Authors note: because of their NHL experience, Ty Dellandrea, Maxime Fortier, Oliver Kylington, and Samuel Montembault were not considered eligible for this listicle. They will feature more heavily in the upcoming prospect season preview.

1. Tim Stutzle is an all-around forward with decent, but not great, size, who can skate like the wind. Even at just 18, he would be one of the top skaters in the league. He has excellent offensive attributes, though his shot won't be a strength, while his checking, positioning, and hitting should be decent, though nothing special. It might take a couple years before he reaches the NHL, but once he does he will be one to watch.

2. William Wallinder is a bit of a project that shows great potential. Projected to hit like a truck, many scouts were saying he'll just be average otherwise, a borderline NHL player at best. GM Smith evidently felt differently, suggesting that the organization views Wallinder as a solid top pairing defender, one that can shutdown opponents while occasionally putting the puck in the net.

3. Isac Lundestrom is a character player with no significant weaknesses, but no particularly special talents. He can shoot, pass, stickhandle, check, skate, and even hit... but he's not especially good at any of it. Likely topping out as a second liner, he is almost the prototypical low-risk, low-reward prospect.

4. A defensive defenceman, Kevin Bahl is unlikely to offer much of anything offensively, but he should be an excellent shutdown option. He probably won't ever be a good first pairing defenceman, he could make for a dynamic second pairing if given an offensive partner.

5. Thomas Bordeleau
6. Kasper Simontaival
7. Daniil Gushchin
Grouped together for simplicity, this trio are likely competing with each other for future roster spots, with Bordeleau having the edge at the moment. All three are small forwards offering significant attacking talent and mediocre defensive ability. Bordeleau projects as a very strong shooter, passer, and stickhandler, but AHL level checking and positioning. Simontaival is an equally strong passer, slightly weaker but still strong shooter and stickhandler, but better defensively, albeit not amazing. Gushchin is the weakest shooter of the three but also the strongest passer, with good stickhandling to go with it. However, he's also the weakest defensively. All three are good skaters, and it will be interesting to how many of them manage to secure places in the Detroit lineup.

8. Much like Wallinder, Antti Tuomisto hits like like a truck. Unlike Wallinder, Tuomisto's potential is a bit more certain, but not as high. Though a very solid passer and hitter, he's lacking in other areas of the game and may struggle at times as a result.

9. Though not linked as closely with the small trio from 5-7, Ryan Francis is not terribly dissimilar, if only because he is a small forward with strong skating and stickhandling ability. However, that's where the comparisons end, as Francis is not nearly as strong shooting or passing, but is significantly stronger on the defensive side of the puck. The question for Francis is whether his lack of size and shooting will hold him back, or whether he will be able to use his positioning to carve out a roster spot.

10. The only 'big' forward on this list, William Dufour is the forward equivalent of Bahl, with all around solid defensive abilities and little to no offensive talent. He seems destined for the 4th line and the penalty kill, but needs to show more consistency.

HM: Yegor Smirnov lacks the consistency of Bahl, and his defensive abilities are not as well rounded, but, much like Wallinder and Tuomisto, he will deliver crushing hits. If the Wings do eventually line up Wallinder, Tuomisto, Bahl, and Smirnov on the blueline, their opponents are not going to enjoy the experience.

Other promising prospects include: Zayde Wisdom, Ivan Lodnia, Carson Bantle, and Pavel Novak.