January 13, 2006
Central Scouting Releases Mid-Term Rankings

The NHL's Central Scouting Service has released its mid-season rankings of the top players eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The rankings list North American and European players separately, as well as separating goalies from skaters (forwards and defensemen).

Current and future college players rank 1-2-3 in the preliminary rankings, with Minnesota grabbing the top two spots. Gopher recruit Erik Johnson edged out current Gopher Phil Kessel for No. 1 overall, while North Dakota's Jonathan Toews is third.

In all, five of the top 15 and 15 of the top 50 in the rankings are college hockey players or prospects.

The North American lists rank 210 skaters and 30 goalies, all playing in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to college players the list features draft-eligible major junior players, as well as a number of college-bound high school, prep and junior players