[sureLoss]

CSS has released their Futures list for 2015.

NA List - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=725587
International List - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=725588


http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=7...etails=2-29342

Three months ago NHL.com asked nine top evaluators from NHL Central Scouting who their choice would be as the first pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel.

The impromptu poll had McDavid, a center with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League the 5-4 choice against Eichel, who will be a center at Boston University in the fall.

Many top scouts believe that slim difference between the two will be par for the course in 2014-15 when the two players will be scrutinized and publicized in every way leading up to the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla.

"Every year the scouts think that it's a good crop of prospects," Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting, said. "There's just been a little more emphasis in 2015 because there's been a couple more top-end frontrunners and the fact that there were a number of underage players performing in their various junior leagues and performing well. That leads to high expectations for this draft class."

A number of scouts believe the 2015 draft is loaded with talent, so much so that it may one day rival the 2003 draft. Heading the pack are McDavid and Eichel.

"McDavid is an exceptional talent and he's been on display now for the world to see for two years [in the OHL] and he's lived up to all the expectations that were kind of placed on his shoulders," Marr said. "That's not an easy burden for a young man. This year just happens to be his draft year and the expectation is he'll continue to be the frontrunner for the No. 1 spot. But Jack Eichel has already made known that this is a two-horse race."

Konecny, who is a second cousin to Vancouver Canucks prospect Bo Horvat, had 26 goals and 70 points in 63 games last season.

"He's a highly skilled forward who never quits," Edwards said. "He is around the puck every shift and created most of the offense that the 67's were able to generate last season. He skates very well and has excellent speed, is not afraid to get involved in battles and has no fear of taking the puck to the net. Despite not being the biggest guy (5-9, 172) on the ice, he's not afraid to play in traffic and is capable of winning battles."

The player who could top the charts in 2015 is Czech center Pavel Zacha, who was taken by the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League with the first pick of the 2014 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft earlier this month. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound center had four goals and four assists in 38 games last season with Liberec in the top professional league in the Czech Republic as a 16-year-old.

"Pavel is a power forward with excellent size and strength and looks like a man when playing juniors in his own age-group; he's quite a complete package," said Goran Stubb, NHL director of European Scouting. "He's physically strong, has great overall skills and is really tough to play against. He's always on the puck and can create scoring chances with his strength and quick, smart moves; has very good puck control, is a smart playmaker and has a great shot."

Kylington (6-0, 180) earned a spot with Farjestad in the Swedish league after a solid start with the junior team last year. He can quarterback a power play and enjoys joining the rush.

"Oliver is a very good skater with first-step quickness and fine balance," Stubb said. "He's a two-way defenseman who loves to join the offensive rush. He's smart with excellent hockey sense and passing skills, can read the situations very well. He takes a big role with the puck."