Darkhorse Prospect

Just to go along with the Ivan Khomutov thread. Who do you all think is the Devils most underated or potential darkhorse prospect? Likely candidates include Khomutov, Jason Smith, and maybe even a Nathan Perkovich.....Right now, my vote goes to Jason Smith....

Tough for me to tell for anyone outside of the Rats, but, here's my list:

(I already nominated Khomutov, so here are some others).

I wouldn't call him underrated or overrated, but I think Aaron Voros has tremendous potential should he add some bulk to his frame. He has a great shot, can stickhandle, is an extremely gritty player, is somewhat creative, and usually has the right ideas as what to do with the puck. But his lighter and weaker body is a real hinderence. He needs to be up at 215, not 190ish. I really think if he puts in the work, he could develop into a really skilled power forward. So, potential-wise, I think Voros is a little underrated.

I would also nominate David Clarkson. He's a 21-year old rookie who was branded as a fighter, but is somehow on pace for about 45 points (the same point total Suglobov had in 04-05). He can really fight, almost as well as Janssen, and can pretty much hit on par with Janssen. I would really like to see him alongside Cam on NJ's fourth line in coming years.

Ehh, let's see...I dunno, earlier this season, i would have said Pikkareinen, but he has cooled off as of late. Teemu Kesa is another possibility. I have always liked his game, and he can hit like a truck (especially impressive for his size). Ryan Murphy might be a bit too old to be considered a prospect...Yeah, guess that rounds it out.

On another board I used to post on, there was a guy who apparantly was a goaltender on Sacred Heart's JV team. From time to time, he'd tell me how good Jason Smith was in practice and how well prepared he had gotten (I lost contact with him and said board, so I don't know what he thinks now-sorry). It's good to see that he's performing very well right now; I like to think in a few years he'll have a great shot at being a golatender in the NHL to some degree.

Tyler Eckford is also a sleeper pick. Very good 1st NCAA year after 2 strong BCHL seasons.

Tyler Eckford is also a sleeper pick. Very good 1st NCAA year after 2 strong BCHL seasons.
That's who I was going to say. He's big and has skills, plus this is only his second year playing defenseman, he was a forward previously.