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

The month of March is here, and it is a great time for an updated look at prospects eligible for the 2015 NHL draft. 

NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings back on January 20, and I subsequently posted my own top 10.  Since that point, there has been some significant movement among top prospects. It is now March 7, and the NHL draft is 111 days away.

Connor McDavid continues to produce at an alarming rate, and Jack Eichel has held his own playing at the NCAA level. There are so many talented prospects who are eligible for the 2015 draft, but here an updated look at the top 10.

10. Timo Meier, Halifax Mooseheads

Previous Ranking: N/A

Timo Meier is a newcomer to my top 10, and that's because he has really improved his game over the last few weeks. Meier is a natural goal scorer and a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.

The 6'1", 208-pound sniper has an amazing wrist shot and a howitzer of a slap shot. Meier has 41 goals this season, and he's also assisted on 42 others for 83 points in 54 games.

The star forward has enjoyed playing with Nikolaj Ehlers, and the duo has been one of the best in the QMJHL this season.

9. Zach Werenski, Univ. of Michigan

Previous Ranking: No. 6 (-3)

Zach Werenski is a 6'2", 214-pound defenseman from the University of Michigan who was No. 6 on my last ranking. He drops to No. 9 because he's appeared in eight games since my last power rankings and his points per game has dropped from .90 to .82.

It is a subtle drop, but it matters when you consider that Werenski is an offensive defender. He still remains one of the better draft-eligible blueliners, but teams won't be jumping early to select him in June.

8. Ivan Provorov, Brandon Wheat Kings

Previous Ranking: No. 9 (+1)

Smooth-skating Ivan Provorov slides into the No. 8 spot this month, and he's really started to grow on me as a player. Provorov is a really smart player who is 18, but he doesn't show it on the ice.

The Wheat Kings rearguard has shown poise with the puck, and that has enabled him to make plays and put up points. He has 55 points in 52 games, including 41 assists. He is going to be a nice addition for a lottery team in dire need of a stud blueliner, and scouts can expect him to flourish once he fully fills out.

7. Mathew Barzal, Seattle Thunderbirds

Previous Ranking: No. 10 (+3)

Mathew Barzal is a center who could fly under the radar at the upcoming draft because of an injury that sidelined him earlier this season. The Thunderbirds pivot has 46 points in 36 games this season and has continued to develop his overall game.

Barzal is primarily a playmaker, but he's shown this season that he can play a complete 200-foot game. If he fills out his frame more (5'11", 174 pounds), there's a chance he could be a quality, offensive two-way center for many years to come.

6. Mikko Rantanen, TPS

Previous Ranking: No. 8 (+2)

Mikko Rantanen is a top European prospect who could step into the NHL after a few seasons of playing in North America at the AHL level. This is because he has been blessed with a magnificent frame—and he is smart player. 

The 6'4", 194-pound center is a Finnish sensation who is sweeping the nation. He currently has 23 points in 52 games and has seen some time on the second line. Rantanen has had success in his rookie campaign with TPS, and it will be interesting to see what the next step in his development will be after being drafted.

5. Noah Hanifin, Boston College

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Previous Ranking: No. 5 (+/- 0)

Noah Hanifin remains the top-ranked defender, as he's continued his productive season for the Boston College Eagles. Hanifin has 21 points in 33 games for the Eagles, and that production is an added bonus to his ability of being shutdown defender.

The 6'2", 200-pound defender is an elite skater who moves the puck well, and he is going to be a franchise defender for the team that decides to draft him.

4. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters

Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Previous Ranking: No. 4 (+/- 0)

Dylan Strome leads the Erie Otters in scoring this season with 37 goals, 75 assists and 112 points in 60 games. He is the younger brother of New York Islander Ryan Strome, and he may end up being a better player than his big brother.

He already has solid NHL size at 6'3" and 187 pounds, and his ability to protect the puck is a skill few players possess. Strome is just a very special player, and he's got the potential to be a nice addition to a lottery team next season.

3. Mitchell Marner, London Knights

Previous Ranking: No. 3 (+/- 0)

Mitchell Marner has continued to score at an amazing rate, as he currently leads the OHL in scoring with 119 points in 56 games. In many ways, Marner is a lot like Patrick Kane, because both are a bit undersized, can play both center and wing and dazzled for the London Knights.

He is only 5'11" and 163 pounds, but he hasn't let his lack of size impact his overall game. He will have to learn to avoid hits at the NHL level, but he is such a smooth skater that it shouldn't be much of an issue once he gets used to the speed of an NHL game.

Marner is the second-best Canadian forward in this draft, and he will be a force if he can add a little more muscle to his frame.

2. Jack Eichel, Boston University

Previous Ranking: No. 2 (+/- 0)

Jack Eichel remains the second-best prospect eligible for the draft, and he is going to be a nice consolation prize for the team that misses out on Connor McDavid. 

Eichel is almost finished with his freshman season with the Boston University Terriers, and it wouldn't be surprising if it was also his last. Eichel has 55 points in 32 games, and the 6'2", 193-pound center is clearly a man among boys despite the fact that he is only 18. He plays a smart all-around game and is arguably America's most heralded prospect since Mike Modano.

1. Connor McDavid, Erie Otters

Previous Ranking: No. 1 (+/- 0)

Connor McDavid is a prospect who is simply out of this world when it comes to dominating opponents. An injury suffered during a fight has limited him to only 40 games, and he has a whopping 107 points! 

Sidney Crosby tallied 168 points in 62 games during his draft year with Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, which equates to a 2.71-points-per-game average. McDavid's is slightly less at 2.68, but it is very impressive nonetheless.

He is going to be a very special hockey player and could do for the Buffalo Sabres or Edmonton Oilers what Crosby did for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stats via Elite Prospects unless otherwise noted.