Prospects Update: Ekblad Tops Final Ranking for 2014 NHL Draft

CALGARY, AB — The final results are in, and Aaron Ekblad stands alone at the top of the 2014 NHL Draft class.

The 18-year-old Barrie Colts defenseman is the top-ranked draft eligible from the 2014 class, a position he’s held for the majority of the season.

Future Considerations’ final ranking deviates little from May.

The top four of Ekblad, Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice, Sam Bennett of the Kingston Frontenacs and William Nylander of MODO remain as the Future Considerations’ top-four.

Prince Albert Raiders center Leon Draisaitl did leapfrog Michael Dal Colle into the top-five, while both Haydn Fleury of the Red Deer Rebels and Jake Virtanen of the Calgary Hitmen inched ahead of Brendan Perlini of the Niagara IceDogs and into the top-10.

In the only other change, Peterborough Petes pivot Eric Cornel, 31st in Future Considerations’ May ranking, inched ahead of William Karlsson and into the final position amongst first round candidates.

1). D Aaron Ekblad, Barrie (OHL), 6-4, 215
2). C Sam Reinhart, Kootenay (WHL), 6-1, 185
3). C Sam Bennett, Kingston (OHL), 6-0, 180
4). RW William Nylander, MODO (SHL), 5-11, 170
5). C Leon Draisaitl, Prince Albert (WHL), 6-2, 210
6). C Michael Dal Colle, Oshawa (OHL), 6-2, 180
7). LW Nick Ritchie, Peterborough (OHL), 6-2, 230
8). LW Nikolaj Ehlers, Halifax (QMJHL), 5-11, 165
9). D Haydn Fleury, Red Deer (WHL), 6-3, 200
10). C Jake Virtanen, Calgary (WHL), 6-1, 210

TO VIEW FC’S FINAL TOP-30, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Looking to dig deeper with the 2014 NHL Draft around the corner?

Be sure to pick up FC’s 2014 NHL Draft Guide, which includes our final ranking of the top 210 draft eligible prospects. FC’s Guide also includes in-depth scouting reports on all 210 prospects and much, much more.

In all, the Guide includes:

·         2014 NHL Draft Summary
·         Top 210 Rankings
·         Top 60 Forwards, Top 30 Defensemen, Top 15 Goaltenders Ranking Breakdowns
·         1-30 Extended Draft Profiles
·         31-210 Full Prospect Profiles
·         Potential Hidden Gems
·         60 Pick Mock Draft
·         2015 First Round Ranking
·         2015 Top Prospect Profiles
·         A Glimpse at 2016

To order FC’s 2014 NHL Draft Guide, please click HERE.