The race for #1 was a tight one between the Islanders, the Avalanche and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Islanders were originally on top because of their league leading 36 - 23 y.o. and under prospects. Then the Islanders made a deal with #3 Columbus which sent 3 top youngsters to the Blue Jackets in exchange for #1 overall EHL youngster Marc-Andre Fleury.

Three top prospects for one should seem like a win for the Blue Jackets, but the feeling around here is that Fleury will go down as one of the greatest EHL players, let alone goaltenders, of all time.

Still with 33 prospects to work their way through Bridgeport, the Islanders could remain on top for a while.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Next come the Avs. Second best when it comes to Prospect Ranking Average (PRA), Colorado is lead by defensive juggernaut, Dion Phaneuf. At stay at home defender, Dion already is of EHL caliber, but the depth in Colorado has allowed GM Yuhas to gradually bring him to the pros.

Right behind Phaneuf is D Michal Barinka. This defender is a wonderful complement to Phaneuf because he play more of a all around game, adding a scoring touch without sacrificing defense. This pair should dominate the EHL for years to come.

In net, Dan Blackburn is one of the best. Ranked 4th among goaltenders, the 22 year old is already playing with the big boys, and showing his value. He is currently outworking veteran Fred Brathwaite as they are in the playoff picture.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: RW Lorenzo Vindigni, RW Oleg Stefanshyn, and RW Tommy Scatchard

The Columbus Blue Jackets still have the #1 PRA in the league, even after dealing #1 prospect Marc-Andre Fleury, but their 17 prospects is far below the 25 from Colorado and the 33 in New York (Islanders). With the possibility of substantial development in the minors, Columbus falls to third.

Columbus still has two of the top three prospects in the league, and the tandem of Horton and Getzlaf should dominate for years to come.

In net, they received 21 y.o. Artem Potemkin, and while he is better than the average prospect, losing Fleury will hurt them in the long run. Depending on how Artem responds to his new environment, Columbus could be looking for a new goalie prospect in the upcoming draft.

Defensively, this team is above average, especially with the recent additions of Stuart and Seidenberg from New York.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: RW Pavel Nikulin and D Grady Simpson

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

GM Panitzke and the Penguins were one season away from bankruptcy. He knew it was time to do something, so he began a firesale, yet trading superstar veterans like Mario Lemieux, Brett Hull and Martin Lapointe yielded a talented and young squad.

Even before Panitzke made his cash strapped moves, he made a top notch deal with the Phoenix Coyotes seconds before the start of the Season 2 EHL Entry Draft. One one move, he picked up a center, left wing (later moved to right), right wing, defender and the 6th overall draft selection where he selected future goaltending star Jean-Eves Lambert.

The backend of the Penguins should be extremely strong as it not only features the #3 ranked goaltender in Lambert, but two soon to be superstar defenders in Ryan Whitney and Joni Pitkanen. Several other defenders are keeping fans in Pittsburgh rather excited. Tero Matta (acquired from Phoenix), Brooks Orpik, Luke Sellars and Matthew Wight all are working hard to claim a roster spot in Pittsburgh.

With only 4 players graduating, and 4 draft picks currently in their pockets, the Penguins look to stay near the top of the rankings.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: LW Ryan Buchly, G Albert Maksimov and LW Barry Tallackson.

The Minnesota Wild jumped 9 spots on our rankings because of the play of Marian Gaborik. Gaborik, himself, jumped from being 10th for forwards to #5 among all prospects.

Marian will graduate after this season, but currently he is the best player 23 or younger.

Another top notch player is center Pierre-Marc Bouchard. His all around game should complement Gaborik for their entire careers.

Blueline and beyond, the Wild are pleased with the development of Krill Koltsov and Eric Reitz. Both players are defense first, but their offensive games should develop quite nicely. The only knock on these two shouldn't be a problem for being defenders. Both are rough players, who don't mind dropping the gloves on occasion.

With two aging veterans in the organization, Minnesota fans will look to Nikita Subbotin to carry this team into the future. He could use a little more seasoning in the minors, but he is the best they have, and on this team is soon to be the backup.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: RW Kei Moritani and D Radim Koblitz

Dropping a few spots in our rankings, the Calgary Flames feature 3 top prospects. We are including their young goaltender in our discussions because he is well on his way to a great career, and he is only 23.

Brent Krahn won the Season 3 Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year, being the first goaltender to do so. A part of a young team, Krahn will soon benefit from a more skilled team.

Current rookie Eric Richard won't be bringing a second Calder Trophy to Calgary, but he will bring a wealth of talent as he grows and gets quicker. He is extremely strong, one of the strongest in the EHL. While playing a more defensive game, Richard will rack up the points once his supporting cast is better.

Yuri Pastukh will help Richard put up points as he is one of the more offensively gifted prospects in the league.

With Viktor Wallin graduating after this season, the Flames D prospect will take a hit. Doug Turner should keep things rolling, but he needs to step it up defensively to crack the EHL.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: C Pavel Ryabykin and D Rob Cassivi

Rankings 6-8 were as close as 1-3. Quebec falls at the bottom of this group, but are only here because of a lower prospect total.

The Nordiques won't be in the top 10 for long, as they have 4 top prospects graduating. Of these 4, netminder Pascal Leclaire is a very important piece to the future of GM John Wetzel's puzzle. It will be several years before e supplants current star Jocelyn Thibault, but when he does, it will be an important time for this franchise.

Moving his way up the totem pole on this team is future star center Greg Bourgeois. Last season, he mainly had 4th line duties, this season he is roaming the 3rd. Next season should be the expected next step as this is where he will begin to put up his expected offensive numbers.

Taratukhin is another gifted forward and LW Frantisek Lukes is currently leading the EHL rookie race.

When Rostislav Klesa graduates after this season, the defensive core will need to work extremely hard to maintain a deserving ranking.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G Tomas Haglund and D Alexander Wetzel 

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

Now usually I would rewrite the synopsis for teams after a trade, but the only real comment that needs to be added is Marc-Andre Fleury!

The Islanders are led by S2 11th overall draft pick Tomas Vanek. At 20 years of age, Vanek is the center piece upon which the Isles plan on building their franchise. Vanek scored 12 goals and had 19 assists in his rookie season, all while only missing 1 game all season long.

With only one player in the top 30 of EHL Futures,  the Islanders strength is in their depth. All of their prospects are legitimate EHL prospects. With the most of the league making moves to get younger, GM Ortner has made all of the right moves preparing this team for a sound future.

Want even another reason to have the Islanders on top? 

Three goaltenders in Bridgeport who will be EHL backups if not starters.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: G John Draker, LW Dimitriy Nosov and D Keith Janssens

It isn't easy being last. Things may be pleasant in Canada with the pro team playing for a chance at the Stanley Cup, but there is very little to be excited about in Hamilton.

Fans should be cautiously excited about RW Richard Roy. He is their top prospect, but serious concerns about a lack of speed and intensity may make his journey to the EHL a rough one.

5 players will be graduating and only one of those players, defender Anton Volchenkov, has a real chance at a long time EHL career.

The Oilers have 4 1st round picks in the 4th EHL Entry Draft, which should help their ranking, but the picks better be good ones, as the rest of  the league is entering their drafts with the same motive.

UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO WATCH: LW Konstantin Rudenko