Today’s column is my midseason evaluation of the best prospects outside the NHL – players who are either signed to an NHL contract or whose rights are held on a club’s reserve list. This list is meant to show the players I think are the upper echelon of talent. The list is based on my viewings of the players and consultations with NHL scouts, although the end list is ultimately my own opinion.



Criteria for being a prospect is less than 25 games played in a season, combining the regular season and playoffs, or less than 50 career NHL games. Any players in the NHL as of Saturday, Jan. 11 were considered graduates, as well.



I will provide tool grades for players on the 20-80 scale. In this scale, 50 projects as pro average, 55 as above-average, 60 top third, 70 as elite and 80 as among the very best; 45 is below-average and 40 is fringe pro quality. I only grade the shot if it is notably good.



The tiers breakdown as follows:



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