2015 Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: #81-90

This is the second installment of our countdown of the top 100 NHL prospects playing NCAA hockey this season.

The first installment of the list can be found here: #91-100.

81. Brian Christie, Forward, Merrimack(Free Agent)

The junior forward has slipped a little bit in the second half, but has really come into his own in his junior season. The former No. 1 pick in the USHL Entry Draft, Christie has above average speed and has combined with Swedish center Hampus Gustafsson to form a nice possession line for Mark Dennehy's Warriors. He's got the ability to beat defensemen to the outside and get off quick shots. He still has yet to prove he can be a force in the slot or he'd be ranked higher. 10 goals so far this season is a nice progression after having just nine in his first two seasons.

82. Blaine Byron, Forward, Maine(Pittsburgh Penguins)

Matt Dewkett

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Byron is one of those players that can sneak up on opposing players. He does a lot of good things away from the puck and is deceptively quick. He's not overly flashy and most of his goals are from being in the right place at the right time. The sophomore has already exceeded his freshman year goal and assist totals. He's a player that the Penguins should let develop in Orono for two more years and Pittsburgh fans will likely be pleasantly surprised.

83. Luke Johnson, Forward, North Dakota(Chicago Blackhawks)

Johnson is still playing a secondary scoring role for North Dakota in his sophomore season behind some older players. But he's been effective in the role he's asked to play, and with another year of physical maturity, and more ice time next season, he's poised to make another jump in production. Johnson is a nice skater that is good defensively with a strong stick and an above average wrist shot.

84. Stephen Michalek, Goalie, Harvard(Minnesota Wild)

The former Loomis Chaffee netminder has seen his numbers come back to reality, but he was a major reason for Harvard's first half success. Just as he benefited from strong play in front of him in the first half, his numbers have suffered in part due to injuries and lackluster play from the defense in January. His 63 saves in a double overtime loss to BU a few weeks ago set a new Beanpot Tournament record for most saves in a single game. He's a good sized, prototypical goalie with a flashy glove.

85. Tyler Motte, Forward, Michigan(Chicago Blackhawks)

(photo by Patrick Barron)

Motte is an energy player, but has been put into more of a scoring role for Michigan this season and has responded well to playing with skilled players like Dylan Larkin and Zach Hyman. Motte's tenacity and competitiveness frees up a lot of space for his teammates to work.

86. Danny O'Regan, Forward, Boston University(San Jose Sharks)

(photo by Bill Rapai)

O'Regan has benefited tremendously from playing right wing on a line with projected No. 2 overall pick Jack Eichel. The St. Sebastian's alum doesn't have the hardest shot, but he's very accurate and has done a good job of freeing himself from opposing defenders to get shots off. His coach, David Quinn, said early in the season that O'Regan worked a lot on his shot over the offseason. He's one of the few players who has the speed to keep up with Eichel. How much has his offensive production jumped this season? He had 26 goals in his first two seasons and already has 18 this year.

87. AJ Greer, Forward, Boston University(2015 Draft Eligible)

Some fans and observers have scoffed at Greer's continued inclusion in the top 100 of NHL Central Scouting's and other outlet's draft rankings, but there's a reason he's on there. Let's remember the Quebec native should be a senior for Tim Whitehead at Kimball Union. He accelerated to arrive at BU a year early and with rare exceptions such as players named Eichel, Hanifin and Werenski, it's hard for young freshmen to have an impact right away at the NCAA level. He's taken some nights off and been a healthy scratch because of it, but overall, he's showed some flashes of potential. He's very strong on the puck and does a good job with leverage around the goal line. If he sticks to the course, he could be a monster at the NCAA level by his junior season.

88. Adam Gilmour, Forward, Boston College(Minnesota Wild)

The former Nobles star has had a very nice sophomore season for Boston College, primarily centering 2014 first round pick, and fellow Wild prospect, Alex Tuch and Capitals prospect Zach Sanford. Once put together Gilmour's line has used its size and strength to generate scoring chances. Gilmour has done a nice job of complementing Tuch's ability to drive to the net and get off a hard shot. He still needs to work on taking draws, but there is certainly some upside to Gilmour's game.

89. Frederik TIffels, Forward, Western Michigan(2015 Draft Eligible)

Matt Christians

(photo by Matt Christians)

Tiffels was a lone bright spot for Team Germany at this year's World Juniors in the absence of Leon Draisaitl, and has carried that play over to the Broncos. Tiffels has elite speed which makes him difficult for defenders to handle in one-on-one situations. He's just missed being drafted the past two seasons, but should be picked this year after showing how his game translates at both the international and NCAA level.

90. Anthony Louis, Forward, Miami(Chicago Blackhawks)

Matt Christians

(photo by Matt Christians)

Louis overcomes a lack of size with tremendous speed. His goal-scoring output has gone down a bit in his second season with Miami, but Louis did managed to earn a spot on the US World Junior team thanks to his versatility and ability to play on both ends of the ice.