The Fastest-Rising Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft

The 2015 NHL Draft may be the deepest and richest in many years and the top prospects entering the year are being pushed by several late-breaking teenagers.

From the pre-season rankings through the middle of the year, we've seen a tremendous amount of movement near the top of the rankings. That will probably change again before the end of the season but the players moving up are an exciting group.

Here are the top risers for the 2015 draft as we enter the home stretch.

9. Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Barrie Colts (OHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: MacKenzie Blackwood made the Preliminary List from Central Scouting as a B prospect. That rating implies a second- or third-round selection at the draft.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Blackwood has emerged as the top-ranked North American goalie in the latest rankings.

What Changed? Blackwood is among the league leaders in all OHL categories. His save percentage is quality and scouts have clearly noticed his consistency and quality of play. He might not be a first-round pick but could be the first goalie selected in the draft.

8. Jens Looke, RW, Brynas (SHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Jens Looke was listed as a B prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. Their rating system equates a B prospect with a second or third-round selection.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Looke has enjoyed a successful year in Sweden and is now the No. 3-ranked skater on the European list.

What Changed? Looke has held his own in the top Swedish league and was outstanding for his country at the World Junior Championship. His range of skills make him a strong candidate for first-round selection and his ability to play against men in the SHL suggests he has advanced as a prospect.

7. Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Jake DeBrusk was known to NHL scouts and was listed as a B prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List.

Ranking At Mid-Season: DeBrusk passed a lot of prospects in the first half of the year and is currently ranked as the No. 24 North American prospect.

What Changed? He's displaying exceptional offensive skill, including 30 goals and an ability to keep the play going. He had some moments at the Top Prospects game and showed he wasn't out of place in elite company.

6. Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Jeremy Roy entered the season with a B ranking by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. B prospects are rated as possible second or third-round selections.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Roy sits currently at No. 23 on the North American list. Considering all four Central Scouting lists, he should find his way into the first round of the draft.

What Changed? Roy is delivering a lot of offense from the blue line. He is average in size but combines real two-way ability with excellent offensive instincts. His range of skills should mean he goes high in the 2015 draft.

5. Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Evgeny Svechnikov and his considerable talents were rated as a B by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Svechnikov made it to No. 21 on the North American list. He should be a first-round selection in the 2015 draft.

What Changed? Scouts love size and speed and Svechnikov also offers a considerable amount of talent. His scoring in the QMJHL has been exceptional and there's every chance he'll move up the final list.

4. Thomas Chabot, D, Saint John Seadogs

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Thomas Chabot is coming from a long way back in his draft season. He was ranked as a C prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. C prospects are rated as possible fourth round or later selections.

Ranking At Mid-Season: From humble beginnings, Chabot has moved up to No. 15 on the North American list. He should be a first-round selection in the draft.

What Changed? Chabot is a strong skater, that gets scouts' attention right away. He's a solid offensive defender but his value will come from being a mobile, effective player in his own zone. He showed very well at the Top Prospects game in January.

3. Timo Meier, RW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Timo Meier of the Halifax Mooseheads was slotted as a B prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. A prospect with a B rating is expected to go after the first round and before the end of the third round.

Ranking At Mid-Season: He has vaulted up to No. 12 on the North American list. Factoring in the European and goalie lists, Meier is projected to be selected inside the top 20 overall.

What Changed? Meier is having an impact season in the QMJHL. He's in the top 15 in league scoring and had an exceptional showing at the Top Prospects game. His impressive season has Meier moving up the draft list smartly.

2. Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Ivan Provorov of the Brandon Wheat Kings was rated as a B prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. B prospects are second or third-round talents, implying he would be chosen anywhere from No. 31 to No. 90 at the draft.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Provorov is the No. 10 prospect on the North American list. The rise over just a few months has been incredible.

What Changed? He is enjoying an exceptional season. Provorov leads all WHL defensemen in scoring and was impressive in the Young Stars game in January. His passing ability and mobility were on display and his creativity offensively may mean he will move up before draft day.

1. Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

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The Pre-Season Ranking: Lawson Crouse was listed as an A prospect by Central Scouting on their Preliminary List. On size alone he would have been a player of great interest for NHL teams.

Ranking At Mid-Season: Crouse is ranked No. 4 on the North American list, meaning he'll be a lock for top 10 selection if he can stay at or near that number on the final list.

What Changed? Crouse is now one of the best players available in this year's draft according to Central Scouting. He is having a solid year in the OHL and was a man among boys at the World Junior tournament over Christmas. He intimidated opposition and made room for his skill linemates, something that has exceptional appeal for NHL teams.