Rutger McGroarty (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/081dd6c2-d222-4f59-99f5-9b59575b6f33.jpeg] Rutger McGroarty (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images) It’s not easy making the NHL. Nor should it be. Some make it as teenagers, but many prospects take three, four or even five years to break through to the NHL. The Hockey News' Future Watch issue [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683994] features the top 100 team-affiliated prospects in the game every year. We asked a scout, director of player personnel or GM from each NHL team to provide their input on the top prospects in the game, using a five-to-10-year measuring stick. So, while it’s not surprising that the sure-fire prospects at the top of the list get there quicker, a lower-ranked prospect gets every bit equal opportunity. Jakob Pelletier [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/jakob-pelletier-is-embracing-change-and-a-fresh-start-with-the-flyers], Seamus Casey [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/it-was-a-really-positive-conversation-1-on-1-with-new-jersey-devils-prospect-seamus-casey] and Alex Turcotte [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/kings-two-future-centers-heading-in-opposite-directions] were all ranked in the 90s last year yet have made NHL contributions this season. Who are the panel's favorite prospects in Future Watch? We start this project in mid-January after NHL teams have had post-WJC scouting meetings. At that point, we draw a line in the sand about who’s a prospect and who’s an NHLer. In some cases, those scenarios change. That’s why names such as Denton Mateychuk, Lian Bichsel, Liam Ohgren [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/latest-news/wild-reassign-forward-liam-ohgren-to-iowa], Fedor Svechkov, Emil Andrae [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/emil-andrae-seizing-opportunity-to-prove-his-place-with-flyers] and Josh Doan are listed as prospects even though they’ve broken through as NHLers in the past month or two. Other players, such as Isaiah George and Owen Pickering, looked to be established NHLers before surprisingly being demoted mid-project. That’s why they’re not listed among the top 100 prospects. - Brian Costello, editor Let's begin with with the players ranked from 76th to 100th. Keep coming back to TheHockeyNews.com this week for more players on the list, or check out the entire top 100 prospects now with write-ups on each player by being subscribed to The Hockey News [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683994/935208?t=2025%20TOP%20100%20PROSPECTS]. 76. Rutger McGroarty, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) As a star player in the NCAA [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa] and a key performer for the U.S. at the 2024 WJC who was involved in a somewhat splashy trade before even turning pro, McGroarty has a higher profile than most prospects. Still, Pittsburgh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] is slow-rolling his development, and he’s been working on details in the AHL. The Penguins love his tools, hockey sense and character, and his scoring has picked up. Skating is not a strength. The big question is his ceiling. Does he end up a top-six forward or fringe guy? - Jonathan Bombulie Future Watch: The NHL's Top Rising And Falling Prospects In 2025 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/43a2a21a-cf5a-48cc-89ef-9575fbfeebbb.jpeg] Future Watch: The NHL's Top Rising And Falling Prospects In 2025 The anticipated Future Watch issue is when The Hockey News looks at the future of the game, including the top 100 prospects in hockey. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/future-watch-the-nhls-top-rising-and-falling-prospects-in-2025] 77. Brendan Brisson, C, New York Rangers Hartford (AHL) 78. Brad Lambert, C, Winnipeg Jets Manitoba (AHL) 79. Emil Hemming, RW, Dallas Stars Barrie (OHL) 80. Nikita Chibrikov, RW, Winnipeg Jets Manitoba (AHL) 81. Colby Barlow, LW, Winnipeg Jets Oshawa (OHL) Barlow’s pure goal-scoring ability, which starts with a heavy and accurate shot, leaps off the page. He’s backed it up with consecutive 40-goal seasons in the OHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl], too, and the transferability of his offensive instincts was evident in his three-point cameo with the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl]’s Moose last season. The Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] like Barlow’s competitiveness and leadership qualities, which “pulls players into the fight,” said Roy. And the Jets were also encouraged by his work to improve his skating and conditioning. - Jared Clinton 82. Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Colorado Avalanche Omsk (KHL) 83. Linus Eriksson, C, Florida Panthers Timra (Swe.) 84. Stian Solberg, D, Anaheim Ducks Farjestad (Swe.) 85. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning Drummondville (QMJHL) 86. Luca Del Bel Belluz, C, Columbus Blue Jackets Cleveland (AHL) 87. Ilya Nabokov, G, Colorado Avalanche Magnitogorsk (KHL) 88. Filip Bystedt, C, San Jose Sharks San Jose (AHL) 89. Sam O'Reilly, RW, Edmonton Oilers London (OHL) O’Reilly generated buzz heading into the draft after showcasing his mature two-way game during London’s OHL title run. When O’Reilly was still there at the end of Round 1, head scout Rick Pracey convinced Oilers brass to acquire pick No. 32 to snag the right-shot pivot. The former D-man draws rave reviews for his play away from the puck and hockey sense, and Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] assistant GM Keith Gretzky said he can complement the team’s strong core of centers: “He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done.” - Carol Schram 90. Egor Zavragin, G, Philadelphia Flyers St. Petersburg (KHL) 91. Anton Wahlberg, C, Buffalo Sabres Rochester (AHL) 92. Emil Pieniniemi, D, Pittsburgh Penguins Kingston (OHL) 93. Gavin Brindley, C, Columbus Blue Jackets Cleveland (AHL) 94. Jani Nyman, LW, Seattle Kraken Coachella Valley (AHL) 95. Seamus Casey, D, New Jersey Devils Utica (AHL) If things work out, Casey could be the second coming of Brian Rafalski. When the Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] had injuries to Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes, Casey found himself on the opening-night roster and showed exceptionally well. After putting up outstanding numbers at the University of Michigan, he’s now learning to play a more complete game, though defending will always be challenging at his size. An injury that led to surgery on his hand was a minor setback, but he’s logging huge minutes in Utica when he’s healthy. - Ken Campbell 96. Mikhail Yegorov, G, New Jersey Devils Boston University (HE) 97. Adam Kleber, D, Buffalo Sabres Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC) 98. Marcus Gidlof, G, New York Islanders Leksand (Swe.) 99. Oscar Fisker Molgaard, C, Seattle Kraken HV71 (Swe.) 100. Andrew Cristall, LW, Washington Capitals Spokane (WHL) Cristall got a long look in training camp and tied for the lead in pre-season scoring for the Caps [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals]. And he’s kept it up back in the WHL [https://thehockeynews.com/whl] as he clinched the league’s scoring title with 132 points. Cristall was dealt from Kelowna to Spokane in January, and he’s fit in seamlessly with Kraken pick Berkly Catton. Cristall brings skill, vision and an ability to find soft spots in the O-zone. An undersized winger, he has made a concerted effort to add strength. Mahoney says that’s helped his skating – an area he could still improve. - Ben Raby -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683994/935120?t=BURNING%20FLAME] appeared in our 2025 Future Watch issue. Our cover story focuses on Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke, who is tearing it up with the OHL's Oshawa Generals this season. We also include features on other exceptional NHL prospects, including: Zayne Parekh, Porter Martone, Gavin McKenna and more. In addition, we look at the top-10 prospects in the pipeline for each of the 32 NHL clubs. You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?variant=41284791828614] today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.
