Strengths: The Ottawa Senators prospect pool is loaded with forward depth. They have players at all three forward positions with the potential to be top-six scoring forwards. Most of the Senators forward prospects feature a strong two-way game, as well. Mika Zibanejad and Jakob Silfverberg are fitting in nicely at the NHL level and are being counted on to provide offense and play responsibly in their own end. The Senators have also benefited from the strong play of netminder Robin Lehner and defenseman Patrick Wiercioch. In general, the organization has done an excellent job of making sure they have good depth at forward and defense.
Weaknesses: Although Lehner is one of the top goaltending prospects in the world, after him the Senators lack depth in net. They could use another top offensive center as well now that they are close to losing Zibanejad to graduation.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Mika Zibanejad, C; 2. Jakob Silfverberg, LW/RW; 3. Robin Lehner, G; 4. Cory Conacher, LW; 5. Stefan Noesen, RW.
Added: Cory Conacher.
Strengths: The Maple Leafs have a strong group of defense prospects, led by 2012 first-round pick Morgan Rielly. Rielly has the potential to be an elite defenseman in the NHL and possesses game-breaking ability. Matt Finn and Jesse Blacker round out a solid top three on the back end. Although Joe Colborne has had an inconsistent season in the AHL, he still has the potential to be a forward that can provide offense at the NHL level.
Weaknesses: The graduations of Nazem Kadri and Matt Frattin really hurt the Leafs prospect pool. Outside of Colborne they do not have many forwards with the potential to be a scoring threat in the NHL. In goal, Ben Scrivens has enjoyed some success this season and Garret Sparks had a good season in the OHL, but there is not any depth beyond that.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Morgan Rielly, D; 2. Joe Colborne, C; 3. Matt Finn, D; 4. Carter Ashton, RW; 5. Jesse Blacker, D.
Lost to Graduation: Nazem Kadri, Matt Frattin.
Added: Kevin Marshall.
Strengths: The Devils greatest strength is their depth on defense and in goal at the pro level. Jon Merrill is a blue-chip prospect, leading a defensive corps that includes Alexander Urbom and Eric Gelinas at the pro level and Damon Severson at the junior level. The club is well-stocked in goal at the pro level, with Scott Wedgewood leading the group in terms of long-term potential. Stefan Matteau, who already made his NHL debut with the Devils during the 2012-13 season, and Reid Boucher have the potential to develop into productive players at the NHL level.
Weaknesses: The New Jersey system lacks the overall level of talent to match up with most teams. Beyond the team's top two forward prospects, there is a steep drop in terms of talent and potential offensive impact. Depth at forward, particularly on the right wing, is lacking. Beyond the three goalie prospects at the pro level, the team does not have any more netminders at lower levels of play.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Jon Merrill, D; 2. Scott Wedgewood, G; 3. Alexander Urbom, D; 4. Eric Gelinas, D; 5. Damon Severson, D.
Lost to Graduation: Andrei Loktionov.
Strengths: The Rangers have two players in J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider who are close to being impact forwards in the NHL. They also have several others, such as Christian Thomas, Jesper Fasth, and Marek Hrivik who have the potential to be talented top-nine forwards in the NHL. Dylan McIlrath and Brady Skjei are defensemen with top-four potential who bring distinctively different skill-sets to the organization.
Weaknesses: The Rangers need an offensive defenseman capable of logging a lot of minutes in all situations. Beyond McIlrath and Skjei, there are no top-four defensive prospects. The organization lacks an heir apparent to Henrik Lundqvist.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Chris Kreider, LW; 2. J.T. Miller, RW; 3. Dylan McIlrath, D; 4. Jesper Fasth, RW; 5. Christian Thomas, LW.
Lost to Graduation: Mats Zuccarello, Stu Bickel.
Lost to Trade: Blake Parlett (CBJ), Steven Delisle (CBJ).
Added: Conor Allen, Tommy Hughes, Brandon Mashinter, Michael Kantor, Josh Nicholls.
Strengths: The Philadelphia Flyers have a multitude of players with NHL experience, including Erik Gustafsson, Oliver Lauridsen, Brandon Manning, Tye McGinn, and Eric Wellwood. They also possess fairly good depth on defense and have a lot of prospects who should develop into checking forwards in the NHL. Scott Laughton and Nick Cousins both look like they could be good top-nine forwards in the NHL.
Weaknesses: Anthony Stolarz is a decent prospect in net, but beyond him, there is not much in the way of goaltending prospects. The Flyers have good depth at forward and defense, but lack any prospects with elite potential. The lack of elite depth is particularly concerning on defense, as the Flyers already have a promising group of young forwards in the NHL.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Scott Laughton, C; 2. Erik Gustafsson, D; 3. Nick Cousins, C; 4. Shayne Gostisbehere, D; 5. Anthony Stolarz, G.
Lost to Trade: Mike Testwuide (CGY), Harry Zolnierczyk (ANH).
Added: Mitch Wahl, Mark Alt, Kyle Flanagan, Brandon Alderson, Petr Straka.
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