View Single Post
Old 07-09-2025, 07:06 AM   #8
savemedrzaius
Help, save, whatever.
 
savemedrzaius's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Exp:
Default

According to ChatGPT; my Top 10:

Tier 1: Elite/High-End NHL Prospects (Potential Top-Six Forward / Top-Pairing Defenseman)

Rutger McGroarty (F): High draft pedigree (14th overall, 2022). Power forward with a heavy shot, strong net-front presence, and good hockey sense. Already performing well at the NCAA level and has represented USA internationally. High certainty for an NHL role with significant offensive upside.

Jordan Dumais (F): Drafted higher than expected (3rd round, 96th overall, 2022) but has vastly out-produced his draft slot. An absolute offensive dynamo in junior (QMJHL MVP, 140 points in 64 games). Elite playmaking and scoring ability. The only question mark is his size, but his skill level is undeniable and he's proving it can translate to the AHL.

Tier 2: Very Good NHL Prospects (Potential Middle-Six Forward / Top-Four Defenseman / Starting Goalie)

Maxim Masse (F): Early 3rd round pick (66th overall, 2024). A big power forward with a heavy shot and a strong net-front presence. Good production in the QMJHL. While there are some questions about his hockey sense and consistency, his size, shot, and physical game give him a high ceiling.

Justin Poirier (F): A lower-end 5th round pick (156th overall, 2024) who is proving to be a potential steal. A pure goal-scorer with an elite shot and a surprisingly physical game for his size. His offensive numbers in the QMJHL are outstanding. If his skating and playmaking continue to improve, he has a legitimate chance to be a dangerous NHL scorer.

Logan Hensler (D): High draft pedigree (23rd overall, 2025). A mobile, two-way defenseman with good size and puck-moving ability. Plays a smart, reliable game. Projects as a solid top-four NHL defenseman.

Radim Mrtka (D): Projected top-10 pick in the 2025 draft. A massive (6'6") right-shot defenseman who skates extremely well for his size. Shows strong defensive reads and offensive upside, especially in transition. His combination of size, skating, and skill makes him incredibly intriguing.

Tier 3: Solid NHL Prospects (Potential Bottom-Six Forward / Third-Pairing Defenseman / Backup/AHL Goalie)

Paul Ludwinski (F): High 2nd round pick (39th overall, 2022). A versatile, high-energy, two-way center with good speed and instincts. Projects as a valuable middle-to-bottom-six NHL forward who can kill penalties and play with pace. Already battling in the AHL.

Ben Danford (D): Late 1st round pick (31st overall, 2024). A strong, physical two-way defenseman with good leadership qualities. Plays a simple, effective game and is known for his compete level. High certainty for an NHL role as a reliable, defensive defenseman.

Nikita Novikov (D): 6th round pick (188th overall, 2021). Big, mobile Russian defenseman who has experience in the KHL and has transitioned well to the AHL. Steady, reliable, and continues to improve. Has a good chance to be a solid depth NHL defenseman.

Noah Chadwick (D): 6th round pick (185th overall, 2023). A big defenseman who has shown significant offensive growth in his D+1 year in the WHL. Good two-way potential, especially given his size. A strong mover for his size with good hockey IQ.
savemedrzaius is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to savemedrzaius For This Useful Post: