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Video: 2013 World Junior Championship – Tobias Rieder, Germany Photo: Kitchener Rangers forward and Edmonton Oilers prospect Tobias Rieder has represented his country of Germany very well at four U-20 WJC events(courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) With their 5-2 win over Latvia, Team Germany accomplished their main goal of avoiding relegation at the 2013 World Junior Championship. The win allows the Germans to compete in the top WJC grouping again next year when the tournament is held in Sweden. Video: 2013 World Junior Championship – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Canada Photo: Edmonton Oilers prospect Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has shown no fall-off this season in his offensive output, whether he is playing in the AHL or at the 2013 World Juniors (courtesy of David Maxwell/Getty Images) In the 2011-12 season, Edmonton Oilers prospect Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the leading candidate to win the NHL's Rookie of the Year honor until an injury limited his playing time, paving the way for the Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog to skate away with the Calder Trophy. Team Rankings: Minnesota Wild owns impressive group of prospects with elite potential Photo: Drafted ninth overall in 2010, Finnish Center Mikael Granlund has made his AHL debut this season. Granlund was widely considered one of the best hockey players not playing in North America. (Juan DeLeon/Icon SMI) Below is the top-10 section of Hockey's Future's NHL Team Rankings. The teams are ranked in terms of the quality of their overall prospect pool as voted on by the staff of Hockey's Future. For reference, just the top five prospects are listed. To be eligible, a prospect must meet HF's prospect criteria. The rankings are done twice a year. Hulking Bigos becoming more than just a hitman Photo: Merrimack defenseman and Edmonton Oilers prospect Kyle Bigos has been a feared physical defender through much of his college career, but is now trying to become a more well-rounded player (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI) After four seasons of playing college hockey for the Merrimack Warriors, Kyle Bigos has transformed into one of the most intimidating players in Hockey East. DU’s LaLeggia succeeding despite smaller stature Photo: Denver University defenseman and Edmonton Oilers prospect Joey LaLeggia turned in a strong freshman season in 2011-12, which led to his being named the WCHA's top rookie (courtesy of Rich Clarkson) At this point last year, Denver Pioneers' head coach George Gwozdecky and his staff were hesitant about playing defenseman Joey LaLeggia in all situations. The 5'9”, 180-pounder arrived in the Mile-High city with tremendous offensive skills, but due to his smaller frame Gwozdecky and his staff had to be careful not to put the smaller player in a vulnerable position on the ice. |
