Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column looking at Hockey’s Stars. Over the next few days we will be previewing the 2014 NHL Draft by ranking our top 30 prospects and honourable mentions. As always, you can check out the previous Top Shelf Prospects articles here.

With the Junior seasons not just in Canada but throughout the world gearing up for the stretch drive and a number of international tournaments (Ivan Hlinka, 4 Nations, Subway Super Series, World Juniors) in the books, we have gotten a decent overview of what some of the biggest prospects for the draft are doing this year. This is an up to date look and ranking of these prospects. That said, there is still plenty of work to be done and many important games to be played including junior league playoffs, the U18 European five nations, and of course the Under 18 World Championships. While the rankings still have some fluidity, a pecking order is also starting to define itself. For now, this is what we have, we hope you enjoy the early preview and be sure to be ready in late March as we roll out our full player-by-player draft preview.

You can view Part 1 (1-5) by clicking here.

6) William Nylander, C/RW, Modo Hockey, (5’10″ 170 lbs): The son of former NHLer Michael Nylander, who played for the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and New York Rangers, the young Nylander is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps. He has outstanding hands, and incredible stickhandling ability. He can pass the puck through the eye of a needle, making him an excellent playmaker. Nylander is a solid skater who has very good top end speed and excellent acceleration and change of pace ability. His shot features a quick release, and good accuracy, but needs to add some power. Nylander will need to work on his defensive game over the coming years. Nylander is playing against men this season and showing impressive numbers for a 17-year-old. While he has just three points in 14 games in the SHL (formerly Elitserien) he has been outstanding on a pair of loan stints to the Allvenskan, where he has scored 21 points in 29 games. These leagues are incredibly tough for young players, and this kind of production from a player his age is sure to turn heads.

7) Nick Ritchie, LW, Peterborough Petes, (6’2″ 215 lbs): The brother of Dallas Stars draft pick, and 2013 WJC Team Canada member Brett Ritchie, Nick is finding his own way as a power forward prospect winning gold with Team Canada at the 2013 IIHF Under 18 tournament, and again at this summer’s Ivan Hlinka tournament. Due to shoulder issues, he played in just 41 games last season, but managed to put up 35 points on an understaffed Peterborough team. He seems to have answered the questions about any lingering injury issues with 23 goals and 48 points in 42 games this season. A power forward prospect who finishes his checks, and plays a very straight line game, taking the puck right to the front of the net and not caring if he has to go through a defenceman to do it. He has a powerful skating stride, and excellent balance, but could stand to work on his speed as it is just average right now. He loves to stand in front of the net and has the quick, soft hands necessary to score on rebounds and deflections. Ritchie might have the best wrist shot in this draft class. It is tremendously powerful, and features a very good release. It can be in the back of the net before the goaltender even knows that he’s shot the puck.

8) Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer Rebels (6’3″ 204 lbs): A solid two-way defender with good size at 6’3″, and impressive skating. He has good edgework, and solid mobility. His long and smooth skating stride lets him generate good speed and he is able to cover a lot of ice in just a few strides.. He is a sold defensive defender, with long reach, and the ability to cut down passing lanes. During his rookie season he seemed to get stronger and better in board battles as the year went on. This has continued this year, and Fleury is now tasked with playing key minutes and in almost all key situations for the Rebels. His ability to read the play, his positioning, and overall defensive fundamentals have taken a huge step forward this year, and he’s becoming a shut-down defender. Offensively he also has decent puck handling skill and good vision and passing ability. While not having a huge point shot, it isn’t bad, and he understands how to get it through the shooting lanes without being blocked, and to keep it low and on net to create tip-in and rebound opportunities for teammates. With 33 points in 45 games this year, he’s showing offensive production that wasn’t there last year, and given his skills, its really not a huge surprise.

9) Jake Virtanen, LW, Calgary Hitmen, (6’1″ 192 lbs): A power forward prospect who never hesitates to get involved physically. Loves to hit, and be involved in battles along the boards. Takes the puck to the net at every opportuntiy. Has the creative stickhandling and good agility to beat a defender with slick creative moves, but is also willing to go right through them. A very good skater, with impressive speed on the wing, Virtanen has the ability to take a defender wide before cutting back to the net. Last season he was really impressive at the World Under 17 Challenge where he scored 5 goals in 5 games for Team Pacific. Also won a gold medal at the Hlinka with Canada last summer. The first overall pick in the 2011 WHL Draft. A pure goal scorer who can score in tight, but also has an excellent shot with great accuracy and a tremendously quick release that fools goaltenders. Virtanen has taken his game to another level of late, and has shown flashes of true dominance in the WHL. He has 28 goals and 45 points in 45 games so far this season for the Hitmen. He’s the total package, and the combination of size, skill, and speed is extremely intriguing.

10) Brendan Perlini, LW, Niagara Ice Dogs (6’3″, 195 lbs): Another one of our huge risers, Perlini has gone from a rank of 19 in November. He just keeps on getting better and better, and the big jump in production from his rookie season just isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He exploded onto the scene this year with 28 goals and 61 points in 46 games. Perlini has excellent height but could stand to put on muscle and play a more physical game. However he is a very good skater, with excellent speed and acceleration, which he couples with very good agility, and strong balance to be deadly off the rush. Possesses very good hockey sense, good creativity and excellent vision to be a dynamic playmaker with the puck on his stick. Has good stickhandling, and a much improved shot and release. Perlini has really shown great improvement from last season to this. The change in his game extends to all three zones as he is also showing off good defensive instincts. Quite simply, he’s been sensational this season, after a very mediocre year last year and has now cracked our top 10. The sky is the limit for Perlini.

You can view Part 1 (1-5) by clicking here.

You can view Part 2 (6-10) by clicking here.

You can view Part 3 (11-15) by clicking here.

You can view Part 4 (16-20) by clicking here.

You can view Part 5 (21-25) by clicking here.

You can view Part 6 (26-30) by clicking here.

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