NHL Prospects Running out of Time to Prove Themselves

NHL teams invest enormous amounts of time and money in scouting amateur talent each winter. They don't like to be wrong and will go to great lengths in an effort to salvage players who are struggling.

At some point, general managers have had enough and decide to pull the plug. It's often a two- or three-year process before they make the final cut. Some of these prospects have been in the NHL for their entire pro careers, while others are still trying to get there. All of them were projected as being future pillars of their respective teams, and giving up on these players will be an admission of failure.

Every NHL team wants to make sure on a player before turning him loose, because if he flourishes elsewhere it will be a black eye for management. A perfect example is Adam Larsson with the New Jersey Devils, who has struggled but plays a position that typically involves slow development. 

Here are NHL prospects who are running out of time in their NHL cities.

6. Dylan McIlrath, D, New York Rangers

Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? Dylan McIlrath was chosen No. 10 overall by the New York Rangers in the 2010 draft.

Why Isn't He Progressing? McIlrath is only 22, but there is cause for major concern. Among the 10 players chosen at the top of the draft in 2010, only McIlrath looks like a bust. His problem is mobility, as indicated by The Hockey News scouting report.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? It's hard to say what will happen with McIlrath. NHL teams are aware of speed as an issue for defensemen, and this player type is not as prevalent as it was 10 years ago. There's a chance McIlrath won't get a second chance in another NHL city.

5. Jack Campbell, G, Dallas Stars

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? The Dallas Stars picked Jack Campbell No. 11 overall in the 2010 draft.

Why Isn't He Progressing? Campbell has been inconsistent since turning pro in 2012, and he ranks No. 45 among 51 AHL goalies this season in save percentage. This represents a major step backward for him.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? Goalies are notorious for taking forever to develop, and Dallas may stay the course with Campbell. It's a reflection of his current status that the Stars haven't called him up despite experiencing poor goaltending performances at the NHL level this year.

4. Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Buffalo Sabres

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? Mikhail Grigorenko was drafted No. 12 overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012.

Why Isn't He Progressing? A lot of the blame for Grigorenko's lack of development is on Buffalo's inability to leave him in junior hockey in 2012 and 2013. The young Russian lost precious development time because of it and may not recover.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? The Sabres are rebuilding, and he's young enough at age 20 to be a part of it. However, Buffalo is under new management with no ties to him, and Grigorenko is probably better served with a trade and a new start.

3. Brett Connolly, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? Brett Connolly was the Tampa Bay Lightning's first pick and No. 6 overall of the 2010 draft.

Why Isn't He Progressing? Connolly is a mystery wrapped in a riddle for hockey fans. He played with the Lightning in the 2011-12 season but didn't score much—that seems to have stymied his growth. Connolly can score in the AHL—he had two strong seasons in Syracuse—but can't impact the offense with the NHL team.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? It's uncertain if a change of scenery will help, but it has become obvious Connolly needs a second opinion. The Lightning filled his job with undrafted Tyler Johnson, and Connolly is close to getting passed by the next generation in Tampa Bay.

2. Adam Larsson, D, New Jersey Devils

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? Adam Larsson was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2011 entry draft. The New Jersey Devils took him as the first defenseman in the draft. 

Why Isn't He Progressing? A February 2014 article by Randy Miller in NJ.com indicated Larsson was trying to do too much. His AHL coach Rick Kowalsky suggested he was his own worst enemy because of it. He was a healthy scratch on opening night with New Jersey this season and is not a regular at this point in his career.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? Larsson is only 22, but time may be running out for him in New Jersey. He'll get at least one more chance to stick with another NHL team. The problem appears to be partly mental, which means a change of scenery might be ideal. The Devils are wise to be patient because defense is a difficult position and the learning curve is a steep one.

1. Nail Yakupov, RW, Edmonton Oilers

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

How Did They Get Him? Nail Yakupov was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 draft by the Edmonton Oilers.

Why Isn't He Progressing? There are several factors in play, including three coaches in three years for the young Russian. Yakupov arrived in the NHL and scored 17 goals in 48 games as a rookie. Since then, his output has been going the wrong way. He has scored only four goals in 37 games this season.

Will He Flourish in His Next City? There's a good chance he'll find his way. The Oilers are not a strong team and are wasting outstanding talent every year. If the 21-year-old Russian scorer can find his way to a better team, then he'll have a chance to establish himself in the NHL.