By Russ Cohen
The first on the list is Vegas Golden Knights prospect, Brendan Brisson. I’ve watched him transform his game since his Chicago Steel days. He can play center or wing. He’s a top-six player in my estimation and he’s already averaging half a point per game after his first 12 games. Brisson has a fluid wrist shot. He’s a terrific skater and Vegas needs to hold on to some of their young talent. He has to be off the table now and in the future.
Next on the list is New York Rangers winger, Gabe Perreault. This right wing is the jewel of the organization. I needed to see more growth and in a year, I’ve seen it. I saw how much stronger he was on the puck in World Junior camp and his wrist shot has a ton of bite. We will always say his skating can improve but it will get there. He’s having a transformative season at Boston College. 50 points after 30 games is fantastic and he’s been terrific in 5-on-5 play. He has to be untouchable and who knows whether he comes out at the end of this season to join the Rangers. It’s unlikely because he’s younger than Chris Kreider when he did it but you never know.
Last on the list is Rutger McGroarty. Besides being a genuinely nice guy off the ice. I caught up with him at one point this season where he felt he wasn’t scoring enough. Now he has 14 goals and 45 points in 29 games for Michigan. He’s going to set career highs. This winger is at home in the offensive zone as a scorer or a playmaker. The fact that he’s only taken three minors is incredible since he will use his body. Maybe Winnipeg signs him when the season ends and places him in some NHL games like Matthew Knies did with the Leafs? He will be 20 at the end of the month. It will be interesting to see if he turns pro.
