Locked On NHL Prospects

In this episode, we highlight the NCAA and dive into the games of some of the league's stars, ranging from college veterans like Jack Devine to high-profile freshmen like prospective 1st overall pick James Hagens. We start off with the group of veterans, discussing the progressions and expectations of stars including Jacob Fowler, Gabe Perreault, and Matthew Wood. Next, we dig into NCAA players wh...

In this episode, we discuss 8 notable contenders for the 2024-25 Calder Trophy. First, we dig into the two front runners: Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini. Next, we look at a pair of undersized dynamos who could push their way into strong contention: Logan Stankoven and Lane Hutson. Finally, we wrap up with a quartet of darkhorse candidates, including Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks and W...

In this episode, we discuss 7 notable rookies who have sufficiently impressed through preseason to grab opening night roster spots even when they perhaps weren't expected to. First, we start off with Seamus Casey, who has already delivered some dynamic offensive performances from the blueline for the New Jersey Devils, as well as Samuel Honzek, who not only won a roster spot but has taken line rus...

In this episode, we continue our weekly episode accompanying our article series at EP Rinkside: Rinkside Roundup, where we break down the performances and progressions of the week's top-performing prospects! First, we look at a pair of NCAA prospects who have started the year in fine form: Michael Hage of the Montreal Canadiens and Isaac Howard of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Next, we look at two pros...

In this episode, we analyze the entirety of the Top 32 on our recently-released October Rankings at EP Rinkside. First, we break down the top 12, featuring elite dynamic talent at the top end with James Hagens, Roger McQueen, Michael Misa, and more! Next, we dig into the middle portion of our first round, which includes some very toolsy skilled players who have been marred with inconsistency or su...

In this episode, we look into some of the key debates at the top of the 2025 Draft class, as well as an introduction to some notable draft-eligible prospects in the QMJHL and USHL. First, we dig into the big debates, starting off with Michael Misa vs. Roger McQueen vs. Porter Martone, three skilled and versatile forwards who are each pushing for top 3 spots; before pivoting across the Atlantic to...

In this episode, we look into the 2025 Draft Class! First, we focus on the 5 players we deem have separated themselves from the pack at this stage, each of which - to varying degrees - has a case at #1. Next, we look at why the CHL will dominate this draft class and check out 5 top-15 calibre prospects from the Canadian leagues. Finally, we check out the top names in the 2025 USNTDP group, which l...

In this episode, we debut a new weekly series accompanying our article series at EP Rinkside: Rinkside Roundup, where we break down the performances and progressions of the week's top-performing prospects! First, we look at a pair of elite Russian wingers and compare their styles and upsides: Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov. Next, we look at two 2025-eligible prospects who are pushing for 1st over...

In this episode, we discuss 10 of the biggest standouts among prospects in the NHL preseason so far! First, we present the big names, highlighted by Matvei Michkov! Next, we look at some surprise performers, including Oliver Kapanen of the Habs and Luca Cagnoni of the Sharks. Finally, we dig into the games of 3 right shot defenders, including Carter Yakemchuk, before covering Jett Luchanko's perfo...

In this episode, we wrap up our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, with our top two pools league-wide: Montreal and San Jose. First, we start off with the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, who are highlighted by the elite talent of Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson. Next, we cover the best pool in the league, without a doubt, the San Jose Sharks, who boast a breadth of blue-chip talent, including M...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have added some elite talent recently, namely Cayden Lindstrom. Next, we cover the Anaheim Ducks who are highlighted by two blue-chip prospects: Cutter...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Carolina Hurricanes, who have added a breadth of talent through the draft despite being perennial contenders. Next, we cover the Minnesota Wild who are highlighted by two blue-ch...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Seattle Kraken, who added a blue-chip prospect at the draft in Berkly Catton. Next, we cover the Calgary Flames who are rewarded for swinging for the fences on Zayne Parekh. Fina...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Dallas Stars, highlighted by two undersized forwards: Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque. Next, we cover the Washington Capitals, who have some true high-end pieces including Rya...

In this episode, we dive into a season preview for the USHL and USNTDP. First, we cover 8 of the most notable draft-eligible prospects in the league, including Youngstown phenom Adam Benák and NTDP standouts Will Moore, Charlie Trethewey, and Carter Amico. Next, we dissect 3 key storylines to keep an eye on this season, including how a superstar-less USNTDP will fare. Finally, we highlighted some...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the St. Louis Blues, highlighted by two 2-way forwards: Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud. Next, we cover the Nashville Predators, who have absurd depth in their pool, including Ma...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Colorado Avalanche, highlighted by two 2023 1st rounders: Calum Ritchie and Mikhail Gulyayev. Next, we cover the Vancouver Canucks, who have a gem of a skilled prospect in Jonath...

In this episode, we break down the two games between the Leafs and Habs prospects that both of us attended at the Bell Centre. First, we discuss the standout Canadiens, featuring the entire defensive top 4 highlighted by the dynamism of Lane Hutson. Next, we break down the performances of the Leafs, who won both matchups, including excellent goaltending and star performances from Easton Cowan. Fin...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Pittsburgh Penguins, highlighted by the recently-acquired Rutger McGroarty. Next, we cover the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have a gem of a skilled prospect in Easton Cowan. Finally,...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Ottawa Senators, whose prospect pool is highlighted by the skill of Carter Yakemchuk. Next, we cover the LA Kings, who have a gem of a skilled prospect in Brandt Clarke. Finally,...

In this episode, we continue our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Florida Panthers, whose prospect pool is highlighted by the skill of Mackie Samoskevich. Next, we cover the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a gem of a skilled prospect in Trevor C...

In this episode, we kick off our 2024 edition of our yearly NHL prospect pool rankings, starting at the bottom, 32, and working our way up, covering the top 5 prospects of 3 teams per episode. First, we start off with the Edmonton Oilers at 32, whose prospect pool is highlighted by the skill of Matthew Savoie, but lacks much notable depth. Next, we cover the Boston Bruins, who have a good young NH...

In this episode, we go for a deep dive into our far-too-early Top 5 board for the 2025 draft, including a small surprise at #2! First, we discuss our honourable mentions, featuring the dynamic skill of Michael Misa and the reliable blueline impact of Logan Hensler. Next, we kick off our top 5 by debating Ivan Ryabkin and Roger McQueen in slots 5 and 4. Finally we wrap up the show, breaking down th...

In this episode, we breakdown of the top NCAA and USNTDP prospects eligible for the 2025 draft class! First, we start off with the 3 biggest names among draft-eligible college freshmen: prospective #1 pick James Hagens, alongside mobile two-way RD Logan Hensler, and the toolsy LD Sascha Boumedienne. Next, we look at the 3 other notable NCAA freshmen for the 2025 draft class: Cullen Potter, Dakoda...

In this episode, we chat about Filip Zadina, his draft year potential, and what we can learn from his trajectory and that of similar pure scorers over the past decade. First, we break down Zadina's game and weaknesses, alongside those of other snipers who struggled to make their mark in the big leagues. Next, we move on to some currently developing players and prospects, and discuss what could hol...