Fantasy Potential

An elite offensive player with an edgy physical aspect to his game, Provorov is fantasy gold. He will be a tremendous asset both on the power play and at even strength due to his passing ability.

DobberProspect Rank: 24^th ranked defensive prospect in DobberHockey's Top 215

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: Vision, Passing Ability, Decision Making, Skating

Cons: Shot is above average but not elite.

Anticipated NHL Arrival: Provorov could be in the NHL as early as 2015-16. The Flyers have a solid group of defensive prospects in their system and it will depend on which players step forward to grab the open roles on Philly's blue line. 

Zach Werenski

Elite Prospects File | DobberHockey File

Drafted 8^th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets

Growing up in Grosse Point, Michigan, Zach Werenski excelled with a talented group of players at a young age. Werenski rose through the ranks of the Belle Tire program with fellow prospects Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha and Brendan Perlini. He eventually made his way to the USNTDP team, following a path similar to fellow Top-10 draftee Noah Hanifin. The 6-2, 215 pound defenseman with immense offensive talent featured on the 2015 USA World Junior team and was arguably the teams top blue liner. 

In his freshman season with the University of Michigan, Werenski tallied 25 points (9g, 16a) in 35 games, tops among defenseman. His nine goals led all Big Ten defenseman, and were the most at Michigan since Jacob Trouba's 13 in the 2012-13 season. 

Werenski is most noticeable in the offensive third. His movements in the zone both at even strength and on the power play allow him to get off his above average shot.  Zach is very adept at creating lanes to shoot by moving away from pressure and into areas where he is open to cleanly receive a pass. He does look to join the rush and occasionally can get caught out of position when he does not have the puck.

Going into the draft, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen knew he needed to address the organizations need for an elite defenseman. Werenski joins a solid prospect group in Columbus, but one that in recent years has been rather forward heavy. His path to the NHL should be rather quick, as Columbus will be looking to inject some youth into their blue line.

Fantasy Potential

Werenski has elite offensive ability and quarterbacked the power play during his freshman season at Michigan. He should evolve into a top-pairing, number one power play pairing defenseman in the future.  Does have multi-category potential, as he lead Michigan defenseman in blocked shots as a freshman.

DobberProspect Rank: 25^thranked defensive prospect in DobberHockey's Top 215

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: Skating Ability, Passing, Shot, Poise

Cons: Will continue to develop in the defensive zone. Lacks some physicality at times.

Anticipated NHL Arrival: Likely will return to the University of Michigan to continue his development. Werenski has not yet turned 18, which makes him very young for his birth year. Look for Zach to crack the Blue Jackets roster in the next couple seasons.

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