Personally for me it's a multi-tiered judgement call.
1. Make the NHL.
2. Exceed in the NHL.
3. Live up to projected potential.
Some guys are built for top-line duty, some are built to play on the checking lines. If a checking line player becomes successful at his potential to become a checking forward, then his potential is fulfilled. Therefore, I vote on these polls based on expected level of skill an ability to make the NHL.
Seeing as how Hathaway has almost played his way onto the team, was effective in his role, and wasn't projected to be anything more, I would say he is considered a successful prospect- especially if he makes the team right out of the gate in October. The same principle should apply to Kulak, and he was rated higher.
Hathaway is the closed bet to a sure thing on that list.
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