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MORE From TSN'S Hockey COLUMNISTS

Sep 25, 2014

2014-15 NHL Pre-Season Draft Rankings

Next June, the best young amateur players in the world will be made available at the 2015 NHL Draft. Follow the first TSN Ranking of the season - a compilation based on input from various scouts around the National Hockey League.

Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel

Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel , Getty Images

Next June, the best young amateur players in the world will be made available at the 2015 NHL Draft. Follow the first TSN Ranking of the season - a compilation based on input from various scouts around the National Hockey League. (Photos courtesy: The Canadian Press, Getty Images, NHLI and EliteProspects.com)

The Top 15

Connor McDavid
1. Connor McDavid

Centre | Erie (OHL) | 6'0" | 185 lbs. | Jan. 13, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    56
  • G
    28
  • A
    71
  • PTS
    99
  • +/-
    +47
  • PIM
    20

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Has a 'next generation' processor and sees the game in a 'parallel universe.' Lightning quick in his head, hands and feet and what the minds directs the feet and hands can do. Exceptional ability to recognize both opportunity and danger at the same time and then exploit the opportunity and avoid the danger. Big time competitor albeit a 'quiet' one but lethal.
Jack Eichel
2. Jack Eichel

Forward | Boston University | 6'2" | 193 lbs. | Oct. 28, 1996

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    24
  • G
    20
  • A
    25
  • PTS
    45
  • +/-
    +20
  • PIM
    20

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Jack possesses excellent skating ability and is able to execute at a very high rate of speed. He attacks and because he can beat defenders with speed, quickness, or lateral mobility, they are on their heels trying to defend him. He can adjust on the move and he recognizes where he can take advantage. With an excellent shot and power in his game, he is a nightmarish proposition for opponents to try and deter. Takes on the challenges in a game & excels.
Noah Hanifin
3. Noah Hanifin

Defence | Boston College | 6'3" | 185 lbs. | Jan. 25, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    31
  • G
    6
  • A
    14
  • PTS
    20
  • +/-
    -2
  • PIM
    18

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Plays with a poise and guile that is exceptional. His ability to put himself in advantageous position to make plays, both defensively and offensively, allows him to impact the game in every single situation. He never seems to be rattled, rushed or hurried in his play. Skating is superb and he has great confidence and ability with the puck. Can dictate the play.
Pavel Zacha
4. Pavel Zacha

Forward | Sarnia (OHL) | 6'2" | 198 lbs. | Apr. 6, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    38
  • G
    4
  • A
    4
  • PTS
    8
  • +/-
    -2
  • PIM
    10

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Pavel may draw comparisons to Eric Staal at the same age. He has excellent confidence playing with the puck in offensive situations and is a very dangerous offensive player. Skating is very good & he can get to open ice and beat defenders. Competes to contribute offense and he plays with a determination to make a difference. Like Eric Staal at this age, will only get better.
Lawson Crouse
5. Lawson Crouse

Left Wing | Kingston (OHL) | 6'3" | 200 lbs. | June 23, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    15
  • A
    12
  • PTS
    27
  • +/-
    +10
  • PIM
    64

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Lawson is a 'big' man who can impose himself on opponents and make it extremely difficult for them. He is a strong skater with a good burst of speed and if he has the slightest step on a defender, it is an almost impossible task to regain position vs. him. Good puck skills and is a smart player with and without the puck. Developing into the type of player that can be a force at the NHL level.
Dylan Strome
6. Dylan Strome

Centre | Erie (OHL) | 6'2" | 178 lbs. | Mar. 7, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    60
  • G
    10
  • A
    29
  • PTS
    39
  • +/-
    +17
  • PIM
    11

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

A smart, good skating, center who can not only make  plays but can finish them also. Reads the play so very well and he gets himself into positions where he can take advantage and be a threat. He's multi-dimensional in that he can play two-ways, can play a skill game, can play a 'heavy' game but regardless of the situations he plays a game where he contributes in some way, some fashion.
Mathew Barzal
7. Mathew Barzal

Centre | Seattle (WHL) | 5'11" | 175 lbs. | May 26, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    59
  • G
    14
  • A
    40
  • PTS
    54
  • +/-
    +3
  • PIM
    20

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Difference maker may sum up Mathew. He not only wants to be one, he is one. Always in the 'guts' of the action and he has the puck so much during the course of a game. Smart and really understands what is unfolding and is both quick to take advantage yet patient to let it unfold. Exudes confidence and with a very good skill set, that confidence leads to productivity, both for him and the team.
Oliver Kylington
8. Oliver Kylington

Defence | Farjestad (SWE) | 6'3" | 200 lbs. | June 23, 1996

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    32
  • G
    2
  • A
    4
  • PTS
    6
  • +/-
    +5
  • PIM
    6

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

The smooth skating Kylington was a regular in the Swedish Hockey league as a 16 year old player. Skating ability is excellent with an ease that allows him to beat the fore-check, transition from defense to offense and to jump into the offensive forays. Very good passer and his vision and smarts makes him a multiple threat because he can beat you multiple ways. Reminds one of former NHLer & fellow Swede, Calle Johansson.
Mitch Marner
9. Mitch Marner

Centre | London (OHL) | 5'10" | 164 lbs. | May 5, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    64
  • G
    13
  • A
    46
  • PTS
    59
  • +/-
    +38
  • PIM
    24

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Combine skill, smarts and confidence and you have Mitch. Excellent playmaker who can make plays in and through the tightest of spaces. Very elusive with his skating but can attack & beat defenders 1-1. Sees plays unfolding and is very comfortable holding puck to allow them to develop. Plays with an assuredness that is threatening and he doesn't take a 'back seat' in the game.
Travis Konecny
10. Travis Konecny

Centre | Ottawa (OHL) | 5'10" | 166 lbs. | Mar. 11, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    26
  • A
    44
  • PTS
    70
  • +/-
    -15
  • PIM
    18

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Travis has a blend of skill, physical play and determination that reminds one of Pat Verbeek. Like Pat, Travis can score and he can do so with a shot from out or determination around the net. He asserts physically and he does not get pushed off puck or out of his space and will punish opponents. Doesn't let himself be denied and he plays with smarts and an intensity that allows him to make a 'dent' in the game
Paul Bittner
11. Paul Bittner

Left Wing | Portland (WHL) | 6'4" | 195 lbs. | Nov. 4, 1996

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    22
  • A
    27
  • PTS
    49
  • +/-
    +25
  • PIM
    27

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Big, long good skating winger who is smart and can make very good plays. Paul will attack with his speed but has the awareness to make plays off of it after he has created room. Good shot and will jump into openings quickly to take advantage. He is a winger who makes it very hard on defenders because he asserts with his size, not in a punishing manner, but in an imposing one. 
Jeremy Roy
12. Jeremy Roy

Defence | Sherbrooke (QMJHL) | 6'0" | 182 lbs. | May 14, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    64
  • G
    14
  • A
    30
  • PTS
    44
  • +/-
    -29
  • PIM
    23

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Very gifted 'puck play' defenceman. Smart, poised, anticipates the play, sees where to exploit opponents and can dictate offensive play. He can dictate that from the defensive zone also because he beats pressure and fends it off and the puck gets moving ahead quickly. Has a command of the game and he finds a way to be a contributor at important times. 
Nicolas Roy
13. Nicolas Roy

Right Wing | Chicoutimi (QMJHL) | 6'4" | 190 lbs. | Feb. 5, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    63
  • G
    16
  • A
    25
  • PTS
    41
  • +/-
    -27
  • PIM
    19

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Strong center who can make life miserable for opponents because his size and willingness to hold puck makes it very difficult to push him out of the play. Good mobility in tight and has a very good sense of how to make plays in any particular situation. Smart offensively and defensively with a competitive desire to contribute in all manner of ways. Like a Bobby Holik type player.
Jakub Zboril
14. Jakub Zboril

Defence | Saint John (QMJHL) | 6'1" | 187 lbs. | Feb. 21, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    38
  • G
    6
  • A
    17
  • PTS
    23
  • +/-
    +18
  • PIM
    57

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Jakub is a very good skater with an ease that affords him the opportunity to be very effective defensively and offensively. Very smart and poised with the puck where he can make plays that create opportunity and alleviate pressure. He plays all situations in the game with a strong understanding of what is unfolding and finds ways to be a contributor in some form or fashion as required.
Jordan Greenway
15. Jordan Greenway

Forward | USNTDP | 6'4" | 189 lbs. | Feb. 16, 1997

2013-14 Statistics

  • GP
    33
  • G
    10
  • A
    16
  • PTS
    26
  • +/-
    -6
  • PIM
    61

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s Analysis:

Jordan be nimble, Jordan be quick but what Jordan brings is truly unique. A big, smooth skating, skilled winger who can dominate from the circles down in the offensive zone and really challenges defenders to negate him. As he continues to develop, he has the potential be a 'tour de force' who can impact the game multiple ways with skill and power. Upside can be an overused 'buzz' word when scouting prospects but not in the case of Jordan.

Honourable Mentions

The following prospects were close to cracking the Top 15, but were edged out in votes.

 
Name Team Pos. Birthdate HT WT
Mikko Rantanen TPS (FIN) C/W Oct. 29, 1996 6'3" 194
Kyle Connor Youngstown (USHL) C Dec. 9, 1996 6'1" 170
Colin White USNTDP (USHL) RW/C Jan. 30, 1997 6'0" 179
 Matthew Spencer Peterborough (OHL) D Mar. 24, 1997 6'1" 201