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. Brayden Yager – Center
Brayden Yager (C, R, 5’11”, 166, Moose Jaw Warriors, 01/03/2005)
Strengths:
- Yager’s game is built around his elite-level hockey IQ and high-end playmaking ability. He can control the pace of play and makes quick, intelligent decisions with the puck. His shot is also a strong asset, making him a dual threat as a scorer and playmaker.
- Defensively, Yager is responsible, displaying solid positioning and an active stick. He’s shown he can play in all situations, which makes him a key player for the future.
Areas for Improvement:
- He needs to add strength to improve his physical battles and net-front presence, especially in the defensive zone.
- Working on his faceoff consistency will be important for him to take on a bigger role as a center in the NHL.
2. Brad Lambert – Center
Brad Lambert (C, R, 6’0″, 179, Pelicans, 12/19/2003)
Strengths:
- Lambert is an elite skater with explosive acceleration and top-end speed, which makes him dangerous in transition. His ability to drive the puck deep into the offensive zone creates space for his linemates, and his creativity allows him to generate offense in a variety of ways.
- His skillset translates well to power play situations, where his vision and passing can open up scoring opportunities.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his consistency, as there are times where his impact wanes over stretches of games.
- He should focus on developing a stronger two-way game, particularly in his defensive responsibilities and positioning without the puck.
3. Elias Salomonsson – Defenseman
Elias Salomonsson (D, R, 6’1″, 172, Skelleftea AIK, 08/31/2004)
Strengths:
- Salomonsson is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with a heavy shot from the point. He has the ability to lead the rush and create offense from the backend, making him a key asset in transition and on the power play.
- Defensively, his skating and gap control allow him to stay with opposing forwards, and he’s shown good anticipation in breaking up plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on adding physicality to his game, particularly in the corners and in front of the net.
- Can improve his decision-making under pressure, especially in high-pressure situations where turnovers can be costly.
4. Nikita Chibrikov – Right Wing
Nikita Chibrikov (RW, L, 5’10”, 170, Peterborough Petes, 02/16/2003)
Strengths:
- Chibrikov is a dynamic offensive winger with excellent puck skills and creativity. His vision and passing ability allow him to set up his teammates in dangerous areas, and he has a knack for finding open space in the offensive zone.
- His agility and edge work make him elusive in one-on-one situations, allowing him to break through defensive coverage.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his consistency from game to game, as his offensive impact can be streaky.
- Adding strength will help him be more effective in puck battles and along the boards.
5. Colby Barlow – Left Wing
Colby Barlow (LW, L, 6’1″, 195, Owen Sound Attack, 02/01/2005)
Strengths:
- Barlow is a natural goal scorer with a quick release and excellent accuracy. He’s shown a strong net-front presence, consistently finding ways to get open for scoring chances.
- His physical play is a strong asset, as he’s not afraid to engage in battles and win pucks along the boards.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his skating, particularly his first-step quickness, to keep up with faster competition at the NHL level.
- Can improve his playmaking ability, as he tends to focus more on scoring than creating opportunities for others.
6. Chaz Lucius – Center
Chaz Lucius (C, R, 6’0″, 172, NTDP U18, 05/02/2003, Minnesota)
Strengths:
- Lucius is a highly skilled forward with excellent puck control and a knack for finishing in tight spaces. He’s particularly dangerous around the net, where his quick hands and anticipation allow him to capitalize on scoring chances.
- His hockey sense is high, and he’s effective in reading the play and getting into the right spots offensively.
Areas for Improvement:
- To be a center in the National League he needs to work on his overall defensive game, particularly his awareness and positioning in the defensive zone.
- Adding size and strength will be crucial for him to compete at the next level, especially in more physical matchups.
7. Alfons Freij – Defenseman
Alfons Freij (D, L, 6’1″, 187, Vaxjo HC J20, 02/12/2006)
Strengths:
- Freij is a solid two-way defenseman with strong puck-moving ability. He excels at making clean exits from the defensive zone, either by skating it out or making smart outlet passes.
- His defensive positioning is sound, and he uses his stick effectively to break up plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to become more assertive physically, especially in front of his net and in the corners.
- Can work on improving his offensive decision-making, particularly in terms of shot selection from the point.
8. Thomas Milic – Goalie
Thomas Milic (G, L, 6’0″, 170, Seattle Thunderbirds, 04/14/2003)
Strengths:
- Milic is a technically sound goaltender with excellent positioning and a calm demeanor in the net. He tracks the puck well and makes timely saves, especially in high-pressure situations.
- His rebound control is strong, which limits second-chance opportunities for opposing forwards.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue improving his lateral movement and quickness to handle faster, more dynamic NHL-level shooters.
- Should work on his puck-handling skills, as this will allow him to better support his defensemen on breakouts.
9. Danny Zhilkin – Center
Danny Zhilkin (C, L, 6’2″, 183, Guelph Storm, 12/19/2003)
Strengths:
- Zhilkin is a well-rounded center with good skating and offensive instincts. He’s shown he can be a playmaker as well as a goal scorer, and his speed allows him to be dangerous in transition.
- Defensively, Zhilkin is responsible, often being used in penalty-kill situations due to his strong positioning and awareness.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his faceoff ability to become a more complete center, particularly in key moments of the game.
- Could improve his physical play, as he can struggle in puck battles against stronger opponents.
10. Jacob Julien – Center
Jacob Julien (LW, L, 6’3″, 170, London Knights, 09/12/2004)
Strengths:
- Julien is a skilled offensive player with a high hockey IQ. He excels at finding open space and creating opportunities for his teammates, making him a valuable playmaker.
- His skating and puck-handling abilities allow him to generate offense in transition and off the rush.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue developing his defensive game, particularly his play without the puck.
- Adding strength will be important for him to be more effective in physical situations and puck battles at the next level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images