Ranking the Best Hockey Players Not Currently in the NHL

The NHL remains the world's best league by a large margin, but the emergence of the KHL as a rival for superstars like Ilya Kovalchuk has had an impact on the overall quality of the league. It's impossible to say at this time that all of the best hockey players in the world reside in the NHL.

Aside from the KHL, drafted players who are still developing and elite players who are draft-eligible are also among the best outside the NHL. That matter will be solved in good time, and there's an impressive group on the horizon.

Here are the eight best players not currently in the NHL, ranked based on their potential impact in the NHL.

8. Lucas Wallmark, C, Lulea HF (SHL)

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Where is He Now?

Lucas Wallmark is a forward for the Swedish Hockey League club Lulea HF. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014.

What is His Current Status?

Wallmark is currently at a point-per-game in the SHL, a fine pro league, and he's having an impact at age 20. Although he's a fourth-round pick, it's clear he has legitimate talent.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

The Hurricanes will want to see his play at this level for a sustained period, but there's a chance we see him in the NHL during the 2016-17 season. He's tracking at a ridiculous clip for a fourth-round selection.

7. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, St. Petersburg SKA (KHL)

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Where is He Now?

Ilya Kovalchuk is a star player in the KHL, playing a major role on a strong team. He is the most famous player in the league. He retired from the NHL and left the New Jersey Devils and their fans with a sour taste. A July 2013 article for NJ.com by Richard Chere covers the story and the shock at the time. 

What is His Current Status?

The Associated Press, again via NJ.com, reported a four-year contract with St. Petersburg SKA shortly after the retirement. He is scoring well in the current KHL season, although not at an elite level. 

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

It's uncertain we'll see Kovalchuk in the NHL again. He will be a free agent in the summer of 2017, which will probably be the last chance for an NHL team to grab him. There may not be a desire based on how he exited the league.

6. Vladimir Sobotka, C, Omsk Avangard (KHL)

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Where is He Now?

Vladimir Sobotka is a brilliant two-way player who is having great success with Omsk Avangard of the KHL.

What is His Current Status?

A November 2015 article on Sportsnet referenced Elliotte Friedman's work in tracking down the latest on Sobotka's situation. The St. Louis Blues are not confident he'll ever return to the NHL but hold his rights should that come to pass. 

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

Sobotka is 28 and still in his prime, so there's little doubt he can play in the NHL today—if he was available. His contract with Omsk runs out after the 2016-17 season, so there may be a window of opportunity at that time.

5. Nikita Zaitsev, D, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

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Where is He Now?

Nikita Zaitsev is a quality defender for CSKA Moscow of the KHL. Elite Prospects describes him as a player with a range of skills who is at the peak of his game in one of the world's best leagues.

What is His Current Status?

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet wrote about Zaitsev in his 30 Thoughts column in November. The defenseman can sign with an NHL team on March 1, 2016, and it sounds like there's plenty of interest from several teams.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

If he continues to play at a high level, a bidding war for his services is possible, and we could see him in North America in 2016. The completeness of his game will be a major selling point and could make Zaitsev a very rich man in the spring.

4. Esa Lindell, D, Texas Stars (AHL)

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Where is He Now?

Esa Lindell is an impressive two-way defender for the Texas Stars of the AHL. He was chosen No. 74 overall in the 2012 Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars. 

What is His Current Status?

Lindell is 21 and having a major impact in the AHL this season. He ranks No. 2 in points among defenders and is tied for the league lead in plus-minus. Although the plus-minus stat is a dubious measure of independent performance, it does tell us good things are happening with Lindell on the ice.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

Dallas is enjoying a strong season, so there's no urgency for Lindell to see his first action with them. It's becoming increasingly clear the Stars have something special here, and Lindell appears to be a lock for action in Dallas later in the year.

3. William Nylander, C, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

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Where is He Now?

William Nylander is ripping up the AHL this season as a member of the Toronto Marlies. He was the No. 8 overall selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 Entry Draft. 

What is His Current Status?

Nylander is NHL-ready, and the most compelling proof is that he leads the AHL in points at age 19.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

The Leafs could call him to the NHL at any minute. There is no reason to believe he'll struggle to post offensive numbers when recalled. The only reasonable argument for keeping him in the minors is his physical strength and ability to endure the rigors of the NHL.

2. Dylan Strome C, Erie Otters (OHL)

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Where is He Now?

Dylan Strome is a star forward for the Erie Otters of the OHL. He was drafted No. 3 overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 Entry Draft. 

What is His Current Status?

Strome is lighting up the OHL, which is the world's best junior league. He ranks No. 2 in league scoring and Gabriel Desjardins' NHL equivalencies—the industry standard—suggests Strome's current rate of scoring is equivalent to a 50-point season in 82 NHL games.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

The Coyotes made the decision to send Strome back to juniors, so will have to wait until next fall to see if he's NHL-ready. The massive numbers being posted currently in the OHL suggest he's playing his final year of junior.

1. Auston Matthews, C, ZSC Lions (NLA)

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Where is He Now?

Auston Matthews is an impact player at 18, playing and scoring well in the Swiss League with the Zurich Lions. 

What is His Current Status?

Matthews is eligible for the 2015 Entry Draft and is ranked by most services as the No. 1 prospect available this year.

When Will We See Him in the NHL?

The No. 1 overall selection has been a lock for NHL action for several years, and Matthews is already playing pro hockey. He's a very good bet to be playing NHL hockey opening night 2016-17.