Originally Posted by
hotcross
Top 10 NHL prospects for 2019-20
1. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils
2019 draft: First round, first overall
The most dynamic forward to go first overall since Connor McDavid in 2015, Hughes couples electrifying skill with an intense compete level that prevents him from being a non-factor for multiple shifts, let alone an entire game. He has triple-digit point potential and the Devils would be best served to let this fast learner play his patented unbridled style that expands the ice for his linemates.
He'll be in a dog fight for the Calder Trophy, but considering the way he shattered the U.S. NTDP's all-time scoring mark, it's an easy bet that Hughes is the preseason favorite to be the NHL's top rookie in 2019-20.
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2. Kaapo Kakko, RW, New York Rangers
2019 draft: First round, second overall
Kakko is the most heralded draft prospect in New York Rangers history, but the Blueshirts' busy offseason means he'll have to share the puck (and spotlight) with similarly skilled wingers like 2018 first-round pick Vitali Kravtsov and marquee free-agent signee Artemi Panarin. The good news is that a power winger like Kakko is as low maintenance as they come, and his ability to wear down defenseman already is at an elite level.
We all know the kid can bury the puck better than any NHL prospect but don't surprised if he starts showcasing an underrated passing game that should help him keep pace with Hughes in the rookie scoring race.
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3. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
2017 draft: First round, fourth overall
The reigning Hobey Baker winner played like a mature veteran when the Avalanche thrust him into the playoff pressure cooker once his collegiate career ended late last season. Blessed with exceptional speed and a howitzer for a shot, Makar shouldn't have a problem filling in for traded power-play quarterback Tyson Barrie.
He'll be surrounded by a lot of firepower, specifically the NHL's top trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog, so hitting the 40-point mark as a rookie defenseman shouldn't be out of the question.
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4. Filip Zadina, LW, Detroit Red Wings
2018 draft: First round, sixth overall
You know you're an elite prospect when you're considered a draft-day steal at sixth overall, but such was the case in 2018 when this 200-foot sniper fell into Detroit's lap. Sure, his nondescript AHL numbers (35 points in 59 games) and lackluster performance at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship left critics wanting more; however, his puck skills, work ethic and dynamism give the Red Wings a good reason to think he'll contend for the vacated top-six slot on the wing left by Gustav Nyqvist's departure.
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5. Cody Glass, C, Vegas Golden Knights
2017 draft: First round, sixth overall
A scary injury to his left knee that halved his season should be of little concern to the Golden Knights, as Glass appears ready to bring his elite passing acumen and two-way play to the NHL stage this coming season. Of course, Vegas is considered a contender for the Stanley Cup, so his role may be limited. Nonetheless, Glass has the skill and wherewithal to have an impact similar to that of fellow 2017 first-rounder Robert Thomas, who was key for the St. Louis Blues during their recent title run.
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6. Bowen Byram, D, Colorado Avalanche
2019 draft: First round, fourth overall
The top defenseman from the 2019 draft, Byram is the gift Colorado received from Ottawa via the Matt Duchene trade. He's an exceptional puck mover with minute-eating prowess, plus his blistering slapper is as intimidating as Makar's. Byram also plays physical and can be matched up against opposing top lines.
He has little left to prove in the WHL, where he became the first defenseman in league history to lead the playoffs in scoring, so Byram suiting up for the Av's is more realistic than a return to his junior team in Vancouver.
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7. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild
2015 draft: Fifth round, 135th overall
The light at the end of the tunnel is nearing for the Wild, as this uber-talented winger is under the final year of his KHL contract and could make his much-anticipated NHL debut as early as 2020-21. Kaprizov has done nothing but improve since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2015, and last year he became the first player in KHL history to record a 30-goal season before his 22nd birthday. Although Minnesota is about to name their third general manager in two years, all signs point towards Kaprizov playing for the franchise that drafted him.
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8. Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Ducks
2019 draft: First round, ninth overall
The best pure playmaker among all NHL prospects not named Jack Hughes, Zegras also possesses a deadly shot and soft hands, making him an option to play the wing as well. The surgical manner in which he controls the puck through traffic and enters the zone is a sight to behold; there aren't many teenagers who can bring you out of your seat the way this Boston University recruit can.
Zegras needs to tighten up on his discipline off the puck, but it's a shortcoming you can stomach when dealing with a sublime offensive force.
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9. Spencer Knight, G, Florida Panthers
2019 draft: First round, 13th overall
The best goalie prospect to come along since Montreal's Carey Price continues to provide onlookers with near-impeccable technical know-how and execution. The manner in which Knight tends goal is stunningly robotic, almost as if he was engineered in a secret laboratory - and that is meant as a compliment.
In all seriousness, this kid is a fantastic goalie, not only for his poise but also for his strict adherence to the modern-day goaltending doctrine. In fact, Knight is so far ahead of his peers that he could become an NHLer before he turns 20, which is crazy to think considering the league's current state of goalie development.
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10. Adam Boqvist, D, Chicago Blackhawks
2018 draft: First round, eighth overall
A dominant rookie OHL season, in which he led the London Knights with 40 assists and tied for second in the league among defensemen with 20 goals, Boqvist is the most promising rearguard in Chicago's deep collection of defense prospects. Not only can Boqvist skate and hammer the puck with authority, but with London he showcased vision and playmaking skills after being assessed as more of a shoot-first option.
Sweden will have a loaded blue line for the 2020 WJC, with Boqvist the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 power-play quarterback.
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