If you would have asked any Panther fan, or anyone in the NHL for that matter, where the Panthers would rank in organizational rankings two years ago, the answer was probably last, or close to it. Who could blame them? Florida has been an incurable mess for a decade.

When GM Dale Tallon arrived he promised to turn the ship around with the Blueprint. It took time, but not much, to overhaul this team. Now with a new roster and a deep list of prospects in the minors, ESPN has given the Panthers the top ranking in their organizational list. While this summer has been one of blissful disbelief for Florida fans, this ranking is even more shocking as it quietly applauds Tallon's efforts to make South Florida a relevant hockey market once again. Here are the complete rankings:

1. Florida Panthers

The Panthers have the most blue-chippers coming down the pipeline, and Jonathan Huberdeau (third overall, 2011) leads a long list of players who will play, and well, at the NHL level. He is a leader, loaded with desire and talent, and has a knack for making big plays. Eric Gudbranson (third overall, 2010) is ready to make the jump from juniors to the NHL, and there's also Quinton Howden (25th overall, 2010), and Nick Bjugstad (19th overall, 2010). All the Panthers need now is time to let their top prospects develop.

Also on the radar: Jacob Markstrom (31st overall, 2008), Alex Petrovic (36th overall, 2010) and Rocco Grimaldi (33rd overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 15

2. Edmonton Oilers

Stocking up on top picks year after year pays dividends. For evidence, look no further than the Oilers' roster, which includes Taylor Hall (first overall, 2010), Magnus Paajarvi (10th overall, 2009), and Jordan Eberle (22nd overall, 2008). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the 2011 first overall pick, leads the list of prospects yet to reach NHL ice. But that may soon change. He is an extremely talented centerman with a high-end hockey IQ and an evasiveness that will allow him to find time and space, especially with better players on the ice around him.

Also on the radar: Tyler Pitlick (31st overall, 2010) and Martin Marincin (46th overall, 2010)

Total number of top prospects: 14

3. Ottawa Senators

With defenseman Erik Karlsson(15th overall, 2008) already shining with the Senators, Ottawa has a number of additional young D-men coming down the pipeline. David Rundblad, formerly the 17th overall pick of St. Louis, has a chance to make this season's team and will battle with highly touted defenseman Jared Cowen (ninth overall, 2009). Mika Zibanejad (sixth overall, 2011) made honorable mention on my list of top 10 prospects who are most likely to play this year, and he will push to stay in Ottawa. His size, skating and overall two-way game will make it hard for the Sens brass to send him back to Sweden.

Also on the radar: Stefan Noesen (21st overall, 2011) and Matthew Puempel (24th overall, 2011).

Total number of top prospects: 14

4. Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks saw Nick Leddy (16th overall, 2009; acquired from the Wild) make the jump to the NHL roster last season and he may soon be joined by Mark McNeill (18th overall, 2011), who has size, skill and a solid head for the game. He's a scorer who plays both ends of the rink in a responsible fashion. They had to sell off most of their cap-strapped Cup-winning team, but adding picks year after year is starting to pay off for the Blackhawks.

Also on the radar: Phillip Danault (26th overall, 2011) and Brandon Saad (43rd overall, 2011).

Total number of top prospects: 14

5. Detroit Red Wings

The price you pay for always finishing near the top of the standings is having to pick late in the draft, but the Red Wings have done a very good job of selecting players who find a way to fill in the necessary roster spots. Riley Sheahan (21st overall, 2010) and Tomas Jurco (35th overall, 2011) both have tons of upside with talent, skating and size. Brendan Smith (27th overall, 2007) has been on the farm and looks poised to be a defender with the big club in the near future. Five more Europeans help make up a good crop of prospects.

Also on the radar: Calle Jarnkrok (51st overall, 2010) and Teemu Pulkkinen (111th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 13

6. Minnesota Wild

The Wild made a big splash at this year's draft by selecting D Jonas Brodin (10th overall, 2011) and acquiring Charlie Coyle (28th overall, 2010) from San Jose. Along with flying Finn forward Mikael Granlund (ninth overall, 2010), they lead a list of strong prospects who will find their way into the NHL. Brodin's skating and his ability to process the game and retrieve pucks will make him a regular in the NHL sooner rather than later. Coyle is the prototypical power forward who excels at both ends of the ice with intelligence and playmaking ability.

Also on the radar: Johan Larsson (56th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 12

7. New York Islanders

For the past number of years the Islanders have had high draft picks, and it is starting to pay dividends. John Tavares (first overall, 2009), Travis Hamonic (53rd overall, 2008) and Josh Bailey (ninth overall, 2008) are all young talents who are playing, and they will be joined in the near future by a number of up-and-comers, with forward Ryan Strome leading the list. Selected fifth overall in 2011, he has dimensional hockey sense and has proved to be a pressure performer. The fifth overall pick from the year before, Nino Niederreiter, nearly made the lineup last season and will add size and character this season.

Also on the radar: Brock Nelson (30th overall, 2010) and Calvin de Haan (12th overall, 2009).

Total number of top prospects: 11

8. St. Louis Blues

Russian Vladimir Tarasenko made my top 10 prospects list, and he heads up a list of players (mostly forwards) who should eventually make the Blues. With a very high skill package and the skating to go along with a creative mindset, I think he'd push to make the team this season if he came to North America (though he's set to stay in the KHL for now). Ty Rattie (32nd overall, 2011) and Jaden Schwartz (14th overall, 2010) are both on the small side, but both have high-end talent and desire.

Also on the radar: Dmitri Jaskin (41st overall, 2011) and Sebastian Wannstrom (44th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 11

9. Colorado Avalanche

Young talent, in the form of Matt Duchene (third overall, 2009) and Ryan O'Reilly (33rd overall, 2009), has already made an impact with the big club, but the Avs are still flush, starting with players they picked up in this year's draft. Gabriel Landeskog (second overall, 2011) and Duncan Siemens (11th overall, 2011), plus a number of other quality prospects, have the Avalanche in the top 10 of this list. Landeskog, who is NHL-strong and poised to play on one of the top forward lines, will be a prime contender to make the big club this season, while Siemens will be eating up minutes on the back end in the near future.

Also on the radar: Joachim Nermark (93rd overall, 2011) and Joey Hishon (17th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 9

10. Dallas Stars

The Stars rank this high for having both quality and quantity. Scott Glennie (eighth overall, 2009) is leading the way. Alex Chiasson (38th overall, 2009) of Boston University is still in college and Jamieson Oleksiak (14th overall, 2011), formerly of Northeastern University, is now embarking on the junior route. Both have a chance to be big-time NHL players if they improve their skating. Chiasson is a forward with size, hands and a nose for the net. Oleksiak is a monster at 6-foot-7, and has loads of talent.

Also on the radar: Brett Ritchie (44th overall, 2011) and John Klingberg (131st overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 9

11. Montreal Canadiens

Fresh off a Memorial Cup championship, Nathan Beaulieu (17th overall, 2011) of the Saint John Seadogs is a high-end defenseman who, over time, has a chance to become a top-four D-man. His skating, size and puck skills will serve him and the Canadiens well. Highly touted Louis Leblanc (18th overall, 2010) will turn pro and start his road to the NHL.

Also on the radar: Michael Bournival (71st overall for Colorado, 2010) and Jarred Tinordi (22nd overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 10

12. Anaheim Ducks

Cam Fowler (12th overall, 2010) made a big impression last season with the Ducks and could have been a finalist for the Calder Trophy, but that's just the tip of the pipeline. Goaltender John Gibson (39th overall, 2011), in my opinion, is the best prospect in Anaheim's system. He is big and athletic and plays a composed, calm style that will serve him well as he makes his way to the NHL. The Ducks also have some young talent coming, mainly on the right wing, with four kids drafted in the past two years.

Also on the radar: Rickard Rakell (30th overall, 2011), Emerson Etem (29th overall, 2010) and Peter Holland (15th overall, 2009).

Total number of top prospects: 9

13. Buffalo Sabres

Joel Armia (16th overall, 2011) from Finland heads up the Sabres' prospects list and should become a productive forward when he decides to make the jump to North America. Luke Adam (44th overall, 2008), Marcus Foligno (104th overall, 2009) and Zack Kassian (13th overall, 2009) are all young players who will, sooner rather than later, become permanent fixtures in Buffalo.

Also on the radar: Mark Pysyk (23rd overall, 2010) and Daniel Catenacci (77th overall, 2011).

Total number of top prospects: 8

14. Los Angeles Kings

Even after trading away a young, talented prospect like Brayden Schenn (fifth overall, 2009), the Kings still have depth in their prospect pool. Youngster Kyle Clifford (35th overall, 2009) already found his way to the big club with gritty play. Defenseman Derek Forbort (15th overall, 2010) of the University of North Dakota has size and elite skating, making him a top prospect.

Also on the radar: Tyler Toffoli (47th overall, 2010) and Maxim Kitsyn (158th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 9

15. Philadelphia Flyers

With two major trades at this year's draft, the Flyers have added two high-end young talents, including perhaps the best prospect not yet in the NHL. Brayden Schenn tops my list of prospects who will make an impact this season. He's got a complete two-way game and a good work ethic. Selected with the pick obtained from Columbus in the Jeff Carter trade, Sean Couturier (eighth overall, 2011) has a solid chance to crack this season's lineup. Big and talented, he continues to improve his skating. He could surprise a lot of people. He has the size and strength to play.

Also on the radar: Nick Cousins (68th overall, 2011) and Marcel Noebels (118th overall, 2011).

Total number of top prospects: 7

16. New Jersey Devils

This year's fourth overall selection, Adam Larsson from Sweden, leads the list of the Devils' top prospects. Larsson will push to make the team this year with his size, skating and two-way game that features a solid positional defensive game and a very good transitional game, which will lead to offense.

Also on the radar: Jon Merrill (38th overall, 2010) and Scott Wedgewood (84th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 8

17. New York Rangers

Michael Del Zotto (20th overall, 2008) and Derek Stepan (51st overall, 2008), both 1990 born, have already played a role with the Rangers. Chris Kreider (19th overall, 2009) is ready to be a Ranger, but he'll be back at Boston College instead. A dimensional skater with speed and quickness, he has the size and a big-time shot to impress. The 10th overall pick from 2010, Dylan McIlrath, is certainly tough enough and gritty enough to play, but may need a little more time. While the Rangers wait, Tim Erixon, the former 23rd overall pick of the Calgary Flames, is a D-man who could surprise soon.

Also on the radar: JT Miller (15th overall, 2011) and Christian Thomas (40th overall, 2010).

Total number of top prospects: 8

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan Johansen (fourth overall, 2010) is a sure fit for this team that is in the process of undergoing a face-lift. The heat is on for the Blue Jackets to make a statement, and Johansen has a chance to be an impact player. He's good enough to play this season. John Moore (21st overall, 2009) played in the AHL last season and saw limited time with the big club. He is very close.

Also on the radar: Boone Jenner (37th overall, 2011) and Cody Goloubef (37th overall, 2008).

Total number of top prospects: 7

19. Boston Bruins

Tyler Seguin (second overall, 2010) has to be considered Boston's best young player, but he made his mark during his rookie season with the Bruins in 2010-11. A product of the Phil Kessel trade, Seguin is joined by Dougie Hamilton (ninth overall, 2011). Hamilton has a chance to become a dominating D-man, standing nearly 6-7 with all the tools to become a top-four minute player.

Also on the radar: Jared Knight (32nd overall, 2010) and Jordan Caron (25th overall, 2009).

Total number of top prospects: 7

20. Tampa Bay Lightning

With Steven Stamkos (first overall, 2008) and Victor Hedman (second overall, 2009) already playing a major role on the big club, Brett Connolly (sixth overall, 2010) and Vladislav Namestnikov (27th overall, 2011) head up the list of prospects. An injury-riddled junior career for Connolly has slowed his overall development, but he has too much to offer from a skill standpoint to think that in time he will not become a solid two-way forward. And his size (6-2, 181 pounds) is a nice factor as well.

Also on the radar: Carter Ashton (29th overall, 2009) and Nikita Kucherov (58th overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 8

21. Winnipeg Jets

Considering there are four players 20 years of age or younger on the big club's roster, the number of prospects coming is pretty low. Selected seventh overall this year, Mark Scheifele heads up the list and in time will become a top-two line player in Winnipeg. He has size, skill and excellent playmaking ability.

Also on the radar: Carl Klingberg (34th overall, 2009) and Adam Lowry (67th overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 7

22. Toronto Maple Leafs

Acquired in a trade with Boston, Joe Colborne (16th overall, 2008) gives Toronto a chance to make up for the loss of draft picks from previous trades and adds to the depth of the organization. At 6-5 this center is finding his way in the pro ranks and could push to make the big club this fall. Tyler Biggs (22nd overall, 2011) will eventually take over the top of the list and become a fan favorite as this power forward knows only one way to play the game -- full out.

Also on the radar: Stuart Percy (25th overall, 2011) and Brad Ross (43rd overall, 2010)

Total number of top prospects: 7

23. Pittsburgh Penguins

Joe Morrow (23rd overall, 2011) of the WHL's Portland Winterhawks heads up the Penguins' list of prospects. He is a smooth-skating, puck-moving D-man who is quite tough and possesses a solid power-play element to his game. At one time the Penguins were picking near the top of the draft year after year, which is one of the major reasons they are the team they are. But that's no longer the case and elite players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin usually don't slip into the last third of the first round.

Also on the radar: Beau Bennett (20th overall, 2010) and Simon Despres (30th overall, 2009)

Total number of top prospects: 8

24. Phoenix Coyotes

Oliver Ekman-Larsson (sixth overall, 2009) is already a regular with Phoenix at 20 years of age and fellow defenseman Brandon Gormley (13th overall, 2010) leads the Yotes' list of top-end prospects. Playing in Moncton of the QMJHL, Gormley is overcoming a knee injury that slowed down his development, but I expect him to bounce back and become the solid-skating puck mover the Coyotes believed they drafted.

Also on the radar: Connor Murphy (20th overall, 2011) and Harrison Ruopp (84th overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 8

25. Carolina Hurricanes

Rookie of the year Jeff Skinner (seventh overall, 2010) is coming off a wonderful season and he'll soon be joined by another Kitchener Ranger, defenseman Ryan Murphy (12th overall, 2011). The diminutive Murphy is a special player who uses his skills and playmaking ability to make highlight reels over and over. Brian Dumoulin (51st, 2009) is still in college and should be a solid rear guard after he moves on from Boston College.

Also on the radar: Justin Faulk (37th overall, 2010) and Mark Alt (53rd overall, 2010)

Total number of top prospects: 7

26. Nashville Predators

Ryan Ellis (11th overall, 2009), who starred with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, begins his journey of proving undersized defensemen can play in the NHL. Highly competitive with a very high hockey IQ, he will eventually run a power play. With no first-round pick this past year, the Predators will be counting on 18th overall pick in 2010, Austin Watson, to continue to develop into the power forward they believe he can become.

Also on the radar: Magnus Hellberg (38th overall, 2011) and Miikka Salomaki (52nd overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 7

27. Washington Capitals

Evgeny Kuznetsov (26th overall, 2010) is yet another high-end talented Russian who will push to make the big club over time. And he'll do it sooner rather than later. He is multidimensionally skilled and if he wanted to come over from the KHL (he says he's staying for now), he could possibly make the big club this year. The Capitals did not make their first selection this past year until the fourth round and that is a major factor in their organizational ranking, as is the graduation of John Carlson (27th overall, 2008) and Marcus Johansson (24th overall, 2009), both regulars in the NHL now.

Also on the radar: Cody Eakin (85th overall, 2009), Stanislav Galiev (86th overall, 2010)

Total number of top prospects: 6

28. Calgary Flames

The Flames measure poorly in these rankings partially because they have had a limited number of picks over the past few years. T.J. Brodie (114th overall. 2008) is close to breaking through after a solid season playing defense in the AHL, but Sven Baertschi (13th overall, 2011) tops the list of prospects with his smooth skating and skilled game. This forward could surprise. And soon.

Also on the radar: Max Reinhart (64th overall, 2010) and Markus Granlund (45th overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 6

29. Vancouver Canucks

Like the Red Wings, the Canucks have seen their high draft picks limited by their contending for the President's Cup each year. Unlike Detroit, they have not found as much value elsewhere in the draft. And now the Canucks will feel it in their prospect pool. This year's selections -- forward Nicklas Jensen (29th overall) and goaltender David Honzik (71st overall) -- give them a chance to overcome their lack of depth. Jordan Schroeder (22nd overall, 2009) and Cody Hodgson (10th overall, 2008) are coming along slowly and cannot be counted out just yet.

Also on the radar: Patrick McNally (115th ,2010)

Total number of top prospects: 6

30. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are not a team that's afraid to trade away picks and prospects to get what it wants in the short term. The cost of those moves, such as the acquisition of Brent Burns from the Wild, is high-end talent in the Sharks' prospect pool. It is worth noting San Jose often finds a way to develop its prospects well and several players picked later in the draft have panned out for them. The Sharks could have similar success with 2011 pick Matthew Nieto (47th overall). He could spend as many as three more years at Boston University, but should develop into an offensive forward with good speed and a scorer's shot.

Also on the radar: Sean Kuraly (133rd overall, 2011) and Justin Sefton (89th overall, 2011)

Total number of top prospects: 6

The Hockey News isn't sold on the wholesale changes that have swept through the Panthers organization, predicting them to finish 14th in the East. Most consider this a preposterous prediction, as this team is so markedly better from top to bottom (outside of goaltending) they cannot help but improve.

Fans in South Florida are chomping at the bit for the first time in a long time for the start of the season. That can also be considered as shocking as this summer, and this ranking.

Dan Spiegel...
Florida Panthers Writer
Twitter @DanSpiegel

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