Ranking the Best Hockey Players Not Currently in the NHL

The NHL houses the lion's share of elite hockey talent, and it controls about 1,500 of the best players in the world. Even with that understood, there is world-class talent in other leagues, and some of those names are of particular interest to fans of NHL teams.

A player like Alexander Radulov of the Montreal Canadiens can make a massive difference to a team. Acquired for only money—no assets were exchanged—Radulov is the type of player who can make all the difference in the competitive NHL.

The KHL has several of the best talents outside the NHL, but there are quality players in other European pro leagues and in the AHL. Some of the best talent remains outside of pro hockey, and those young men are playing in elite junior leagues like the OHL, WHL, QMJHL and USHL.

Here are the seven best players not in the NHL, ranked by their potential impacts.

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

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Where is he now?

Vladimir Sobotka is an impact two-way center for Avangard Omsk of the KHL. He was a successful NHL player for the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues before bolting to Russia in 2014.

                 

What is his current status?

He plays a vital role for Avangard, a veteran team with substantial talent, but it has a history of losing in the early rounds of the playoffs.

             

When will we see him in the NHL?

Sobotka has an NHL contract waiting for him in St. Louis, and he would have to honor it on return. Each summer, there are rumors he will come back to the NHL, but Sobotka last played NHL hockey in the spring of 2014—and it will be three years away from the league at the end of this season. We may not see him return, and at age 29, much of his career is now gone.

6. Ilya Samsonov, G, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

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Where is he now?

Ilya Samsonov is a brilliant young goalie for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL. He was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NHL draft by the Washington Capitals.

              

What is his current status?

Samsonov is the backup goalie for his team but plays a lot and has been outstanding this season. The KHL is a strong European pro league, and Samsonov's strong performance at such a young age suggests the Capitals could have an impact goalie prospect on their hands.

              

When will we see him in the NHL?

Washington is deep in goal, with Braden Holtby, 27, playing at a high level. The Capitals may bring him over next season to play in the AHL and get used to the North American rink size and lifestyle. It is also possible Samsonov stays in the KHL for some extra seasoning at a high level. Either way, this was an inspired selection, and fans in Washington don't have to worry about the team's future in goal.

5. Dylan Strome, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

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Where is he now?

Dylan Strome is back in junior hockey, playing for the Erie Otters of the OHL. In his first game back with the club, Strome potted a goal and added an assist.

            

What is his current status?

He was just sent down by the Arizona Coyotes, who employed him for seven games at the beginning of the year. Strome had one assist in those games and showed well at times, but consistency and strength were issues for him.

               

When will we see him in the NHL?

Strome is an outstanding prospect and has been one of the most dangerous junior scorers for two years running. We can expect him to have another massive OHL season and make the Coyotes out of camp next fall. Strome has an amazing future as an offensive forward, and that should begin next year.

4. Evgeny Dadonov, RW, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Where is he now?

Evgeny Dadonov is a quality offensive winger for SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL. He was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2007 and had some early success. Dadonov returned to Russia in 2012-13 and has been in the KHL since.

             

What is his current status?

He is one of the true impact players in the Russian league and has been a top-flight scorer since returning to Russia. He is once again among the top scorers in the KHL this year.

                 

When will we see him in the NHL?

There were rumors surrounding Dadonov last offseason, and we could see more of the same come the summer of 2017. An NHL team looking at the success of Radulov with the Canadiens this season will have to consider Dadonov as an option.

3. Kevin Fiala, LW, Milwuakee Admirals (AHL)

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Where is he now?

Kevin Fiala is in the AHL, posting solid numbers for the Milwaukee Admirals. He was also recently in the NHL with the Nashville Predators.

             

What is his current status?

Fiala is a substantial offensive prospect trying to break into the NHL. At 20 years old, he has had a cup of coffee in the NHL—16 games—and is now performing at a high level in the AHL.

               

When will we see him in the NHL?

The Predators have other options at the NHL level and can afford to be patient with Fiala. He scored 50 points last year in the AHL, and if he stays all winter, there is a chance he clears that total. He may get more NHL time during 2016-17, likely emerging as a regular next season.

2. Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad BK (SHL)

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Where is he now?

Joel Eriksson Ek is employed by Farjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League. He was productive in a brief stint earlier this season with the NHL's Minnesota Wild.

            

What is his current status?

He is back in Sweden and performing well during the early games in the SHL. He has two goals after two games with Farjestad.

              

When will we see him in the NHL?

Eriksson Ek's demotion was curious in that he was quite productive in most areas of the game. He posted five points in his first nine NHL games and was strong at even-strength scoring. One area that was lacking was even-strength possession, as shown by Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com—but that isn't something rookies normally do well. Minnesota has an outstanding prospect, and a smart bet would have him back in the NHL to stay next fall.

1. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)

Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press

Where is he now?

Ilya Kovalchuk is scoring at will for SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL this season. The legendary sniper is having a career year at 33 years old.

             

What is his current status?

He remains the biggest star in the Russian league and is on pace to deliver an historic offensive season for SKA.

            

When will we see him in the NHL?

Kovalchuk would ordinarily be considered too old to come over to the NHL, but his outstanding success in the KHL suggests little or no erosion since he played in North America.

He left the league under unusual circumstances, so there could be some league barriers for him to deal with upon return. There is no hockey reason to suggest Kovalchuk wouldn't flourish if he played in the NHL again.