2019 NHL Draft: NEHJ’s top draft prospects for October

Henry Thrun (Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Each month leading up to the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, New England Hockey Journal will run through the region's top prospects.

The rankings are based on potential, performances from the past month and overall talent. To kick off this NHL Draft season, we highlight five players from three of the region's six states.

Just after the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas, Texas, we explored 15 of the region's top prospects. That expansive approach highlighted players born in the region or playing prep or junior hockey locally. As matters have evolved, this focused look at the region's next draft crop offers an updated perspective.