1. Kirby Dach
Dach has already established himself a key player in Chicago. Late in the season he started to move up the lineup taking over the 2C spot and commanding more ice time. The rookie got his first taste of the playoffs scoring six points in nine games while posting a pulse three. As the playoffs gained intensity so did Dach work load. Seeing only 14:16 TOI in the regular season. Dach quickly saw his ice time jump to 19:24 in the playoffs. The sky is the limit for Kirby Dach.
2. Philip Tomasino
Tomasino eclipsed the century mark and finished the season fourth in OHL scoring. Prior to the abrupt end to the season, Tomasino was a big part of Oshawa locking down a playoff spot. The speedy and high-intensity center has taken his game to another level and flourished offensively with increased playing time and opportunity.
3. Jan Jenik
Jenik, who was having a monster year with Hamilton (Over two points per game) and was arguably the best player in the OHL. Had his season fall short to a knee injury at the World Junior Championship. The organization will have a tough call on when to get Jenik started.
4. Jakob Pelletier
As the calendar turned from November to December, Jakob Pelletier got to celebrate a WJC invite for Team Canada’s camp and that he currently sits third in QMJHL scoring with 48 points in 25 games. This is simply a continuation of his efforts from 2018-19 as he just continues to push the pace and show athleticism and vision. He’s batted pucks out of the air at high speed for goals, saucer passed more than can be counted, and is a legit threat on the PP with his quick passing and one-timer abilities. At this point in time, Pelletier can be thought of in the same development realm as guys like Travis Konecny of Philadelphia. He’s smart, quick. versatile, and great in all areas of the ice. He should be in Calgary’s top-nine a year or two.
5. Ian Mitchell
More help for the Blackhawks defense is on the way as they have signed Mitchell to a three-year entry-level contract. The captain of the University of Denver will forgo his senior season to turn pro. Hawks fans are breathing a sigh of relief with this signing, as most thought it would have happened last season. Mitchell brings an all-around solid game and will have an inside track to make the opening day roster.
6. Martin Fehervary
Fehervary got in three more games for the Capitals, and registered his first NHL point. He also averaged around 17 minutes in those three games as Capitals management are quite high on him and for good reason. Fehervary is not going to put up many points in the NHL but his two-way play is great and he will be an NHL player. The Capitals will have only four defensemen locked up long term at the conclusion of this season (please come back NHL), and Seigenthaler is getting one of the open spots, but Fehervary will push for a spot on the Capitals in 2020-2021. Fehervary managed to lead Bears defensemen in shots with 102 in 46 games, along with 14 points, perhaps there is some untapped offense there.
7. Samuel Poulin
Poulin was on the verge of his best season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix before the cancellation of the season. Poulin was third on his team and 14th in the entire QMJHL in points. He scored 32 goals and added 45 assists for 77 points in 46 games, averaging around 1.67 points per game and a total shot percentage of 12.2%. Poulin is the gem of the Penguins’ young guns and prospects. He will definitely be making a push for a role in the NHL next year.
8. Kristian Vesalainen
Top-six forward with tremendous size and scoring ability. Vesalainen made a decent impact at the AHL level this season, finishing with 12 goals and 30 points in 60 games. He still needs some time to acclimate to the North American style, but offensively, the upside is there. Jets could see some roster changes ahead of next season and Vesalainen may challenge for a spot in training camp.
9. Alexander Alexeyev
The Washington Capitals love their Russians, and it looks like they’ve landed another solid one in Alexander Alexeyev. The defender stands at 6-foot-4 and is another all-around defender. He has a great shot, is hard on the body, and knows what to do in his own end. There really isn’t much the left-hand shot can’t do and the Capitals’ fans are going to adore him.
10. Tyce Thompson
2019-20 club: Sophomore at Providence College (NCAA).
2019-20 stats: 34 games, 19 goals, 25 assists, 44 points, 29 PIM, plus-8.
Fast fact: Thompson finished the season in a three-way tie for third in the NCAA scoring race and just five points behind scoring champ/Providence linemate Jack Dugan.
*Scounting Reports from Dobber and TheHockeyWriters