Ranking the 10 Best Wingers in the 2015 NHL Draft

The high-profile centers and defensemen in the 2015 NHL draft obscure a tremendous group of wingers. The crop boasts scorers, playmakers, checkers and enforcers, with NHL teams lining up for the chance to select them.

Most of this year's best wingers are from Canada's junior leagues, but two are starring in the USHL and one is playing pro hockey in Europe.

Here are the 10 best wingers in the 2015 draft.

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

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The Numbers: Jake DeBrusk of the Swift Current Broncos had a breakout offensive season in 2014-15, scoring 42 goals and finishing No. 6 in the category. 

The Range: Craig Button's final list for TSN has DeBrusk as the No. 21 overall prospect.

The Style: DeBrusk is a hardworking winger who also happens to be a goal scorer. The team that drafts him is going to appreciate the offense—42 goals in the WHL, 29 at even strength—and the work ethic. Cody Nickolet of WHL From Above suggests that his ability to score by being strong on the puck at the right place and the right time is comparable to the Montreal Canadiens' Brendan Gallagher.

9. Anthony Beauvillier, LW-C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

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The Numbers: Anthony Beauvillier of the Shawinigan Cataractes was an impact player as a 17-year-old in the QMJHL. His 94 points not only led his team, but he was in first by 30 points.

The Range: He is a highly regarded prospect whom Craig Button ranks No. 18 on his final list. Beauvillier's size—he is 5'10", 183 pounds—may see him fall, but he is full value for Button's ranking.

The Style: In terms of style, hockey sense and skill, Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson is an excellent pro comparison.

8. Evgeny Svechnikov, RW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

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The Numbers: Evgeny Svechnikov had a strong season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. His 78 points ranked him No. 3 in scoring for the club.

The Range: He is ranked No. 17 on Craig Button's final list for TSN. He should be a lock to be picked inside the top 20 overall in 2015.

The Style: Svechnikov is a bigger forward—he's 6'2", 199 pounds—who doesn't use his size as a physical hammer but rather to shield or retrieve pucks. Those skills coupled to a quick release and a natural scoring ability make him comparable to the New York Rangers' Rick Nash as a player.

7. Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS (SM-Liiga)

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The Numbers: Mikko Rantanen had a strong season for TPS Turku of Finland's top league, the SM-Liiga. Playing time for teenagers in European pro leagues is rare, and finishing second in team scoring—as he did in 2014-15—is highly unusual.

The Range: Button ranks Rantanen No. 16, but his range of skills and pro experience at a young age could get him drafted inside the top 10 overall.

The Style: Rantanen is a tough opponent, and his skill set means he's going to play in a prominent role. At 6'4", 211 pounds, he has the reputation of a playmaking winger with finishing ability. Rantanen told NHL.com that he patterns his game after Minnesota Wild forward Mikko Koivu, which makes a lot of sense as a style comparable.

6. Nick Merkley, RW-C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

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The Numbers: Nick Merkley of the Kelowna Rockets enjoyed a dynamic season in 2014-15, finishing No. 6 in WHL scoring. 

The Range: Craig Button's final list has Merkley just outside the top 10 overall at No. 11 for the draft. His strong showing at the Memorial Cup could help him go inside the top 15.

The Style: Merkley is a tough player to find comparables for, because he's a high-end skill winger who lacks size. At 5'10", 187 pounds, he might remind fans of Jordan Eberle, but he's also a solid two-way prospect and isn't afraid to lay a hit when the moment is right. He's a dynamic player who impacts the game in all areas.

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

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The Numbers: Lawson Crouse led an offensively challenged Kingston Frontenacs team in points during the 2014-15 season.

The Range: Crouse and his strong season landed him the No. 10 spot on Craig Button's TSN final rankings for the 2015 draft.

The Style: He is a power forward and appears to be NHL-ready based on his OHL season and performance in international competition. His NHL.com bio tells us he patterns his game after James Neal, Milan Lucic and Rick Nash—and they are solid style comparisons.

4. Brock Boeser, RW, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)

The Numbers: Brock Boeser of the Waterloo Black Hawks finished No. 3 in USHL scoring in 2014-15. He tied for the league lead in goals with 35 in 57 games.

The Range: Craig Button's TSN final rankings have Boeser at No. 9 overall.

The Style: Boeser is a quality scoring prospect with size. At 6'1", 192 pounds, he combines power, speed and skill to impose his will on opponents, and his passing ability makes him a key cog in the offense. He's comparable in style to Wayne Simmonds, but Boeser is a better passer and playmaker.

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

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The Numbers: Timo Meier finished No. 11 in scoring in the QMJHL, posting 90 points for the Halifax Mooseheads.

The Range: Meier's stock is rising, and Craig Button's final list has him ranked No. 8 for the draft.

The Style: He's a big winger—6'1", 208 pounds—who plays an aggressive game and shoots from everywhere. He's not a power forward but is a wider skill winger with great hands and a nose for the net. In this way, he is similar in style to the New York Rangers' Rick Nash. 

2. Kyle Connor, LW-C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

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The Numbers: Kyle Connor of the Youngstown Phantoms led the USHL in scoring during 2014-15, posting 80 points in 56 games. He had a nine-point lead over his closest competitor.

The Range: Craig Button of TSN ranks Connor as the No. 6 overall prospect in the draft. In a deep year for prospects, his range of skills has him in a prominent position.

The Style: Shawn Reznik of the Hockey Writers compares Connor's style to Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews, which is high praise for any young player. Style and substance suggest Connor is an outstanding NHL prospect.

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

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The Numbers: Mitch Marner finished No. 2 in OHL scoring in 2014-15, and the London Knights winger led the league in power-play assists.

The Range: He is ranked No. 4 on Craig Button's final list for TSN and should be off the board in the top five overall at this year's draft. Toronto Maple Leafs Director of Player Personnel Mark Hunter was involved with the London Knights for a long time, and they may end up taking the skill winger with the No. 4 overall selection.

The Style: In terms of style, Marner will remind fans of Patrick Kane with his tremendous passing and puck skills. He also has a quick release and is tireless around the net. His dynamic talent and awesome production make him the best winger in this year's draft.