This year, my NHL draft rankings were published in three instalments at The Athletic. My preliminary top-62 ranking was released at the end of October. My midseason top-62 list dropped in late February. Today, after, in some cases, three years watching these players, I release my final top-100.



It’s worth noting off the top that while I consult other scouts and coaches for their opinions on many of these players, the rankings are indicative of my own evaluations of each of the players listed, and several dozen who aren’t.



Earlier, I outlined my scouting guide. That philosophy influences not only how I evaluate prospects but also how I hope to present and describe them.



The final ranking is made up of 69 forwards, 30 defencemen (seven of whom make up the top 15), and one goalie. Canada is the country most represented, with 35 prospects — though none in the top six. There were also 20 Americans, 16 Swedes, 11 Russians,...