Ryan Miller (G) [4.5], Mike Komisarek (D) [4.5], Alexander Frolov (F) [4], Vaclav Nedorost (F) [4], Chuck Kobasew (F) [4], Andy Hilbert (F) [3.5], Steve Ott (F) [3], Steve McCarthy (D), Kamil Piros (F), Jordan Krestanovich (F) [3],

The Toronto Maple Leafs received 10 of the 15 first place ballots for the prospect ranking, impressive for a team that also finished third overall this season. With a potential superstar at every position, the Leafs have a lot to look forward to. The Maple Leafs take their farm team very seriously yet they do not place a great deal of importance in the draft (drafting only Marian Havel from the 2002 class). Frolov, Nedorost, and Kobasew all have the potential to be top line offensive forces in the UFHL. In fact, the Leafs are banking on at least one of these players making a significant impact in the pros this year. Ryan Miller had a glorious world championships which suggests that the Leafs have him penciled in to star for many years with Canadian netminder Roberto Luongo. Komisarek is a hulk with good mobility and a mean streak, yet he will not be rushed as the Leafs already have Jeff Jillson scrambling to find an open spot on defense. With so many players on the verge of making the pros, it will be a challenge for the Leafs to restock their farm team without a significant drop in next year's rankings. The plan is no one will notice the decline if they are winning.

Jay Bouwmeester (D) [4], Jani Rita (F) [3.5], Igor Knyazev (D) [4], Christopher Higgins (F), Fedor Tjutin (D) [4], Jeff Hereema (F) [3.5], Pascal LeClaire (G) [4], Mattias Weinhandl (F) [3], Rickard Wallin (F) [3], Tim Jackman (F) [3.5],

New Jersey Devils - The Devils have built a strong farm team, with the foundation coming from the draft. In the past two seasons, the Devils have drafted goaltender Pascal Leclaire, defensemen Igor Knyazev and Jay Bouwmeester, and forwards Chris Higgins, and Jens Karlsson who was recently involved in a trade for Jeff Heerema. Along with Fedor Tjutin and Jani Rita, there are no real weaknesses in this group of prospects. The upcoming season could be a big graduation party for many Devils. Bouwmeester should find his way onto the blue line as could Knyazev or Tjutin. Jani Rita and Jeff Hereema have jobs to lose in camp, and Read has hopes for the unheralded Weinhandl. In net, Leclaire may be asked to play some games as a back-up, and with no other heir to the goaltender throne present, he could be the big winner from this batch of prospects.

Stanislav Chistov (F) [4.5], Joffrey Lupul (F) [3.5], Alexei Semenov (D) [3.5], Anton Volchenkov (D) [3.5], Ales Hemsky (F) [4], Marcel Goc (F) [3], Antero Niittymaki (G) [3], Alexei Smirnov (F) [3], Kirill Koltsov (D), Filip Novak (D) [3],

Joining the Leafs and the Devils at the top of the heap are the Minnesota Wild. While all three have blossoming talent busting out at the seams, the Wild are the most desperate in need of new recruits. Outside of Chris Drury and Ed Jovonovski, the Wild do not have any other stars. . . yet. Stanislav Chistov, by all accounts will be an offensive dynamo in the league. Chistov frequently finds himself at the top of the list when prospects are being ranked. Behind Chistov, Lupul and Hemsky have tremendous goal scoring potential. While Lupul is not quite on the horizon, Ales Hemsky won't be held out of the UFHL for much longer, especially with the lack of scoring on the Wild. Defensively, the Wild have a trio of reasons to wish for tomorrow: the hulking 6'6 giant Alexei Semenov, the offensively gifted skater Filip Novak, and the complete package Anton Volchenkov. In all, there is potential at every glance on the Wild farm team. Hopefully for the Wild a Chistov or Hemsky can prove they are ready to survive in the Wild.

Jason Spezza (F) [4], Joni Pitkanen (D) [4], Bryan Allen (D) [3.5], Steve Eminger (D), Denis Grebeshkov (D), Marcel Hossa (F) [3.5], Mathieu Garon (G) [3.5], Brian Finley (G), Henrik Tallinder (D) [3], Ross Lupaschuk (D) [3.5],

The Blues are building a winner. While the team is a bit light on offensive prospects, Spezza and Hossa (in addition to Nikita Alexeev) suggest that goal scoring should not be a problem in the future. In net the Blues have security knowing that Brent Johnson has established himself in the NHL, while Brian Finley and Mathieu Garon have as much potential as fellow goaltending prospect Andrei Medvedev is portly. These goaltenders will have terrific support one day as it is really on defense that brings admirers to the Blues' system. In the last year the Blues have stocked up on talented rearguards. They acquired the promising Karel Pilar and Henrik Tallinder near the deadline for Phil Housley, and then at the draft they continued filling the cupboards by picking up the immensely talented Joni Pitkanen, Steve Eminger, and Denis Grebeshkov. With young defensemen at a premium in the UFHL, the Blues have set themselves up for success.

Kari Lehtonen (G) [4], Alexandr Svitov (F) [4], Stephen Weiss (F) [4], Michal Sivek (F) [3], Martin Samuelsson (F) [3.5], Nolan Yonkman (D) [3], Alex Auld (G) [3], Mikael Tellqvist (G) [3], Teemu Laine (F), Kyle Rossiter (D),

Canuck fans are among the lucky. Not only do they have a team that contends, they also have reason to believe that the Canucks will continue to be successful in the future as prospects make the big club. This has not always been the case. When GM Hocking joined the UFHL, the Canucks farm team was pitiful. Amazingly the farm team had been even better than it is now until Hocking dealt Rick Nash to Buffalo. By all indications, Kari Lehtonen could be a franchise player for the Canucks. It was his potential that convinced Hocking to deal dependable Tommy Salo. Stephen Weiss seems destined to be a top line player in the league sooner rather than later, and the Canucks will enjoy a Bobby Holik-style 2 way game from Svitov. Behind these big three, the Canucks have unspectacular depth but depth nonetheless. Sivek still has NHL scoring potential despite putting up mild numbers in a brief AHL stint in 01-02.

Jamie Lundmark (F) [3], Sean Bergenheim (F), Anton Babchuk (D), Dan Hamhuis (D) [4], Niklas Kronwall (D) [3.5], Brent Krahn (G), Igor Grigorenko (F), Tomas Kurka (F), Patrick Jarrett (F), Jason Pominville (F)

The Capitals farm is filled with plenty of depth at all positions. With the new GM starting his first season with the league he definitely has made an impact with a decent pro roster, and a few good prospects. Lundmark and Hamhuis will have a good chance to get some action this year with the big club, and Kurka has an outside shot. In 2003 the Caps will be heavily involved in the entry draft as they have 6 draft picks. One weakness that will likely be addressed is goaltending as the only goaltender on the farm is the oft-injured Brent Krahn.

Ron Hainsey (D) [4], Keith Ballard (D), Cam Ward (G), Duncan Keith (D), Duncan Milroy (F) [3], Mark Popovic (D) [3.5], Alexander Perezhogin (F), Josef Balej (F) [3], Olivier Michaud (G), Antoine Vermette (F) [3], Vladislav Evseev (F),

The scariest thing about the Habs roster, is that they aren't going to get weaker any time soon. The Canadiens roster is filled with talent, the closest to reaching the UFHL would be Ron Hainsey and Antoine Vermette. Only Joffrey Lupul scored more goals in the WHL last season than Jozef Balej. Evseev will be a project, but could be one of the best ones on this list; he's got all the tools just needs to stay healthy and recover from the injury which caused him to fall to a late first round pick. As for depth, the Canadiens have a pair of Duncan's, Keith and Milroy, who will definitely pull on the red, white and blue some day. Expect some healthy competition in goal between Ward and Michaud, the latter of which will be a candidate for the starting job in the world juniors this year for Canada.

Tuomo Ruutu (F) [4], Christian Berglund (F) [3.5], Jonathan Cheechoo (F) [3], Tyler Arnason (F), Sergei Anshakov (F), Alex Drozdetsky (F), Tomas Malec (D), Aaron Johnson (D), Mike Leighton (G), Matthew Stajan (F),

Detroit has a few very good prospects at the top of their list, but their ranking was hurt by lack of depth. Berglund could definitely shine this year for his club. He has an overall aggressive game and scoring ability that makes him a highly sought prospect. One surprise for Detroit is that Ruutu didn't sign a contract for this season, choosing to spend the year in Finland instead. It is rumoured that Ruutu was unimpressed to hear that GM Jon has been taking lessons in strong-arm negotiation tactics from Brian Burke. Cheechoo is one of them players who could dominate a game by himself. He likely won't play a full year in the big league, but should come up for a cup of coffee.

Pavel Vorobiev (F) [3.5], Tim Gleason (D) [3.5], Ryan Whitney (D), Brad DeFauw (F), Dave Steckel (F), Jay Harrison (D), Sebastien Centomo (G), Jiri Hudler (F), Garth Murray (F) [3], Maxime Daigneault (G)

Tampa Bay has players that every other GM in the league asks about but are not prepared to pay the price. GMs want to find the diamond in the rough, and Tampa seems to be the quarry that many teams dream of looting. Their talent on paper is endless, yet critics always seem to have someone else ranked ahead of them. Well, the old cliché (yes the one that has haunted Pat Falloon for a decade) that no one remembers who finishes second could be shattered in Tampa. While talk is high of World Junior teammate Yakubov, Vorobiev has the makings of a star power forward. Ryan Whitney is a name only heard after a Bouwmeester or Pitkanen has already been spoken, yet with his size, speed, and offensive ability he is miscast in his role as a dark-horse Jay Harrison is developing his Scott Stevens-type game in the minors and should bust onto the scene for two decades of reliable service. Jiri Hudler's history of being overlooked because of his short stature is no secret. Garth Murray may be the closest Mike Peca clone that no one has heard of. Maxime Daigneault, like Ryan Whitney, is known more for who was picked ahead of him in his draft year than for any other reason. Examples of the underdog are many, and perhaps then it is fitting that the Lightning would rank lower than they may deserve.

Alexander Syemin (F), Jakub Klepis (F), Barret Jackman (D) [3.5], Konstantin Koltsov (F) [3.5], Nathan Paetsch (D), Stefan Liv (G) [3], Hannu Toivonen (G), Jens Karlsson (F), Brooks Orpik (D) [3], Shaone Morrissonn (D) [3]

Jakub Klepis has announced his intentions to remain in Europe for a year, but the Penguins don't have to throw out their Calder nomination slips just yet. Barret Jackman will bring his game to the UFHL this season and while his offensive potential is questioned the fact that he will soon be the type of player to play 82 playoff intensity games a year sweating leadership and heart makes him a guy that could help more than a few UFHL defense corps. Recently acquired Orpik and Morrissonn are similarly close to pro action. Alexander Syemin has a lot of hype surrounding him, but there will be much time for him to be re-measuered before he steps foot on UFHL ice. While dealing Jeff Hereema may have cost the Penguins this year's Erik Cole, the addition of Karlsson, Orpik and Morrissonn are all first round calibre prospects and likely had a lot to do with the Penguins ranking. Konstantin Koltsov, despite disappointing numbers in Europe is a fourth who deserves mentioning.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard (F), Petr Taticek (F), Brad Boyes (F) [3.5], Jared Aulin (F) [4], Shane Endicott (F), Francis Lessard (D), Ramzi Abid (F), Trevor Daley (D), Brad Topping (G), Justin Papineau (F)

While many of the teams ranked ahead of the Islanders have been recognized for their overall depth of prospects, the Islanders are gunning for goal scorers. Bouchard put up the kind of numbers in the QMJHL that keep people in Quebec who would otherwise move. If he makes it, it will be no small feat as he is as determined and as talented as they come. Quite the combination! Brad Boyes and Jared Aulin had Canadian hockey fans dancing in the street with their outstanding play in the world junior tournament. While both likely need another season in the AHL, stranger things have happened and both could see UFHL time this year.

Maxime Ouellet (G) [4], Mike Cammalleri (F) [3.5], Jan Lasak (G), Jakub Koreis (F), Mikhail Kuleshov (F), Alexandr Riazantsev (D), Andreas Holmqvist (D), Jaroslav Bednar (F), Noah Welch (D), Erik Christensen (F)

With goaltending being the biggest question mark on the pro roster for the Avalanche, it is no wonder, that it is the strongest position on their farm team. Maxime Ouellet will be a star in this league, all he needs is the opportunity. Jan Lasak showed that he is capable of carrying a team to a championship this spring when Slovakia won the world championships. The 2002 draft brought Colorado two very solid players in Jakub Koreis and Erik Christensen. Although neither will make an impact this year, they will be contributing a playoff run in no time. But, perhaps the Avalanche's biggest hope is that former Wolverine Mike Cammalleri can bring his game to a new level after being named to the first all star team at this past world junior championships.

Ari Ahonen (G) [4], Kirill Safronov (D), Nikos Tselios (D), Jeff Woywitka (D) [3.5], Jarret Stoll (F) [3], Tomas Kopecky (F), Tero Maatta (D), Carlo Colaiacovo (D), Ales Kotalik (F), Jeff Deslauriers (G),

Carolina is a strong organization that has all the tools to become a contender. The Canes have two studs in Ahonen and newly picked Deslauriers in goal. The blueline is solid, if unspectacular with Colaiacovo and Woywitka leading the way. Most likely to make an immediate impression on the league is Jarret Stoll, who was recently signed to a contract by Hurricanes management. The Canes seem to love the dark horse prospects, with several such as Tero Maatta, Tomas Kopecky, Nikos Tselios and Ales Kotalik. Surely the Canes like to think that at least one of them will become a star in this league.

Martin Vagner (D), Alexander Steen (F), Brian Sutherby (F) [3.5], Jiri Novotny (F), Brandon Segal (F), Sergei Soin (F), Libor Ustrnul (D) [3], Philippe Sauve (G), Tomas Duba (G), Andrei Mikhnov (F),

Go up to most know it all hockey fans and ask thim about any of the Flyers prospects (except Steen as you may get some drunk Canuck rambling on about Winnipeg Jet star Thomas Steen which could be seen as being half right) and chances are they won't have a clue who any of these players are. This is not to say that the Flyers lack talent. On the contrary, GM Wilgress believes deeply in his farm and predicts that they will suprise many before their parts are played out. After a cup-o'-jo last season, Brian Sutherby is the closest to UFHL action.

Rick DiPietro (G) [4], Paul Martin (D), Ilja Nikulin (D), Colby Armstrong (F) [3.5], Radek Martinek (D), Luke Sellars (D), Jakub Cutta (D), Jussi Timonen (D), Lee Falardeau (F), Jonas Nordqvist (F),

Rick DiPietro and Paul Martin better be good. Not because the Hawks really need them anytime soon, but because there is not a lot of top end prospect talent supporting them. In fact, of all the Hawk prospects only DiPietro is an odds-on favorite to be anything more than average. The Hawks may recieve many good years from players such as Nikulin and Armstrong, yet elite stars are nowhere to be seen, especially up front.

Scott Upshall (F) [3.5], Ilja Bryzgalov (G) [3.5], Henrik Lundqvist (G), Alexei Mikhnov (G), Barry Tallackson (F), Vitali Yeremeyev (G), Ruslan Zainullan (F), Trent Hunter (F), Mike Ribiero (F), Jason Chimera (F)

Bryzgalov has the potential to be an UFHL star. Time and time again the Oilers have resisited the temptation to move Ilja, and they believe that they will soon be rewarded. Home town hero Scott (grown men shouldnt call themselves Scottie) Upshall needs time in the minors to perfect his Darcy Tucker impersonations, yet he will be a pain in the ass for many to play against in the not too distant future. Hunter, Ribiero and Chimera are a handy package of prospects who could all put up 10-20 goals each this season.

Jeff Taffe (F) [3.5], Fredrik Sjostrom (F) [3.5], Sebastien Charpentier (G), Patrick DesRochers (G), Jim Fahey (D) [3], Matthew Spiller (D), Ivan Nepriayev (F), Owen Fussey (F), Branko Radivojevic (F), Martin Podlesak (F) [3],

Many expected more from the reigning GM OF THE YEAR, yet a poll of the reigning GM OF THE YEAR's peers did not produce the type of numbers that the GM OF THE YEAR and his assistants were gunning for. Hidden agendas and personal vendettas aside, the Yotes have sniper Taffe and speedster Sjostrom who will surely be above average NHLers. Charpentier may see up to a dozen games this season in net if the goaltending situation in Phoenix isn't improved from outside the organization. Branko Radivojevic has all the tools to become a solid 20 goal contributor, odds are that he will become that. On defense there is not a great wall of strength though Fahey had the season of his life last year. For fans of the dark horse look no further than Ivan Nepriayev. While few seem to know who this guy is, the reigning GM OF THE YEAR has a very good feeling about this one.

Henrik Zetterberg (F) [3.5], Martin Gerber (G), Lukas Krajicek (D) [3], Johan Holmqvist (G), Tobias Stephan (G), Rene Vydareny (D), Anton Kadeykin (D), Nathan Smith (F) [3], Boyd Gordon (F), Tim Brent (F).

Zetterberg is Florida's top prospect and he faces tremendous pressure to succeed. Luckily for Henrik he will be supported better than almost any other prospect in the league as he will score goals along side the likes of the Bure and Sedin brothers, Mario Lemieux, Eric Daze, and Sergei Fedorov. Many anticipate that the combination of Zetterberg and Fedorov will be Rock City. Looking down the rest of the list Lukas Krajicek shows up as a player that was heisted from the competition just in time for him to emerge as a young star, byt there is little else that is spectacular.

Raffi Torres (F) [3.5], Jesse Niinimaki (F), Levente Szuper (G), Jason Crain (D), Jay McClement (F), Peter Budaj (G), Kyle Wellwood (F), Ben Eaves (F), Riku Hahl (F), Jason Williams (F) [3]

Ilya Kovalchuk and Dan Blackburn WERE on this list last year. That fact and Raffi Torres is about good enough to drop 17 spots in the biggest decline in the league. Replacing those two All-Rookie teammates is not expected, but many hoped for more to be done than adding Niinimaki. Jason Williams has a shot at full time play this year as does Riku Hahl.

Jordan Leopold (D) [3.5], Petr Schastlivy (F), Josh Langfeld (F), Joe Corvo (D), Igor Radulov (F) [3], Martin Prusek (G), Ray Emery (G), Stephane Veilleux (F), Mike Pandolfo (F), Nolan Schaefer (G),

Hobey Baker winner Jordan Leopold is the reason the Senators traded Jeff Jillson to the Leafs. The fact that he dominated in college bodes well for a successful transition to the UFHL. Petr Schastlivy's chances are wearing thin, yet he still has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer. Josh Langfeld could be brought in to skate on the fourth line should no one else step up during camp. Since the poll was taken, both Joe Corvo and Stephane Veilleux have been sent packing in favour of Rob Zepp (G) and Matthieu Darche (F) as it is clear in Ottawa that finishing 20th is not acceptable for a team that has such a lust for youth.

Jason Bacashihua (G) [3.5], Jonas Andersson (F) [3], Adrian Foster (F) [3.5], Stephen Peat (F), Alexander Suglobov (F), R.J. Umberger (F) [3.5], Kurtis Foster (D), Matt Walker (D), Steve Montador (D), Dan Ellis (G),

The Rangers farm has been ravaged in recent seasons, allowing for the successes that the pro team has achieved. The rebuilding begins with Adrian Foster; tons of potential, but has only played 54 games in the past three seasons in junior, including playoffs. Jason Bacashihua, the most incorrectly spelled prospect in the league, put extremely impressive stats in the OHL last season. R.J. Umberger is a big power forward who needs to have a big season this year to shake doubts that many have begun to cast after he seemingly regressed last season.

Mikko Koivu (F), Michael Garnett (G), Juraj Kolnik (F), Kiel Mcleod (F) [3], Vaclav Pletka (F), Igor Pohanka (F), Alexei Shkotov (F), Adam Henrich (F), Christian Ehrhoff (D), Travis Roche (D)

If the rankings were to be done again today, the Sharks would finish even lower. After the ballots closed it was learned that Mikko Koivu had been dealt to the Minnesota Wild (one of the few teams in the league that does not need another star prospect). The Sharks, who are believed to have tired of waiting for Saku's big little brother to decide on his future plans did not like the initial reports that see him staying in Europe for at least a year. In exchange, the Sharks will recieve the Wild's first round draft pick in 2003 which should definitely produce a top 4 pick. Behind Koivu there is not too much to talk about unless Adam Henrich's name sparks another conversation about the colossal bust his brother has been.

Rick Nash (F) [4], Barrett Heisten (F), Tomas Surovy (F), Evgeny Artukhin (F), Chris Bala (F), Michael Ryan (F), Guillaume Lefebvre (F), Ivan Huml (F), Sascha Goc (D), Marc Cavosie (F) [3]

The good news is that the addition of Rick Nash to the Sabres farm has greatly improved their ranking this season. The bad news is that it may be short lived, as Nash looks like he may be ready to join the pro club this season. He does have a little bit of support, especially from the NCAA. Michael Ryan and Marc Cavosie have both developed well in that league and hope to soon make an impact on the UFHL. Cavosie had a great World Juniors showing last year, with 6 points in 7 games. Both are expected to return to college and Ryan will take on the captaincy for his club next year.

David Hale (D) [3.5], Jonas Johansson (F), Mikhail Yakubov (F) [3.5], Mathias Tjarnqvist (F), Brandon Reid (F), Ben Eager (F), John Pohl (F), Matt Murley (F) [3], Jason Ryznar (F), Jason Ward (F),

The Stars farm team is one without a lot of flash, which likely resulted in its low ranking. David Hale will no doubt be a great defensive defenseman, but won't produce much offense. Mikhail Yakubov led the Red Deer Rebels in scoring last season and should compete for a job on the pro roster this season. Jonas Johansson will need a few years of seasoning in the minors to adapt to the more physical North American style of hockey. Ben Eager is big, strong and fast, which will allow him to one day make in to the UFHL but his hands of stone will prevent him from being a major force.

Pavel Brendl (F) [3], Jim Slater (F), Joel Prpic (F), Denis Timofeev (D), Tuomas Pihlman (F), Matthew Keith (F), Jean-Marc Pelletier (G), Daniel Volrab (F), Antti Miettinen (F) [3], Andrew Raycroft (G) [3.5],

Fans of the Bruins have been disappointed, especially recently, with the current management. After last season's disappointing ranking of 28th out of 30 teams, the Bruins set out to improve the team's future. Pavel Brendl was acquired, which was a sign of hope to the fans that management would soon turn this club around and produce a contender. However, things seemed to stagnate after that. Indeed, the fact that many of the names that were on last years farm roster are still there is disappointing for fans in Beantown. After nearly losing first round pick Jim Slater because of a interoffice confusion, many wonder how much longer the franchise can exist like this.

Eric Nystrom (F), Jaroslav Kristek (F), Miguel Delisle (F), Mark Mowers (F), Johnny Boychuk (D), Brad Moran (F), Dan Spang (D), Michael Rupp (F), Mike Morris (F), Matthew Lombardi (F)

The Ducks have begun to improve their farm recently, realizing that their franchise could be in serious trouble in the future, without an overhauling of their current system. The centerpiece of the Ducks far is University of Michigan star, Eric Nystrom, son of Islander great Bobby Nystrom. The 2002 draft brought blueliner Johnny Boychuk and high school star Mike Morris. Aside from these three, Matthew Lombardi, a recent signee, could add some much needed scoring punch, and Mike Rupp has good size and could fill a role on the 4th line.

Yannick Lehoux (F) [3], Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (F) , Peter Hamerlik (G), Adam Munro (G), Peter Ratchuk (D), Konstantiv Panov (F), Burke Henry (D), Ryan Flinn (F), Alexei Volkov (G), Daniel Fernholm (D),

Like the Rangers, the Kings have sold their souls…er, futures, for present championships. Yannick Lehoux is the most notable of the group, scoring 123 goals in his last two seasons of junior. However, being from the QMJHL, there are questions about his defensive play, and his ability to adapt to a tighter checking league. Adam Munro was a 2nd round selection in the 2001 draft, and saw his numbers slip significantly from his draft year. GM Ratliff has vowed to improve this ranking for next season, and has already started signing free agents, beginning with Daniel Widing and Sergei Zinovjev in the past couple of days.