The NHL is clearly full of many qualified and talented athletes. However, before a player makes it to the NHL level, they must first prove themselves.
Elite talents like Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin all proved themselves on one of these levels before shining in the NHL.
The journey to professional hockey is a long one, but all of the prospects in this slideshow are near the end of that journey and are about to begin a new one.
This slideshow will take a look at each team's top prospect, not including their 2011 NHL Draft pick.
Anaheim Ducks: Kyle Palmeri
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Kyle Palmieri currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks' AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Palmieri hasn't failed to live up to expectations so far.
He proved himself on an international level when he recorded six points in six games for the U.S. National Team at the World Junior Championships.
Palmieri has great speed and has a developed shot. He is a top prospect for the Ducks, and many feel he will be sporting a Ducks uniform very soon.
Boston Bruins: Jordan Caron
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Jordan Caron started his 2010-2011 season as a member of the Boston Bruins. In the 23 games he appeared, he scored seven points. He was also a integral part of the P.K. brigade.
Caron exhibited his offensive arsenal during his time in Providence. He scored 12 goals for the Providence Bruins in 47 games.
This prospect has a big upside and has a good shot of making the Stanley Cup Championship club after some forward departures during free agency.
Buffalo Sabres: Zack Kassian
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Zack Kassian is a very good prospect for the surging Buffalo Sabres. This power forward has grown accustomed to throwing his body around for quite sometime now.
Kassian was a big part of the 2010 Memorial Cup-winning Windsor Spitfires. This year for the Spitfires, he totaled 26 goals and 51 assists for a total of 77 points in only 56 games played.
This 6'3" dynamo has great potential and is expected to make his AHL debut for the Portland Pirates this year.
Calgary Flames: Greg Nemisz
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Greg Nemisz is a top prospect for the Flames. He is great in front of the net and loves to set up shop.
His stature makes him tough to displace from in front of the goal mouth. His size is complemented with good hands, which are typically uncharacteristic for a player his size.
Nemisz will make a good prototypical power forward once he improves his skating and speed. The NHL is a much faster pace, so in order to be effective, Nemisz will need good speed to crash the net.
Carolina Hurricanes: Zac Dalpe
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Zac Dalpe is a solid center with a good shot. Like many of the prospects on this list, Dalpe began the season with the Canes after shining in training camp.
However, Dalpe showed he still has some things to learn. In addition to his three NHL goals, Dalpe scored 23 goals and 24 assists for 57 points as a member of the Charlotte Checkers.
The Hurricanes have some promising players, and Dalpe is another player to keep your eye on.
Chicago Blackhawks: Nick Leddy
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Nick Leddy is viewed primarily as an offensive defenseman, but he has the skill set to become an effective two-way defenseman.
His play is effective and well-balanced on both ends of the ice. Leddy combines his offensive arsenal with a keen awareness and responsible play in his own end.
Leddy does an effective job of taking away open ice from his opponents, as well as opening up ice for his own teammates.
Leddy's skating prowess is what sets him apart. He is an above-average skater and has a craft-agile smoothness in his skating pattern.
Colorado Avalanche: Joey Hishon
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Joey Hishon steps in on the next slide at a mere 5'10".
There is a misconception when it comes to size in hockey. Many players can be effective despite their small stature (see: Martin St. Louis).
Hishon tallied 37 goals in a mere 50 games for the Owen Sound Attack this season, and it got people a-buzzing about his abilities.
The young center has a tough niche to attempt to fit in for the Avalanche. The Av's are pretty stacked for the next few years and at the center position.
It is expected Hishon will make the jump to the big club next year, but with a condition attached. He could slide to a wing to accommodate Paul Statsny and Matt Duchene.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Johansen
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The Columbus Blue Jackets are really on the rise with the addition of Jeff Carter to play alongside Rick Nash.
Mr. Ryan Johansen is a player who can step up to provide a one-two punch at center ice.
Johansen led the Portland Winterhawks this year with 92 points in 63 games this season. He also represented Canada internationally at the WJHC.
The young center still has some growing to do, but he is a top prospect on the rise for the Blue Jackets.
Dallas Stars: Jack Campbell
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This year's World Hockey Junior Championships was one for the ages. I particularly enjoyed watching this player tend net for Team USA.
Campbell's play for the U.S. at the WJHC earned him the title of best goaltender at the 2011 tournament, though his native U.S. only took home a bronze medal.
During his first season for the Windsor Spitfires, Campbell took the Spitfires to the Western Conference final.
He has a clear road to the big show, as Kari Lehtonen is not the future of the Dallas Stars.
Detroit Red Wings: Brendan Smith
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This 6'2" defenseman has yet to fill out his body, but he is a promising work in progress.
Brendan Smith had 32 points in 63 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL in 2010-2011.
Smith also has great vision and hands that complement his overall skating abilities.
This young defenseman projects as a top pair defenseman who could fill the the void Nicklas Lidstrom will leave when he retires.
Edmonton Oilers: Jeff Petry
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Jeff Petry is a smart two-way defenseman and a great skater, which enables him to brick wall his opponents.
Petry has a big physical game and loves to take the body. He is also very good at setting himself up in front of the crease.
One of the things that makes Petry a top prospect is his point shot. He has a booming shot and a deadly wrister that has a knack of finding its way past defenders.
Petry is a player who really has shown growth and improvement. He will make the Oilers a better defensive team, as they are already bolstered with offensive talents like RNH, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.
Florida Panthers: Jacob Markström
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With Tomas Vokoun out of the picture, the goaltending door has been swung wide open for this prospect.
Jacob Markström is a tall goaltender with an uncanny ability to deceive shooters by appearing larger in net.
Markström is a skilled goaltender with great mental prowess. He resembles a young Henrik Lundqvist in that he is cool, collected goalie with a great competitive edge.
Markström plays the butterfly style with a good glove, like Lundqvist, and has good positioning.
If the work with Lundqvist during international play rubs off on Markström, and if he continues to flourish, the Panthers could have a dominant net-minder for the next decade.
Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Bernier
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This is a new development, as Brayden Schenn was the Kings' top prospect prior to the Mike Richards blockbuster trade.
Bernier is your typical hybrid goalie who balances the stand-up and butterfly goaltender with great reflexes and ease.
He is very quick moving from post-to-post and possesses good puck-handling abilities. Bernier will look to try and claim the No. 1 job from Jonathan Quick, but it may not be this season.
Regardless, Bernier has a huge upside and could prove to become a valuable chip for a deep prospect-filled Los Angeles Kings franchise.
Minnesota Wild: Mikael Granlund
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Mikael Granlund is another "undersized" center who has a big upside. Granlund has been playing in Finland the past two seasons.
Grandlund hopes to join his fellow countrymen on the Minnesota Wild this year. Mikko Koivu and Nicklas Backstrom are two players Grandlund would love to play with.
Montreal Canadiens: Louis Leblanc
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Louis Leblanc is a player with good speed who can be a game-changer. Leblanc is an exceptional two-way forward who can skate end-to-end.
He is a gritty player who likes to dig it out in the trenches and will throw a body check or hit when deemed necessary.
Leblanc is equipped with a very good set of hands that help him protect the puck. His skating talents allow him to create adequate space as well.
Overall, Leblanc is a solid prospect for the Habs.
Nashville Predators: Jonathan Blum
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Jonathan Blum demonstrates outstanding skating abilities that allow him to point guard the puck up the ice.
His skating abilities and puck-moving talents make him a capable future power play quarterback. Blum also compensates for his size by using crafty stick work to pry pucks away from opponents.
Blum has amazing on-ice vision and always knows where he stands on the ice. This trait makes him a great fit on a NHL club stocked with players like Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
New Jersey Devils: Jon Merill
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Jon Merrill is a two-way defender with a good shot to make the team next year. He has the size to flatten opponents that infringe on Martin Brodeur's crease space and will benefit from spending another year at Michigan.
Merrill can benefit from a growing defensive core that includes 2011 draft pick Adam Larsson.
Merrill stands at 6'3" and will become a force to be reckoned with in due time.
New York Islanders: Nino Niederreiter
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Nino Niederreiter is a prospect the Islanders have been talking about for quite some time. He enjoyed a quick New York cup of coffee before being sent back down by GM Garth Snow.
In his 55 games with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Niederreiter tallied 41 goals and 29 assists for 70 points.
Niederreiter appears ready to make the jump to the NHL next season and could complete a line with John Tavares.
New York Rangers: Chris Kreider
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Chris Kreider is a speedy forward who plays left wing for Boston College. He is a player who could have made the jump to the NHL this year, but elected to return to Boston College to continue his education.
He is a prototypical power forward whom Rangers fans would love to see paired up with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik.
Kreider has shown that his speed and scoring ability can have a huge impact. He was a member of the gold medal-winning 2010 U-20 U.S. World Junior Championship team with future teammate Derek Stepan.
Kreider is a clutch player who will make an impact once he hits the NHL level.
Ottawa Senators: David Rundblad
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David Rundblad is an offensive-minded defenseman with very good size and puck skills.
He has great on-ice vision and likes to move the puck into the offensive zone with smooth stick work and finesse.
Rundblad handles the puck with ease and is very confident in his ability and positioning. He is a great passer who finds his teammates with ease, and he loves to throw his body around.
Rundblad could become a solid two-way defender if he can develop his talents in his own end. This would only benefit him, as he already fills the niche of power play quarterback.
Philadelphia Flyers: Eric Wellwood
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Eric Wellwood, younger brother of Sharks center Kyle Wellwood, has impressed Philadelphia team officials since he was drafted.
The elder Wellwood has a similar game to his younger brother Kyle.
Some accomplishments for Eric include two Memorial Cups with the Windsor Spitfires. During his first season with the Adirondack Phantoms of the AHL, Wellwood tallied 28 points in 73 games.
Eric is a player who could make the club this year for the Flyers and may square off with his brother sometime this season.
Phoenix Coyotes: Oliver Ekman-Larsson
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Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a skilled defenseman with excellent hockey knowledge and impressive skating ability.
He moves the puck smoothly with ease and is a capable playmaker with an ability to rack up points on the scoresheet.
In his own defensive end, Elkman-Larsson is well-positioned at all times and shows poise. Occasionally he throws checks and plays with grit.
Overall, he is a pretty solid prospect and defender, and could make the jump full time sooner rather than later.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Simon Despres
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Simon Despres possesses a superior hockey IQ that allows him to stick it to opposing forwards.
Despres is a multi-tool player, and his legs are his biggest threat and asset.
He is continually growing into his 6'3", 215-lbs. frame, but he lacks grit to his game. If he can become a more physical player, he will have a larger impact.
Despres is a solid defender who will continue to fine-tune his skills before making the big league squad.
St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko
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Vladimir Tarasenko's greatest asset is his goal-scoring ability, which is complemented with his quick hands.
His volatile, abrupt speed and acceleration allow him to create space and weave magic in open ice.
Tarasenko is a feisty competitor who plays with grit and aggression. He is an average 5'11" and 202 lbs., but he has proven himself against older players during his time in the KHL.
Tarasenko will thrive when he has his opportunity.
San Jose Sharks: Taylor Doherty
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Taylor Doherty stands a staggering 6'7" and 235 lbs, and he has clearly grown into his frame over the past year.
Doherty does not appear to be an offensive threat from the blue line, but he has the size to be a poor man's Zdeno Chara.
Doherty is a physical juggernaut and can intimidate others rather easily. He may not appear to be an offensive threat, but at his size, goalies are going to be weary when they see him rise his stick to the heavens for a slap shot from the point.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Brett Connolly
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Brett Connolly is a pure offensive talent and threat who can make plays at alarming speeds. He can benefit from players like Vinny Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos on the big club.
Connolly is a natural goal-scorer and can assist his teammates at the same time. He will have to adjust to the advanced checking system and the physicality of a NHL schedule though.
Connolly has added size to his frame since entering the minors and is ready to blossom on the big stage.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Joe Colborne
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The Bruins drafted Joe Colbourne because of his size and the fact that he was a project worth waiting for. He showed great potential and ability.
However, Colborne was the key piece for the Bruins in a trade that sent Tomas Kaberle from Toronto to Boston.
Colborne is a big body who enjoys physically dominating and playing a gritty game. The Leafs desperately need some quality centers to emerge, and Colbourne could be a solution to their problem. If he learns to use his size effectively and efficiently, he can be a dominating presence for the Leafs at center ice.
Vancouver Canucks: Cody Hodgson
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Cody Hodgson is a player who is almost there. He is a solid overall player, an excellent skater and a great puck-handler who is a capable power play quarterback.
In 52 games this season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, Hodgson scored 17 goals and assisted 13 others for a total of 30 points.
If he can remain healthy, there is a roster spot on the Canucks calling Hodgson's name.
Washington Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov
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The Washington Capitals have become the Detroit Red Wings of this era, as they continue to stockpile quality European players.
The Caps already have Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and countless others in the brigade.
Kuznetsov is a 6'0" center and was an integral part during Russia's comeback in the gold medal game of the WJHC.
Skills-wise, Kuznetsov is a speedy skater who will be skating alongside Ovechkin and company very soon.
Winnipeg Jets: Carl Klingberg
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Carl Klingberg's work ethic and skating skills are the strength of his game.
He uses his significant frame well and moves well on the ice. Klingberg's hockey IQ and knowledge are slightly above average and give him edge.
Klingberg accelerates well and moves through the zone, which allows him to help generate offense. His aggressiveness and tenacity in all three zones make him a difficult player to play against. He is a good penalty-killer and enjoys taking the body.
Klingberg is a good talent for the Winnipeg Jets and has really progressed well so far.
Comments, Questions, Concerns
Tom Urtz is a NHL Featured Columnist and a member of Bleacher Report's Official 2011 NHL Free Agency Coverage Team. For more NHL free agent news, updates and alerts about players, follow Tom on Twitter @TomUrtzNYR.
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