Welcome to the second (and better) half of the top-10 prospects for Detroit. Here are a few names you probably are more familiar with, especially number one.
As always this list does not include players with 40+ games experience, ergo why those players are missing.
5. Ryan Sproul : Defenseman, 6'4 204lbs, 55th Overall, 2011, 21 Years Old, Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL
72 games 11 goals 21 assists 32 points
While players like Oulette and Marchenko are steadier guys than Sproul, neither offer the kind of potential Sproul does if he can translate his game. He's simply more dynamic. The former CHL Defenseman of the year is known for his immense shot and his love of blasting one-timers. Sproul led all AHL rookie defensemen in goals and was second in points, being named to the All Rookie Team. He simply loves to shoot the puck and is very good at it. He's still very lanky and needing to fill out more, that was a big problem during his draft year when he came in at an almost unheard of 163lbs at the combine (6'3 at the time). A lot of scouts worried that his playstyle, which includes searching for the big devastating hits, wouldn't work at the pro level without major work. While some see him as a PP QB, I think he's more of the triggerman. He's good at moving the puck, but at the NHL level there will be better guys for that. Not having to be the puck carrier also allows him versatility and being able to find room for his shots (worked well with Almqvist). Defensively he has taken major leaps since his draft year and while still can get himself lost seeking a hit or forcing some offense with pinches, he's rounding out his game nicely. Next season will likely see him in the spotlight for the Griffins now that Almqvist has left for Europe, expect a Marchenko-Sproul PP tandem.
Potential : Top-Four Offensive Defenseman
4. Petr Mrà¡zek : Goaltender, 6'2 185lbs, 141st Overall, 2010, 22 Years Old, Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL
32 games 2.10GAA .924sv%
Mrà¡zek was one of the most underrated goalies in the CHL for several years until a star performance at the U20's finally brought to light how good he really was. He was excellent in his rookie season, playing a pivotal role in their Calder Cup winning run. Not bad for a 21 year old. This past season he was again excellent and played 9 games in the NHL where, again, he looked excellent. His speed and quickness are easy to notice as well as a really active blocker. I'll never forget the compete level he had in that U20 tournament, he just wouldn't give up on the puck. He's one of the highest ranked goalies at "The Goalie Guild," and one of the higher touted goalie prospects out there right now. Next season he will start for the Griffins until inevitably Gustavsson goes down. Wonder how long before Howard starts getting worried, especially if he doesn't round into form?
Potential : Starting Goalie
3. Dylan Larkin : Centre, 6'0 214lbs, 15th Overall, 2014, 18 Years Old, USNTDP Juniors in the USHL
26 games 17 goals 9 assists 26 points
Larkin became the highest selected USHL player in last seasons draft despite being ranked lower than his first line teammates Milano and Tuch. Both went quickly after him. Larkin is something that the Wings lack in their prospect pool and sort of encompasses the level of "safety" the Wings cherish in the first round. Not to say he doesn't have excellent upside, but his game style is such that even if he never finds his offensive game at the next level, he can play a role. Larkin is most often and most favourably compared to Ryan Kesler (sans sleeping with teammates wives). He is a shoot first centre who is uncomfortable making plays, but excels away from the puck defensively. On the ice he leaves it all out there and is willing to block shots and take/give hits to win. The big hope is that he can become a power centre, preferably of the second line variety. Unlike Milano and Tuch, Larkin didn't get to play with expected 1-2 in 2015 Jack Eichel, he was told to anchor the second line and have defensive zone starts, which is very impressive considering his numbers. Continuing to work on using his linemates more effectively will determine his eventual upside. Next season he will play for the University of Michigan, a fitting place for a Wings prospect.
Potential : Second/Third Two-Way Centre
2. Tomas Jurco : Right Wing, 6'2 190lbs, 35th Overall, 2011, 21 Years Old, Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL
32 games 13 goals 19 assists 32 points
Magic Hands. That was Jurco's claim to fame come draft day and still to this day remain his most impressive skill. His play with the puck can simply be a thing of beauty. His hand eye is superb and his one on one skills excellent. It's a difficult transition for danglers, some of them simply can't translate their ability to boggle the minds of junior defensemen to the NHL level. Guys like Schremp and O'Sullivan simply fall by the wayside and aren't able to replicate their success. While a guy like Kadri was forced to expand his game and get away from many junior style moves that are a liability to succeed. Jurco seems to be heading towards figuring it all out and with his size, that ability is translating into puck protection skills as it is extremely difficult to get a guy his size off the puck when his hands move faster than you can see. He played 36 games in the NHL and I debated whether to keep him on this list since barring a disaster he ought to make the Wings. Next season will be interesting, not only for him, but the entire injected youth on the Wings.
Potential : Second Line Scoring Winger
1. Anthony Mantha: Right Wing, 6'5 207lbs, 20th Overall, 2013, 19 Years Old, Val D'Or Foreurs in the QMJHL
57 games 57 goals 63 assists 120 points
This is an extremely easy choice for the number one slot. Mantha really had two knocks on him, his skating and his lack of aggression for his size. Well he worked on his speed and I think people won't give a mummers fart if he isn't a prototypical power forward when he's scoring goals all the time. Mantha had a dominant year. While Drouin might be a more talented and gifted player, Mantha was a one man wrecking crew in the QMJHL. The QMJHL MVP and CHL Player of the Year led the league in goals for a second straight season scoring a ridiculous 57 in 57 games, then led the playoffs in goals with 24 in 24, I mean...come on. Add to that being one of the only guys who played well for the disastrous U20's squad (named to the All-Star team), he had a near perfect season. He's massive, he protects and hogs the puck extremely well because he knows where to put it. He's the kind of guy who can score from anywhere, everywhere and in any situation. He was one of the top 5vs5 goal scorer, one of the highest PPG scorers and had 6 shorthanded goals. In the playoffs though...you want to talk about 5vs5 domination? 20 of his 24 goals came at even strength, only two on the PP. All he does is score goals. I know it is exhausted beyond belief, but the Wings might have a steal here. Next season he will play in the AHL unless he makes the team out of camp.
Potential : Top-Line Sniper
Thanks for reading. Do you guys like the format I'm using? 10-6 and 5-1, or should I go back to 1-5, 6-10?