FanSided’s 2020 NHL Entry Draft Rankings: Top 30 prospects

Hockey Prospects 5-1

5. Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie Otters — OHL (5-foot-11, 170 pounds)

The best defensive prospect in a forward-heavy draft. Drysdale is a smart defender who skates terrifically, plays a fast game and quarterbacks power plays with ease. The 17-year-old could fill a need on the right side for many NHL organizations, so look for him to be taken early.

4. Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa 67’s — OHL (5-foot-9, 179 pounds)

A smaller player who has garnered a reputation for grinding his opponents out on a recurring basis. Rossi often tackles tough defensive minutes while producing offensively in an admirable fashion. Expect this player to be a center of the future at the professional level.

3. Tim Stützle, LW, Adler Mannheim — DEL (6-foot-0, 187 pounds)

Likely the top European talent of the current draft, Stützle impressed the hockey world over the course of the 2019-20 campaign. The 18-year-old winger is known for performing well at both ends of the ice and offering high-end playmaking. It is not unreasonable to envision a scenario in which Stützle is selected in the second or third slot, as his speed and skating ability ought to impress NHL scouts.

2. Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury Wolves — OHL (6-foot-4, 214 pounds)

Byfield’s size, speed and diverse network of offensive talent has long hushed speculation about the center’s defensive game, which — by most accounts — is good… but not great. Nonetheless, the player’s dynamic-altering ability will earn him high marks — and top selection — in professional circles.

1. Alexis Lafrenière, LW, Rimouski Océanic — QMJHL (6-foot-1, 192 pounds)

The most complete player in the 2020 draft class and the individual around whom this year’s selection process will be regarded. The 18-year-old is an elite playmaker who offers a fast, competitive and physical game. Lafrenière is an exceptional talent and all signs point to him occupying the talk circuit of the NHL for much of the future.

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