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

NHL Central Scouting's midterm released its rankings on January 20, giving fans an updated look at where certain prospects stand in the eyes of top scouts and critics. The midterm ranking is the second official ranking of the year, with one more to be released before the 2015 NHL draft.

So far this season I have provided some monthly updates on prospects, but I felt I would use this month's space to release my own midterm rankings. A lot of talented prospects will be eligible for the 2015 draft, and here is my top 10 at the midway point of the season.

10. Mathew Barzal, Seattle Thunderbirds

Mathew Barzal has returned from an injury and is looking to do everything he can to impress scouts for the rest of the season. He is a talented 17-year-old center who stands 6'0" and weighs 181 pounds, and he is a smart player and tremendous playmaker.

He can thread the needle with pinpoint accuracy and plays like he's older than his birth certificate indicates. One NHL team is going to end up with an amazing player during the early part of the draft, and in a few years from now he will be turning heads.

This season he has 18 points in 20 games, and he's looking to improve upon the 54 he tallied last season.

9. Ivan Provorov, Brandon Wheat Kings

Ivan Provorov is a Russian defender who just turned 18, and he is having a great season for the Brandon Wheat Kings. In 43 games, he has 33 helpers and 44 points, and he's edged his way into the top-10 lists of draft pollsters.

Two of Provorov's biggest strengths are his skating ability and patience with the puck, which have enabled him to develop into a capable offensive defenseman who excels on the power play.

8. Mikko Rantanen, TPS

Mikko Rantanen is a talented Finnish forward who can play center and wing, and he could be a special player.

The 6'4", 209-pounder is great skater with a pair of saucy mitts, and he is a skilled passer with 11 assists so far this season. Rantanen could use some help developing his shot and physicality, but a team will scoop him up early because he has a ton of potential and can be shaped by an NHL coaching staff.

He could become one of the top European prospects in hockey soon, making an impact in a big way down the line.

7. Oliver Kylington, AIK

Oliver Kylington started his season with Farjestad of the SHL and tallied five points in 17 games. Farjestad than loaned him to AIK of the Allsvenskan, where he has seven points in 17 games with the club.

The Swedish rearguard is 17 and was ranked as the top European player by NHL Central Scouting. He has a ton of potential and is likely three or four years away from becoming an NHL player. He's a skilled two-way defender with strengths in skating and playmaking. An NHL team will likely select him in the second half of the top 10.

6. Zach Werenski, Michigan

Zach Werenski is a 6'2", 214-pound defenseman from the University of Michigan who is having a strong season. He has tallied 18 points in 20 games for Red Berenson's Wolverines, and he also represented Team USA at the WJC tournament in Toronto and Montreal.

Werenski is one of the top defenders in the draft and could fall into the top five with a strong second half of the season.

5. Noah Hanifin, Boston

Noah Hanifin is a member of the Boston College Eagles and a consensus pick for top defenseman of the 2015 draft. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, he has good size, and he plays a smart, all-around game. He has 14 points in 24 games and was a representative of Team USA at the WJC.

Hanifin projects to be a solid top pairing all-around defender at his peak. He could spend another year or two at the NCAA level before making the jump to professional hockey.

4. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters

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Dylan Strome is the second best player on the Erie Otters and a candidate to be drafted within the top five at the 2015 draft. He was left off Team Canada's roster for the WJC tournament, but that was a testament to just how deep the roster was.

The speedy center and younger brother of New York Islander Ryan Strome has 85 points in 45 games and continues to improve his draft stock.

Strome has nice size at 6'3" and 187 pounds, and it looks like he will be a solid second-line center at the NHL level.

3. Mitchell Marner, London Knights

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Mitchell Marner has done a lot to improve his draft stock this season, and he's going to be go early in the 2015 draft. 

He is only 5'11" and 163 pounds, but he is a great skater with solid hands who is able to avoid getting hit. He distributes the puck well, is confident in all three zones and is just a smart player. 

The 17-year-old pivot has 93 points in 45 games and can hold onto the OHL lead in scoring if Connor McDavid doesn't have a strong second half.

2. Jack Eichel, Boston University

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Jack Eichel had a disappointing showing at the WJC, but he is still the second best player in the draft. The 6'2", 194-pound pivot is an offensive juggernaut with amazing smarts, and he can play with an edge when needed.

The college freshman has 36 points in 22 games, and he could be a one-and-done player at the NCAA level. Eichel has franchise player potential without question, but who he'll play for remains to be seen.

1. Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

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Connor McDavid is going to become the savior of a struggling franchise, and it could be Edmonton or Buffalo at this point. He missed some time earlier this season after breaking a bone in his hand but has returned to form nicely.

The 6'1", 190-pound pivot has 66 points in just 25 games and is an extremely talented hockey player with a bright future. Experts have dubbed him the next Sidney Crosby, but there's a chance he could be even better than Sid the Kid.

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