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Top 10 Prospects: Florida Panthers |
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It's easy to see why Tallon has the best pipeline in hockey. Filled with potential for first liners, and already possessing two good young Dmen in Gudbranson and Kulikov, he's on his way to building up Florida into a very good team.
1. Jonathan Huberdeau, Center
Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
3rd Overall, 2011
6'1, 171 lbs
A dazzling forward, who can break down coverage with relative ease, Hoobadoo always seems to wow a crowd. He's extremely creative with the puck, and has high end vision to make plays that most wouldn't even think of. He shows patience with the puck and always seems to make the right play, transitioning the puck into a scoring area.
Upside: All-Star Center
NHL Comparable: Jonathan Toews
2. Rocco Grimaldi, Center,
USNTDP, USDP,
33rd overall 2011
5’6, 165 lbs
One of the hardest working forwards, Rocco also has high end skill. He's a plus shooter who has power and accuracy. His skating is top notch, as he flies in on defenses, backing them up with an array of puck handling moves. He understands the plays and senses where to be on the ice real well. Despite his size, he wins a lot of battles for pucks.
Upside: 1st Line Forward
NHL Comparable: Danny Briere
3. Nick Bjugstad, Center
University of Minnesota, WCHA (NCAA)
19th overall, 2010
6'6, 212 lbs
For a big man, Bjugstad can move well on the ice as a pretty good skater. He shows good puck possession skills, using his body to shield the puck, or puck handling in a phone booth. He can make plays, but it's his big time shot that really flies from his stick when he leans into it, that makes him dangerous.
Upside: 1B Center
NHL Comparable: Jason Arnott
4. Drew Shore, Center
University of Denver, WCHA (NCAA)
44th Overall, 2009
6'3, 200 lbs
Shore is a gifted player, who has no real glaring hole to his game. He makes plays at a top level, and has a shot that many would envy. Despite his array of offense, he's a gritty player who plays a full 200 foot game, and really gets under your skin.
Upside: Top Six Power Forward (Center or Wing)
NHL Comparable: Ryan Kesler
5. Quinton Howden, Left Wing
Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL
25th Overall, 2010
6'3, 183 lbs
Howden flies. A really fantastic skater for a big 6'3 forward, Howden backs off defenses. He brings a lethal shot that rips into holes as his main tool. to go along with decent puck skills. He comes back hard and is a two-way threat on the ice.
Upside: Top Six Scoring Forward
NHL Comparable: Patrick Marleau
6. Jacob Markstrom, Goaltender,
Rochester Americans, AHL,
31st overall, 2008
6’6, 195 lbs
If there's a better goalie prospect, I'd be surprised. Big, athletic and well refined, Markstrom is a proto-typical NHL goalie int he making. He shows good understanding of a play, using his size and positioning to make the first stop, along with his flashy glove. When things go awry, he has the athleticism to really engage into a non-traditional acrobatic save.
Upside: 1A Goaltender
NHL Comparable: Roberto Luongo
7. Alexander Petrovic, Defense,
Red Deer Rebels, WHL,
36th overall, 2010
6’4, 205 lbs
Petrovic is mean and then some. The WHL Defenseman of the Year regularly throws his weight around and has the size and strength to do so effectively. He jumps into plays when the opportunity presents itself, moving the puck well, and showing good offensive instincts.
Upside: #3 Minute-Munching Defensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Braydon Coburn
8. Corban Knight, Right Wing
University of North Dakota, WCHA (NCAA)
135th Overall, 2009
6'2, 193 lbs
Knight is a good two-way player. He shows some creativity in making plays, despite not being flashy with the puck on his stick, instead relying on his vision and IQ. He needs to improve upon his skating, however he gives a good effort and comes back hard to cover assignments defensively.
Upside: Middle Line Two-Way Forward
NHL Comparable: Chris Higgins
9. Kyle Rau, Right Wing
University of Minnesota, WCHA (NCAA)
91st Overall, 2011
5'8, 172 lbs
Despite his size, Rau is still a very good prospect in my eyes. A high-end thinker, he's got skills and comes at you like an annoying gnat. He forechecks well, and PKs just as well too. He tends to know where to go both offensively and defensively, showing good puck skills while he's at it.
Upside: 2nd Line Winger
NHL Comparable:
10. John McFarland, Center/Left Wing,
Saginaw Spirit, OHL
33rd overall, 2010
6’0, 192 lbs
A very toolsy player, McFarland has a ways to go but has the potential, despite the off-ice issues. Not too long ago he was the next coming. He skates well with speed, and shows a hard wrist shot that can find the mesh. He's a willing physical player with a slight temper, and has the "lazy" tag on him. If he can shake inconsistencies and pull that skill out of himself, this is a guy to watch. But would I bank on that happening? Not really.
Upside: "Boom or Bust" 2nd line forward
NHL Comparable: Scottie Upshall
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