Capitals Young Guns 2015

With only 5 prospects to each franchises name after the inaugural draft, making a top 10 prospects list would be pointless. So instead we will take a look at the top 10 players most likely to make an impact soon. This can include currently listed prospects as well as players on the Hersey Bears.

1. Andrei Vasilevskiy G - 8.5C

Widely considered as one of the top goaltending prospects in the NHL, Vasilevskiy made his North American debut this season in the AHL and looked impressive. He has been called up to the NHL on four occations and seems to have made a case for himself to stick around.

When's he ready?

Expect to see him challenging Fasth for the backup role as early as next season

NHL stats: 12 - 6 - 3 - 1 - 2.37 - .917

2. Tobias Rieder RW - 7.0C

Rieder was among the last group of cuts for the Coyotes this year and was on the teams radar when he started the year in the AHL. He only lasted 9 games before being called up to the big club and hasn't looked back. He's due for an expanded role in the NHL next season.

When's he ready?

There may not be too many open roster spots on the Capitals next season as most players are locked up past this season. He is two seasons away says management.

NHL stats: 56 - 10 - 6 - 16 - 12 - -13

3. Paul Postma D - 7.0C

Postma has been the Jets 6th defenseman this season and looks to have the AHL behind him. He was a bit of a late bloomer in the WHL and is showing signs of improvement in the NHL as he gains confidence.

When's he ready?

Challenging for the 7th spot next year

NHL stats: 41 - 2 - 4 - 6 - 14 - +2

4. Nikita Nesterov D - 6.5C

He really turned some heads while playing junior in Russia and had a few teams scared because of the "russian factor". Nesterov made his way over and played a full season of AHL hockey but had some wanting more. This season he has stepped up and started to show his potential, he has almost matched last seasons AHL totals and has looked to earn a spot on Tampa's NHL roster for the remainder of the season.

When's he ready?

Challenging for the 7th spot next year

NHL stats: 19 - 1 - 3 - 4 - 12 - +7

5. Nate Prosser D - 6.5C

This is the second consecutive season Nate has played 50+ games in an NHL season with the Minnesota Wild and the third time he has done it in his career. While his style of play may not wow you on the scoresheet he's solid in his own end and can play on the PK.

When's he ready?

Most likely to be called up for injury. Challenging for the 7th spot next year.

NHL stats: 57 - 2 - 5 - 7 - 32 - -1

6. Christian Thomas RW - 7.0D

Thomas had his cup of coffee this year with the Montreal Canadians and impressed coaches in his short stint. The son of former NHLer Steve "Stumpy" Thomas, Christian hasn't shown off his scoring prowess yet at the pro level so in order to stick he will need to continue to show he isn't affraid of contact.

When's he ready?

Two or three seasons away

NHL stats: 18 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 7 - -2

7. Shane Prince LW - 7.0C

He has shown improvement every year since turning pro and is relied apon in every situation in the AHL. It's expected that the Senators will stay patient with Prince and let him continue to play big minutes in the AHL until a top 6 role opens up in the NHL.

When's he ready?

May challege for a spot next season due to Bergenhiem's UFA status

NHL stats: 2 - 0 - 1 - 1 - 0 - +1

8. Kevin Roy RW - 7.0C

Roy put up crazy numbers in the USHL before going onto Northeastern in the NCAA, which was a great choice by the diminutive forward. He was approached by Ducks management in the offseason to sign a deal and turn pro but desided it was best to stay in the college game. Look for him to turn pro after his season is done and could even be used in the NHL.

When's he ready?

Two or three seasons as least. Boom or bust type.

NCAA stats: 35 - 19 - 25 - 44 - 28 - +12

9. Mario Lucia LW - 7.0C

Son of longtime Gohpers coach Don Lucia, Mario is a big bodied LW who has a knack at filling the net. He tends to shy away from physical contact and he'll have to work on his strength to succeed at the next level. There is a chance he does turn pro after this season as it looks as though there isn't much left for him to prove in college.

When's he ready?

Two or three seasons away.

NCAA stats: 39 - 20 - 10 - 30 - 18 - +9

10. Jonathan Marchessault F - 7.0D

Marchessault was not drafted due to his small size but caught on in the AHL and showed good promise early. He has good hands and sees the ice very well. He's had two short stints in the NHL but may need to move on to another team to get a true crack at a roster spot.

When's he ready?

Marchessault may never catch on at the pro level, but may be called up from time to time.

AHL stats: 51 - 16 - 31 - 47 - 24 - +8