NHL 14 Draft: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Top 100 Prospects

Introduction

The 2014 NHL Entry Draft was a landmark event for the league, with a highly talented crop of prospects entering the professional ranks. From generational talents to hidden gems, this draft class has left an indelible mark on the NHL. In this comprehensive breakdown, we delve into the top 100 prospects from the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on the league.

Top 10 Prospects

1. Aaron Ekblad, D, Red Wings (Florida Panthers): A towering defenseman with exceptional mobility and offensive skills, Ekblad emerged as the consensus top prospect in the draft.

2. Sam Reinhart, C, Oilers (Buffalo Sabres): A highly skilled centerman with a quick release and exceptional playmaking ability, Reinhart has the potential to be a franchise-changing player.

3. Leon Draisaitl, C, Kings (Edmonton Oilers): A versatile and dominant centerman, Draisaitl possesses a lethal shot and a physical presence that sets him apart.

   

4. Dougie Hamilton, D, Bruins (Calgary Flames): A dynamic defenseman with a rare combination of size, speed, and offensive potential, Hamilton is a future Norris Trophy candidate.

5. William Nylander, W, Maple Leafs (Toronto Maple Leafs): A highly creative and offensively gifted winger, Nylander has the ability to produce points in bunches and create scoring chances for his teammates.

6. Elias Pettersson, C, Canucks (Vancouver Canucks): A shifty and elusive playmaker, Pettersson has a low center of gravity and exceptional stickhandling skills.

   

7. Mitchell Marner, W, Maple Leafs (Toronto Maple Leafs): A dynamic and explosive winger, Marner is a gifted skater with a quick release and exceptional hockey IQ.

8. Auston Matthews, C, Maple Leafs (Toronto Maple Leafs): A highly touted centerman, Matthews is a pure goalscorer with a lethal shot and a knack for finding the back of the net.

   

9. Noah Hanifin, D, Canadiens (Carolina Hurricanes): A dominant and mobile defenseman, Hanifin is a physical presence in the defensive zone and a threat to score in transition.

10. Jack Eichel, C, Sabres (Buffalo Sabres): A highly competitive and skilled centerman, Eichel is a dangerous scorer with a relentless work ethic and a strong all-around game.

Mid-Round Gems

While the top ten prospects received the most attention, the 2014 draft class produced a number of hidden gems that went on to have successful NHL careers. Here are a few notable mid-round picks:

1. Mikko Rantanen, W, Coyotes (Colorado Avalanche): Selected 10th overall, Rantanen emerged as a dynamic winger with exceptional scoring abilities and a knack for making big plays.

2. Sebastian Aho, C, Hurricanes (Carolina Hurricanes): Selected 35th overall, Aho blossomed into a skilled centerman with a high hockey IQ and a well-rounded offensive game.

3. Nick Schmaltz, C, Blues (Arizona Coyotes): Selected 20th overall, Schmaltz developed into a versatile forward with a quick release and exceptional playmaking ability.

4. Jordan Kyrou, C, Lightning (St. Louis Blues): Selected 35th overall, Kyrou became a dynamic and speedy centerman with a knack for creating scoring chances.

5. Samuel Girard, D, Predators (Colorado Avalanche): Selected 47th overall, Girard emerged as a highly skilled and offensive-minded defenseman with a strong skating ability and a lethal shot.

Impact on the NHL

The 2014 NHL Entry Draft had a profound impact on the league, with many of the top prospects becoming key contributors to their respective teams. Here are a few examples:

1. Aaron Ekblad: Ekblad has won the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year, been named to the NHL All-Star Game, and helped lead the Panthers to their first President's Trophy.

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