TSS Top 100 Prospects in Hockey: 50-46

The top 100 prospects in hockey countdown reaches the half-way point as we go from fifty, down five more to 46 this week.

50. Mike Reilly, Minnesota Wild
Position: Defense
Age: 22
Height/Weight: 6’2” / 191
Drafted: 98th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets
Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2015

The Hobey Baker finalist was this past summer’s hot free agent after he decided to not sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His impressive performance at the World Championships with USA had heads turning and his NHL debut was highly anticipated.

It was expected he could walk straight into a top four pairing on the Wild blue line and contribute immediately. After a slow start to his NHL career, it quickly became evident he was not ready and was assigned to the AHL where his struggles continued. He did provide some offence for a terrible Iowa roster, but his plus-minus bottomed out as the worst in the AHL at one point. Defensively he has improved, and while it is prudent to temper expectations on his file, he is by no means a bust. He should continue to develop in the AHL and eventually make his NHL return; the next time will be a different story.

Scouting Report:
Reilly is an offensive dynamo. He has great vision for passing lanes, a heavy point shot belying his diminutive stature and is a confident stickhandler who shows no qualms about encroaching deep into the offensive zone. While there are justifiable concerns as to his ability to defend at the highest levels, he was used extensively on the PK in college. — Hockey Prospectus

March 12, 2016: Ottawa Senators Center Nick Paul (13) and Toronto Maple Leafs Winger Peter Holland (24) compete at a face off. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/Icon Sportswire)

49. Nick Paul, Ottawa Senators
Position: Left Wing
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 6’4” / 223
Drafted: 101st overall in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Dallas Stars
Acquired: Trade with Dallas in 2014

The key player acquired by Ottawa in the Spezza trade, Paul is beginning to show signs of fulfilling his potential. Paul developed a sound two-way game in his junior career playing under Stan Butler in the OHL. He had an impressive performance for Team Canada on the gold medal winning World Junior team as a defensive, checking line center.

He has some offensive ability as well, as he eclipsed the point per game pace in his final junior season scoring 66 points in 58 games. His rookie season as a pro has been even more impressive, as after the first half of the year in the AHL, he has played in over ten NHL games and his ice time per game has slowly been increasing, as is his confidence. He belongs in the NHL.

Scouting Report:
A power winger, Paul has a long and powerful skating stride. While his speed is just average, it is the power and balance that will be his biggest assets as he goes forward. Paul can fight through checks, and protects the puck extremely well down low, due to his size and skating ability. He wins battles along the boards, and is difficult to move from the front of the net, due to that strength and balance. His agility and edgework are also decent. – Last Word on Sports

48. Pavel Buchnevich, New York Rangers
Position: Left Wing
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 6’1” / 176
Drafted: 75th overall in the third round of the 2013 draft by the New York Rangers.

Buchnevich had a strong second year playing in the KHL as a 19-year-old, scoring an impressive 30 points in 48 games. He was also a key member of Team Russia at the World Junior Championship last year, scoring six points in seven games and winning the Silver Medal. He returned to the KHL for another season and had another good year.

He is ready for the NHL, and he will be eligible to cross over as soon as his season is done. He may join the Rangers as soon as this year if his KHL team is eliminated sooner than later and the Rangers go deep into the playoffs.

Scouting Report:
solid on his skates .. employs a good skating stride backed by a powerful first step, which he uses to break away and create his own chances .. shifty and quick hands in close .. displays a scoring touch, complemented by his excellent speed, making him difficult to contain .. skilled at holding onto the puck – and has the requisite vision to see and hit the open man .. intensity subsides and he can float around at times .. he needs to add mass to reach his top-six NHL potential. – McKeens Hockey

June 6, 2015: Manchester Monarchs left wing Adrian Kempe (9).

47. Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
Position: Left Wing
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 6’1”/187
Drafted: 29th overall in the first round of the 2014 draft by Los Angeles

Kempe made his North American debut late last season as he joined the Manchester Monarchs and helped lead them to a Calder Cup Championship. Kempe again made a strong impression as he played a key role for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championship and scored three goals and eight points in seven games.

His first full pro season in North America with the Ontario Reign has been a transition year. He has underwhelming offensive numbers with eight goals and 21 points in 39 games, but he brings so much more than points. His skating is the strength of his game and he has a willingness to get dirty and play greasy. Expect his NHL debut soon.

Scouting Report:
Adrian will have to continue to work on his conditioning and strength to compete against bigger and more experienced players. He excels on the offensive side of the game and will have to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates in the defensive zone to become a complete, all-around player on both sides of the puck. – Daryl Evans NHL.com

46. Madison Bowey, Washington Capitals
Position: Defense
Age:20
Height/Weight: 6’2” / 209
Drafted: 53rd overall in the second round of the 2013 draft by Washington

The Kelowna Rockets are becoming renowned for churning out great defensemen, and Madison Bowey appears to be the next in line. After posting back-to-back 60 point season’s in the WHL (The last in 14 fewer games) he has had an outstanding pro debut in the AHL scoring 21 points in 54 games, but only three goals.

More known for his offense in junior, his defensive game at the pro level has been what impresses the most. As he continues to adjust to playing against men, expect the confidence, and the offense to continue to improve. Bowey doesn’t look out of place in the AHL, and soon will push for his first look in the NHL. He is on pace for a top pairing spot in the future

Scouting Report:
Bowey’s game is defined by his great skating ability. His mobility is top notch, as he has very good top end speed, and acceleration; both in his forward and backwards skating. He has great pivots, excellent agility and very good edgework which allows him to cover a ton of ground out there. This skating ability allows Bowey to keep the play in front of him, as well to recover when he makes a mistake. – Last Word on Sports

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