Sure, it's still summertime, but the next draft class is so enticing that we had to make an initial strike. Get ready for a season-long race at the top between several worthy candidates and a goaltender who might do something that hasn't been accomplished in 15 years.

Yes, it’s still summer, but it feels like a good time to dip into some initial draft rankings for 2020. After all, we’ve already got the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament in the books, with Russia upsetting Canada in the final, plus the World Junior Summer Showcase – which also featured some of the most high-end players available this year.

Since the actual season hasn’t even begun yet, take this first crack at the 2020 draft class as a guidepost. A lot will change over the course of the season and given how many great high-end players are available this year, don’t be surprised if there is a lot of change in the top-five along the way.

Right now, 2020 is a bit of a unique year in that top-end centers are in short supply, but there is a ton of talent on the wings. We may also see a goaltender go in the top 10, something which hasn’t happened since Carey Price went fifth overall back in 2005. And after the best U.S. NTDP class ever, it looks like ‘The Program’ may take a step back. But it’s early – maybe all this changes by the time everyone gets to Montreal for the actual picks in June. Still, it’s fun to think about what may be, so let’s get to it.

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