Dobber Prospects is proud to present our first experts consensus fantasy ranking for the NHL Entry Draft.

Many Fantasy Hockey leagues try to emulate the NHL as closely as possible with full keeper formats, and a prospect roster as well. There are several media outlets that provide their rankings for players entering the NHL Draft, and plenty of mock drafts as well. However, as the seasoned fantasy GM knows, these lists don’t always translate accurately to fantasy hockey. I have found it extremely difficult to find a fantasy dedicated ranking which I can use to create a draft list for fantasy drafts.

We have polled a total of 15 expert writers and scouts to help create our experts consensus rankings. We invited the following writers to contribute;

Scott Wheeler (@scottwheeler) – Future Considerations / Pension Plan Puppets

Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) – Draft Analyst

Ryan Wagman (@RAWagman) – Hockey Prospectus / ESPN

Taylor Rocca (@taylorrocca) Kootenay Ice Block / Cranbrook Townsman

Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) OHL Prospects

Brian Fogarty (@Hockey_Prophets) Hockey Prophets

Anthony Mauro (@amdraftbuzz) Draft Buzz Hockey

Dylan Franson (@ISSFranson) International Scouting Service

Robert Nasso Todays Slapshot

Paul Zwambag (@zwambag) Associate Editor Dobber Prospects

Brad Phillips (@BHPScouting) Dallas/Ottawa Scout/Writer Dobber Prospects

Keith Duggan (@KDuggan92) Arizona Scout/Writer Dobber Prospects

Cam Robinson (@CrazyJoeDavola3) San Jose Scout/Writer Dobber Prospects

Phil Kamhi (@NHLRule75) Los Angeles Scout/Writer Dobber Prospects

Joel Henderson (@dathockeydoe) Calgary Scout/Writer Dobber Prospects

Peter Harling (@pharling) Managing Editor Dobber Prospects, McKeens Hockey writer.

The following criteria was considered to compile the following ranking;

• Based on Points only, keeper leagues
• Projected upside
• How quickly they will develop into an NHL player and onto your roster
• Probability of success, both in reaching the NHL and achieving full potential

 

1. Auston Matthews (USA), Centre – ZSC Lions

Comparable: Evgeni Malkin

Dominant performance at WJC and continues to burn it up playing pro in Switzerland; consensus No. 1 and with good reason. Easily the top fantasy hockey prospect heading into 2016 NHL Entry Draft. –

Taylor Rocca, Kootenay Ice Block

2. Patrick Laine( FIN), RW – Tampere Tappara

Comparable: Alex Ovechkin

The best pure goal scorer available in an entry draft in over a decade who shoots off the pass with near-perfect accuracy. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analyst

3. Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN), LW –Karpat Oulu

Comparable: Mats Sundin

Puljujarvi is a 50-50 bet to play in the NHL next year. He has the physical stature to handle the league immediately after draft, though his soon to be NHL management may want him to become more dominant offensively before crossing. When he does come over, he will headline as a facilitator picking up assists: 15-20A estimated if he steps in next year, 25-30A estimated if he arrives in 2017-2018. – Anthony Mauro, Draft Buzz

 

4. Matthew Tkachuk (USA), LW – London Knights

Comparable: Jamie Benn

My fifth ranked prospect, Tkachuk fits in at #4 on this list because he has an outside chance at playing in the NHL next season. If he fails to crack his team out of camp, he should spend no more than one year developing before he’s too good for the OHL. – Scott Wheeler, Future Considerations

 

5. Alex Nylander (SWE) C/W – Mississauga Steelheads

Comparable: William Nylander

Exceptional skill set much like his brother, can create offense out of nothing. Will need to get stronger to be effective at pro level. Will need time in the AHL before making the jump. – Dylan Franson, ISS Hockey

 

6. Jakob Chychrun (USA/CAN), D Sarnia Sting

Comparable: Duncan Keith

While he seems to be taking a bit of a hit lately in many draft rankings, I still think he's got a fair amount of offensive potential at the next level. Once he really improves as a powerplay QB, he'll have more value as a future fantasy player. – Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

7. Pierre-Luc Dubois (CAN), LW – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

Comparable: Patrick Marleau

The best offensive option in the QMJHL this year, Pierre-Luc Dubois has the size and versatility to find his way into an NHL lineup quickly. – Scott Wheeler, Future Considerations

8. Mike McLeod (CAN), C – Mississauga Steelheads

Comparable: Ryan Kesler

Has more offensive potential than people seem to suggest he does. Plays the power game the way NHL teams want their centers to now. Just needs to improve his finishing ability, but he creates a ton of chances and will only get better. – OHL Prospects

9. Clayton Keller (USA), C/W – USNTDP

Comparable: Zach Parise

Heading to BU next fall, Keller is likely two years away minimum from making the NHL. However, with incredible offensive sense and wizardry, when his body is physically ready and instills confidence in his NHL coaching staff, there’s a good chance Keller will step in ready to hit 20G-30A. – Anthony Mauro, Draft Buzz

10. Julien Gauthier (CAN), LW – Val D’Or Fureurs

Comparable: Rick Nash

Consistently potted more goals than the bulk of his age group in each of the last three seasons and is averaging close to a goal a game in his draft year. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analysis

11. Olli Juolevi (FIN), D – London Knights

Comparable: Olli Maatta

Juolevi doesn’t have the offensive upside of a couple of the other prospects on the backend, but he’s closer to being NHL ready. Built to quickly become a real top-4 option for an NHL coach. Scott Wheeler, Future Considerations

12. Kieffer Bellows (USA), LW – USNTDP

Comparable: Brian Bellows

Bellows’ frame is better suited to quickly transition to the NHL than Keller’s but his offensive game may not stand out immediately at the NCAA level. His finishing ability will be hard to keep out for long for an NHL team though. – Scott Wheeler, Future Considerations

13. Mikhail Sergachev (RUS), D – Windsor Spitfires

Comparable: Vladimir Malakhov

Sergachev is an attractive prospect to NHL scouts as he uses his size to his advantage in his defensive game. He is able to plow the front of his net effectively and separate the man from the puck with a hit. Offensively he shows good instincts and an ability to run a power play. He has a big shot and finds shooting lanes and makes quick, accurate and smart passes. – Peter Harling, Dobber Prospects

14. Tyson Jost (CAN), RW – Penticton Vees Jr. A

Comparable: Joe Pavelski

Have had the pleasure of watching Jost play for 4 years now at 3 different levels. An exceptional talent that has done special things at each level. Tremendous hockey IQ. Plays well in all 3 zones and almost always make the right play with the puck. Good skater, who is very good on his edges, can be elusiveness but can also out muscle guys in puck battles, has underrated strength. Quick and deceptive hands. Excellent wrist shot with a very quick release. There isn’t much not to like about his game. Personally believe he will be a #1 centre at the NHL level. Committed to North Dakota for next season, may affect when he makes the jump to NHL. – Dylan Franson, ISS Hockey

15. Alex DeBrincat (USA), RW – Erie Otters

Comparable: Cam Atkinson

Even if his production has dropped off a bit, I still think he's got among the highest offensive ceilings of any player in the draft. Just a tenacious ball of energy. At the professional level, the key for him will be to keep things simple offensively. Fantastic release though. – Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

 

16. Max Jones (USA), LW – London Knights

Comparable: Dustin Brown

He's got God-given skill to get by even if he's fighting through bouts with inconsistency, but this power forward can be the most dangerous player from start to finish. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analyst.

17. Logan Brown (USA), C – Windsor Spitfires

Comparable: Nick Bjugstad

Big center who can dominate the possession game with his strength and skill along the wall. Once he adds a bit of an extra gear, he'll be even more difficult to stop. Another guy that fits the exact mould of what NHL teams want in their centers now. – Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

18. Jake Bean (CAN), D – Calgary Hitmen

Comparable: Cam Fowler

Poise, smooth skating and a high hockey IQ make Bean one of the best players on the ice, at both ends of the rink, night in and night out. Has shown an ability to dictate the play in a competitive WHL Central Division and will assuredly be an NHL regular based strictly on how he thinks and processes the game. – Taylor Rocca, Kootenay Ice Block

19. Dante Fabbro (CAN), D – Penticton Vees Jr. A

Comparable: Ryan McDonagh

Very smart and mobile defensemen, plays well in all 3 zones. Plays very poised and constantly makes the right plays. Is an exceptional puck mover. Committed to BU for next season. 4-5 years away from pro hockey. – Dylan Franson, ISS Hockey

 

20. Luke Kunin (USA), C/RW – Wisconsin Badgers

Comparable: James Neal

The captain of last year's U.S. Under 18 team, Kunin is having a very good freshman season with Wisconsin. Possesses great scoring instincts and should have a very long NHL career. – Brock Otten, OHL Prospects
 

21. Tyler Benson (CAN), C/LW – Vancouver

Comparable: Bo Horvat

Injuries have derailed campaign leading up to NHL Draft, but Benson has a strong two-way bend to his game and has drawn comparisons to Canucks pivot Bo Horvat. Health could see him fall in the draft, but make no bones about it, Benson can play. – Taylor Rocca, Kootenay Ice Block

22. German Rubstov (RUS), C Russia U-18

Comparable: Pavel Datsyuk

As strong as an ox with the tenacity of a honey badger. He is the top option for all his team's situations. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analyst

23. Vitalii Abramov (RUS), W – Gatineau Olympique

Comparable: Sergei Samsonov

Puck hound with outstanding balance that can dangle and juke his way in and around high traffic areas. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analyst

24. Rasmus Asplund (SWE ), C – Modo

Comparable: Henrik Zetterberg

He’s proven his worth in Sweden's top league and can produce when his role is expanded; outstanding on draws and owns a hard shot. – Steve Kournianos, Draft Analyst

25. Sam Steel (CAN), C – Regina Pats

Comparable: Derick Brassard

Another WHLer with great vision, Steel seems to dissect the play with ease and makes plays others don’t seem to see. Size could be a knock, but he finds his way around the ice efficiently. Taylor Rocca, Kootenay Ice Block

26. Riley Tufte (USA), LW – Blaine HS

Comparable: Rick Nash

Behemoth winger playing high school hockey in Minnesota is your typical HS hockey player. Needs to physically mature, but the potential is sky high. Production in limited USHL action is impressive. – Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

27. Charles McAvoy (USA), D – Boston University

Comparable: Drew Doughty

Strong all-around defenceman who excels at joining the rush.  – Peter Harling, Dobber Prospects

28. Pascal Laberge (CAN), LW – Victoriaville

Comparable: Mike Hoffman

Will become top-6 scorer he was meant to be, but it will take a while to develop into one. – Robert Nasso, Todays Slapshot

29. Samuel Girard (CAN), D – Shawinigan

Comparable: Kris Letang

A flawless skater and a hard passer who looks to create quality chances the second he picks up the puck. – Steve Kournianos – Draft Analyst

30. Dillon Dube (CAN), C/W – Kelowna Rockets

Comparable: Tomas Plekanec

Dube is a Quick forward with a good offensive skillset. Quick skater with good acceleration. Ability to control the puck and make plays at high speeds. Very good vision in the offensive zone. Potential to be a top 6 winger at next level but is likely 4-5 years away from that. Dylan Franson, ISS Hockey