TOP 75 NHL AFFILIATED PROSPECTS: Our prospect analyst SEllisHockey names his list, headlined by LetsGoBuffalo defenseman Owen Power:
Apr 16, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power during a stoppage in play in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Trust me when I say this: not everyone on the internet loves to debate prospects. It’s a niche topic that bores some people. But if you’re one of the crazy few who loves following the game’s young stars, the start of any season is a beautiful time. You’ve got some players fighting for a shot to stay with the big club, while others look to live up to years of hype.The Calder Trophy race will be wide open this year.
If you’re no longer a rookie or too old to really be considered a prospect at this point, you’re not included. Goalies were omitted, too – check outDon’t get too hung up if you feel your favorite prospect is five spots too low. The difference between, say, 20th to 45th isn’t much. Much of this is projection, a lot is based on progression, and some of it is based on opportunities available to them now and in the future.