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. Trevor Connelly, Left Wing
Trevor Connelly (LW, L, 6’1″, 156, Tri City Storm, 02/28/2006, Providence)
- Strengths: Agile skater with quick hands and a strong offensive instinct. Connelly is dangerous in tight spaces and has a knack for finding shooting lanes. His creativity with the puck stands out, especially in power-play situations.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his physicality and two-way game to be effective against bigger, faster competition.
- Focus: Defensive responsibility and adding strength to handle contact.
- Potential Role: Top-six winger with power-play upside who can provide consistent secondary scoring.
2. Raphael Lavoie, Center
Raphael Lavoie (C, R, 6’4″, 220, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 09/25/2000)
- Strengths: Good size, strong puck protection, and a quick release. Lavoie has shown he can dominate below the dots and create scoring chances in high-traffic areas.
- Weaknesses: Needs to become more consistent in his defensive play and improve his skating to match the NHL pace.
- Focus: Skating acceleration and defensive positioning.
- Potential Role: Middle-six center with power-forward traits, capable of adding depth scoring and forechecking presence.
3. Brendan Brisson, Center
Brendan Brisson (F, L, 5’10”, 175, Chicago Steel, 10/22/2001, Michigan)
- Strengths: High hockey IQ, with an elite shot and quick release. Brisson is a power-play asset who can play the half-wall or slot. His offensive anticipation is a standout skill.
- Weaknesses: Physicality and defensive zone play need improvement. Lacks elite speed, which may limit his effectiveness in high-paced situations.
- Focus: Defensive coverage and conditioning to handle the physical demands of the NHL.
- Potential Role: Middle-six forward with power play value and strong offensive instincts.
4. Lukas Cormier, Defenseman
Lukas Cormier (D, L, 5’10”, 178, Charlottetown Islanders, 03/27/2002)
- Strengths: Mobile, offensively inclined defenseman with smooth skating and excellent vision. Cormier is effective at moving the puck and quarterbacking the power play.
- Weaknesses: Slight frame and physical game limit his impact in defensive-zone battles. Needs to handle bigger forwards more effectively.
- Focus: Defensive zone positioning and strength training to withstand NHL-level forechecking pressure.
- Potential Role: Offensive defenseman with top-four potential and significant power play value.
5. Mathieu Cataford, Right Wing
Mathieu Cataford (C, R, 5’11”, 189, Halifax Mooseheads, 03/01/2005)
- Strengths: Tenacious forechecker with strong puck pursuit and excellent net-front presence. Cataford has a nose for the net and competes hard on both ends.
- Weaknesses: Lacks high-end speed and elite puck skills, which may cap his offensive ceiling.
- Focus: Improving puck handling and foot speed to enhance his offensive contribution.
- Potential Role: Bottom-six winger who brings energy, defensive reliability, and net-front presence.
6. Matyas Sapovaliv, Center
Matyas Sapovaliv (C, L, 6’4″, 190, Saginaw Spirit, 02/12/2004)
- Strengths: Big-bodied center with strong faceoff abilities and a defensive mindset. Sapovaliv is responsible in his end and has shown improvement in playmaking and puck control.
- Weaknesses: Lacks offensive flair, and his skating needs refinement for a faster pace.
- Focus: Improving foot speed and quickness, particularly in transitions.
- Potential Role: Defensive-minded bottom-six center who can provide stability, especially in penalty-killing roles.
7. Carl Lindbom, Goalie
Carl Lindbom (G, L, 6’1″, 180, Djurgardens, 05/20/2003)
- Strengths: Technically sound, with a calm and composed style. Lindbom has quick reflexes and good positional awareness, making him effective against high-danger shots.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve puck handling and tracking through screens.
- Focus: Rebound control and developing quicker lateral movements to stay efficient in scrambles.
- Potential Role: NHL backup with starter potential if he continues to refine his technical skills and consistency.
8. Arttu Karki, Defenseman
Arttu Karki (D, L, 6’2″, 175, Soo Greyhounds, 12/04/2004)
- Strengths: Big, strong, and defensively reliable. Karki has a physical edge to his game and can clear the net effectively while also providing a decent first pass.
- Weaknesses: Limited offensive game and inconsistent decision-making under pressure.
- Focus: Puck management and improving agility to handle faster forechecking.
- Potential Role: Bottom-pair, stay-at-home defenseman with penalty-killing utility.
9. Cameron Whitehead, Goalie
Cameron Whitehead (G, L, 6’3″, 180, Lincoln Stars, 06/13/2003, Northeastern)
- Strengths: Tall and athletic with impressive reflexes. Whitehead has a strong lower half and recovers quickly after initial saves.
- Weaknesses: Needs more experience reading plays and managing rebounds effectively.
- Focus: Improving his tracking and working on rebound control to handle high-pressure situations.
- Potential Role: Depth goaltender with potential as a backup or tandem goaltender with further development.
10. Tuomas Uronen, Right Wing
Tuomas Uronen (C, R, 5’11”, 183, Kingston Frontenacs, 03/19/2005)
- Strengths: Shifty winger with excellent puck skills and a creative offensive mind. Uronen has a quick release and shows potential as a playmaker.
- Weaknesses: Needs to build strength and improve his defensive awareness to be effective without the puck.
- Focus: Physical development and defensive coverage to become a more complete player.
- Potential Role: Top-nine winger with offensive upside and power play versatility.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images