The Latest Buzz on the Top Prospects in the 2015 NHL Draft Class

Happy New Year and welcome to the third installment of countdown to draft day in which I take a look at some of the top prospects who are entering the 2015 NHL draft. This time of year is exciting because of the annual World Junior tournament that gives top prospects another chance to make a name for themselves on one of the biggest stages.

A number of the players we have looked at are currently representing their countries, but how are they doing so far? There is a lot to talk about and only so much time to do so, so here is the latest buzz on the top prospects in the 2015 NHL draft class.

Pavel Zacha, Sarnia Sting

When we last spoke, Pavel Zacha was fresh off a suspension and had played six more games. He currently has 19 points in 21 OHL games and has appeared in four WJC games for the Czech Republic. The young center has a goal and an assist thus far, and he has registered five shots on goals.

It hasn’t been an impressive World Juniors showing for a center of Zacha’s size and potential, but his performance shouldn’t hurt his draft stock in any way.

Oliver Kylington, Farjestads

Oliver Kylington is property of Farjestads but has been loaned to AIK of the Allsvenskan. In 10 games with the club, Kylington has three goals and assists for six points.

The demotion is a bit disappointing, but at least Kylington is getting some action in. He is still a very talented defender and projects to be a top-round pick in 2015.

Dylan Strome, Erie Otters

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Dylan Strome was left off Team Canada’s WJC roster, so he is still playing for the Erie Otters. The Otters’ No. 2 player is having an amazing season, and his 64 points in 34 games leads the team. He got a big break when Connor McDavid went down with an injury, but he should be commended for stepping up in the Otters’ time of need.

Strome is still on pace to go very early in the draft, and the 6’3” center could really help change the fortunes of a bottom-dwelling NHL franchise.

Mathew Barzal, Seattle Thunderbirds

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There is no update for Mathew Barzal as he still remains sidelined.

Damien Cox of Sportsnet tweeted:

"

Seatte T-Birds C Mathew Barzal out until early January with cracked kneecap. Scouting for 2015 draft just got a little tougher.

2:08 PM - 17 Nov 2014

Barzal had screw inserted into kneecap. Didn't injure it in game or practice; did so in Saskatoon goofing around bf practice with teammates.

2:15 PM - 17 Nov 2014

"

Barzal could return in a few weeks, so stay tuned for a future update.

Zach Werenski, Michigan

Zach Werenski is currently skating for Team USA at the WJC. In five games thus far the Michigan Wolverine has a lone goal and assist. Prior to joining Team USA, Werenski was in the midst of an NCAA season in which he had 12 points in 15 contests.

Werenski is having a strong season thus far, and he could eventually usurp Noah Hanifin as the top American defender eligible for the 2015 draft.

Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs

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Lawson Crouse is a member of Team Canada at the WJC, and he's tallied a goal and two assists thus far. Crouse has been skating on the fourth line of Team Canada, and he hasn't had the greatest chance to contribute. 

Although his WJC performance hasn't been as great as it could be, he is having a decent season with the Kingston Frontenacs. With 12 goals and four assists, he has played like a poor man's Rick Nash.

Crouse has great size at 6'4" and 212 pounds, and he is also a very speedy skater. There are a number of things that the "Sheriff" does well, and he continues to improve his draft stock as each day passes.

Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67's

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The Ottawa 67s center is not a member of Team Canada, but he has played well this season. Travis Konecny has scored 12 goals and added 15 assists for 27 points in 32 games. He is a skilled center with upside, and he should be drafted anywhere from No. 7 to No. 15 overall.

He is still a bit undersized at 5'10", but his skill set allows him to keep up with bigger players, and his speed allows him to escape from incoming checks with ease.

Mitchell Marner, London Knights

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Mitchell Marner is having a killer year for Dale Hunter's London Knights, and he has really helped his draft stock. Marner has 27 goals and 38 assists for 65 points in 34 games and is on track to be drafted between the top five and top 10.

His speed and awareness in all three zones is a major plus, and he could be a real sleeper prospect who helps the teams that can't take Jack Eichel, Dylan Strome or Connor McDavid.

Dmytro Timashov, Quebec Remparts

Dmytro Timashov is emerging as one of the Quebec Remparts' more dynamic playmaking wingers. The Swedish national has 40 assists in 36 games, and he's also added 14 goals for a total of 54 points.

He also has a knack for scoring some pretty goals, and the one above is just an example of what he can do with time and space.

Timashov is an explosive skater who has the ability to thread the needle time and time again, and he is another prospect who could fall into the lap of a top team that drafts late in the first round. It is just a hunch but look for Timashov to be this draft's Teuvo Teravainen.

Jordan Greenway, USA NTDP

Jordan Greenway is a 6'5", 223-pound winger who has been more of a playmaker than a goal scorer this year. The future Boston University Terrier has two goals and 15 helpers for 17 points this season, and he is continuing to play well for the U.S. National Development team. 

Greenway has the pedigree of a top prospect, as he spent some of his development years at the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary's Prep School. It is still unclear where Greenway will fall at the 2015 draft, but he won't disappoint the team that ends up drafting him.

Noah Hanifin, Boston College

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Noah Hanifin is the general consensus No. 3 pick for the 2015 draft and is currently representing Team USA at the WJC. The Boston College blueliner had two assists in five contests with Team USA and seven points in 17 NCAA games this year.

Hanifin is a smooth skating 6'2", 205-pound blueliner who is great at taking time and space away from opposing players and would have to have a terrible second half to fall down the rankings.

Jack Eichel, Boston University

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The future of USA hockey is having a remarkable season at BU, but it had a disappointing showing for Team USA at the WJC. Eichel had a goal and three assists for four points in five games.

At the NCAA level he is toying with the opposition and has 27 points in 16 games thus far. With a 6'2", 194-pound frame, solid hockey sense and great wheels; Eichel is the complete package.

He will go No. 2 overall without questions, unless the New Jersey Devils win the lottery. That is just speculation on my part, because of Lou Lamoriello's is a New England guy who would probably love to have an American lead the franchise back to glory.

Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

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Connor McDavid. Connor McHockey. The "Next One." These are all appropriate ways to reference the likely No. 1 overall pick for the upcoming NHL draft, and the eternal hope for the sorry franchise, likely the Edmonton Oilers, that finishes last and wins the draft lottery.

Thus far the "McSsiah" has tallied six points in five games for Team Canada and 51 points in only 18 games for the Erie Otters. Simply put, McDavid is a beast and the next-greatest thing that will take the NHL by storm.

Stats via Elite Prospects, the OHL, WHL and QMJHL unless noted.