Beyond McDavid and Eichel: The Next Ones Final Rankings

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2015 NHL Draft Logo

The 2015 edition of the NHL Entry Draft on June 26th–27th at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida promises to be a talent-laden draft with potentially franchise-altering players available, even beyond the McDavid-Eichel (McEichel) dynamic duo.

Excerpt from the foreward of  THW’s The Next Ones NHL Draft Prospect Guide (Only $2.99!)

“McDavid’s physical and mental quickness defies hockey physics. Saying he’s the best prospect since Crosby is by no means a reach. The extraordinary Eichel would be the consensus number one pick in any other year. By 2025, I would not be surprised to see him enter the equation as one of the best American hockey players of all time. He’s that good.”

Prospects Ranked Lower Than Most

The Masked Men: No offense intended to any of the goalies ranked or unranked. In comparison to skaters,  gate-keepers present more of a risky proposition and thus many are ranked lower than what you might see elsewhere.

2015 NHL Draft Rankings: The Next Ones Final Top 120

Printable PDF Version

Link:  The Next Ones Final Draft Rankings Top 120 PDF 2015

Legend

  • The table display approximately 35-40 of the prospects at a time; simply scroll down to view the other prospects.
  • Only a portion of the table displays by default; you can scroll over to see the rest of the player demographics and Prospect Profiler Notes or select “View full-size workbook” option, which is the icon in the bottom right hand corner, to view the full table.
  • The 1st column (TN1) is The Next Ones ranking of the prospect
  • The 2nd column on the left is players’ rankings based on the combination of NHL Central Scouting Service’s four separate rankings (NR = player was not ranked by NHL-CS).
  • The Last column is Eldon MacDonald’s War Room Rankings May Edition.
  • A link to Elite Prospects statistics for most of the players is also included (click on individual player name).
  • The table is searchable – CTRL/Command “F” on the table brings up the search feature.

About Chris’s List – The Next Ones

A common query is how these particular rankings are formulated. There is now an abundance of sources of hockey prospect information. For instance, many hockey fans flock to TSN, which has Craig Button’s Craig’s List, which is a “monthly rankings represent his individual assessment of where players are slotted in the NHL draft. They will be posted in addition to Bob McKenzie’s consensus NHL rankings, which is compiled four times a year. Bob’s rankings represent the consensus NHL team view of where players are slotted in the NHL draft.”

In contrast, The Next Ones rankings take into account many influences. While I obviously cannot reveal all my trade secrets, the following are some of the considerations contemplated when compiling the rankings:

    • First of all, my personal prospect analysis and scouting reports from live player viewings (due to geography restraints mainly limited to WHL and to Hockey Canadaevents/camps) and video analysis.  Admittedly, there is nothing comparable to live viewings, but video does have its place, albeit with limitations.
    • Secondly, my personal ranking system with influences from contacts whom I consider respected, knowledgeable, passionate hockey people with unique insight from all over this great hockey universe of ours. Many thanks to those who passionately offer up their unequivocal outstanding scouting analysis to me – you know who you are.
    • Thirdly, I utilize some unique statistical analysis for guidance purposes only. Compiling and merging all of data along with copious amounts of research results in Chris’s List (a.k.a The Next Ones rankings) coming to fruition.
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The Next Ones – Prospect Focus

  • Emphasis is placed on prospects who thrive with respect to hockey sense, puck skills and puck movement, as well as skating.

    • Intangibles are key as well

    • Defense can be taught

    • Physical attributes: prospects will obviously grow – pairing with appropriate trainer can improve this area immensely, so not too concerned if not optimal at time of drafting.

  • Player Development
    • If somehow The Next Ones team of prospect profilers were responsible for a professional hockey team’s scouting: hypothetically, would be gearing towards prospects who support the vision of a team with great puck possession capabilities and a relentless, situational awareness puck pursuit mentality.

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