Ranking the 10 Best Franchise Players in the 2015 NHL Draft

NHL teams will head to the 2015 draft in late June in search of a bright future, and it's looking like a strong year. The top of the draft features two franchise players, and that duo is followed by four players who should have enormous impact.

After that, scouts suggest the top end is more than 15 deep and teams should be able to get quality prospects well into the third round. In the end, scouts do such a great job that chances are the best available hockey players will be gone in the first round.

Here are the 10 best franchise prospects available in this year's draft.

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

The Numbers: Timo Meier scored 44 goals with 46 assists in 61 games for the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). 

What Makes Him Unique? He is a dynamic offensive player who is difficult to contain when in full flight. He's also a quality shooter, meaning he could develop into a substantial offensive player.

Where Will He Go? Meier has been somewhat under the radar all season, but his skill set has great value. There's a chance he'll go in the top 10, but he should certainly be gone by No. 15 overall.

9. Lawson Crouse, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The Numbers: Lawson Crouse scored 29 goals with 22 assists in 56 games for the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL). 

What Makes Him Unique? Crouse lacks elite offensive numbers but has a range of positive attributes, including size, physical play and a mean streak. Scouts also believe he'll blossom offensively, as suggested by Brock Otten of OHL Prospects.

Where Will He Go? It's difficult to project Crouse because there appear to be varying opinions of him. It's likely he'll be off the board within the first 15 picks in the 2015 draft.

8. Zach Werenski, D, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)

The Numbers: Zach Werenski scored nine goals with 16 assists in 35 games for the Michigan Wolverines (NCAA).

What Makes Him Unique? Werenski is a terrific puck-moving defender whose numbers are impacted by his age—he turns 18 in July—and lack of experience. His skating ability is also a major positive.

Where Will He Go? Werenski will likely be the third defenseman off the board this year, and that could come inside the top 10 overall. He should be selected in the top dozen picks.

7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

The Numbers: Mathew Barzal delivered 45 assists and scored 12 goals in 44 games for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.

What Makes Him Unique? Barzal has all the tools to become an impactful offensive player. He plays the game at a high level, skates very well and has terrific hands. If he can stay healthy, Barzal will have a long and successful career.

Where Will He Go? He really helped himself with a tremendous performance in the recent IIHF World U18 Hockey Championship in Switzerland. Barzal has an outside chance of going inside the top five overall, but he is more likely to be selected later in the top 10.

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

The Numbers: Ivan Provorov scored 15 goals and totaled 46 assists in 60 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.

What Makes Him Unique? Provorov is a brilliant offensive defender. He's a fantastic skater with the ability to dodge checks, and he can pass tape to tape on the fly. He can make plays at high speeds, giving him a major advantage over his opponents. 

Where Will He Go? Provorov's performance down the stretch and into the playoffs gives him a chance to be taken inside the top five overall. It's likely he'll go somewhere between No. 6 and No. 10 at the 2015 draft.

5. Mitch Marner, RW, London Knights (OHL)

The Numbers: Mitch Marner scored 44 goals with 82 assists in 63 games for the London Knights of the OHL.

What Makes Him Unique? Marner is a slick offensive forward who can beat defenders with a pass or a deke. Top-end offensive ability makes him impossible to contain, and he's probably the third-best player in the draft inside the opposition zone.

Where Will He Go? The Knights slick forward is in a group of four players who could go as high as No. 2 overall this year. His tremendous stick-handling and scoring ability make him a lock for the top five overall.

4. Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College Eagles

The Numbers: Noah Hanifin posted five goals and 18 assists in 37 games for the Boston College Eagles of the NCAA.

What Makes Him Unique? Hanifin is a mobile defender with outstanding passing ability. His exceptional head-man passes create offensive opportunities often, giving his team a major advantage.

Where Will He Go? After the top two selections, Hanifin is likely the next-best option on the draft board. There's a chance he could fall one or two spots based on need, but the young defender is a lock for selection inside the top five overall.

3. Dylan Strome, Erie Otters (OHL)

The Numbers: Dylan Strome scored 45 goals with 84 assists in 68 games for the Erie Otters of the OHL.

What Makes Him Unique? Strome is a center with size and top-level skill, as reflected by his leading the OHL in scoring at 17. He's also a safe pick, in that his brother is already a successful NHL player—and Dylan projects to be even better.

Where Will He Go? The Arizona Coyotes are slotted No. 3 for this year's draft and have their choice of four top-end prospects. There are two impact defenders—Noah Hanifin and Ivan Provorov—along with winger Mitch Marner and Strome, a center. Based on their roster and where the Coyotes are in their rebuild, a center like Strome might be the best fit.

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University Terriers (NCAA)

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

The Numbers: Jack Eichel delivered 26 goals and 45 assists in 40 games for the Boston University Terriers of the NCAA.

What Makes Him Unique? Eichel is a big center with terrific speed, intelligence and a quick release. He's also a little under the radar because of Connor McDavid, meaning legions of fans will be shocked by just how good Eichel is once he turns pro.

Where Will He Go? The Buffalo Sabres lost the draft lottery but are winners anyway because of Eichel. This is a franchise player who will be an enormous building block for the Sabres.

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

The Numbers: Connor McDavid scored 44 goals with 76 assists in 47 games for the Erie Otters of the OHL.

What Makes Him Unique? McDavid is a brilliant offensive player, but there's so much more. In a recent conversation with Corey Pronman of ESPN—via TSN 1260 and Oilers Nation—the list of elite skills suggested a complete player with the potential to lead the league in points in the coming years.

Where Will He Go? The Edmonton Oilers won the draft lottery on April 18, and unless something unforeseeable happens, they will select McDavid with the No. 1 overall selection. In a season with two generational talents, McDavid is the best player available.