Top 2010 Draft Prospects

Mid-Season Report

Updated Jan. 26
Next June, the best young amateur players in the world will be made available at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Follow TSN's mid-season rankings - a compilation based on input from various scouts around the National Hockey League.

The Top 30

1. Taylor Hall

Left Wing - Windsor (OHL)
Born: 11/14/91
Hometown: Kingston, ON
6-1, 185 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 30 G, 42 A, 72 PTS, 36 PIM

Notes: There's no denying Hall's strong performance at the 2010 World Junior Championship, and a good effort at the CHL Prospects Game, has helped him to fend off the challenge from Seguin, the OHL's leading scorer. - Bob McKenzie

2. Tyler Seguin

Centre - Plymouth (OHL)
Born: 01/31/92
Hometown: Brampton, ON
6-1, 186 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 34 G, 45 A, 79 PTS, 46 PIM

Notes: "Seguin just keeps pushing," says one scout. "He's not going away. If the team picking first overall needs a high-end centre more than it needs a goal-scoring winger, I could see Seguin going No. 1." - Bob McKenzie

3. Cam Fowler

Defence - Windsor (OHL)
Born: 12/06/91
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
6-2, 190 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 3 G, 40 A, 43 PTS, 8 PIM

Notes: To no one's surprise, Hall's Windsor teammate is the consensus No. 3 on the TSN list, but his status as the top defenceman is being seriously challenged by Erik Gudbranson and Brandon Gormley. - Bob McKenzie

4. Brett Connolly

Right Wing - Prince George (WHL)
Born: 05/02/92
Hometown: Prince George, BC
6-2, 181 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 7 G, 6 A, 13 PTS, 8 PIM

Notes: It is a testament to Connolly's skill and offensive prowess that he has remained a top five prospect in spite of playing only 12 games in the WHL this season because of a hip problem. Mind you, he had seven goals in those 12 games. - Bob McKenzie

5. Erik Gudbranson

Defence - Kingston (OHL)
Born: 01/07/92
Hometown: Orleans, ON
6-3, 199 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 2 G, 15 A, 17 PTS, 43 PIM

Notes: No fewer than two scouts told TSN they now rate the Kingston Frontenacs' hard-rock defenceman ahead of Fowler. And he wasn't able to play in the CHL Prospects Game because of an enlarged spleen as a result of a bout of mononucleosis. - Bob McKenzie

6. Brandon Gormley

Defence - Moncton (QMJHL)
Born: 02/18/92
Hometown: Murray River, PEI
6-2, 190 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 7 G, 25 A, 32 PTS, 38 PIM

Notes: One scout surveyed has the Moncton Wildcats blueliner as the No. 1 defenceman, ahead of both Cam Fowler and Erik Gudbranson. - Bob McKenzie

7. Alexander Burmistrov

Centre - Barrie (OHL)
Born: 10/21/91
Hometown: Kazan, Russia
6-0, 170 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 15 G, 28 A, 43 PTS, 28 PIM

Notes: Burmistrov is a pure scoring, confident and speedy offensive threat who really takes advantage of the space his teammates can make for him. He has tremendous offensive instincts and is very tenacious in offensive situations. - International Scouting Services

8. Nino Niederreiter

Left Wing - Portland (WHL)
Born: 09/08/92
Hometown: Chur, Switzerland
6-2, 203 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 26 G, 18 A, 44 PTS, 58 PIM

Notes: He has emerged from WJHC as a potential top 10 selection. Regarded as perhaps the best offensive prospect the Swiss have ever produced. He has great size and strength to go with very quick hands and a strong shot. - International Scouting Services

9. Kirill Kabanov

Right Wing - Moncton (QMJHL)
Born: 07/16/92
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
6-3, 176 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 5 G, 9 A, 14 PTS, 12 PIM

Notes: Kabanov, a Russian with game-breaking qualities, has been injured much of the season. He has played in only 11 games because of a wrist injury that required surgery in November. He's scheduled to return to the lineup in mid-February or thereabouts. - Bob McKenzie

10. Mikael Granlund

Centre - Karpat (Finland)
Born: 02/26/92
Hometown: Oulu, Finland
5-8, 167 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 7 G, 15 A, 22 PTS, 0 PIM

Notes: Granlund holds down the No. 10 spot, even though many scouts said the highly-skilled forward was underwhelming at the WJHC. - Bob McKenzie

11. Vladimir Tarasenko

Centre - Novosibirsk Siber (KHL)
Born: 12/13/91
Hometown: Novosibirsk, Russia
5-10, 165 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 12 G, 9 A, 21 PTS, 6 PIM

Notes: Tarasenko is a mercurial talent who is either the best player on the ice or a complete no show on a lot of nights. He's a player whose skill level puts him in the same strata as Hall and Seguin but who also comes with some caution flags. - Bob McKenzie

12. Mark Pysyk

Defence - Edmonton (WHL)
Born: 01/11/92
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
6-2, 178 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 7 G, 16 A, 23 PTS, 35 PIM

Notes: The Oil Kings chose Pysyk third overall in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft. Last summer he represented Canada at the U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament. He has great vision that allows him to not panic and make the first pass out of the zone. - International Scouting Services

13. Riley Sheahan

Centre - Notre Dame (NCAA)
Born: 12/07/91
Hometown: St. Catharines, ON
6-2, 200 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 5 G, 10 A, 15 PTS, 16 PIM

Notes: Sheahan was selected in the 2007 OHL Entry draft by the Erie Otters in the fourth round, but chose instead to go to Notre Dame after being awarded the OHA Junior B Top Prospects award.

14. Nick Bjugstad

Centre - Blaine H.S. (MN-HS)
Born: 07/17/92
Hometown: Coon Rapids, MN
6-4, 188 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 20 G, 25 A, 45 PTS

Notes: He has a verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota (WCHA). He moves very quickly through zones, with the puck and has a great set of feet, to change direction just as fast. He plays very hard and competes every shift. - International Scouting Services

15. Emerson Etem

Centre - Medicine Hat (WHL)
Born: 06/16/92
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
6-0, 194 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 32 G, 21 A, 53 PTS, 14 PIM

Notes: Etem joined the Tigers for his first season from the United States National Team Development Program, where he played with the Under-17 program. Last season, he recorded 23 goals and 45 points in 50 games.

16. Jack Campbell

Goaltender - US National Development Team (USHL)
Born: 01/09/92
Hometown: Port Huron, MI
6-1, 171 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 9 W, 2.66 GAA, .900 SP, 1 SO

Notes: Campbell, who led the Americans to WJC gold, is the only goaltender on the TSN Top 30, at No. 16. It's possible other goalies could work their way up in the rankings but as of now, Campbell and Pickard (an honourable mention) look to be the top two tenders. - Bob McKenzie

17. John McFarland

Left Wing - Sudbury (OHL)
Born: 04/02/92
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
6-1, 195 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 16 G, 23 A, 39 PTS, 54 PIM

Notes: "McFarland is a tough read," one scout said. "When he plays in major competitions for Canada with good players, he tends to play well and show he belongs with the elite guys. But if you watch him in Sudbury, he's just not getting it done." - Bob McKenzie

18. Derek Forbort

Defence - US National Development Team (USHL)
Born: 03/04/92
Hometown: Duluth, MN
6-4, 195 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 3 G, 12 A, 15 PTS, 20 PIM

Notes: Forbort arrived at the NTDP after appearing in 25 games for Duluth East High School last season, posting seven goals and 28 points and leading the team to a Class AA state tournament berth.

19. Ryan Johansen

Centre - Portland (WHL)
Born: 07/31/92
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
6-3, 188 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 17 G, 33 A, 50 PTS, 27 PIM

Notes: Johansen was a seventh round pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft by the Portland Winterhawks. He chose to play for Portland after turning down a scholarship to Northeastern University. He plays with Niederreiter on the Winterhawks' top scoring line.

20. Tyler Pitlick

Forward - Minnesota St - Mankato (NCAA)
Born: 11/01/91
Hometown: Centerville, MN
6-1, 190 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 7 G, 4 A, 11 PTS, 21 PIM

Notes: Pitlick is the nephew of former NHL defenceman Lance Pitlick. He is a two-time high school MVP that was a member of the 2007 and 2008 US Under 18 squad. In 2009, Pitlick was a finalist for Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award.

21. Jarred Tinordi

Defence - US National Development Team (USHL)
Born: 02/20/92
Hometown: Millersville, MD
6-5, 205 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 3 G, 8 A, 12 PTS, 46 PIM

Notes: Son of former NHL defenceman Mark, Jarred has played for Team USA at both the U-17 and U-18 levels. He has made a verbal commitment to attend the University of Notre Dame.

22. Jeffrey Skinner

Centre - Kitchener (OHL)
Born: 05/16/92
Hometown: Markham, ON
5-10, 197 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 36 G, 28 A, 64 PTS, 48 PIM

Notes: Agile skater with very good outside speed and puck control at full speed. Has strong and accurate wrist shot and is a two-way hard working player. - International Scouting Services

23. Dylan McIlrath

Defence - Moose Jaw (WHL)
Born: 04/20/92
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
6-5, 215 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 4 G, 11 A, 15 PTS, 127 PIM

Notes: Has no problem mixing it up as he displayed in the top prospects game by fighting Alex Petrovic of the Red Deer Rebels. He has dropped the gloves 13 times this season for Moose Jaw. Finished last year at with a minus-22 rating and is plus-21 so far this season.

24. Austin Watson

Right Wing - Peterborough (OHL)
Born: 01/13/92
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
6-3, 187 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 12 G, 23 A, 35 PTS, 18 PIM

Notes: Watson chose to sign in the OHL after making a verbal commitment to the University of Maine and helped the Spitfires capture the Memorial Cup in his rookie season. He was traded to Peterborough earlier in the month from the Windsor Spitfires for Zack Kassian.

25. Brock Nelson

Centre - Warroad HS (MN-HS)
Born: 10/15/91
Hometown: Warroad, MN
6-2, 205 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 27 G, 15 A, 42 PTS

Notes: Has all around high end skills. Has good vision and puck decision skills when pressured. Knows when to pass and when to eat the puck in critical areas and can make solid passes to open areas to guys moving. - International Scouting Services

26. Tyler Toffoli

Right Wing - Ottawa (OHL)
Born: 04/24/92
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
6-0, 181 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 26 G, 24 A, 50 PTS, 45 PIM

Notes: He has the skill to make things happen. He can make a good pass, and he's got good hands in close to the net to finish off a nice pass. - International Scouting Services

27. Stanislav Galiev

Forward - Saint John (QMJHL)
Born: 01/17/92
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
6-1, 177 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 11 G, 35 A, 46 PTS, 32 PIM

Notes: Has good size and speed. Very good puck control at full speed. Sees teammates. Has good wrist shot and is aware of his man in all zones. Has that extra gear to get away from peers. Very good hockey sense and quick stick. - International Scouting Services

28. Joey Hishon

Centre - Owen Sound (OHL)
Born: 10/20/91
Hometown: Stratford, ON
5-10, 190 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 11 G, 19 A, 30 PTS, 12 PIM

Notes: A real smooth offensive player who scored 37 goals last season. - International Scouting Services

29. Jaden Schwartz

Centre - Tri-City (USHL)
Born: 06/25/92
Hometown: Wilcox, SK
5-10, 193 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 20 G, 35 A, 55 PTS, 14 PIM

Notes: Despite being the youngest player on the team, Schwartz is the Tri-City Storm's leading scorer. He has great offensive instincts and is very strong on the puck despite his size. He has committed to Colorado College for next season. - International Scouting Services

30. Quinton Howden

Left Wing - Moose Jaw (WHL)
Born: 01/21/92
Hometown: Oak Bank, MB
6-3, 183 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 20 G, 30 A, 50 PTS, 26 PIM

Notes: The Oak Bank, MB native was the Warriors 1st round (1st overall) pick in the 2007 Bantam Draft. He was also a member of Team West at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and a member of Canada's U-18 gold medallist team in August 2009.

Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)

Charlie Coyle

Right Wing - South Shore (EJHL)
Born: 03/02/92
Hometown: East Weymouth, MA
6-2, 207 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 17 G, 37 A, 54 PTS, 38 PIM

Notes: Coyle is an explosive and gifted skater with a smooth and fluid stride. He often is shadowed, yet with his acceleration, speed and ability to understand the game, he usually eludes opposing players, resulting in multiple point games. - International Scouting Services

Kevin Hayes

Forward - Noble and Greenough Prep. (Mass Prep)
Born: 05/08/92
Hometown: Dorchester, MA
6-2, 175 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 15 G, 23 A, 6 PIM

Notes: Hayes has 'pro size' and sees teammates well on the power play. He has very good hockey sense and vision. - International Scouting Services

Stephen Johns

Defence - US National Development Team (USHL)
Born: 04/18/92
Hometown: Wampum, PA
6-3, 220 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 3 G, 9 A, 12 PTS, 38 PIM

Notes: Johns has signed a letter of intent with the University of Notre Dame. Has represented USA Hockey at the Under 17 and Under 18 levels, serving as an alternate captain for the team that won bronze at the 2009 U-17 World Challenge. - International Scouting Services

Maxim Kitsyn

Left Wing - Novokuznetsk (KHL)
Born: 12/24/91
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
6-2, 194 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 8 PIM

Notes: Kitsyn is a toe drag master and loves to pull the puck in close and then fire quick shots the other way on the rush. He will often use defenders as screens to get off sneaky and dangerous shots. He is a very unselfish player, especially in zone play. - International Scouting Services

Evgeny Kuznetsov

Centre - Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL)
Born: 05/19/92
Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia
6-0, 174 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 1 G, 6 A, 7 PTS, 8 PIM

Notes: Kuznetsov is a gifted skater with the ability to dangle his way through multiple defenders. He has tremendous range and motion to go with spectacular quickness in his hands and uses his edges extremely well. - International Scouting Services

Ryan Martindale

Centre - Ottawa (OHL)
Born: 10/27/91
Hometown: Brooklin, ON
6-3, 190 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 16 G, 34 A, 50 PTS, 35 PIM

Notes: Has a good combination of size, strength and skill. Martindale can score goals. He has a quick release and an accurate shot, which makes him lethal in the slot area. - International Scouting Services

Jonathan Merrill

Defence - US National Development Team (USHL)
Born: 02/03/92
Hometown: Brighton, MI
6-3, 205 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 4 G, 18 A, 22 PTS, 8 PIM

Notes: Quarterbacked the point for Team USA at the U-18 Four Nations tournament in all crucial situations, Merrill is a very smart two player with incredible foot speed and acceleration. He has a very strong shot and always seems to find open players. - International Scouting Services

Calvin Pickard

Goaltender - Seattle (WHL)
Born: 04/15/92
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
6-0, 202 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 12 W, 2.86 GAA, .917 SP, 3 SO

Notes: Pickard was also selected last summer to represent Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He had 23 wins and three shutouts as a rookie last season. He's the brother of NHL first rounder (Nashville) Chet Pickard. - International Scouting Services

Alexander Petrovic

Defence - Red Deer (WHL)
Born: 03/03/92
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
6-4, 193 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 5 G, 11 A, 16 PTS, 43 PIM

Notes: Petrovic has the size and strength to win battles and be an intimidating presence on the ice. He turns a lot of heads with his aggressive style. - International Scouting Services

Jordan Weal

Centre - Regina (WHL)
Born: 04/15/92
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
5-9, 165 lbs.
Stats (Through Jan. 24): 24 G, 45 A, 69 PTS, 46 PIM

Notes: Weal was last year's WHL Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year. He represented Canada last summer in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. In his rookie season he scored 16 goals and 54 assists in 65 games. - International Scouting Services

(Photos: Getty Images, Canadian Press, Cory Kerr Photography, Edmonton Oil Kings, Red Deer Rebels, Portland Winterhawks, Owen Sound Attack, Moose Jaw Warriors, MC Images, Vanessa Gempis/Notre Dame, USHL Images, Dave Arnold/USA Hockey, icelevel.com/Ottawa 67s, Warroad High School, Saint Johns Sea Dogs, Charles Cortes/Kent Reporter, GJ Photography/Regina Pats)