The star power in the League today is obvious, from Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers to Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.
But that's the present. What about the stars of the future?
To answer that question, NHL.com set out to come up with the 60 best NHL prospects. Three members of the NHL.com staff, Adam Kimelman, Corey Masisak and Mike Morreale, were enlisted to accomplish that task, along with three NHL scouts, each of whom promised honesty in exchange for anonymity.
NHL.COM'S TOP 60 PROSPECTS
Numbers show depth of prospect pool
Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing EditorCoordinating six voters to compile their lists of the top prospects created some interesting sets of numbers that came out of NHL.com's Top 60 prospect ranking. READ MORE ›
The only rule the voters were given was the players have to enter the 2014-15 season with Calder Trophy eligibility.
A first-place vote was worth 60 points, a second-place vote was worth 59 points and continuing in descending order, with the No. 60 player on each list receiving one point. Ties were broken by how many times a player appeared on a ballot; the second tiebreaker was the player with the highest individual ballot placing.
Showing the breadth of talent knocking on the door for full-time NHL employment, 120 players received at least one vote, and 24 were named on all six ballots. Twelve players received a top-five vote and 22 were named in the top 10.
"It was one of those exercises that every time you looked at No. 50 to No. 60 your list changed," said Scout C, who works for an Eastern Conference team. "I would say my list changed a half-dozen times."
"I had another 10 to 15 names that could have gone on instead of the ones I submitted," said Scout A, who works for a Western Conference team.
When the votes were tabulated, it was Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin, the third pick of the 2013 NHL Draft, leading the competition.
"In the second half and the playoffs he was easily the best young player in the world not in the NHL," Masisak said. "He is a magician with the puck, and could be equally potent at scoring goals and setting them up."
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson also received two first-place votes and finished second.
"Gibson was No. 1 because of what he did at the [2013] World Championship, his first year in the AHL was very good and then his play in the NHL was good for the most part," Scout A said. "When you combine that with his size, ability and pedigree, he was the No. 1 prospect outside the NHL in my opinion."
Two other players received first-place votes: Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov and Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart.
Beyond the differences at the top, each list contained its own idiosyncrasies, best seen in the results for Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi. The 12th pick of the 2013 NHL Draft was named on all six ballots, but ranked in the top 16 on two and in the bottom 20 on two.
Other players received varying amounts of support from the six pollsters, making for a unique cross-section of who could be the League's future stars.
"Coming up with the 60 names to work with was difficult," said Scout B, who works for an Eastern Conference team, "but not as difficult as the process of slotting them in a numerical ranking, especially prospects No. 20 to No. 60."
So if your team's favorite prospect is missing, feel free to yell about it in the comments section.
1.
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning, 349 points (2 first-place votes)
Many expected Drouin to play at least some games with the Lightning last season. Instead he was returned to Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for more development. He had a second straight 100-point season followed by a 2.5-point-per-game average in the QMJHL playoffs. Now stronger and more mature, expect Drouin to have a top-six presence with the Lightning this season.
2.
John Gibson, G, Anaheim Ducks, 344 points (2 first-place votes)
Last season, the 21-year-old had a shutout in his first NHL start and a shutout in his first Stanley Cup Playoff start. The Ducks are banking on him continuing that high level of play entering training camp; he'll battle to be the No. 1 goaltender on a team with championship aspirations. "He projects out as a premier No. 1 goalie at the NHL level and that is always a good place to start when building a depth chart," Scout B said. "He still has things to learn as a professional, but I see him having a huge impact with his team for a long period of time."
3.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals, 337 points (1 first-place vote)
The Capitals waited almost four seasons to get the Russian-born forward in uniform, but felt his performance in 17 games down the stretch last season was worth the wait. More than any stats, however, the Capitals believe the two months he spent playing on NHL-size ice will help as he enters next season as a top-six forward.
4.
Sam Reinhart, C, Buffalo Sabres, 332 points (1 first-place vote)
The Sabres lost the NHL Draft Lottery but feel as though they got the best player available in the 2014 draft when they took Reinhart at No. 2. He was fourth in the Western Hockey League in scoring last season, excelled for Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship and went to training camp with Canada at the 2014 World Championship. But what the Sabres love most is his off-the-chart hockey IQ.
5.
Teuvo Teravainen, C, Chicago Blackhawks, 330 points
Could the Finnish forward be the Blackhawks' long-sought answer to the second-line center question? He got a three-game NHL tryout last season and will be eased into the role this season with veteran Brad Richards on hand. But the long-term belief is Teravainen has the skill to play a supporting role behind Jonathan Toews.
6.
Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers, 321 points
His mix of size, skill and maturity encouraged the Panthers to take the 6-foot-3, 213-pound defenseman with the first pick of the 2014 draft. He was the best defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League last season and projects to be the best defenseman with the Panthers sooner rather than later.
7.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning, 307 points
With Ben Bishop healthy and entering his prime, the Lightning will take the long view with the Russian goaltender. After winning the rookie of the year award in the Kontinental Hockey League last season and starring for Russia in international play, he'll start learning the North American game this season in the American Hockey League.
8.
Sam Bennett, C, Calgary Flames, 306 points
The Flames aren't looking for an immediate impact from the fourth pick of the 2014 draft, but they said the same thing about their top pick in 2013, Sean Monahan. "Bennett's combination of skill and tenacity is an attractive blend," Scout B said. "His high-end skill set coupled with his passion and enthusiasm to be a difference-maker makes him stand out and is a difference-maker in comparing him to other high prospects."
9.
Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers, 299 points
The Oilers were looking for size and strength down the middle and wasted little time choosing the 6-2, 204-pound center when he was available at No. 3 in the 2014 draft. The Oilers already were impressed with his skill, but team officials also appreciate the German-born forward's dedication to staying in Edmonton all summer to improve his quickness. Draisaitl said he wants to play in the NHL this season and he's taking the right route to get there.
10.
Anthony Mantha, RW, Detroit Red Wings, 295 points
It's been 15 years since a teenager had a regular spot in the Red Wings' lineup, but Mantha is poised to end that streak. The 6-4, 190-pound forward has led the QMJHL in goals two straight seasons, including 81 goals in 81 regular-season and playoff games. That offensive ability likely will earn him a full-time spot on one of the top three lines in Detroit this season.
11.
Nikita Zadorov, D, Buffalo Sabres, 281 points
Big and skilled, the Russian-born defenseman did well with another season of development in the OHL after starting last season with the Sabres. Buffalo general manager Tim Murray said the team is happy with Zadorov's offensive game and sees promise in his defensive-zone play. If Zadorov can put it all together, he could provide a bookend force with fellow 2013 first-round pick Rasmus Ristolainen.
12.
Filip Forsberg, C, Nashville Predators, 275 points
Predators officials admitted they rushed Forsberg to the NHL last season, but the 20-year-old dominated at the 2014 WJC and finished strong in the AHL. With the arrival of coach Peter Laviolette and a more up-tempo offense, the hope is Forsberg could be on the cusp of an NHL breakout.
13.
Alexander Wennberg, C, Columbus Blue Jackets, 262 points
Bigger and stronger than when the Blue Jackets picked him 14th in the 2013 draft, Wennberg brings a high-end offensive game to the lunch-pail Columbus offense. "Alex is a very cerebral hockey player … his transition to the North American style of play will be quick due to his intelligence on the ice," Scout B said.
14.
Andre Burakovsky, LW, Washington Capitals, 254 points
The Austrian-born forward made his North American transition a smooth one last season with Erie of the OHL, and he could ride that momentum to a top-six spot in Washington this season. The Capitals are enamored by Burakovsky's offensive skill and hockey sense. At rookie camp he played center and on the wing, and that versatility only will help him.
15.
William Nylander, C, Toronto Maple Leafs, 250 points
Speed and offensive skill are the hallmarks of the second-generation talent. Nylander especially was impressive at the Leafs' prospect camp and the team wasted little time afterwards by signing him to an entry-level contract. He could compete with Petri Kontiola and Mike Santorelli for the third-line center spot this season, or potentially play higher up the lineup if he moves to the wing.
16.
Curtis Lazar, C, Ottawa Senators, 239 points
The 19-year-old has won two WHL championships and a Memorial Cup, and was a point-per-game scorer for Canada at the 2014 WJC. Next is a shot at the NHL. The rebuilding Senators will give Lazar, the 17th pick of the 2013 draft, every chance to win a job, either in the middle or at right wing.
17.
Derrick Pouliot, D, Pittsburgh Penguins, 228 points
An offensive wizard, Pouliot was named the best defenseman in the WHL after leading the league's defenders in points last season. The Penguins have been impressed by Pouliot's defensive-zone improvement. May shoulder surgery plus a deep defense corps in Pittsburgh likely means he starts the season in the AHL, but Pouliot is a big part of the future in Pittsburgh.
18.
Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers, 218 points
With NHL size and a smooth game, Nurse looked like a good fit with the Oilers last season after they took him with the seventh pick of the 2013 draft. Instead they returned him to his junior team; rather than sulk, Nurse starred, captaining Sault Ste. Marie and playing major minutes at even strength and on special teams. Though the Oilers are awash in young, skilled defensemen, Nurse could move to the head of the class and earn an NHL job this season.
19.
Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets, 213 points
Ehlers was the beneficiary of linemate Jonathan Drouin last season with Halifax, but the Danish-born forward certainly has a ton of offensive skill. His speed and puck skills make him a tantalizing talent, and if he can add strength to frame (5-11, 162), it wouldn't be surprising to see him in the NHL as soon as next season.
20.
Griffin Reinhart, D, New York Islanders, 206 points
The 6-4, 205-pound defender graduated junior hockey in the best way possible, captaining the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Memorial Cup title last season. Now he'll look to start having that same kind of success in the NHL. Big, nasty and skilled, he could be a strong complement to one of the Islanders' more offensive-minded defenders.
21.
Joshua Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets, 205 points
Morrissey, 19, will have to go back to junior hockey if he doesn't make the Jets this season. But after watching him excel in the AHL playoffs last season, it's easy to envision him earning a full-time job in Winnipeg. At 6-foot and 186 pounds he doesn't stand out physically, but his skills and hockey IQ give him the look of a potential top-pair defenseman.
22.
Dmitrij Jaskin, RW, St. Louis Blues, 190 points
The Blues have big expectations for the Russian-born forward, who played well enough in the AHL to earn 18 games in the NHL last season. Big, strong and skilled, he could fit anywhere in the St. Louis lineup as long as he gets quicker. Blues director of player development Tim Taylor said Jaskin has spent part of the offseason working with the team's coaching staff on improving his skating and speed.
23.
Bo Horvat, C, Vancouver Canucks, 186 points
A new general manager and a new coach could mean open roster spots, and Horvat, the ninth pick of the 2013 draft, could be at the head of the list of young players. A high-scoring center who helped London reach its third straight Memorial Cup last season, Horvat also is strong in the finer details of the game, like winning faceoffs, blocking shots and playing well defensively. And at 6-foot and 206 pounds, he has the size to shift to the wing if needed.
24.
Jake Virtanen, RW, Vancouver Canucks, 184 points
Virtanen had a strong season in 2013-14, when he was sixth in the WHL in goals and helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. It became even more impressive when he revealed he did it for most of the season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Surgery to repair his shoulder means Virtanen likely won't see the ice until November, so he'll most likely spend one more season in junior hockey. However, he has the skill set to be a top-line power forward when he reaches full maturity.
25.
Max Domi, C, Arizona Coyotes, 181 points
Despite measuring in at 5-9 and 197 pounds, Domi was impressive enough in training camp last season to nearly earn a spot with the Coyotes. Instead he went back to London, led the team in scoring and was in the running for the OHL MVP award. With the Coyotes focused on creating more offense this season, there's reason to think Domi will have a good shot at earning a top-six forward spot in Arizona this season.
26.
Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Calgary Flames, 179 points
The best player in NCAA hockey last season went on to score on his first shot in his first NHL game. At 5-9 and 150 pounds Gaudreau still needs to get stronger, but the Flames are confident that his outstanding skills and skating will allow him to flourish in a big role this season.
27.
Jake Allen, G, St. Louis Blues, 176 points
After spending most of the past four seasons in the minor leagues, the time has come for the 23-year-old to become a full-time NHL player. The Blues elected not to re-sign Ryan Miller to allow Allen to come up and compete with Brian Elliott for playing time. In 2012-13 Allen led all rookie goalies with nine wins, so playing in the big leagues won't be something new to him.
28.
Michael Dal Colle, LW, New York Islanders, 174 points
Big, strong and skilled, Dal Colle dominated the OHL last season, tying for fifth in the league and leading all 2014 draft prospects with 95 points. But with Anders Lee and Ryan Strome becoming full-time NHL players, plus the offseason signings of Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski, it likely means Dal Colle will be back in junior hockey for at least another season.
29.
Mirco Mueller, D, San Jose Sharks, 172 points
The Sharks have spent the offseason talking about more opportunities for younger players, and one of them could be Mueller. The 6-3, 195-pound defender isn't flashy but is smart and solid defensively. He has 11 goals in two seasons of junior hockey with Everett in the WHL, but Sharks director of scouting Tim Burke said he believes there's more to Mueller's offensive game.
30.
Scott Laughton, C, Philadelphia Flyers, 165 points
The 20th pick of the 2012 draft has made the Flyers' opening-night roster the past two seasons, but each time was returned to his junior team, Oshawa of the OHL. This season, though, he could be ready to make the jump to the NHL on a full-time basis. Laughton is skilled offensively but also plays a 200-foot game and could contribute as a bottom-six forward to start. The Flyers have a glut of centers, but at 6-1 and 177 pounds, Laughton could slide to the wing if needed.
31.
Brandon Gormley, D, Arizona Coyotes, 134 points
He's spent most of the past two seasons in the AHL adjusting to the pro game, but it appears the 22-year-old is ready for full-time NHL work. The smooth-skating left-shot defender had 36 points in 59 AHL games last season and has been effective in all situations, 5-on-5 and special teams.
32.
Matt Dumba, D, Minnesota Wild, 132 points
The Wild have been patient with Dumba after taking him with the seventh pick of the 2012 draft, but that could end this season when the 20-year-old will have a chance not just to make the NHL roster, but play a significant role. Dumba never has lacked for confidence on or off the ice, and Wild assistant GM Brent Flahr said that's something the team loves about him. Whether Dumba's confidence, and his wealth of skill, is enough to earn an NHL job will be seen at training camp.
33.
Haydn Fleury, D, Carolina Hurricanes, 126 points
The Hurricanes certainly could use a player with Fleury's size and skill set, but the team has no interest in rushing him. The 6-2, 203-pound defender had eight goals and 46 points in 70 games with Red Deer in the WHL last season, and Carolina director of defensemen development Glen Wesley said he believes there's room for those numbers to improve with another season of junior hockey.
34.
Tanner Pearson, LW, Los Angeles Kings, 116 points
The 22-year-old was in the spotlight during the Kings' run to the Stanley Cup for his play on a second line with center Jeff Carter and right wing Tyler Toffoli. He had 12 points in 24 playoff games, but all that did was raise the bar on expectations for this season. If Pearson wants to remain in that top-six mix, the Kings need him to get stronger and increase his stamina, something the 6-1, 200-pound forward spent the summer working on.
35.
Nick Ritchie, LW, Anaheim Ducks, 114 points
The Ducks are flush with young forwards, from Kyle Palmieri, Emerson Etem and Jakob Silfverberg to top prospects Rickard Rakell, Nicolas Kerdiles and Stefan Noesen. Ritchie, the 10th pick of the 2014 draft, could surpass all of them. He used his 6-2, 226-pound frame to score 74 points last season with Peterborough of the OHL, and Ducks director of player development Todd Marchant said Ritchie has "an NHL shot right now." With veterans Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Mathieu Perreault and Daniel Winnik leaving there are open spots available.
36.
Calle Jarnkrok, C, Nashville Predators, 112 points
Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for David Legwand in March 2014, the 5-11, 156-pound forward played 12 late-season games in Nashville. He also played on a line in the AHL with Filip Forsberg that has the Predators hoping the two can rediscover their chemistry together in the NHL with Jarnkrok in the middle and Forsberg at right wing.
37.
Jacob De La Rose, LW, Montreal Canadiens, 107 points
At 6-3 and 187 pounds, De La Rose gives the Canadiens a quality they have been lacking in recent years -- a big, skilled forward who can play on the top two lines. He had seven goals in 49 games with Leksand last season, but that's more a function of Swedish Elite League teams tending to not give major ice time to 19-year-olds. When he has been on the ice against fully developed men in the SHL the previous three seasons, he has done well. He's expected to continue that strong play as he moves to North America this season. The voters certainly agree as De La Rose earned a vote on five of the six ballots.
38.
Ty Rattie, RW, St. Louis Blues, 107 points
Rattie made the adjustment from junior hockey to the AHL last season look easy; his 31 goals were tied for fourth in the league and he was eighth among AHL rookies with 48 points. The only thing standing between Rattie and full-time NHL employment is adding some strength to his 6-foot, 178-pound frame and being more consistent. His name appeared on four of six ballots.
39.
Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins, 105 points
The Penguins were so impressed by what they saw from Kapanen at the team's prospect camp that they made him the first member of the 2014 draft class signed to an NHL contract. The Penguins are enamored with Kapanen's all-around game, especially his skating, shot and hockey IQ. Assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald said it's possible Kapanen could earn an NHL spot this season. The Penguins aren't loaded with talent on right wing, with 35-year-old Pascal Dupuis coming back from season-ending knee surgery, oft-injured Beau Bennett and Steve Downie the competition.
40.
Rickard Rakell, C, Anaheim Ducks, 87 points
The 21-year-old has gotten spot time with the Ducks the past two seasons, including 18 regular-season and four Stanley Cup Playoff games last season. With Mathieu Perreault's departure, Rakell could slot in as the No. 3 center for the Ducks this season. The team would like to see him improve on his 49.0 faceoff percentage from last season but like his vision and strength. The voters like him as well; he was named on three ballots, including 25th on one.
41.
Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings, 87 points
A star with the United States National Team Development Program Under-18 team last season, Larkin won't be far from the Detroit staff this fall when he starts at the University of Michigan. Larkin will be tested playing against older competition, and also should have a spot on the U.S. roster for the 2015 World Juniors. Expect the Red Wings to take their usual patient approach with Larkin, allowing him to develop his already strong skating and poise with the puck. The voters also like him, naming him on three ballots, with his highest ranking at No. 27.
42.
Sonny Milano, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets, 76 points
After spending the summer vacillating on his future, the 16th pick of the 2014 draft opted to sign with Plymouth of the OHL. But whether it was the OHL or Boston College, where he first committed, the Blue Jackets were going to enjoy watching the energetic, skilled forward who was second on a talented USNTDP U-18 team last season with 86 points. Signing with Plymouth also allows Milano to attend training camp with the Blue Jackets, and while the option exists for him to play in the NHL or the AHL, it's likely Milano spends at least one season in the OHL. Voters liked Milano enough to name him on four ballots, including No. 16 on one.
43.
Michael Matheson, D, Florida Panthers, 76 points
Since taking the 6-2, 180-pound defenseman with the 23rd pick of the 2012 draft, the Panthers have watched him develop into one of the best defenders in the NCAA at Boston College. He had 21 points and a plus-18 rating to help the Eagles reach the Frozen Four last season and will spend at least one more season at BC, but the Panthers believe his skating already is at a professional level. The voters like him as well; he was on four ballots, with one voter placing him No. 30.
44.
Jakub Vrana, LW, Washington Capitals, 76 points
Vrana's offensive abilities are what led the Capitals to select the 5-11, 185-pound forward with the 13th pick of the 2014 draft. He filled the net with Linkoping's team in Sweden's junior league and had a tournament-high eight goals for the Czech Republic at the 2014 World U-18s. He projects as a future top-six forward, but likely will spend at least one more season in Sweden rounding out his game. The voters like him as well, naming him on three ballots.
45.
Malcolm Subban, G, Boston Bruins, 74 points
With Tuukka Rask in his prime in Boston, the Bruins will be patient with the 20-year-old. He had a solid first professional season in 2013-14 with Providence in the AHL, balancing his athleticism with technical skill for a 2.31 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. After splitting time with Niklas Svedberg last season, he'll enter this season as the No. 1 goalie in Providence.
46.
Kevin Fiala, LW, Nashville Predators, 69 points
Fiala's fan club among the scouting community grew as last season went on, and the Predators picked the offensively gifted forward with the 11th pick of the 2014 draft. At 5-10 and 180 pounds, the 18-year-old will need at least one more season with HV 71 in Sweden to get bigger and stronger, but it won't be long before he brings his skills to North America.
47.
Vincent Trocheck, C, Florida Panthers, 66 points
After a strong debut season in the AHL, Trocheck spent the last month of the season in Florida and never looked out of place, scoring five goals in 20 games. The offseason addition of Dave Bolland adds more competition in his quest for a full-time NHL spot, but Trocheck showed last season he has the skill and drive to succeed at the highest level.
48.
Riley Barber, RW, Washington Capitals, 66 points
The 2012 sixth-round pick (No. 167) has continued to improve each season. In 2013-14 he had 19 goals and 44 points in 38 games at Miami and also had four goals in five games as the captain for the United States at the 2014 World Juniors. He'll return for a third college season in the fall, but the Capitals don't expect he'll need much time after turning pro to make the adjustment to pro hockey.
49.
Kevin Hayes, RW, New York Rangers, 63 points
After four solid seasons at Boston College, Hayes, a 2010 first-round pick (No. 24) of the Chicago Blackhawks, became a free agent and signed with the Rangers in August. Playing on the best line in college hockey last season with Johnny Gaudreau and Bill Arnold, Hayes had 27 goals and 65 points in 40 games and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. At 6-3 and 205 pounds, he has NHL size; now it's just a question of how long it takes him to adjust from college hockey to the professional game.
50.
Shea Theodore, D, Anaheim Ducks, 60 points
The 26th pick of the 2013 draft had an outstanding offensive season in 2013-14, leading all WHL defensemen with 79 points and finishing third with 22 goals. The 19-year-old also had a strong run with the Ducks' AHL team in the Calder Cup playoffs. The Ducks have been impressed by the development of his defensive play, and Marchant compared him to current Anaheim defenseman Cam Fowler. The voters named him on three ballots, including No. 20 on one.
51.
David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins, 60 points
No player opened more eyes at the team's prospect camp in July than the 25th pick of the 2014 draft. Pastrnak had 24 points in 36 games last season with Sodertalje in Sweden's second division. He'll need at least one more season in Sweden to get bigger and stronger, but the Bruins like his ability to play in traffic despite his 5-11, 168-pound frame, as well as his quickness and elusiveness. The voters liked him as well, naming him on three ballots, including No. 27 on one.
52.
Alex Tuch, RW, Minnesota Wild, 60 points
The mix of great size (6-4, 213) and skill are why the Wild picked the 18-year-old at No. 18 at the 2014 draft. He had 29 goals and 63 points in 61 games last season with the USNTDP U-18 team and had three points and a plus-5 rating in seven games to help the U.S. win the gold at the 2014 World U-18s. Flahr said Tuch's skating, hands and shot already are NHL caliber but will be patient and let him develop the rest of his game in college. Two voters listed him on their ballots.
53.
Oscar Klefbom, D, Edmonton Oilers, 56 points
The 6-3, 211-pound defenseman was coming back from a season-long shoulder injury and adjusting to his first season in North America when the 2013-14 season started. By the end he was a top-four defender in the AHL and got into 17 games in Edmonton, averaging 15:47 per game. The Oilers haven't made it easy for Klefbom to return to the NHL this season after the summer additions of veterans Mark Fayne, Nikita Nikitin and Keith Aulie. And fellow prospect Darnell Nurse also will be competing for a spot. Klefbom will have to push someone off the roster, but the Oilers think he's capable of doing just that.
54.
Christian Folin, D, Minnesota Wild, 54 points
The Wild signed the 23-year-old Swedish defenseman in March after two strong college seasons at UMass-Lowell and got him into one game late last season. The Wild like his size (6-3, 215), and the belief in Minnesota is the two NCAA seasons allowed him to get stronger and more mobile. With his big shot, size and defensive-zone skill, he likely will have a spot in the Wild's top six this season.
55.
Robert Hagg, D, Philadelphia Flyers, 53 points
The Flyers have spent the past few seasons building defensive depth in their prospect pipeline and the Swedish defender, taken in the second round (No. 41) of the 2013 draft, could be the first player to make the jump to the NHL. A well-rounded player with good size (6-2, 204), Hagg made the transition to North America look easy during a 10-game AHL stint late last season. With the injury to Kimmo Timonen, there could be room in the Flyers' top six for Hagg this season.
56.
Adam Clendening, D, Chicago Blackhawks, 50 points
After a strong season in the AHL that saw him finish with 12 goals and 59 points in 74 games, the 21-year-old could be on the fast track to the NHL. Clendening not only brings a strong offensive game, but he is a right-shot defenseman; last season the Blackhawks had two right-shot defenders average more than 15 minutes per game: Brent Seabrook and Michal Rozsival.
57.
Zachary Fucale, G, Montreal Canadiens, 48 points
Fucale arguably has been the best puck-stopper in junior hockey the past three seasons. He'll return to junior hockey for one more season in 2014-15 and also have a chance to start for Canada at the 2015 World Juniors. With Carey Price in his prime years in Montreal the Canadiens can take the slow road with Fucale, but he has the potential to be a top-end starting goaltender in the NHL.
58.
Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Philadelphia Flyers, 47 points
The 21-year-old whet the appetite of Flyers fans last season with a dynamic performance for Union College at the Frozen Four at Wells Fargo Center, capped by a three-point, plus-7 performance against the University of Minnesota in the national title game that earned him the Most Outstanding Player trophy. At 5-11 and 160 pounds he needs time in the AHL to get stronger and better in the defensive zone, but his offensive game could earn him a spot in the NHL as soon as this season. Voters liked him enough to name him on three ballots.
59.
Jason Dickinson, C, Dallas Stars, 47 points
The 19-year-old forward was a key player at both ends of the ice for the best team in the OHL last season, the Guelph Storm; he had 26 goals and 78 points and also was a plus-42. The defensive abilities also were on display at the Memorial Cup; he was assigned to defend QMJHL scoring champion Anthony Mantha of Val-d'Or and held him to one assist and a minus-3 in a 6-3 Guelph win. Dickinson still needs to fill out his game, but he projects as a top-nine forward in the NHL. Two voters had him on their list, including No. 32 on one.
60.
Teemu Pulkkinen, LW, Detroit Red Wings, 47 points
The 22-year-old Finnish forward had a strong transition to North America last season, tying for fourth in the AHL with 31 goals and finishing second among league rookies with 59 points. He got a three-game call-up to Detroit, but it won't be long before he's getting regular minutes in the NHL. Two voters had him on their ballot, including one that ranked him No. 35.
Others receiving votes: Henrik Samuelsson, C, Arizona (44 points); Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg (44); Nicolas Kerdiles, LW, Anaheim (43); Alexander Khokhlachev, C, Boston (41); Juuse Saros, G, Nashville (39); Emile Poirier, LW, Calgary (38); Ian McCoshen, D, Florida (37); Brett Ritchie, RW, Dallas (37); Jake McCabe, D, Buffalo (35); Chris Bigras, D, Colorado (34); Jon Gillies, G, Calgary (33); Anders Lee, C, N.Y. Islanders (33); Ryan Spooner, C, Boston (30); Martin Jones, G, Los Angeles (29); Hudson Fasching, RW, Buffalo (28); Joseph Morrow, D, Boston (27); Brendan Gaunce, C, Vancouver (26); Samuel Morin, D, Philadelphia (26); Linus Ullmark, G, Buffalo (26); Stefan Matteau, LW, New Jersey (25); Ryan Pulock, D, N.Y. Islanders (25); Reid Boucher, RW, New Jersey (24); Julius Honka, D, Dallas (24); Slater Koekkoek, D, Tampa Bay (23); Mark Stone, RW, Ottawa (23); Marko Dano, C, Columbus (21); William Karlsson, C, Anaheim (21); Valentin Zykov, LW, Los Angeles (20); Robby Fabbri, C, St. Louis (17); Gustav Olofsson, D, Minnesota (17); Matt Puempel, LW, Ottawa (17); Vladislav Namestnikov, C, Tampa Bay (16); Nikita Scherbak, RW, Montreal (16); J.T. Compher, LW, Buffalo (15); Brady Skjei, D, N.Y. Rangers (13); Frederik Gauthier, C, Toronto (13); Brendan Perlini, LW, Arizona (12); Adam Lowry, RW, Winnipeg (12); Xavier Ouellet, D, Detroit (11); Jiri Sekac, RW, Montreal (11); Derek Forbort, D, Los Angeles (10); Jack Campbell, G, Dallas (10); Michael Downing, D, Florida (10); Philippe Desrosiers, G, Dallas (9); Rocco Grimaldi, C, Florida (9); Nicolas Petan, C, Winnipeg (9); Alexey Marchenko, D, Detroit (8); Pavel Buchnevich, LW, N.Y. Rangers (8); Thatcher Demko, G, Vancouver (7); Patrik Nemeth, D, Dallas (7); Nikolai Prokhorkin, LW, Los Angeles (6); Anthony Duclair, LW, N.Y. Rangers (5); Mike Reilly, D, Columbus (5); Laurent Brossoit, G, Edmonton (4); Ville Pokka, D, N.Y. Islanders (4); Tyler Graovac, C, Minnesota (3); Nicholas Paul, LW, Ottawa (3); Nikolay Goldobin, RW, San Jose (2); Jordan Binnington, G, St. Louis (1); Mark Jankowski, C, Calgary (1)
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