Updated: June 1st, 2009
1. Patrick Kane (RW) - London Knights (OHL)
Kane has exceptional hockey sense and is as good at playmaking as he is at finishing his chances from the wing position. He makes the teammates around him better. The only knock on him is that his smallish stature could prevent him from becoming a star at the highest level. He needs to work on his play without the puck, which is below average.
2. Jakub Voracek (RW) - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Voracek is a highly effective winger with excellent offensive skills, and exceptional scoring potential. He has a very bright future ahead of him as a scoring threat in the NHA and should terrorize goaltenders when he eventually makes it to the pros. The one issue with Voracek at the moment is his size, but there is still plenty of time for him to fill out before he secures a spot in the NHA.
3. Kyle Turris (C) - Burnaby Express (BCHL)
Turris is a superb offensive player; he has impressive puck control for his size, great skating ability, and excellent stickhandling to complement a quick and accurate release. Turris effectively uses his teammates on the rush and is an underrated playmaker. Kyle is a bit lanky at the moment and hopefully he will grow into his frame, but his shifty speed helps him avoid hits in the mean time.
4. James Van Riemsdyk (LW) - U.S. National Team Development Program
Van Riemsdyk is a budding power forward with a great combination of size, speed and skill. He is fairly polished for his age and owns plenty of scoring potential. Van Reimsdyk must adapt to the lengthier schedules, as well as the tougher competition, that awaits him in the pro ranks. He is a little raw in his overall game but looks to be a future NHAer.
5. Sam Gagner (C) - London Knights (OHL)
The two words most-affiliated with Sam Gagner are 'hockey' and 'sense'; he has an uncanny ability to not just see what’s happening on the ice, but to also project what’s going to happen. Gagner, who has grown up in a hockey environment under the tutelage of his father, Dave Gagner, understands the game like few other prospects. Gagner shows a great deal of leadership on and off the ice and projects to be a solid offensive-minded centre, with a capable understanding of defensive play.
6. Karl Alzner (D) - Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Alzner has great size, mobility and the potential to play an all-around game from the back end. He should develop into a top-pairing, big-minute defender over time. Alzner needs to make better use of his 6'-2" frame in order to keep the pro forwards honest. He must also continue to work on his shot from the point if he hopes to score more goals.
7. Mikael Backlund (C) - Vasteras HK (Swedish Elitserien)
Backlund is a speedy, playmaking pivot with very soft hands, especially in close quarters; he has shown glimpses of elite playmaking ability. He also has a good shot, which keeps defenders guessing, and can play effectively in the defensive zone.
8. David Perron (RW) - Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)
Perron possesses great individual skills, and is usually one of the more dangerous offensive players on the ice. He is especially adept at stickhandling his way by defenders and uses his accurate shot to advantage. Also has good vision in the offensive zones. David is a boom/bust offensive prospect but if his junior success translates to the pro game, he could be a top-line scorer.
9. Kevin Shattenkirk (D) - U.S. National Team Development Program
Standing at just 5'-11" and weighing in at just 193 LBS, Shattenkirk set out to establish himself as a capable offensive defenseman despite his size. Shattenkirk is an excellent leader who is very talented offensively. He has a deceptively strong shot, and has very good on-ice vision.
10. Thomas Hickey (D) - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Hickey is an undersized defenseman with strong skating ability and great offensive instincts. He is a mobile defenseman who can play the powerplay and gets his shots to the net. Hickey is still very raw in terms of his overall game but this should mature as he does.
Brandon Sutter (C)
Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Brandon is a skilled forward who seizes his opportunities when they present themselves in the offensive zone. He has a good work ethic, puck pursuit skills and is a versatile player who can be effective in all situations. He does need to improve on his conditioning and his one-on-one skills.
Max Pacioretty (LW)
Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Pacioretty is an above-average power forward; he has size, is a good skater, handles the puck well, and has a quick release on a very good shot. Developing consistency to his game will be key to progressing to the next level.
Colton Gillies (C)
Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Gillies could potentially become a top power forward at the NHA level, though he has some dues to pay first. He can dish out solid hits and plays with a mean streak but his defensive play needs attention and his scoring touch is a work-in-progress.
Oscar Moller (RW)
Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)
Moller is a smaller forward with good on-ice vision. He is competitive and gritty and easily takes on leadership roles on a team. He is solid at both ends of the rink and gives his all on the ice.
Riley Nash (C)
Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
Nash is a two-way center, who's offensive and defensive game are both progressing rapidly. He projects as a reliable two-way forward with good speed.
Ryan McDonagh (D)
Cretin-Derham Hall (Prep School)
McDonagh is not a flashy end-to-end rusher, but he is an all-around two-way player who does just about everything well. He is a solid skater, has good size, and makes the right decisions with the puck. He is very strong one-on-one, but needs to adjust to the quicker pace at higher levels of play; improving his footspeed will be very important. He plays in all situations and eats up a lot of ice time.
