Things to know about these rankings. I am considering not just the prospect’s ceiling but also the likelihood of them hitting their ceiling, the prospect’s floor, as well as their expected timeline to making the NHL. How their attributes should translate to the SIM are also considered. A player is no longer eligible this list if they have played in 25 NHL games this season or 50 or more in their career.

Since this time last year, Rasmus Kupari was traded away in the deal to acquire Jack Eichel and Dillon Dube has graduated to the NHL earning full time with the NHL Flames. This has allowed 3 newcomers to join the list from the 2019 SHL entry draft. While the Sabres lack the franchise potential prospect of an Elias Pettersson, they still remain one of the deepest pools of talent in the SHL.

#1) Alex Turcotte

Turcotte burst out of the gates in his rookie NCAA season but his point production has slumped along with the rest of his University of Wisconsin team. He was also not a stand out at the 2020 World Juniors either. Doesn’t exactly sound like a #1 prospect but Turcotte has an insane motor and drive. Coupled with solid offensive and defensive instincts, he has all the making of a top NHL centre within the next few seasons.

Prospect ceiling: 1st line two way C with upside
GM projection: 2nd line two way C
NHL comparisons: Jonathan Toews, Patrice Bergeron, Ryan O’Reilly

#2) Peyton Krebs

A horrific achilles injury just before the draft hurt Krebs NHL stock. He was universally touted as a top 10 and perhaps even a top 5 pick by scouting services. Due to injury, he missed a good chunk of the start to the WHL season but has returned strong leading a surprising Winnipeg ICE team.

Prospect ceiling: 1st line passing winger
GM projection: Top 6 passing winger
NHL comparison: Teuvo Teravainen

#3) Drake Batherson

Batherson looked really good in his latest call up to the NHL Sens and is starting to look NHL ready. If he doesn’t catch on again this season, I’d look for him to be in Ottawa fulltime next season and a possible Rookie of the Year candidate.

Prospect ceiling: 1st line offensive winger
GM projection: Top 6 offensive winger
NHL comparison: Jakub Voracek

#4) Samuel Poulin

An injury derailed his opportunity to play for Team Canada in the World Juniors but Poulin has returned to the ice with strong play. He had a strong camp for the NHL Pens and could be in line for a shot at the big team as soon as next season.

Prospect ceiling: 1st line power forward
GM projection: Middle 6 power forward
NHL comparison: Charlie Coyle

#5) Kristian Vesalainen

On talent alone, Vesalainen deserves to be higher on this list. But he has yet to find consistency and has not yet made a meaningful impact in the NHL or AHL. However, he has continued to grow physically and is now listed as 6’3″ 228lbs on the AHL website and along with solid skating and offensive skills, Vesalainen promises to be a rare blend of talent and size if he makes it to the NHL as a contributor.

Prospect ceiling: 2nd line offensive winger
GM projection: Middle 6 offensive winger
NHL comparison: James van Riemsdyk, Anders Lee

Honourable mentions: Bobby Brink, Oliver Wahlstrom, Lucas Elvenes, Pavel Dorofeyev, David Farrance

Recent graduates: Dillon Dube