2017 Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: 6-10

This is the 19th and penultimate installment of our annual list of the Top 100 NHL prospects playing in the NCAA this year, covering spots 31--35 on the list.

Previous installments can be found here: 11-15, 16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, 56-60, 61-65, 66-70, 71-75, 76-80, 81-86, 86-90, 91-95, 96-100

10. Jake Walman, Defenseman, Providence(St. Louis Blues)

John Corneau/SB Nation

His game starts with his elite skating ability. He improved his footwork and agility, especially along the offensive blue line to better create passing and shooting lanes with the puck from the point. His defensive play has also improved over the course of his college career, though at a slower rate, and will likely need to be worked on more at the pro level. But Walman’s elite offensive abilities from the blue line help him to project as a offensive-minded defenseman that can contribute on the power play at the NHL level.

—March 28, 2017

Walman has signed with St. Louis.

9. Brock Boeser, Right Wing, North Dakota(Vancouver Canucks)

Daniel Mick

Brock Boeser didn’t score at quite the same rate in his second season as he did during his incredible freshman season, thanks to some nagging injuries and the lack of an elite set-up man like Nick Schmaltz centering him. But Boeser was still a threat every time he got the puck in the offensive zone.

He’s got a wicked wrist shot that will be a weapon at the NHL level, and is really good maneuvering in tight areas to create space for himself. He sometimes struggles to create for himself because he’s not an elite skater, but if he’s put in a position to use his shot, he can be a deadly finisher.

Boeser has signed with the Canucks.

8. Luke Kunin, Center/Right Wing, Wisconsin(Minnesota Wild)

Nicole Haase

Kunin recently completed an outstanding two years at Wisconsin, having a hand in about one out of every three goals the Badgers scored over his two years. He is a crafty, 200-foot player with a deadly shot that makes him a scoring threat from nearly anywhere in the offensive zone. He can be counted on to play in any situation because he has high hockey IQ, and is well-respected as a high character player off the ice.

Kunin has signed with the Minnesota Wild.

7. Jordan Greenway, Left Wing, Boston University(Minnesota Wild)

Matt Dewkett

Greenway used his size and power to get off a lot of shots on goal and be a significant threat near the goal mouth throughout the camp.

“It definitely helped me on shooting the puck. I worked on that all summer,” Greenway said.

Through five games this season, Greenway’s play below the dots and along the walls has been nothing short of commanding. It doesn’t take more than a shift or two to recognize Greenway is like a man among boys on the ice.

“He’s a dominant at this level. He should be a dominant player on the score sheet,” said Quinn.

—from our full feature on Greenway, November 3, 2017

6. Charlie McAvoy, Defenseman, Boston University(Boston Bruins)

Matt Dewkett

Sophomore defenseman Charlie McAvoy is a game breaker from the backend. The Long Beach, NY native and first round selection of the Bruins in 2016 has the ability to take over a game with his elite skating and puck-moving ability. He can improve a team’s possession numbers in a heartbeat. With the dynamic play-making ability comes the shifts where he’ll take a risk that might lead to a reward, but might also lead to a scoring chance at the other end.

“He’s got incredible skill. He’s got great poise with the puck. He’s been doing that for a long time. It’s why he’s a first round pick and so highly thought of,” said Quinn after a 4-4 tie against Northeastern in November.

—February 6, 2017

McAvoy has signed with the Bruins.