Please see the attachments, the first of which is a ranking of each team’s prospect pool by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler. The second attachment is a ranking of the top 50 prospects by TSN’s Craig Button. With respect to the second attachment, I note the presence of both Rutger McGroarty (#39) & Brayden Yager (#47). Both 14th overall picks (McGroarty in 2022, Yager in 2023), they were traded for one another this past summer after McGroarty requested to be moved. Their subsequent performances have showcased their respective skill sets.
Also, I took note of Michigan State University’s Isaac Howard (#43) on this list. Howard excelled at the junior level with the USNTDP, which led to him becoming a Tampa Bay 1st rounder. Therefore, it was surprising to me when his production dropped quite a bit in his freshman year at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Clearly, he has found his footing since joining the Spartans last season. I would think he’ll be in the Hobey Baker Award discussion at the conclusion of this season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5919859/2025/01/08/nhl-prospects-rankings-2025