L, 6’2″, 209, Barrie Colts, 04/24/2006)
Strengths:
- Beaudoin is a smart, two-way center with strong faceoff skills and a responsible defensive game. His positioning and hockey IQ allow him to be effective in all three zones.
- His playmaking ability is an asset, as he reads the ice well and can set up teammates for high-danger chances.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his physical play and strength to handle bigger, stronger opponents in the defensive zone.
- Should work on finishing plays himself, as adding more scoring punch would round out his offensive game.
6. Artyom Duda – Defenseman
Artyom Duda (D, L, 6’1″, 189, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, 04/08/2004)
Strengths:
- Duda is an offensively inclined defenseman with excellent puck-moving abilities. He excels at leading breakouts and joining the rush, creating scoring opportunities from the blue line.
- His vision and hockey sense allow him to quarterback a power play effectively.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his defensive positioning, particularly in his own zone, to prevent opponents from exploiting gaps.
- Should focus on becoming more physically engaged in defensive zone battles to complement his offensive contributions.
7. Michael Hrabal – Goalie
Michael Hrabal (G, L, 6’6″, 209, Omaha Lancers, 01/20/2005, UMass Amherst)
Strengths:
- Hrabal is a large, athletic goaltender who uses his size to cover a lot of the net. His ability to track the puck through traffic and make key saves in high-danger situations stands out.
- His rebound control and composure under pressure allow him to minimize second-chance opportunities for the opposition.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his puck-handling skills to help his defensemen during breakouts.
- Should work on his lateral movement and quickness, especially in tight games, to better react to rapid puck movement.
8. Maveric Lamoureux – Defenseman
Maveric Lamoureux (D, R, 6’7″, 196, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 01/13/2004)
Strengths:
- Lamoureaux is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who thrives in shutting down opponents in the defensive zone. His shot-blocking and penalty-killing abilities are key assets.
- His strong positional play and ability to read developing plays make him effective against top competition.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his puck-moving skills to better support the transition game and contribute offensively.
- Should focus on improving his skating, particularly his speed, to keep pace with faster forwards.
9. Jonathan Castagna – Center
Jonathan Castagna (F, L, 6’0″, 175, St. Andrew’s College, 04/20/2005, Cornell)
Strengths:
- Castagna is a reliable two-way center with strong hockey sense and defensive awareness. He excels at winning faceoffs and can be counted on in key defensive situations.
- His playmaking ability and vision make him effective in setting up his linemates for scoring chances.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his offensive consistency, particularly in creating his own scoring chances.
- Should focus on improving his speed and acceleration to be more effective in transition and in offensive zone play.
10. Sam Lipkin – Center
Sam Lipkin (F, L, 6’3″, 196, Chicago Steel, 01/03/2003, Quinnipiac)
Strengths:
- Lipkin is a skilled playmaker with strong vision and hockey IQ. He excels in the offensive zone, particularly on the power play, where his ability to distribute the puck is an asset.
- His versatility allows him to play in different situations, making him a reliable option in various roles.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue developing his defensive game, particularly his positioning and engagement on the backcheck.
- Should work on becoming more physically assertive in puck battles to better handle the pro game.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images