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25Calgary Flames

Strengths: An often under-respected array of blueliners has the Flames well positioned for the future. WJC gold medal winner Keith Aulie is supported by Matt Pelech and John Negrin, who both made impressive NHL debuts in 2008-09. Newly-drafted Swede Tim Erixon was a welcome addition to an already strong prospect defense. Netminding is rarely an issue with Calgary and Leland Irving silenced most doubters with a solid year in the AHL last season to get back on track as a bona fide blue-chipper. Forward Mikael Backlund brings an offensive dynamic to the mix after finally arriving in North America midway through last year. Power forward Greg Nemisz had a strong year helping the Windsor Spitfires capture the Memorial Cup. Weaknesses: Outside of Backlund, and perhaps Mitch Wahl, Calgary's forward group could be considered blue-collar, hard-working players, but there is a definite lack of true offensive talent. Goalie Matt Keetley struggled in the AHL last year and will need a much better campaign in Abbotsford. Top five prospects: 1. Mikael Backlund, C, 2. Greg Nemisz, RW, 3. Keith Aulie, D, 4. Leland Irving, G, 5. Tim Erixon. D.

26San Jose Sharks

Strengths: The Sharks pipeline boasts several intriguing prospects in net, including current Sharks backup Thomas Greiss, Tyson Sexsmith, and Harri Sateri. A pair of former teammates with the Ottawa 67's will reunite in Worcester as the prolific Logan Couture makes his pro debut and the talented left winger Jamie McGinn returns to the AHL. Though defense is not exactly a strength of the Sharks system, 2007 first-round pick Nick Petrecki is also begining his pro career. Jason Demers has been a surprise to make the NHL roster. Weaknesses: The Sharks lack blue-chippers in their prospect pool. Without first-round picks in the last two drafts, San Jose wasn't able to restock. Depth at all forward positions is lacking, but right wing is definitely a trouble spot with only two prospects in the mix. Top five prospects: 1. Logan Couture, C, 2. Nick Petrecki, D, 3. Tyson Sexsmith, G, 4. Jamie McGinn, LW, 5. Thomas Greiss, G

27Dallas Stars

Strengths: The Stars biggest asset is offense as the pipeline boasts a trio of skilled forwards in Jamie Benn, Fabian Brunnstrom, and Scott Glennie. The emphasis on offensive skill also comes through in the defensive pool where Ivan Vishnevskiy's strength is as a power-play quarterback. In addition to the marquee names, Dallas also has a handful of skaters with high upside such as defenseman Philip Larsen and forwards like Alex Chiasson and Sergei Korostin. Weaknesses: Even Dallas' top prospects have question marks surrounding them. Depth is also an issue, particularly on the blue line where there are only five prospects. Brunnstrom is likely a third liner, and some wonder Glennie can keep up his impressive numbers against higher levels of competition. Tyler Beskorowany's stock is on the rise, while Richard Bachman's is on the decline. Top five prospects: 1. Ivan Vishnevskiy, D, 2. Jamie Benn, LW, 3. Scott Glennie, RW, 4. Fabian Brunnstrom, LW, 5. Philip Larsen, D

28Pittsburgh Penguins

Strengths: The Penguins have a diverse group of physical forwards who can play multiple positions and in either a top or bottom-six role including Eric Tangradi, Luca Caputi, and Nick Johnson. They also have a nice mix of young prospects on the defensive side of the puck with 2009 draftee Simon Despres joining Alex Goligoski, Brian Strait, Carl Sneep, Alex Grant and Robert Bortuzzo. The Penguins' AHL team remains well stocked with NHL-ready talent including goaltender John Curry, who can fill in capably on an emergency basis. Weaknesses: With the exception of Despres, all of the Penguins first-round picks over the past five years are either playing in the NHL or with a different organization. Consequentially, there is a dearth of premium-level talent. Many of the prospects in the system have one or two glaring deficiencies in their game. Top five prospects : 1. Eric Tangradi, LW, 2. Alex Goligoski, D, 3. Simon Despres, D, 4. Brian Strait, D, 5. Luca Caputi, LW.

29New Jersey Devils

Strengths: The Devils added depth and talent through the draft in the last couple years. At the top of their pool, a highly-touted Swedish trio made up of 2008 first-round pick Mattias Tedenby, 2009 first-round pick Jacob Josefson, and 2005 first-round pick Nicklas Bergfors. Also noteworthy is Patrice Cormier, a two-way force in the QMJHL. The 21-year-old Matt Halischuk's NHL career is underway. And the supremely skilled Alexander Vasyunov has taken a great step toward a possible NHL future by entering North American competition. Defense is another organizational strong point, as Matt Corrente and Tyler Eckford develop in the minor pros, and Brandon Burlon makes a name for himself in the NCAA. Weaknesses: Jeff Frazee is the lone goaltender in the New Jersey system, and probably not the long-term answer. The club has only drafted three other netminders since the turn of the century. Emphasizing two-way play, the Devils scarcely possess elite scoring. Top five prospects: 1. Mattias Tedenby, LW, 2. Jacob Josefson, C, 3. Nicklas Bergfors, RW, 4. Matt Corrente, D, 5. Patrice Cormier, C.

30Minnesota Wild

Strengths: A new management regime is in Minnesota and with them has come a promise to be more patient with their top prospects. The Wild have three promising defensive prospects with top-four potential in Tyler Cuma, Marco Scandella, and Nick Leddy. The Wild also have a handful of physical forwards in Cody Almond and Colton Gillies. Kristopher Foucault remains a bit of a wildcard, having not played a full season the past two years. But he surely has talent. Weaknesses: The Wild do not have any sure top-six wingers in their prospect pool and lack any game-breaking scoring talent. There are too many players in the system who have baggage in the form of injury or attitude problems. Many of their top picks are already playing in the NHL and no longer qualify as prospects. Top five prospects: 1. Tyler Cuma, D, 2. Colton Gillies, C, 3. Nick Leddy, D, 4. Marco Scandella, D, 5. Benoit Pouliot, LW.

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