NHL Central Scouting released their preliminary rankings for the 2015 NHL Draft today. Players were divided into three categories: 'A' prospects are potential first round draft picks(32 players received this grade, so obviously they can't all be), 'B' prospects are 2nd-3rd round candidates, and 'C' prospects are potential late round picks.
This list confirmed what a strong draft this should be for American hockey fans. Current NCAA players Jack Eichel(BU), Noah Hanifin(BC), and Zach Werenski(Mich), all received a first round 'A' grade. Additionally, Boston U's AJ Greer received a 'B' while Wisconsin's Cameron Hughes, Minnesota Duluth's Karson Kuhlman and Ohio State's Nicholas Jones received a 'C'.
Other NCAA recruits to receive an 'A' grade were Kyle Connor(Mich), Jordan Greenway(BU), Tom Novak(Minn), and Colin White(BC). Paul Bittner, Brandon Carlo, and Jansen Harkins, Americans playing in the CHL, also received the first round grade.