***New Devils Top 20 Article***

Hey guys,

The Devils New Top 20 Article is up on the main page

http://hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=8979&mode=threaded&order=0

Not much top end talent, but with the '06 draft crop and 3 college free agents the Devils added to the system, things are little more stable in terms of overall depth.

By the end of this season, I think we will start to see some seperation in the middle of pack as there are many players that have really good potential, but whether they can take that next step is still somewhat up in the air.

I was, and still am really enjoying watching the voting for the Devils Top 20 on the message board, just to see some other vantage points

Please post thoughts, comments, etc. on this thread:)

Enjoy!

Jared

Nice job.

Would have like to seen Clarkson make the list though.

Nice job.

Would have like to seen Clarkson make the list though.

It was a close call between him and Gionta for the last spot. Clarkson is a little bit more a sure thing, but I thought Gionta had just a touch more overall upside.

It was a close call between him and Gionta for the last spot. Clarkson is a little bit more a sure thing, but I thought Gionta had just a touch more overall upside.

You didn't feel Voros has fallen off, in terms of top 20?

Good read. It's interesting to see how your list differs from ours. It's very interesting to see that other than Davis, the top tens contain the same players (in different orders)

You didn't feel Voros has fallen off, in terms of top 20?

Voros's main problem was with Ftorek, now that he's gone watch him flourish. The guy was loved by both his college and junior coaches, and it's no secret Ftorek has had many problems with players in almost every place he's been over the years.

The guy had significantly diminished ice time which didn't show compared to the number of games he played. He was not allowed to play his all around game and had no confidence. Yet, it's funny how NJ wouldn't trade him at the deadline when three other teams came knocking....

Taking the league minumum on a two way deal when offered more shows he just want's to be given a chance to play.

I would count on him making a significant impact this year if for anything because he's an unrestricted free agent next year, and there are many teams out there who would gladly take him.

You didn't feel Voros has fallen off, in terms of top 20?

The big reason he slipped is because of the guys the Devils added through the draft and free agency. I do somewhat question Voros' long term upside, but I think given the opportunity, he may be able to forge out an NHL career. There are just guys like Zharkov and Davis for example, with more game breaking talent and long term upside that I thought should be rated ahead of him at this point. Pihlman's fall was mostly due to his own doing. Voros' was due to the influx of incoming talent.

Good read. It's interesting to see how your list differs from ours. It's very interesting to see that other than Davis, the top tens contain the same players (in different orders)

It is very similar at the top. I think as you work your way down the list with this poll, there is going to be a lot of differing opinion because a lot of the prospects left that aren't on currently on the list on the message board poll don't have much difference between them, hence all the 6.0 C ratings I used this time around.

Just an outsider venturing around the boards, but I really like Tallackson...a kind of young player the Bruins sure could use. I really hope he makes the Devils out of camp, however if he doesn't he would probably one of the first injury call-ups correct?

Big, physical with good offensive upside...man, haven't seen any of those in the Bruins for awhile :(

I think that last year was really the low point for the organization as far as prospects. Aside from the just drafted Bergfors and Zajac, who needed (and maybe still need) their respective seasoning, and of course Parise, there was NO ONE who could be even considered as a top or maybe even decent prospect. I feel that this has changed. Lou and Conte did a fabulous job or scouring the FA's and came up with some guys like Oduya, Greene, J.Parise, etc. who have potential. With the way this cpa system is in place, it was imperative that our farm system be improved and it really looks like Lou and Conte addressed the depth issue and it looks like there are some guys to be genuinely excited about. Not all of them will turn out, but like the saying goes, "You can't make chicken soup out of chicken ****!"

I still have a problem rating guys that have not made the transition yet from college, europe, junior etc. Everyone was calling Vrana the next Parise last year and look at how much difficulty he had this year with the speed and size of just the AHL let alone the NHL.

From a power forward standpoint the organization is extremely thin...to put Tallackson, Ryznar and even Khomutov ahead? The only reason why Tallakson and Ryznar got called up to NJ this year was because they were in better stead with Ftorek, not better players...and as far as Tallakson goes, the guy is softer than a baby's but. I've never seen a big guy play with so little intensity.

Voros actually had more goals with 16 to Tallackson's 14. And Tallackson with 62pm's to Voros's 180?

I think this will really be a telling year for both players, but I would pick Voros to make the Devils out of camp over Tallackson anyday.

Just an outsider venturing around the boards, but I really like Tallackson...a kind of young player the Bruins sure could use. I really hope he makes the Devils out of camp, however if he doesn't he would probably one of the first injury call-ups correct?

Big, physical with good offensive upside...man, haven't seen any of those in the Bruins for awhile :(

I think he's defintely a good candidate to make the team out of camp, and if he doesn't, he should be the first in line for a call up with Jason Ryznar right behind. Tallackson had a real good first pro season and if he can keep his motor reving on high at all times, it wil be tough to slow him down.

I think that last year was really the low point for the organization as far as prospects. Aside from the just drafted Bergfors and Zajac, who needed (and maybe still need) their respective seasoning, and of course Parise, there was NO ONE who could be even considered as a top or maybe even decent prospect. I feel that this has changed. Lou and Conte did a fabulous job or scouring the FA's and came up with some guys like Oduya, Greene, J.Parise, etc. who have potential. With the way this cpa system is in place, it was imperative that our farm system be improved and it really looks like Lou and Conte addressed the depth issue and it looks like there are some guys to be genuinely excited about. Not all of them will turn out, but like the saying goes, "You can't make chicken soup out of chicken ****!"

Good points on all fronts. There still isin't a lot of front line talents in the system after Bergfors and Zajac, but there is defintely more room for optimisim after the draft and free agent additions. There is much better depth in the system as a whole now. The Devils have a lot of somewhat unproven and raw talent type prospects with big upsides, and your right, not all of them will likely pan out. But odds are they'll be able to turn a few of these boom/bust type guys into home runs.

I still have a problem rating guys that have not made the transition yet from college, europe, junior etc. Everyone was calling Vrana the next Parise last year and look at how much difficulty he had this year with the speed and size of just the AHL let alone the NHL.

From a power forward standpoint the organization is extremely thin...to put Tallackson, Ryznar and even Khomutov ahead? The only reason why Tallakson and Ryznar got called up to NJ this year was because they were in better stead with Ftorek, not better players...and as far as Tallakson goes, the guy is softer than a baby's but. I've never seen a big guy play with so little intensity.

Voros actually had more goals with 16 to Tallackson's 14. And Tallackson with 62pm's to Voros's 180?

I think this will really be a telling year for both players, but I would pick Voros to make the Devils out of camp over Tallackson anyday.

Interesting viewpoint there. If there would be a darkhorse to make the team this fall, Voros would have to be considered a prime candidate. Voros doesn't have the overall upside and potential of Tallackson, but he may be safer bet to reach the NHL and contribute. From all reports, Tallackson showed a little more consistency and a little more fire than in his previous seasons in college, but I'm not shocked that there are still some doubters out there. As I said in an earlier post, he has to keep up the intensity or he may fall back into his old habits that made him a frustrating prospect to track.

I think he's defintely a good candidate to make the team out of camp, and if he doesn't, he should be the first in line for a call up with Jason Ryznar right behind. Tallackson had a real good first pro season and if he can keep his motor reving on high at all times, it wil be tough to slow him down.

Yeah, I mean I realize Tallackson is 23...but the fact its his first pro season (besides 4 games in 04-05) and he got 14 goals and 37 points in 60 games is pretty impressive. Everyone talked about how good Bergfors did his first season in teh AHL but no one about Tallackson...but I assume thats because he is 23.

Yeah, I mean I realize Tallackson is 23...but the fact its his first pro season (besides 4 games in 04-05) and he got 14 goals and 37 points in 60 games is pretty impressive. Everyone talked about how good Bergfors did his first season in teh AHL but no one about Tallackson...but I assume thats because he is 23.
I think it's that, and the fact that Albany was terrible. 37 points is great for Albany but terrible for most other teams.

I have to say I'm surprised Clarkson wasn't ranked, had he not been injured at the end of the season I think he could have led the team in scoring. Of course I'm just looking at stats and haven't seen many of these guys play, but he seemed to thrive in his first pro season. He scored at the same pace as Bergfors and Tallackson, led the team in PIM, and was only a -3.

It's a good list...
IMO, it's really tight between 3rd and 24th (with the missing the cut guys). All can be NHLers or bust.
I agree with Jared, we'll see in a few months several rise or fall...

Here is my beef with the list. Jason Smith should be way ahead of Parise. Smith is much younger and IMO had a more impressive season with Sacred Heart, a not so good team. Smith has size and speed in the net and has the ability to steal games. Parise was a product of a great North Dakota system, every goaltender that played there the past few years has had great stats.

There is no way Vasyunov, Greene or Tallackson should be ahead of Vrana. Like I said before, offense is one thing, an allround game and no glareing weaknesses is another. Vrana also has great leadership skills. Tallackson is a lazy big man who doesn't use his body, Greene was a UFA signing and Vasyunov only has one strong point to his game and that is scoreing.

Mark Fraser will be the best defensmen by far out of the ones on the list. As seen by his 4 game stint in the AHL he is a pro style defensmen. He is big mobile, mean and physical. I actually think he would have a little more potential then Colin White.

Alexander Sundstrom has to make the top 20, he is fast, strong on the puck and has an excellent release on his shot. He will be on the Swedish WJC this year and expect him to make an impact on the scoresheet in more then one way.

I would just like to say thanks again for the great work Jared.

And your openess to comments and questions is fantastic!

It's a good list...
IMO, it's really tight between 3rd and 24th (with the missing the cut guys). All can be NHLers or bust.
I agree with Jared, we'll see in a few months several rise or fall...

That is Really a great comment....I see the range a little closer like 4 through 20 but nontheless it appears that all these prospects are "mid-range" that can go either way. This should be a very telling year for many. I think this year is a transition year for most of these of prospects on the list and as early as mid season this year our prospect list could change pretty drastically.

hey guys...ive been reading hfboards for a while and i finally decided to register.

anyway...good article jared.

based on pure potential, i wouldve liked to have seen eckford high and romano on the list...but they still have alot to prove.

looking forward to discussing stuff with you guys

hey guys...ive been reading hfboards for a while and i finally decided to register.

anyway...good article jared.

based on pure potential, i wouldve liked to have seen eckford high and romano on the list...but they still have alot to prove.

looking forward to discussing stuff with you guys

Welcome aboard :)

It's a good list...
IMO, it's really tight between 3rd and 24th (with the missing the cut guys). All can be NHLers or bust.
I agree with Jared, we'll see in a few months several rise or fall...

This will be an especially fun year to track the prospects and see which ones will make the big strides and see who will rise and who will fall....

Here is my beef with the list. Jason Smith should be way ahead of Parise. Smith is much younger and IMO had a more impressive season with Sacred Heart, a not so good team. Smith has size and speed in the net and has the ability to steal games. Parise was a product of a great North Dakota system, every goaltender that played there the past few years has had great stats.

There is no way Vasyunov, Greene or Tallackson should be ahead of Vrana. Like I said before, offense is one thing, an allround game and no glareing weaknesses is another. Vrana also has great leadership skills. Tallackson is a lazy big man who doesn't use his body, Greene was a UFA signing and Vasyunov only has one strong point to his game and that is scoreing.

Mark Fraser will be the best defensmen by far out of the ones on the list. As seen by his 4 game stint in the AHL he is a pro style defensmen. He is big mobile, mean and physical. I actually think he would have a little more potential then Colin White.

Alexander Sundstrom has to make the top 20, he is fast, strong on the puck and has an excellent release on his shot. He will be on the Swedish WJC this year and expect him to make an impact on the scoresheet in more then one way.

Whoa there....lol....

There isin't a very large gap between Smith and Parise, as evidenced by their 6.0 C ratings. Your points are all good and valid arguments. Smith plays in a weaker conference, and while he did have a great season, it would be easier to grade Smith if he were playing on a team like North Dakota. I'm sure Parise's numbers were aided by the team playing in front of him, but you don't put up the kind of numbers he did without having some talent.

Remember Jason, the big thing about ranking prospects here at HF is upside. Vrana has plenty of it, but you can't deny the upside that a guy like Vasyunov posseses. The same is true with Tallackson, just maybe not to the same extent as Vasyunov. And just because Greene was a UFA signing doesn't discount his value as a prospect. There have been plent of UFA signings that have turned into decent NHL'ers (ala John Madden).

Mark Fraser will be a good steady stay at home defenseman, but remember Jason, it's all about upside. Corrente and Greene have much more upside at this point.

Sundstrom didn't miss the list by much. And it wouldn't shock me at all if he cracked the Top 20 next time around. BTW, I just read a note on McKeens that said he is currently unable to particpate in Sweden's U20 camp because of a hip injury.

That is Really a great comment....I see the range a little closer like 4 through 20 but nontheless it appears that all these prospects are "mid-range" that can go either way. This should be a very telling year for many. I think this year is a transition year for most of these of prospects on the list and as early as mid season this year our prospect list could change pretty drastically.

Much like this list experienced a lot of change, there will be much more change by mid season and probably even more by the end of the year as well.

And thanks to all for the postive feedback on here. It is really fun to interact with you guys and get opinions from all on the Devils prospects, especially with much to debate about this time around.

hey guys...ive been reading hfboards for a while and i finally decided to register.

anyway...good article jared.

based on pure potential, i wouldve liked to have seen eckford high and romano on the list...but they still have alot to prove.

looking forward to discussing stuff with you guys

Welcome to HF:)

Eckford I think could be a player that really rockets up the list next time around. He's just starting to put his raw tools together and he could put up some really good numbers in his sophmore year. Romano does have great potential, but as you said, he does have alot to prove. If he can make a smooth adjustment to the NCAA, he should move up the list in no time.

Jared, what can you tell me about Patrick Davis? I noticed he is fairly high up on your list.

Jared, what can you tell me about Patrick Davis? I noticed he is fairly high up on your list.

When the Devils drafted him, he was considered somewhat of an underachiever. He had the talent, but it just didn't show up on a nightly basis. Another big issue with him back then was playing too much of a perimter game. But, he really turned things around this season though, and that trade really seemed to light a fire under him.

He's alot like Barry Tallackson in terms of the size/skill package. And also like Tallackson, he just needs to keep his engine reving on high to continue to improve. He's got great offensive tools, and when he drives to the net, he's hard to stop. It might be a bit of an adjustment early on for Davis in the AHL, but he's got the potential to be a goal scorer.