Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: Larkin & Werenski ranked #3 and #7

Submitted by Baughlieve on

2015 Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: 1-10

Larkin is currently the highest-drafted player in the NCAA, at least until next June. He really established himself as the third overall player on this list starting with a fantastic World Juniors Tournament, where he was the only US player that generated consistent offense. He carried that offensive production back to Michigan, scoring 24 points in 13 games since returning from the World Juniors. Larkin has always been known as a big, responsible, two-way center. But the scoring ability he's added to his game this season has really increased his value as a prospect.

The Wings are in no hurry to start the clock on Larkin. Over the next couple years they are going to have a lot of prospects graduating/running out of waiver exemption that they are going to need to figure out what to do with. Right now the timeline fits for Larkin to have his first legit shot at making the big club in the 17/18 season (when Pavel rides off into the sunset and Weiss will be in the last year of his deal… if he makes it that far without being traded or bought out).

I think he'll be back next season. Wings see him as a second line center(he could even become a number one) and would like to keep him at Michigan until they feel he's ready to play on the top line in Grand Rapids.

Werenski has been an impact player for the Wolverines despite being the youngest player in college hockey. He's stepped in immediately and shown he can be offensive force, helping run the Michigan power play. His defensive game still needs a bit of work, which is no surprise given his age. But there's little doubt that Werenski has all the physical tools to be an outstanding pro defenseman.

I hope Holland trades up in the draft and takes him. The team could use a d-man with legit 1st pairing potential and would be great for him staying at Michigan for a couple more years. 

Canadian

March 4th, 2015 at 7:59 PM ^

Wings will not trade up that far. Would be nice for whoever drafts him to realize he needs work defensively and leave him here for another year (hopefully two) to develop.

bacon1431

March 4th, 2015 at 8:37 PM ^

I wish the Wings would draft all out top guys so a Michigan Hockey Summer would turn into news about how the guys were improving in the offseason

lilpenny1316

March 4th, 2015 at 10:11 PM ^

Red Wings have five players in the top 50 of all NHL prospects according to Hockey News.

Oullet (42) and Sproul (49) are defensemen, and we know about Larkin (10).

Mantha (6) and Pulkkinen (50) are also in the top 50.  And Pulkkinen is working on a hat trick tonight.

Doesn't even include Mrazek who'll likely start in goal for the Czech Republic in the 2016 World Cup.  

Future is definitely bright in Detroit!

Baughlieve

March 4th, 2015 at 11:16 PM ^

Sproul has the highest upside, but none of the defensive prospects have first pairing potential. Werenski has that and if he can work on his defense(he'd be given plenty of time), could be a legit top line guy. Personally, I would take the risk and hope he becomes Kronwall's successor.

I wonder what it would take to move up 10-15 spots... 1st round pick, prospect and another pick? 

Baughlieve

March 5th, 2015 at 1:52 PM ^

That's because Marchenko has more experience and played in the KHL before joining the Griffins. Oullet is only 21 and Sproul is 22, there's still time for them to develop. 

It would not cost two first rounders. I was suggesting swapping 1st round picks, prospect and another pick. Future looks bright... just need a legitimate blue chip defensive prospect.