Prospect Impressions: Finland’s Barkov, Kapanen score, plus more top plays of the season

by David Hahn
on
Kasperi Kapanen - Team Finland - 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship

Photo: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Kasperi Kapanen (#24) scored one of the bigger goals in international play in 2015-16, as he netted the overtime winner to give Finland the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship (courtesy of MARKKU ULANDER/AFP/Getty Images)

 

 

The top plays of the year continues with ridiculous efforts from Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov in the shootout, a young Swedish defenseman, and a goal that united a country. The second-best save of the season is also featured, and it might be a bit unconventional, but that’s okay with us! Read more»

2016 NHL Draft: Trio at top of draft rankings remains unchanged for ISS, CSS

by ISS
on
Patrik Laine - Team Finland - 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship

Photo: Tappara forward and 2016 prospect Patrik Laine has had a memorable 2015-16 season, winning gold at the 2016 World Junior Championship, then winning Finland’s Liiga championship last month, and he is now competing for Finland at the 2016 IIHF World Championship (courtesy of HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA/AFP/Getty Images)

 

 

The scouting arm of the NHL, NHL Central Scouting (CSS), released their final rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft in April. ISS Hockey (ISS), on the other hand, is still releasing their monthly rankings, with their final ranking yet to come in early June. Read more»

Johnson one of a trio of NHL-drafted Frolunda forwards to star in 2015-16

by Chapin Landvogt
on
Andreas Johnson - Frolunda Gothenburg - Champions Hockey League

Photo: Frolunda Gothenburg forward and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Andreas Johnson (R) won an SHL championship last month as Frolunda defeated perennial contender Skelleftea in the SHL finals (courtesy of Frolunda Gothenburg/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)

 

 

The SHL often features a plethora of NHL-drafted forwards who play an important role for their team. This year, two of those forwards, namely Andreas Johnson (TOR) and Lucas Wallmark (CAR), have been absolutely key contributors. Johnson actually finished sixth overall in league scoring and continued adding to his point collection in the playoffs. The playoffs also were a showcase for Wallmark who, after just eight goals in the regular season, scored seven in nine postseason contests. Read more»

Forsling, Hansson the top defensive NHL properties competing in Sweden in 2015-16

by Chapin Landvogt
on
Gustav Forsling - Linkoping HC

Photo: Linkoping defenseman and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gustav Forsling has completed his second SHL season, picking up 24 points in 54 games in 2015-16 (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

 

 

The SHL has in recent years churned out products for NHL bluelines, and the 2015-16 season has been no different. Once again a number of different young veterans and overagers have bloomed to the tune of NHL offers, with former Vancouver Canucks draft pick Henrik Tommernes likely leading the group. Read more»

On the Rush, April, 2016: Gostisbehere, Timashov amongst those leading the rush

by HF Staff
on
Shayne Gostisbehere - Philadelphia Flyers

Photo: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere had a strong NHL rookie campaign, scoring 17 goals and 46 points in 64 games in 2015-16 (courtesy of Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

 

 

It seems like just yesterday that we were talking about October/November, and the first On the Rush of the 2015-16 campaign was being put together. Alas, here we are in April with many teams and players done for the season. It has been another phenomenal year across the hockey world, and every year we are left with no shortage of players who surpass expectations and those that fall short. Read more»

Top Prospects

  1. Sebastian Aho
  2. Daniel Muzito Bagenda
  1. Jesper Eriksson
  2. Lawrence Pilut
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