NHL Draft Combine 2013: Prospects Whose Stocks Hinge on Evaluation Process

Sometimes a prospect's fitness testing results at the NHL combine can dramatically affect his draft stock.

Some prospects come into the combine with conditioning, character or injury concerns. Physical testing has a way of weeding out the less athletic, as well as those who simply don't have the desire to be a big-time player in the NHL.

Here's a list of prospects who I believe need to perform well in Toronto to either keep their stock high or raise it.

Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (FIN)

Aleksander Barkov certainly has the size to compete in the NHL (6'2", 205 pounds), but there are questions surrounding a shoulder injury he suffered late last season. There are also concerns about his quickness out on the ice.

Doctors' reports will go a long way in solidifying Barkov's stock as a top prospect. So will the vertical leap and the Wingate bike test, designed to measure a prospect's quickness.

Valeri Nichushkin, LW, Chelyabinsk (RUS)

Teams will obviously be grilling Valeri Nichushkin on his level of desire to play in the NHL over the KHL, but, in terms of athletic testing, Nichushkin's consistency in Russia has been questioned.

Russian prospects, as unfair as it may seem, have been heavily scrutinized in terms of character headed into the draft throughout the years. Part of that is some issues over the years with the VO2 max bike test, a 12-minute grind that measures an individual's oxygen capabilities.

Given the test has been put in place to see how a prospect responds under heavy strain, Nichushkin may hurt his stock if teams don't think he can consistently give great effort in the NHL.

Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)

The makeup of Adam Erne is very interesting. Given his pesky, gritty style of play on the ice, you would think there would be no concerns about his drive or character. 

But there is indeed some serious concern over Erne's conditioning, character and commitment. The way he's leaving Quebec isn't exactly encouraging, either. He was reportedly initially given a one-game suspension by Quebec coach Patrick Roy in January per the advice of some veteran players.

Erne's fitness level when he arrives in Toronto, his performance in testing and the interview process will ultimately determine where he lands in the draft.