Top Five
1. Boston Bruins- While many prospects arrive in Boston with top end talent, the Bruins allow their cubs to develop from first-hand NHL experience. Teenagers such as Tyler Seguin and Jordan Caron are given the opportunity to learn from veterans like Mark Recchi and playing against defensemen like Zdeno Chara everyday. Even talented youngster Tuuka Rask is learning as Tim Thomas’ understudy.
2. Detroit Red Wings- The Red Wings are notably good drafters with more late round steals than anybody, but what they do to develop their talent is the other half. Their coaching staff is top notch, their locker room is filled with knowledgeable veterans, and their dominance on the ice allows young players to make mistakes and not suffer too much damage.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins- The Penguins quickly grabbed the attention of the NHL with their stable of young talent accumulated since 2005. They now have one of the premier development systems in the league with “veterans” like Crosby, Malkin, and Fluery, as well as a great coaching staff and minor league system.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning- With General Manager Steve Yzerman and Head Coach Guy Boucher calling the shots in Tampa, the Lightning could be on their way to becoming one of the best franchises in the NHL. In the post-Melrose era, the Lightning have done a great job of developing talent from within the organization.
5. New Jersey Devils- Though they’ve faded a little as of late, New Jersey has a proven system of developing prospects into winners. Zach Parise and Travis Zajac are a few of those prospects turned veterans looking to bring another Stanley Cup to New Jersey.
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