2017 Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: 85-81

This is the fourth installment of our annual list of the Top 100 NHL prospects playing in the NCAA this year, covering spots 81-85 on the list.

Previous installments can be found here: 86-90, 91-95, 96-100.

85. Mikey Eyssimont, Left Wing, St. Cloud State(Los Angeles Kings)

Mikey Eyssimont had to make a big transition this year, and he responded to that challenge. Even though his raw point totals for his sophomore season will end up around what they were in his freshman season, Eyssimont had to go from being the seventh-leading scorer on last year’s deep, senior-laden Husky team to being “the guy” this year for the Husky offense.

Eyssimont is a smaller forward, and not an elite skater for his size, which means he’ll face an uphill battle to make it in the pros, but he has the type of elite offensive instincts that are tough to teach. Eyssimont has an excellent shot and his handle on the puck allows him to work his way open and use that shot even in tight areas.

84. Dean Stewart, Defenseman, Nebraska Omaha(Arizona Coyotes)

Stewart was a bit of a project pick by the Coyotes in the final round of last year’s NHL Draft, and that shows, as he’s still incredibly raw, especially physically. But it’s easy to see the upside the Coyotes saw in him, which makes him a very intriguing prospect.

Stewart is a smooth-skating defenseman with prototypical pro size that has been able to step into Omaha’s line-up and play solid minutes all season, despite being one of the youngest players in the NCHC. As he continues to fill out physically and refine his game, he has potential to be a shutdown defensive defenseman, while hopefully adding a bit more offensive presence to his game.

83. Jeff Taylor, Defenseman, Union(Pittsburgh Penguins)

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Taylor is an offensive-minded defenseman, currently ranking tied for fifth nationally in scoring by a defenseman. He has the skating ability to carry the puck up the ice on the rush, and the offensive instincts to help run a power play.

He likely doesn’t project to play that same role at the NHL level, but his creativity with the puck should allow him to be effective at the NHL level.

82. Anthony Louis, Left Wing, Miami(Chicago Blackhawks)

Matt Christians

Louis lacks typical pro size, but makes up for it with exceptional quickness and skating ability. He’s developed better creativity and offensive instincts this past season with Miami relying on him to be more of a scoring presence.

His speed will be what keeps him at the NHL level, however, likely as a lower line energy player that brings a strong defensive presence.

81. Tyler Wall, Goalie, UMass Lowell(New York Rangers)

Tyler Wall was a bit of an unknown coming out of junior hockey in the GOJHL, but he quickly established himself as the top goalie at UMass Lowell, a program known for their strong goaltending. He is one of only six ‘98-born goalies playing in the NCAA this year, and Wall has the second-best save percentage of that group, trailing only Boston University’s Jake Oettinger.

Wall has a big frame and is calm and confident in the net. His size and reflexes allow him to play deeper in the net, giving him a better chance on cross-ice and rebound saves.