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. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Right Wing
Jonathan Lekkerimaki (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Djurgardens, 07/24/2004)
Strengths: Lekkerimaki is a high-skill offensive winger with excellent shooting ability and quick release. He has great puck-handling skills, especially in tight spaces, and can finish effectively. His speed and shot make him dangerous on the power play. Weaknesses: Needs to improve his awareness and play without the puck. Defensively, he’s still developing his positioning and awareness. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his two-way game and increasing physical strength will be important to handle NHL competition. Potential Role: Top-six winger with scoring upside and a power-play asset.
2. Tom Willander, Defenseman
Tom Willander (D, R, 6’1″, 180, Rogle BK, 02/09/2005, Boston University)
Strengths: Willander is a mobile, two-way defenseman with strong puck-moving abilities. He excels in transition and is reliable defensively, with a good stick and solid positioning. His skating is fluid, allowing him to cover a lot of ice effectively. Weaknesses: Needs to add strength to handle larger forwards in front of the net. His offensive ceiling is solid but not elite. Focus Areas for NHL: Developing his physical play and enhancing his shot will help him round out his game. Potential Role: Top-four, two-way defenseman who can contribute on the penalty kill.
3. Aatu Raty, Center
Aatu Raty (C, L, 6’2″, 185, Karpat, 11/14/2002)
Strengths: Raty is a skilled center with a strong hockey IQ and a reliable two-way game. He’s effective at faceoffs, plays with pace, and brings solid playmaking abilities. His vision and poise with the puck make him valuable on both ends of the ice. Weaknesses: Skating is still a work in progress, and he could benefit from added strength. Night to night consistency . Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his skating and adding muscle will be crucial for him to compete at the NHL level. Potential Role: Middle-six center who can play on the penalty kill and add depth scoring.
4. Elias Pettersson, Defenseman
Elias Pettersson (D, L, 6’2″, 185, Orebro HK, 02/16/2004)
Strengths: A strong, physical defenseman with a shutdown mindset, Pettersson excels in one-on-one situations and is effective in his own zone. He has a long reach, which helps disrupt plays, and he’s a strong presence in front of the net. Weaknesses: His puck-moving skills are limited, and he’ll need to improve his decision-making under pressure. Focus Areas for NHL: Developing his transition game and enhancing his overall skating ability will be essential. Potential Role: Bottom-pair, shutdown defenseman and penalty kill specialist.
5. Arturs Silovs, Goalie
Arturs Silovs (G, L, 6’4″, 203, Barrie Colts, 05/22/2001)
Strengths: Silovs is a technically sound goalie with excellent lateral movement and rebound control. He’s calm under pressure and has shown good ability to track the puck. His size allows him to cover the net well. Weaknesses: Needs to improve consistency and handle high-traffic situations. His puck-handling can also be refined. Focus Areas for NHL: Gaining sight lines through traffic and handling rebounds in crowded situations will be key. Potential Role: Potential backup goalie with the opportunity to develop into a 1B starter.
6. Riley Patterson, Center
Riley Patterson (C, R, 6’0″, 194, Barrie Colts, 03/22/2006)
Strengths: Patterson is a hard-working center who brings a strong, physical presence to the ice. He’s reliable in faceoffs and plays with a strong forecheck. His physicality and defensive awareness are assets, especially in the bottom six. Weaknesses: His offensive tools and top-end speed are still developing. His overall playmaking ability can be improved. Focus Areas for NHL: Enhancing his skating and developing his offensive skills will help him round out his game. Potential Role: Bottom six forward, defensive center who can contribute on the penalty kill and in match-up situations.
7. Sawyer Mynio, Defenseman
Sawyer Mynio (D, L, 6’0″, 165, Seattle Thunderbirds, 04/30/2005)
Strengths: Mynio is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who excels in transition and has solid offensive instincts. His smooth skating allows him to escape pressure and create opportunities off the rush. Weaknesses: Needs to add strength to withstand physical battles. His defensive positioning and gap control could use refinement. Focus Areas for NHL: Developing a stronger defensive game and adding size will be important as he progresses. Potential Role: Third-pair defenseman with second power play upside and puck-moving ability.
8. Melvin Fernstrom, Right Wing
Melvin Fernstrom (C, R, 6’1″, 185, Orebro HK J20, 02/28/2006)
Strengths: Fernstrom is a skilled winger with a quick shot and good hockey sense. He’s effective in creating offensive chances and has shown the ability to score from various spots in the offensive zone. Weaknesses: Needs to build strength and work on his defensive game. His defensive play without the puck is still developing. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his play away from the puck and adding physicality will help him transition to pro hockey. Potential Role: Middle-six winger who can provide secondary scoring and contribute on the power play.
9. Jackson Dorrington, Defenseman
Jackson Dorrington (D, L, 6’2″, 212, Des Moines Buccaneers, 04/13/2004, Northeastern)
Strengths: Dorrington is a big, physical defenseman who plays a strong shutdown game. He’s effective in the defensive zone, uses his size to his advantage, and clears the crease well. Weaknesses: At the NHL level his skating is average. His overall game can benefit from an improved first step. Focus Areas for NHL: Improving his skating efficiency and first-pass accuracy will be key to transitioning to the NHL level. Potential Role: Stay-at-home defenseman and penalty kill specialist with shutdown capabilities
10. Linus Karlsson, Center
Linus Karlsson (C, R, 6’1″, 186, Karlskrona HK, 11/16/1999)
Strengths: Karlsson is a creative center with strong playmaking skills and high hockey IQ. He’s good in tight spaces and has the vision to set up teammates effectively. His offensive instincts are solid, particularly on the power play. Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and improve his defensive consistency to be a center in the NHL. Focus Areas for NHL: Adding strength, improving his two-way play, and working on his first step will be crucial for a transition to regular role in the NHL. Potential Role: Top-nine forward with offensive upside and second power-play potential.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images