13 – Jack Quinn
2021-22 Statistics (AHL): 45 games, 61 points, 26 goals, 35 assists
Quinn will most likely jump in these rankings, but two games of NHL experience will set him back to 13th before the preseason begins. The only reason he is 13th and not 14th is because he has a much better chance of making the roster than Anders Bjork, who may find himself in a different city before the season begins.
I further believe Quinn has potential to wind up on the middle-six, perhaps the top-six, by season’s end. And that’s the key phrase: By season’s end. Therefore, expect some up and down performances from Quinn in the meantime as he goes through the transition from the AHL to the NHL level.
Projection for 2022-23: Right now, I am projecting Quinn to win a spot on the third line. But once he gains experience and proves that he can produce on a regular basis, he may move up a rung or two. But that will also depend on how the likes of Peyton Krebs and Victor Olofsson perform.
If Krebs and Olofsson take the next step, Quinn may need to settle for the third line tops this season. Mittelstadt’s health is also an issue. If the hard-luck center once again misses extended time, then Quinn may be the next man up on the second if he is performing well on the third. This scenario would likely bump Peyton Krebs to center while Quinn takes over at winger.