CALGARY, AB — The 2013-14 hockey season is just a few weeks old, but it doesn’t take long to see draft eligibles emerge to the top of the 2014 NHL Draft class.
And as the season changes from summer to fall, so to does Future Considerations’ draft rankings. A summer of hard work coupled by — in some cases — strong performances at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial have helped some of the draft’s elite talent rise to the top.
Still, Future Considerations’ best talent remains at the top.
Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice, who topped FC’s preliminary ranking in July, remains the draft’s top prospect. He continues to be chased by Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad and Rogle pivot William Nylander.
Leon Draisaitl follows, thrusting himself into top-5 consideration after a strong start with the Prince Albert Raiders. The same can be said of Sam Bennett, who has been the best among a trio of highly touted draft eligibles from the Kingston Frontenacs.
Whether or not these five can maintain their pace remains to be seen. There are certainly hungry prospects hoping to chase them down, including Michael Dal Colle of the Oshawa Generals and Peterborough Petes winger Nick Ritchie. The pair sit sixth and seventh respectively.
Rounding out the top 10 are Frolunda’s Anton Karlsson, Jake Virtanen of the Calgary Hitmen and Red Deer Rebels defenseman Haydn Fleury.
Here’s a look at Future Considerations’ October ranking for the 2014 NHL Draft.
Rank / Pos. / Name / Team / League / Ht / Wt /
1). C Sam Reinhart, Kootenay (WHL), 6-1, 185
2). D Aaron Ekblad, Barrie (OHL), 6-4, 215
3). C William Nylander, Rogle (Allsvenskan), 5-11, 170
4). C Leon Draisaitl, Prince Albert (WHL), 6-2, 210
5). LW Sam Bennett, Kingston (OHL), 6-0, 180
6). C Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa (OHL), 6-2, 180
7). LW Nick Ritchie, Peterborough (OHL), 6-2, 230
8). RW Anton Karlsson, Frolunda J20 (SuperElit), 6-1, 190
9). C Jake Virtanen, Calgary (WHL), 6-1, 210
10). D Haydn Fleury, Red Deer (WHL), 6-3, 200
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