Ranking the top forwards at the NHL Draft (10-6)
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Goaltenders: 10-6 | 5-1 | Defensemen: 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
Forwards: 20-16 | 15-11 | 5-1 |
10. Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Kyle Connor enters the draft as both the United States Hockey League Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, after ranking first in scoring with 34 goals and 46 assists in 56 games.
Committed to the NCAA's Michigan Wolverines for the 2015-16 season, Connor is more than just an offensive producer. He brings a strong defensive game to the table as well, tracking the puck with impressive hockey vision and regularly forcing turnovers.
Still, what sets him apart is his skating ability and his creativity with the puck, both of which help him put up big numbers.
9. Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
One of the more talked about prospects heading into the draft, Lawson Crouse ranked anywhere from fourth to fifteenth in various rankings.
Crouse led the Kingston Frontenacs in goals (29) and points (51) while appearing in 56 OHL games this past season, and was also a member of Canada's gold-medal winning World Junior team, contributing a goal and two assists in seven games.
While Crouse has been lauded for his size and a game largely built around the prototypical power forward model, some question whether his skill level is on par with other highly touted prospects, especially as the NHL trends toward a more up-tempo game.
Still, he possesses a dominant physique and is strong with the puck, and will likely be drafted in the first half of the opening round.
8. Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Nick Merkley finished his draft year in a big way, leading the Kelowna Rockets to a WHL championship and to the Memorial Cup final, recording 32 points (27 assists) in 24 games through both tournaments. This after finishing sixth in scoring during the regular season with 20 goals and 70 assists in 72 games.
Merkley clearly possesses a knack for playmaking, with a high-level offensive sense and an ability to create scoring chances for his teammates.
Slightly undersized at 5-foot-10, Merkley may need time to prepare himself for the rigors of the pro game, but could develop into a top-flight center, filling a big need for the team that selects him.
7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Despite being limited to 44 games this past season due to a knee injury, Mathew Barzal still managed to record 45 assists and 57 points in 44 games for the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds. He then added four goals and four assists in six playoff games, in case anyone was concerned the injury had adversely affected his game.
Known best for his skating ability and obvious playmaking skills, he also boasts a defensively responsible game, regularly forcing turnovers and dropping down to block shots.
On top of his amazing passing skills, Barzal also isn't afraid to unleash an effective wrist shot, and he's poised to exit the draft as one of the more effective two-way centers selected.
6. Mikko Rantanen, C/W, TPS, Liiga
Mikko Rantanen wrapped up the season by being named the top-rated European skater by NHL Central Scouting.
A product of Finnish club TPS, Rantanen rose through the ranks of the junior program before making his Liiga debut in 2014-15. There, he scored nine goals and added 19 assists while serving as an alternate captain, a most impressive showing for the 18-year-old.
He also scored four goals in five games at the World Junior Championship.
Rantanen models his game after Ryan Getzlaf, a style of play backed up by Goran Stubb, the NHL's director of European scouting.
He's a physically strong power forward with very good playmaking abilities, smart, active and involved on every shift. He has very good speed and quickness for a big man and plays with authority. He's difficult to check, protects the puck well and has good hands.
Look for Rantanen to be a top-10 selection on draft day.