As we slowly get though the off-season, why not pass the time with some prospect talk? I recently ranked the Wings 6-10 prospects, and would now like to conclude the second half of that list with 1-5.

Despite coming off a weak season at St. Cloud State University, Cholowski finds himself in the top 5 due to his high ceiling. The 2016 first rounder, has the ability to transport the puck with high efficiency because of his elite skating. It almost looks effortless the way he maneuvers around the ice, and Dennis uses this to his advantage by being not only a puck mover via breakout passes, but by carrying the puck himself over his own blue line into the neutral zone. Still a few years away from being NHL-ready, he has all the tools to become an impact player, he mainly should work on being more involved in the offensive zone. Cholowski will be playing for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL this upcoming season.

Saarijarvi has emerged as an offensive force in the OHL, as the progression he has made has earned him a spot in the top 5. Vili put his dynamic offensive talents on display over the last 2 years in the OHL, scoring 74 points in 93 games. Saarijarvi was also a candidate for OHL defensemen of the year in 2016-17. While on the smaller size, Saar has been able to excel by being a threat in the offensive zone. He loves to shoot the puck, and has an outstanding knack of getting his shots though. This makes him a great powerplay QB. Here’s a clip of him running Team Finland’s powerplay in the 2016 WJC gold medal game, leading to a massive goal late in the third period (he’s number 18 in white).

Saarijarvi will be playing with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL this upcoming season.

Detroit’s highest draft pick since 1990, Rasmussen will have many high expectations and has already had his fair share on skepticism. Some have even gone as far as to saying he’s a bust despite just being drafted. But there’s a reason why so many scouts had him so highly ranked. His biggest strength being his size, is used in different aspects of the game. Mainly as a net front presence on the powerplay, as 53% percent of his points came on the man advantage, which lead all 2017 draft eligible players from the CHL. He also possesses great leadership and character qualities, which played a factor in Detroit selecting him over others. He gives you the feeling that he will be in the NHL sooner than later, as you can tell he’s a very hard working and determined athlete and wants to prove all the critics wrong. He will be captaining the Tri-City Americans of the WHL this season.

Last year, Hronek probably would of been lucky to crack the top 10, but today he is in the top 2. Hronek this past season made huge strides in his development, solidifying himself as one of Detroit’s top prospects. Scoring 61 points in 59 games in the OHL on one of the worst teams is very impressive, but what’s most exciting about him are his offensive weapons. He is mobile and can move the puck with great decision making and his hockey sense is through the roof. He’s able to utilized those assets by creating plays with his stellar hands.

His creativity makes him dangerous, and its hard to get him off his game, as he plays with confidence and a swagger to his game. Hronek will be joining the Griffins this upcoming season.

Finally, at number 1, it is Svechnikov who is leading the pack. Evgeny finds himself in this position because of his ability to score in a big body. But first I want to mention how much this kid loves hockey. On the ice he always has a smile oh his face, and he brings his joyful energy into the locker room. Following his first NHL game (where he scored the shootout winner) he started his first interview saying with a big smile “hello friends.” You can see the energy and passion he plays with after scoring that shootout winner.

His character and personality makes him a guy you want to cheer for.

Back to his on ice play, we have seen great production from him thus far. He scored 51 points in 74 games in the AHL this past season, which is remarkable. His smooth skating, electric hands, and accurate shot make him so lethal, and his size makes him that much harder for defenders to contain. The best part is he’s still getting better, with him having the most potential of any prospects in the system currently. One of the few prospects we have, maybe even the only prospect we have who has the ability to become elite. Svechnikov will either be playing for the Red Wings or Griffins this upcoming season.