We have reached the midpoint of the NHL season when teams convene for their midterm scouting meetings. Our team has convened, as well — and by “our team,” I mean me — to evaluate on the change in prospects’ stock for both drafted and draft-eligible players.



We start with a look at the top 50 drafted skaters, as well as a few of the top goalies. The midseason draft-eligible list will follow in a few weeks.



I have seen almost all of these players live, and a significant majority of them I have seen live this season. I also talk to a lot of scouts, watch these players on video, and research their numbers and backgrounds.



My preference is for highly skilled players with upside. I look for prospects with speed, skill and intelligence. I prefer forwards to defensemen, and centers to wingers. My ranking philosophy is the No. 1 goal of draft and development is to find stars, and even a minor chance of becoming a star has significant...