Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects: 30-11
With NHL training camps approaching, theScore's Kyle Cushman and Josh Wegman unveil their top 50 prospects. Only players already drafted to the NHL were included, and any player who's already exceeded their 2025 Calder Trophy eligibility was excluded. The three-part series continues with prospects ranked 30-11.
Dvorsky made a smooth transition to North America in 2023-24 after spending multiple years in Sweden. He also shined for Slovakia at the world juniors with six points in five games. With a strong training camp, Dvorsky could get an NHL audition given his pro-ready build and the Blues' lack of quality center options.
The Swedish sniper tallied a goal per game at the world juniors to earn tournament MVP. Lekkerimaki has 30-goal upside with his lethal release. He makes the move to North America this fall and will be among the top rookies to keep an eye on in the AHL.
After leading the Generals in scoring during the regular season, Ritchie took his game to new heights during the postseason, tallying eight goals and 22 assists in 21 games as Oshawa went to the OHL final and ultimately lost to the London Knights. That type of growth is music to the ears of the Avalanche, who took a chance by drafting a player who was considered a toolsy underachiever at the time.
Kulich is 20 years old but already has two full AHL seasons under his belt. No junior-aged player in the AHL has accumulated more than his 51 goals and 91 points since the mid-'90s. The Czech pivot will make a serious push for NHL minutes this fall.
Size remains the concern about Hutson, but there's no denying his immense talent. He dazzles with shifty skating and remarkable prowess in the offensive zone - there's a reason he scored 97 points over two NCAA seasons as a defenseman. Hutson will be a must-see for Habs fans.
A move to center allowed Yurov to flourish in Russia. His 49 points last season are the most by a 20-year-old in KHL history, topping the previous mark set by Vladimir Tarasenko. Should Yurov arrive in North America next year (as he's expected to), he should step straight into the Wild's NHL lineup.
McGroarty had no intentions of signing his entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets and was dealt to the Penguins this offseason for fellow prospect Brayden Yager. A modern-day power forward with good vision and soft hands, McGroarty was a man among boys in the NCAA last season. Don't be surprised if the Michigan product winds up flanking Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin at some point in the 2024-25 campaign.
Reinbacher's stock is down slightly after his offensive game didn't take a leap in 2023-24. That doesn't mean he's a bust, though; in fact, he could become the perfect defensive complement to Hutson. A full season in the AHL would help his development before he tries to carve out a full-time NHL role in 2025-26.
Simashev will never put up significant offensive totals, but that's not why he was drafted sixth overall. The 6-foot-5 Russian projects as a shutdown minute-muncher on the back end with immense reach and strong skating.
The slick playmaker is starting to look more and more like a draft-day steal by the Rangers. Perreault's 1.67 points per game last season was the third-best mark among NCAA skaters, trailing only Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini.
It's easy to understand why Yakemchuk was the second defenseman off the board in a loaded 2024 blue-line class. There may have been safer choices, but his ceiling is sky-high thanks to his combination of size and dazzling offensive ability.
Put aside Wallstedt's lackluster NHL debut; he's still an elite goaltending prospect. The Swede significantly outperformed AHL Iowa's other netminders over the past two seasons. He has good size and a mature, controlled style. This will almost certainly be his final year before becoming an NHL regular.
Stankoven is barely Calder Trophy eligible with 24 regular-season games and a full Stanley Cup Playoff run under his belt. In his first campaign as a pro, Stankoven proved his lack of size won't limit his effectiveness. He's a bulldog on the forecheck and a dual threat in the offensive zone - a fan favorite in the making, if he isn't one already.
Thirty-three goals and 96 points as a draft-eligible OHL defenseman is just absurd. Obviously, Parekh has immense offensive potential, but he also plays with tenacity and has become a bit of a pest. Parekh only needs to be adequate defensively to be an impactful player from the back end.
Even Sennecke was surprised to hear his name called so high at the 2024 draft. He was a late riser in the process after a midseason growth spurt propelled him to a second-half offensive breakout. A rangy winger with the skills of a small player is an intriguing combination.
Since 2000, only four CHLers produced 50-plus goals and over 115 points in their draft year: Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Connor Bedard, and Catton. That's truly elite company for the eighth overall pick. The Kraken have lacked game-breaking talent in their short history, but that will change once Catton arrives.
Leonard has everything a team wants. He plays with power and speed. He's a quality goal-scorer who takes the puck to the net. He has a burning desire to win, as evidenced by his decision to return to Boston College, and a competitiveness matched by few. Leonard hasn't gotten the same attention as other top NCAA prospects, but once he gets to Washington, he'll be impossible to ignore.
An ultra-smooth skater with size and poise, it's easy to envision Dickinson becoming a two-way defenseman who logs big minutes in the NHL. He's exactly the type of high-floor blue-liner the Sharks desperately need in their farm system.
The "Russian Factor" may have contributed to Silayev's tumble out of the top five, but he should be a perfect defensive complement to Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec in New Jersey. A good skater considering his massive frame, Silayev has Zdeno Chara-like shutdown potential.
Nikishin has a strong case as the best player outside the NHL this coming season. He's under contract in the KHL for one more year before he can join the Hurricanes. As the oldest and lowest-drafted player on this list, Nikishin is a bit of an unknown, but he's made great strides offensively the last two years while maintaining his nasty, physical defensive game. He could be a difference-maker for Carolina in 2025-26 and beyond.