Stock Watch for Top 2014 NHL Draft Prospects Post-World Junior Championships

NHL scouts had more than a dozen quality 2014 draft-eligible players to evaluate at the World Junior Championships in Malmo, Sweden. In historic terms, 12 or more prospects at the tournament can be categorized as Christmas miracles. 

The World Junior Championships are normally dominated by 19-year-old players. The older kids are bigger, faster and more developed, and that is reflected in the results. It's unusual for even one underage player to have a significant impact in a normal year.

At least 10 younger players impressed at the World Junior tournament. Here's the stock watch on the top 2014 draft prospects who were in Malmo, Sweden.

10. Joni Nikko, C, Finland

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WJC Recap: Nikko played a major role in one of the showcase games at the World Juniors, scoring in the second period of the semifinal game against Canada. The goal was pivotal in the upset of the Canadians and the eventual gold-medal performance for Finland.

What We Learned: Entering the tournament, Nikko was projected to fill a two-way role and stay far down the scoring list. However, he finished tied for second on the team in goals (7 GP; 3 G). He also played an elevated offensive role as the series developed for Finland.

Stock: Unsurprisingly, Nikko's stock is up after the Christmas tournament. NHL teams are likely to value his power forward style after some international scoring success. He could find his way into the third round at this year's draft. Nikko makes the top-10 list ahead of the more touted Jakub Vrana, who did not impress at the World Juniors. 

9. Lucas Wallmark, C, Sweden

WJC Recap: Wallmark posted a strong World Junior tournament, playing well for Sweden in its silver-medal effort. His tournament scoring totals (7 GP; 3 G, 4 A, 7 PTS) placed him 12th for overall points.

What We Learned: Wallmark was eligible for the 2013 NHL draft but was not chosen because of size and skating concerns. In the months since the draft, he's increased his foot speed and is a far more competitive player against his own age group.

Stock: His stock is rising after the World Junior tournament. Wallmark was one of the youngest draft-eligible players in 2013 and is likely to be taken at the 2014 draft. His offensive ability, in conjunction with physical maturity, has him trending in the scouting community and puts him ahead of Nikko at this time. 

8. Ondrej Kase, RW, Czech Republic

WJC Recap: The undersized skill winger delivered enough offense (5 GP; 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS) to be considered one of the better Czechs at the tournament. He finished tied for third in team scoring, ahead of notables Radek Faksa and Jakub Vrana.

What We Learned: Kase has all the skills we associate with undersized impact prospects, including terrific speed and soft hands. He can deliver in big games on the international stage and was certainly a positive force at the World Juniors this year.

Stock: He proved himself worthy of the hype, and enters the home stretch of his draft season with his stock rising. There are things he'll have to overcome to get drafted, but scouts love the kind of skill Kase delivered at Christmas. He has enough offensive potential to rank ahead of Wallmark by a slim margin. 

7. Julius Honka, D, Finland

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WJC Recap: Honka was one of the youngest players in the tournament, but he provided steady play. His numbers (7 GP; 0 G, 1 A, +2) included 10 shots on goal for Finland in its journey to the gold medal. Honka's shot from the point was a feature of Finland's power play at the World Junior tournament.

What We Learned: Honka moved to the WHL this season and has been showcasing his talents on the Canadian prairie. He delivered a strong performance representing Finland, adding to his resume. 

Stock: His stock is rising in a major way. NHL teams are always looking for mobile defensemen with passing skill and offensive creativity. Honka has blossomed at the right time and is moving up draft lists across the NHL.

6. Anton Karlsson, RW, Sweden

WJC Recap: Karlsson is an outstanding pro prospect who can bring the crowd to its feet with one play. A power forward in style, he was injured during portions of the tournament and his overall performance (5 GP; 0 PTS) was disappointing.

What We Learned: There were whispers before the World Juniors that Karlsson might be a top-10 selection at the 2014 entry draft. After the disappointing World Juniors, he will need a great second half to recover. 

Stock: Karlsson's stock went down during the tournament. Some of the trouble came due to injury, and scouts will take that into account. There's little doubt his draft number suffered over Christmas. 

5. David Pastrnak, RW, Czech Republic

WJC Recap: The Czech team looked to Pastrnak to supply a strong two-way game. He delivered (5 GP; 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS) offensively while helping on the penalty kill.

What We Learned: Pastrnak's reputation for being a more complete player than most of the other draft-eligible prospects was in full view. NHL teams love this player type; his style is similar to that of Nail Yakupov. 

Stock: His stock is up markedly, and we might see him enter the top 15 for the 2014 entry draft. Pastrnak's performance has him ahead of Karlsson at this time. 

4. Ivan Barbashev, LW, Russia

WJC Recap: Barbashev showed well on a checking line with Bogdan Yakimov. He did not deliver enough offense (7 GP; 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS) based on his QMJHL season.

What We Learned: Barbashev is an explosive Russian forward and a player teams project as a top-line scorer when he matures. The World Junior role was not his natural spot in the batting order.

Stock: His stock is rising. Barbashev put his team needs in front of personal glory and performed very well in a secondary role. The character shown by this action should impress NHL scouts, and he's passed Karlsson on the projected draft list. 

3. Leon Draisaitl, C, Germany

WJC Recap: In a notable story at this year's World Juniors, Leon Draisaitl couldn't stay out of the penalty box. He spent 52 minutes there while still managing to score (6 GP; 2 G, 4 A, 6 PTS) enough to show on the scouting radar. German games were packed with NHL scouts representing much of the crowd.

What We Learned: NHL teams are very interested in Leon Draisaitl. He brings size, speed and skill in a package that scouts don't see every year. His World Junior tournament teased them more than pleased them.

Stock: His stock is down slightly, allowing Barbashev to close the gap between the two prospects. Although he scored well, Draisaitl didn't perform as well as expected in some of the bigger games. His penalty-filled game against the Americans may impact his final draft number. 

2. Sam Reinhart, C, Canada

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WJC Recap: Reinhart impressed NHL scouts with his overall skills. He posted very good numbers (7 GP; 2 G, 3 A, 5 PTS) and caught the attention of observers with his work on the power play.  

What We Learned: Entering the World Junior tournament, there were questions about Reinhart's offensive ability. He was touted as a quality overall prospect and someone who was likely to go first or second overall in the 2014 entry draft.

Stock: Reinhart's stock remains the same. He impressed scouts and could easily go first overall, but the performance of the top-ranked player this season leaves him on an island as a prospect.

1. Aaron Ekblad, D, Canada

WJC Recap: Aaron Ekblad blew up the competition and left it gasping for air at the World Junior Championships. His performance resembled a 19-year-old in this tournament (he's only 17), and he was Canada's second-best defender (behind Griffin Reinhart).

What We Learned: Entering the tournament, Ekblad was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the draft but didn't have much of an edge on Sam Reinhart. Canadian coach Brent Sutter used Ekblad ahead of more experienced defensemen Josh Morrissey and Matthew Dumba. 

Stock: His stock is rising, and the race for top spot in the draft is no longer in question. Ekblad was exceptional defensively and played well for Canada in the most important situations. His play was outstanding, and NHL general managers are talking openly about targeting him at the draft.