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7Washington Capitals

Strengths: The Capitals have goaltender and playoff standout Semyon Varlamov on their NHL roster this season. Behind Varlamov is Michal Neuvirth, another goaltending prospect who showed great promise last season. The system remains well stocked several potential second-line centers in Anton Gustafsson, Marcus Johansson, and Mathieu Perreault. Defensive prospects Karl Alzner and John Carlson both have NHL-level talent. Weaknesses: While there are no glaring weaknesses, the Capitals lack game-breaking talent. Varlamov may not be able to maintain his post-season success. There are injury concerns among several of the Capitals forward prospects including Gustafsson and Johansson. Top five prospects: 1. Semyon Varlamov, G, 2. Karl Alzner, D, 3. John Carlson, D, 4. Michal Neuvirth, G, 5. Oskar Osala, LW.

8Florida Panthers

Strengths: The Panthers organization is built from the net out. Florida's most valuable asset is Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom - one of the top prospects worldwide, and a potential franchise player. To go with 19-year-old in goal, the Panthers have newly-acquired Alexander Salak, a solid NCAA tandem of Marc Cheverie and Brian Foster, and wildcard Sergei Gayduchenko. On the blueline, the Panthers boast a potential top pair in the combination of 2009 first-rounder Dmitry Kulikov and 2007 first-rounder Keaton Ellerby. Up front, Shawn Matthias, Michal Repik, and Evgeni Dadonov have top-six upside. There is a good balance of prospects by position, and a variety of skill players, along with grit and character players. Weaknesses: Though there is potential all throughout the system, high-end scorers are still an area of need for the Panthers. With six out of seven selections in the 2009 draft utilized for forwards, the team has begun to address the issue, but help is still years away. Top 5 prospects: 1. Jacob Markstrom, G, 2. Dmitry Kulikov, D, 3. Shawn Matthias, C, 4. Michal Repik, RW, 5. Keaton Ellerby, D.

9Buffalo Sabres

Strengths: The Sabres have a system well stocked with versatile forwards who can contribute offensively. Winger Zack Kassian and defenseman Tyler Myers bring a blend of skill, size, and toughness. Many of the Sabres prospects, including Myers, are close to if not NHL-ready. Nathan Gerbe's game has translated well to the AHL so far. Weaknesses: The Sabres have gone a long way to address their needs for size and toughness up front and on the back end over the last two drafts. They could stand to add a little more size at center and more depth at goal. Some of their prospects are real question marks. Top five prospects: 1. Tyler Myers, D, 2. Jhonas Enroth, G, 3. Tyler Ennis, C, 4. Chris Butler, D, 5. Zack Kassian, LW.

10Vancouver Canucks

Strengths: The Canucks own the rights to two of the world's top players of their position. Netminder Cory Schneider posted the top goals against average and save percentage in the AHL last year and was top 10 in both categories as a rookie the year previous. Center Cody Hodgson was considered a lock for the NHL this year until injury derailed his training camp and forced him back to junior where he is the defending CHL Player of the Year. Collegian Jordan Schroeder, drafted in 2009, is a potential Hobey Baker candidate with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Russian dynamo Sergei Shirokov was the story of training camp with his displays of offensive skill and world-class speed. Blueliners Kevin Connauton, Yann Sauve and Evan Oberg have the Canucks well positioned for the future. Weaknesses: Two of Vancouver's top prospects, Michal Grabner and Jannik Hansen, have yet to establish themselves at the NHL level, but appear ready for graduation from the AHL. High-end talent on the blueline is a bit lacking and depth beyond Schneider is a concern. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Cody Hodgson, C, 2. Cory Schneider, G, 3. Michael Grabner, RW, 4. Jordan Schroeder, RW, 5. Jannik Hansen, RW.

11Boston Bruins

Strengths: The Bruins continue to be heavily oriented to center ice, with their top five forwards in the organization all lining up there. University of Denver's Joe Colborne, who has first-line upside, is still the best among them. Zach Hamill and Brad Marchand each have top-six potential, and are in the minors for a second year. Junior prospects Jamie Arniel, Jordan Caron, and Maxime Sauve have outside chances to be top-six forwards at the NHL level, too. Tuukka Rask, now Boston's backup after recent success with the AHL Providence Bruins, projects as a starter. Weaknesses: The Bruins haven't yet restocked the wing positions, which are severely lacking in both quality and quantity. Boston's defensive depth is sparse, and behind Rask, there isn't much goaltending depth either. Top five prospects: 1. Tuukka Rask, G, 2. Joe Colborne, C, 3. Brad Marchand, C, 4. Zach Hamill, C, 5. Yuri Alexandrov, D.

12Detroit Red Wings

Strengths: Detroit has several players ready for significant NHL duty in Darren Helm, Ville Leino, and Justin Abdelkader. Helm, Abdelkader, Joakim Andersson, and Mattias Ritola all look like promising members of the next wave of grinders. Daniel Larsson and Thomas McCollum could both challenge for a starting job in net in a few years. 2009 picks Tomas Tatar and Landon Ferraro brings some offense and spunk to the system. Weaknesses: Defensive depth is thin after Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith, and virtually non-existent in the category of defensive defensemen. There is a need for skilled players with size up front in addition to the smaller players Detroit gravitates towards. Top five prospects: 1. Jakub Kindl, D, 2. Ville Leino, C, 3. Brendan Smith, D, 4, Daniel Larsson, G, 5. Thomas McCollum, G.

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