Top 30 NHL draft prospects

North American Central Scouting's Mark Seidel gives hockey fans a synopsis and projection of  the top 30 NHL prospects regardless of position or nationality.

1. Tyler Seguin — 6'1 188 (C, Plymouth Whalers)

• Synopsis: Will be a superstar and best player in draft in five years.
• Projection: First-line centre and future superstar

2. Taylor Hall — 6'0 187 (LW, Windsor Spitfires)

• Synopsis: Best Player in draft right now and the bigger the stage, the better he plays.
• Projection: First-line winger and future superstar

3. Jack Campbell - 6-2 171 (G, US Under-18)

• Synopsis: Franchise goaltender who has shown a mental toughness above all.
• Projection: Starting goaltender

4. Jeff Skinner — 5'11 197 (LW/C, Kitchener Rangers)

• Synopsis: Isn't as quick as the top two (Seguin and Hall) and is smaller, but might be a better finisher.
• Projection: Second-line scoring centre and power-play guy

5. Erik Gudbranson — 6'3 198 (RD, Kingston Frontenacs)

• Synopsis: Rock-hard defender who needs works, but best long term blue-liner.
• Projection:No. 2 defenceman

6. Brandon Gormley — 6'1 174 (LD, Moncton Wildcats)

• Synopsis: Most complete defenceman and a very safe pick.
• Projection:No. 3 Defenceman 

7. Cam Fowler — 6'3 203 (LD, Windsor Spitfires)

Synopsis: Great skater and huge upside but toughness and compete-level scare us Projection:No. 3 Defenceman 

8. Brett Connolly — 6'2 189 (LW, Prince George Cougars)

• Synopsis: Pure scorer but injuries would make us gulp hard.
• Projection: Scoring power forward

9. Mikael Granlund — 5'11 176 (LW/C, HIFK — Finland)

• Synopsis: Smallish stud who sees the ice as good as anyone.
• Projection: Second-line scoring Centre and power-play guy

10. Alexander Burmistrov — 6'0 177 (LW/C, Barrie Colts)

• Synopsis: Plays in all three zones, can score and competes harder than he gets credit for.
• Projection: Second-line complete centre

11. Ryan Johansen — 6'3 185 (LW, Portland Winterhawks)

• Synopsis: Classic big centre who has a chance to be a star.
• Projection: No. 2 centre and second power-play guy

12. Dylan McIlrath — 6'4 208 (RD, Moose Jaw Warriors)

• Synopsis: Toughest kid to come down in many years and he can play.
• Projection: No. 4 Defenceman

13. Austin Watson — 6'3 190 (RW Peterborough Petes)

• Synopsis: Mr. Everything that competes, battles and scores.
• Projection: Second-line winger and penalty-killing specialist

14. Derek Forbort — 6'4 188 (LD, US Under-18)

• Synopsis: Most upside of any of the U.S., defenders.
• Projection: No. 4 Defenceman

15. Andrew Yogan — 6'3 203 (LW/C, Erie Otters)

• Synopsis: Most underrated player with long strides and skill.
• Projection: Second-line centre

16. Jon Merrill — 6'4 191 (RD, US Under-18)

• Synopsis: Huge upside but needs time and coaching.
• Projection: No. 3 Defenceman

17. Brock Nelson — 6'3 202 (RC, Warroad High School — Minnesota)

• Synopsis: Newest Christian family member may be the best.
• Projection: Second-line centre

18. Mark Pysyk — 6'1 189 (RD, Edmonton Oil Kings)

• Synopsis: Very steady defender who is underrated.
• Projection: No. 3 Defenceman

19. Nino Niederreiter — 6'2 197 (RW, Portland Winterhawks)

• Synopsis: Way too much hype and won't be a star.
• Projection: Second or third-line winger

20. Vladimir Tarasenko — 6'1 191 (RW, Novosbirsk — Russia)

• Synopsis: Top-5 talent but we couldn't take him until this spot.
• Projection: KHL superstar

21. Nick Bjugstad — 6'4 189 (RW/C, Blaine High School —  Minnesota)

• Synopsis: Great package and great kid who will play better with better teammates.
• Projection: Second-line centre

22. Stephen Johns — 6'4 208 (RD, US Under-18)

• Synopsis: Great package but not yet the sum of his parts.
• Projection: No. 4 Defenceman

23. John McFarland —6'0 195 (LW, Sudbury Wolves)

• Synopsis:Lots of tools but various issues concern us.
• Projection: Second-line winger if he figures it out

24. Jarred Tinordi — 6'4 180 (LD US Under-18)

• Synopsis: Best of the second generation kids this year; apple didn't fall far.
• Projection: No. 3 Defenceman with toughness

25. Teemu Pulkinen — 6'0 185 (RW, Jokerit — Finland)

• Synopsis: Smallish frame and has had too many ups and downs.
• Projection: Third-line complete winger

26. Zach Trotman — 6'3 206 (LD, Lake Superior State — Michigan)

• Synopsis: May not be on some teams draft board but will be a solid NHLer.
• Projection: No. 3 Defenceman

27. Stanislav Galiev — 6'1 187 (RW/C Saint John Sea Dogs)

• Synopsis: Expected more but it highlights difference between CHL vs. USHL.
• Projection: Third-line winger or KHL scorer

28. Riley Sheahan — 6'2 192 (LW/C, Notre Dame — NCAA)

• Synopsis: Bandwagon jumpers are bailing after average second half.
• Projection: Third-line complete centre

29. Ivan Telegin — 6'2 194 (LW/C, Saginaw Spirit)

• Synopsis: Misinformation about leaving doesn't change skill set.
• Projection: Third-line centre

30. Christian Thomas — 6'1 192 (LW/C, Oshawa Generals)

• Synopsis: Second generation kid who just gets things done. Like Dad, he can do everything.
• Projection: Second or third-line centre

Mark Seidel is the chief scout for North American Central Scouting. He can be reached by email at [email protected].