1994 Team’s Top Prospect – Norris Division
Before we get to the list it must be said that a prospect is being classified as a player in the organization’s farm system, and who is under 25 years old. Now it’s time to take a look at the Norris Division.
Chicago Blackhawks – Nikolai Khabibulin, G
1993 – Nikolai Khabibulin
Khabibulin gets the nod again this season as the Blackhawks' top prospect. He was recently called up to the big time and has turned the Blackhawks season around. Before his call up, the Blackhawks were in the bottom of the league, but are now fighting for a playoff spot. Khabibulin is extremely talented and will one day be discussed as a top goalie in the NFHL. He sports a 3-1-1 in 7 games and has the best goals against average, and save percentage of the three goalies used by the Blackhawks this season.
Colorado Rockies – Steve Sullivan, C
1993 – Jocelyn Thibault
Sullivan edges out Thibault and Nolan Pratt this year because both players have multiple weaknesses that could time a long time to overcome. Sullivan needs more development but has the look of a solid two-way forward. He will need to spend some time in the weight room so that he does not get pushed around by opposing players.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Jeremy Stevenson, LW
1993 – N/A
It is slim pickings in Columbus when it comes to prospects, but that is for a reason. The Blue Jackets are the best team in the NFHL with 33 points, and they are built to win now. With that said, we view the Blue Jacket’s top prospect as Jeremy Stevenson. He has the potential to become a decent passer who can net himself a handful of goals. He is a defensive liability, but won’t take too many dumb penalties. It would be a surprise to see him make it past the 3rd line of any pro team, and he’ll need quite a bit of development to make it even that far.
Detroit Red Wings – Anders Eriksson, D
1993 – Richard Matvichuk (Traded to BUF)
Eriksson is a physical defenseman who won’t score many goals, but that is about all he won’t do. Eriksson can hold his own in the defensive end, and possesses a soft handle. He might have trouble skating with some of the faster players in the league, but as long as he limits any mental lapses his speed won’t be too much of an issue.
Minnesota North Stars – Rory Fitzpatrick, D
1993 – Tomas Holmstrom (Traded to TB)
Fitzpatrick is Minnesota’s top prospect, but he has been mentioned in trade rumors already this season. His biggest flaw is his discipline, which will get him thrown in the penalty box more than coaches and fans, will like to see. If he can work on staying out of the penalty box he could develop into a top 4 defenseman for Minnesota, or another team if he is traded.
St. Louis Blues – Mike Ricci, C
1993 – Jonas Hoglund (Traded to TB)
This was basically a toss-up between Ricci and Keith Primeau. They are both 22 and have a similar skill set. Ricci is a more defensive center, but also does not spend a ton of time in the penalty box. He has great hands already and that will help his passing and scoring improve as he continue to develop.