NHL Draft 2016: Ranking the Most NHL-Ready Prospects

The 2016 NHL draft may deliver as many NHL-ready players as the 2015 edition. Although eight men from that draft played at least one game in the NHL during 2015-16 season, only three players—Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin—played more than half the season.

The top three names in 2016 look capable of covering that bet, but are there any plug-and-play candidates beyond the big trio? Based on the strength of this year's prospects, 2016 could in fact exceed three, and NHL teams can help themselves with an astute first-round selection.

Here are the most NHL-ready players available in the 2016 draft, which is set for June 24-25 in Buffalo, New York.

Note: NHLE—NHL equivalency numbers—is now an industry standard for estimating amateur or minor league stats at the NHL level. Gabriel Desjardins introduced the equivalencies to the hockey world and explains the idea behind it here. For our purposes, we will use the updated formula published by Rob Vollman of ESPN.

7. Logan Brown, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

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The Numbers: Logan Brown of the Windsor Spitfires had a strong 2015-16 season. He posted 74 points in 59 games, and he had 12 points for Team USA at the World Junior Championship.

The Projected Numbers: The NHL equivalency for Brown—via Vollman—is about 31 points. Considering his size—6'6'', 218 pounds—he could get a long look in training camp. 

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The scouting report on Brown—linked from Elite Prospects above—suggests a two-way player who can help at both ends. With his skills, good foot speed and size, there's a chance his drafting team takes a long look before the season opens.

6. Alexander Nylander, W, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

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The Numbers: Alexander Nylander of the Mississauga Steelheads had a strong year in the OHL in 2015-16. His 75 points in 57 games included 28 goals. 

The Projected Numbers: Vollman has an equivalency table that suggests Nylander would score around 32 points in a full NHL season. His range of skills—he is a great shooter and passer—could get him a good look in training camp.

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? If Nylander is chosen by the right team—defined as one that doesn't already employ small skill players—Nylander could make the grade despite being listed at 6'0'', 176 pounds. Training camp will be key; he has the range of offensive talent to impress.

5. Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

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The Numbers: Pierre-Luc Dubois scored 99 points in 62 games for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. He also impressed with strong two-way play.

The Projected Numbers: According to the Vollman equivalency table, Dubois could expect to score around 34 points in a full season.

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The Vancouver Canucks hold the No. 5 overall selection and may choose Dubois for his range of skills. The big forward can play center or wing, and his resume suggests two-way acumen. That indicates several ways to make it to the NHL and could mean a fast-track development for Dubois.

4. Matt Tkachuk, LW, London Knights (OHL)

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The Numbers: Matt Tkachuk delivered a lot of offense for the London Knights of the OHL—the strongest junior league in the world. He posted 107 points in 57 regular-season games and another 40 points in 18 playoff games.

The Projected Numbers: Vollman's equivalency numbers project Tkachuk to score 46 points, which is a strong figure that compares to Taylor Hall in his draft season. 

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The Edmonton Oilers draft No. 4 overall and could select Tkachuk. His NHL equivalency and size—he is 6'1'', 194 pounds—indicate he might get a prolonged audition with his NHL team this fall. If he makes that team and gets an offensive push, Tkachuk could be a contender for top rookie in 2016-17.

3. Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat (SM-Liiga)

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The Numbers: Jesse Puljujarvi scored 13 goals and 28 points for Karpat of the SM-Liiga—a strong European pro league. 

The Projected Numbers: The Vollman NHL equivalency suggests Puljujarvi should be expected to score 14 points in a full NHL season. That is a low total, but Puljujarvi's performance outside the league—specifically at the World Juniors and U18 tournaments—implies we are dealing with a substantial talent. 

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The Columbus Blue Jackets own the No. 3 overall selection and are likely to take Puljujarvi. It is not a lock for him to make the NHL team, and even if he does, an offensive role is far from assured. His physical maturity gives him a great chance to make the team in a support role.

2. Patrik Laine, W, Tappara (SM-Liiga)

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The Numbers: Patrik Laine posted 33 points in 46 games for Tappara of the SM-Liiga—Finland's pro league. 

The Projected Numbers: The NHL equivalency via the Vollman chart suggests Laine should be expected to score about 18 points. That would be considered a disappointing season, but Laine's tremendous performance at the World Hockey Championship suggests he is NHL-ready. As Emily Sadler of Sportsnet reported, Laine won the MVP honors at the WHC, signaling he is bona fide.

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The Winnipeg Jets hold the No. 2 overall selection, and it is a good bet the Finn is headed to the Canadian prairies. The Jets are an emerging team with plenty of quality youth, and Laine should be able to help beginning this fall. If he earns a feature role on the team, it is reasonable to suggest he could be in the running for the Calder Trophy as top rookie in 2016-17.

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

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The Numbers: Auston Matthews scored 46 points in 36 games for the Zurich Lions of the NLA—Switzerland's pro league. 

The Projected Numbers: The Vollman projection suggests Matthews could post about 38 points as an NHL player. That represents a substantial total and is especially impressive considering he did it in a pro league. If Matthews had played in a North American junior league, that NHL equivalency number would likely have been much higher.

What Role Could He Play in the NHL This Fall? The Toronto Maple Leafs own the No. 1 overall pick, and they are likely to choose Matthews with that selection. Although the Toronto depth chart has some quality at center—Nazem Kadri, Tyler Bozak—Matthews is a tremendous talent who already has pro experience. His strong performance at the World Hockey Championship suggests he is NHL-ready and will have an immediate impact.