[devo22]

FWIW, SBNation started listing their top 100 NHL prospects at the college level a couple of days ago. Hickey was #24, Fox was #27.

24. Brandon Hickey, Defenseman, Boston University (Calgary Flames)

Brandon Hickey plays a defensive-minded, physical role on the Terriers blue line, but is not the typical plodding bruiser. He’s a smooth skater with a strong, quick first step that allows him to stay with faster forwards, and to start transition opportunities. He’s not overly creative with the puck, but moves it smartly and effectively.

He projects as a first or second pairing defenseman that can match against big scorers on the opposition.

http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2017...-bellows-bjork

27. Adam Fox, Defenseman, Harvard (Calgary Flames)

Adam Fox is still very much an incomplete player, but potentially a very exciting one. Fox is not good on the defensive end of the ice, but makes up for it with exceptional, elite passing ability.

There’s no better example than this year’s World Juniors gold medal game, when Fox was on the ice and partly responsible for a pair of goals against, but he helped lead the United States comeback with a pair of assists, including one to tie the game late in the third period.

Fox was just as good from the blue line in NCAA play, tallying 31 assists in 36 games so far this season. The defensive play can be taught, and the lack of physicality improved with coaching and time spent in the weight room. But Fox’s vision and play-making skills are something that can’t really be taught. It’s going to take him another year of two of college hockey, but his future as a power play quarterback at the NHL level is very intriguing.

http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2017...ll-aston-reese