2016 Top 100 NHL Prospects: #51-60

This is the fifth installment of our annual list of the top 100 NHL prospect playing in the NCAA this season. This section includes the prospect ranked 51-60 on our list. Here are the previous installments of the list: #61-70, #71-80, #81-90, #91-100.

This section three goalies, two of which have already signed, including one that is set to make his NHL debut any day now. A pair of young defensemen and a duo of Harvard forwards are also featured.

51. Cal Petersen, Goalie, Notre Dame(Buffalo Sabres)

Petersen took a strong step forward in his development in his second year of college hockey. While he showed promise as a freshman, he looked like a definite star number one goalie in his second season. Petersen uses positioning and technique to allow himself to play bigger than his already decent-sized 6'1" frame. He's a real competitor in the crease and has shown the ability to steal goals with some highlight reel saves.

52. Jason Kasdorf, Goalie, RPI(Signed by Buffalo Sabres)

(photo by Dustin Satloff)

Deciding to return to RPI for his senior season was a decision that paid off for Kasdorf. After struggling with injuries in his sophomore season, Kasdorf put up his best numbers since his rookie season in his final year with the Engineers. At 6'3", Kasdorf has the prototypical frame for a starting goalie at the NHL level, and he has shown better athleticism since getting healthy from shoulder surgery in his sophomore year. He'll need some time in the minor leagues, but has the potential to be a solid option in goal at the NHL level.

53. Adam Gaudette, Forward, Northeastern(Vancouver Canucks)

Gaudette was originally slated to play another year in the USHL, but after his draft stock surged and the Canucks drafted him in the fifth round of last year's Draft, he was brought into Northeastern as a true freshman. Gaudette had no trouble with the transition, scoring 12 goals and 18 assists while manning the second line center role. Gaudette is a smart player that plays both ends of the ice well, making him dependable up the middle. Another year or two of development and gaining muscle on his big frame could turn him into an exceptional hockey player.

54. Mario Lucia, Forward, Notre Dame(Signed by Minnesota Wild)

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Lucia is exceptionally skilled for a 6'3' 205 lbs. forward. He reached double digits in goals scored each of his four seasons at Notre Dame, including a career high of 21 as a junior. The biggest concern for Lucia is that he rarely uses his big frame like a traditional power forward, instead opting for perimeter play where he can rely on his soft hands and big shot. But his potential is undeniable if he can find a way to use his skills, while adding a more physical element to his game to be a very good NHL player.

55. William Lagesson, Defenseman, UMass(Edmonton Oilers)

Lagesson is a tough, rugged defensive defenseman that uses his strong 6'2" frame to punish opposing players. He stood out on a struggling UMass team this past season, shouldering a heavy burden in all three zones. A lack of offensive upside perhaps keeps him from being a potential top pairing defenseman some day, but his aggressiveness defensively still makes him valuable.

56. Charlie Lindgren, Goalie, St. Cloud State(Signed by Montreal)

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Lindgren has tremendous athleticism for a 6'2" goalie, making it extremely difficult to beat him low. Lindgren has started to harness his athletic ability with better positional play in his junior season, making him a much more consistent goalie.

57. Mark Friedman, Defenseman, Bowling Green(Philadelphia Flyers)

Friedman is a smaller defenseman, but extremely strong on his skates with great lateral movement. He is especially effective at moving puck through the neutral zone with strong crisp passes. He also doesn't back down physically from any opposing player, despite not being a huge defenseman. Friedman projects as a reliable second or third pairing puck-moving defenseman at the pro level.

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

(photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Gilmour has shown steady progression in his game over the course of his college career. The Eagles have kept Gilmour alongside fellow Wild prospect Alex Tuch and Caps pick Zach Sanford most of the year, allowing that line to use their rare combination of size and skill to overpower opponents. Gilmour isn't a huge driver of offense, but makes for an extremely valuable complementary player that helps his linemates be more effective.

59. Sean Malone, Forward, Harvard(Buffalo Sabres)

(photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Malone is overshadowed a bit by Harvard's high-flying top line, but he's a rock up the middle for the Crimson, anchoring their second line. He's a tough, strong centerman that is extremely difficult to knock off the puck, and plays a very smart two-way game. He doesn't project as a huge scoring threat at the next level, but could be valuable as a reliable bottom six centerman.

60. Alex Kerfoot, Forward, Harvard(New Jersey Devils)

Kerfoot lacks prototypical size for a pro forward, but is extremely strong on the puck, and has great offensive instincts and playmaking ability. He's a high-skill forward that makes his linemates better with the ability to create offense and set up teammates for scoring chances. He needs to be a better finisher, as evidenced by his 4-30-34 scoring line in 33 games this season, but he could be a valuable offensive player at the next level because he's a player capable of making things happen, even in heavy traffic.