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The Dean's List received a special request from a few forum members eager to get the upper hand on 2012 NHL draft eligible players likely to carry some relevant fantasy value in the very near feature.  Not surprising, the number one ranked prospect for the upcoming NHL Entry draft also headlines TDL's fantasy-based rankings.  Developing ranks for fantasy purpose alone is certainly different than lists distributed by actual scouting services as the importance lies in mainly offensive rewards.

Intangible qualities such as grit and defensive-zone skills are sought after by NHL teams but in the world of fantasy hockey it is important to get your mitts on players with higher upsides even if it comes with more assumed risk or bust potential.  Weighing the risk-reward of drafting the forty-point gauranteed NHLer over the riskier potential point-per-game player becomes an internal struggle that fantasy junkies must resolve.  Smaller, European players considered by many professional scouts to be "projects" (meaning the player has good raw hockey skills but will likely take time to develop with more bust potential) hold more value in fantasy rankings simply based on their potential offensive upside. The Dean's List has adjusted the following rankings to factor in NHL likelihood and offensive potential to ensure that the rankings remain realistic.