The NHL is clearly full of many qualified and talented athletes. However, before a player makes it to the NHL level, they must prove themselves.
Elite talents like Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and Alex Ovechkin all proved themselves on one of these levels before shining in the NHL.
The journey to the NHL is a long one but all of the prospects in this slideshow are near the end of that journey and are about to begin a new one.
This list will take a look at each team’s top prospect not including their 2011 NHL Draft pick.
Ottawa Senators: David Rundblad
David Rundblad is an offensive minded defenseman with very good size and puck skills.
He has great on ice vision and likes to move the puck into the offensive zone with smooth stick work and finesse.
Rundblad handles the puck with ease and is very confident in his ability and positioning. He is a great passer who finds his teammates with ease and he loves to throw his body around.
Rundblad could become a solid two way defender if he can develop his talents in his own end. This would only benefit Rundblad who already fills the niche of power play quarterback.
Washington Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov
The Washington Capitals have become the Detroit Red Wings of this era as they continue to stockpile quality European players.
The Caps already have Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin,Nicklas Backstrom, and countless others in the brigade.
Kuznetsov is a 6″0″ center and was an integral part during Russia’s comeback in the Gold Medal game of the WJHC.
Skills wise, Kuznetsov is a speedy skater who will be skating alongside Ovechkin and company very soon.