The Hockey News Top 100 Prospects
The Hockey News is a well-known publication that has been covering hockey for more than 70 years. Each year, the magazine releases a list of the top 100 prospects in the NHL. This list is highly anticipated by hockey fans and experts alike, as it gives insight into the future of the sport.
What is a prospect?
A prospect is a player who has yet to establish themselves as a full-time NHL player. These players are usually in the minor leagues or playing in college or European leagues. They are considered to be “prospects” because they have the potential to become NHL players in the future.
The Methodology
The Hockey News’ list of the top 100 prospects is created by a team of writers and analysts who study and evaluate players’ skills, potential, and likelihood of success in the NHL. They consider several factors, including each player’s age, position, and performance in past seasons.
The Top 10 Prospects
The top 10 prospects on The Hockey News’ list for the 2021-2022 season are:
- Owen Power - Defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres
- Matthew Beniers - Center for the Seattle Kraken
- William Eklund - Left wing for the San Jose Sharks
- Dylan Guenther - Right wing for the Arizona Coyotes
- Lukas Raymond - Right wing for the Detroit Red Wings
- Simon Edvinsson - Defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings
- Brandt Clarke - Defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings
- Spencer Knight - Goaltender for the Florida Panthers
- Kirill Kaprizov - Left wing for the Minnesota Wild
- Trevor Zegras - Center for the Anaheim Ducks
The Ranking Criteria
The prospects are ranked based on their potential to become successful NHL players. The criteria used to evaluate the prospects include:
- Age - younger players have more time to develop their skills and potential
- Position - some positions are more valuable than others in the NHL
- Scoring ability - prospects who have a history of scoring tend to have a better chance of success in the NHL
- Defensive ability - prospects who are strong defensively tend to have a better chance of success in the NHL
- Physical attributes - size, speed, and strength can all be factors in a player’s potential success in the NHL
- Past performance - prospects who have performed well in previous seasons are more likely to continue to do so in the future
The Importance of Prospects
Prospects are important to any NHL team because they represent the future of the franchise. They are the players who will eventually replace the current veterans on the roster. Additionally, prospects are often traded to other teams as part of a larger trade deal. A team with a strong prospect pool is more likely to have success in the future.
The Future of the NHL
The Hockey News’ list of the top 100 prospects gives fans and experts alike a glimpse into the future of the NHL. As the top prospects begin to make their way into the league, they will have a significant impact on the sport. The future of the NHL looks bright with so many talented young players waiting in the wings.
Conclusion
The Hockey News’ top 100 prospects list is a valuable resource for any hockey fan who wants to stay up-to-date on the future of the sport. The list is carefully crafted by hockey experts who evaluate each player’s potential for success in the NHL. The top 10 prospects on the list represent some of the most promising young players in the game today. As these players begin to make their mark in the NHL, they will have a significant impact on the future of the sport.
