Romanov could get a good role if he plays well enough. But yeah, it’s likely the forwards & goalies are the clear front-runners.

Not what I’ve read.

I would like to know where you have read then, because Dobber currently ranks him 5th amoung defense prospects and he is widely considered the best player in all of Liiga right now.

I was gonna ask why Sandin would be on here and then I realized leafs fan. If you include Sandin then Merkley should be right beside

Sandin >>>>>> head case merkley

Actually watching the players>>>>> dumb old narratives

I’ve heard enough stories about him through the grape vine via friends who played in the OHL. I wouldn’t touch him with a 10 foot pole. Maybe he’ll get his career together one day

Dach was last year, Tippett I forgot

Dobber rates players more so on their fantasy potential than what skills they have and how they translate to the NHL so of course Valimaki who is more of an offensive defenseman than Romanov who played a shutdown role in Russia and will likely play the same way in the NHL.

Ya, u are right!! I didn’t think Dach played enough games to qualify but I guess he did!!

I like Morgan Frost and Josh Norris too!!

Stats for fantasy are often what lead to Calder votes anyways so I don't really see your point here. Also Valimaki is strong defensively as well, he is very well rounded

No doubt he had a troubled past, but there has been good news since and his game has only gotten better.

It wasn't a knock on Valimaki it was just a comment about how dobber ranks prospects and how it isn't always the most trustworthy analysis of prospects' strengths.

I know it's not perfect but its also the only legitimate recent rating available. Valimaki has already graduated from TheHockeyWriter's ranking list due to his NHL games 2 seasons ago so finding a good ranking is fairly hard. My point about Valimaki dominating Liiga still stands though