Prospect Ramblings: Explaining my Top 10 Keeper League Prospect list (Jun 16)

In fantasy hockey, there are very few left wingers with Laine's talent. He is going to impress from the very first game in the NHL. He is fitting into a team that is much better than a second overall pick usually starts their career with. Winnipeg won the lottery move from sixth overall to second.

Matthews is a generational talent, but the centre position is so deep in fantasy hockey, that I moved him down from his NHL mock draft first overall position to second on purely being a centre. If he was a winger he would be back at the top of the list. Position value is key in keeper leagues, especially at the top of the drafts.

Columbus has been rumoured that they are willing to move down in the draft this year. Puljujarvi could use his size a little bit better, but once he figures that out, he will be a dominant presence in every zone, he also brings incredible hockey sense and is a terrific setup guy. His injury could be scaring the Blue Jackets front office, but how can Kekaläinen pass on a fellow countryman who has an NHL level shot.

Marner is in a tough spot here, so many different opinions of being NHL-ready or back to the OHL for another year. He dominated at every level (regular season, playoffs, Memorial Cup). Returning to London could mean leading his team to back-to-back OHL Champs and MC champs and becoming an impact player at the World Juniors. What are the chances Leafs keep him after the nine game mark this fall?

Connor signed his first contract with the Jets in April, he will not be relied upon to carry his team in offense, but can learn the NHL game from a second or third line roster spot and still put up points as a rookie. Connor is an incredible skater who possesses top end speed. Like Laine, Connor comes to a team with already top talent surrounding him. Should fit in nicely with this Jets roster.

Coyotes have not rushed their prospects as of late, but Strome could make an impact early in training camp and his nine NHL game tryout to make the roster. Strome is at the same crossroads as Marner, just a step behind. Strome doesn't have the hardware Marner won this past year. If he grows into his 6'3" frame he could be a top-end pivot in the Coyotes organization.

There are many rumours around Vesey ever since he finished his last year of school at Harvard University. Nashville Predators are losing out on a top talent, it all depends on where he chooses to sign. There are many links with Vesey to Boston, Buffalo and even the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keep an eye out where he lands come July 1st.

Dvorak showed his leadership, helping lead London Knights to a Memorial Cup victory this past year. Dvorak should be putting on a Coyotes uniform full-time this fall. It will be a huge question who he plays with, Max Domi and Anthony Duclair had pretty good rookie seasons, Dvorak could have a similar rookie year in Arizona.

Konecny should get his chance to be a Flyer in October. He may start in the AHL to begin the year, but I don't think it will take him long to prove he deserves a shot at the NHL. Konecny's style of play fits with the Flyers organization; hard-hitting, intense, playing on the edge kind of hockey. His skillset will see him on one of the top two lines in Philadelphia by the end of season.

Barzal could replace Kyle Okposo on John Tavares' wing to start the year. Putting a young kid with an impressive shot with Tavares could be deadly. Barzal is ready to play in the NHL. Hopefully the Isles don't take the slow approach with him and throws him in the top-six immediately.