1. NIKLAS KRONWALL (+1), GRAND RAPIDS (AHL)

Kronwall is the top-scoring blueliner in the American Hockey League, and could be on his way to winning the league’s Eddie Shore award as top defenseman. He is a top-four NHL talent with fluid skating, top-flight offensive skills, and a zest for playing a physical game. Kronwall, however, has below-average size — regardless of his various listed measurements — and he’ll need to prove he can handle the NHL’s bigger forwards down low.

Kronwall Prospect Profile »

2. IGOR GRIGORENKO (-1), LADA TOGLIATTI (RUS)

The 5-foot-10, 202-pound winger is still operating at less than three-quarters of his previous effectiveness after suffering a broken femur in a car accident in May of 2003. The recovery process has been slow — Grigorenko’s hands and balance are intact, but his speed and explosiveness are still lagging behind. Recently transferred to a new team, Grigorenko is starting to score and is showing signs of returning to form.

Grigorenko Prospect Profile »

3. JIMMY HOWARD (-), MAINE (NCAA)

Howard is human after all. After rewriting the NCAA record books last season as a sophomore at Maine, Howard has returned to earth now that he’s a junior and the team’s undisputed starter. With a 9-8-3 record, Howard is unlikely to win the Hobey Baker this season. Still, he’s battled through a knee injury, a bout of mononucleosis and respiratory infections, and now that he’s healthy, should continue to develop into a No. 1 NHL goaltender.

Howard Prospect Profile »

4. JIRI HUDLER (-), VSETIN (CZE)

Hudler was averaging a point-per-game in the American Hockey League before leaving for the Czech Republic to be closer to his ailing father. Hudler is small and isn’t particularly fast, but has plenty to offer offensively. The 5-foot-9, 178-pounder is a good stickhandler with terrific hockey sense, vision and smarts. He might not become a star in the NHL, but if he continues to mature, he’ll be a solid point producer in the future.

Hudler Prospect Profile »

5. VALTTERI FILPPULA (+1), JOKERIT HELSINKI (FIN)

Filppula is having a great sophomore season in the Finnish Elite League, and is establishing himself as one of the country's top prospects. A fine skater and playmaker, the 5-foot-11, 174-pound pivot continues to get stronger and — with a little more willingness to pay the price in high-traffic areas — has an NHL future. Expect Filppula to stay in Finland for another season — potentially a big season — before arriving in North America in 2006-07.

Filppula Prospect Profile »

6. JOEY MACDONALD (+1), GRAND RAPIDS (AHL)

MacDonald is an NHL-caliber goaltender — there is little doubt of that — but his chance might not come with the Red Wings. The third-year pro must clear waivers next season to play in the minors, and — because of a crowded house in Detroit — might end up getting plucked by another team. One of the top goaltenders in the American Hockey League, MacDonald is a likeable character and should become a capable NHLer.

MacDonald Prospect Profile »

7. ANDREAS JAMTIN (+2), HV-71 JONKOPING (SWE)

Jamtin is a pest. He hacks. He whacks. He chatters. He antagonizes. He takes his share of penalties, but goads others into them at the same time. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound winger is built like a fire hydrant, and has some pretty solid skating ability and offensive skills to boot. He’s starting to come alive in the Swedish Elite League — as expected, with 15 points and 122 penalty minutes in 28 games — and has third-line NHL potential.

Jamtin Prospect Profile »

8. EVAN MCGRATH (NR), KITCHENER (OHL)

The Red Wings feel they’ve landed a first-round talent with a fourth-round pick. McGrath has 47 points in 35 games with the Kitchener Rangers, and — although he’s started to slow down somewhat lately — appears to be a mid-round gem. The 5-foot-11, 181-pound center has nifty puck skills and is a terrific playmaker. He is not far behind similar prospects Jiri Hudler and Valtteri Filppula, and could start to close the gap as he continues to mature.

McGrath Prospect Profile »

9. JOHAN FRANZEN (NR), LINKOPING (SWE)

Franzen is extremely strong and mobile, and his No. 1 priority is in the defensive zone. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound center plays a conservative game and — although not a bruiser — isn't shy about getting involved physically. When he does get involved in the offensive attack, he's a capable playmaker and scorer. Mature and very close to stepping into the NHL, Franzen has the physical tools and smarts to become a solid role player in the future.

Franzen Prospect Profile »

10. KYLE QUINCEY (+4), MISSISSAUGA (OHL)

Quincey is a horse, one of the top defensemen in major junior hockey. He does everything well — although nothing exceptionally well — and logs 30 to 35 minutes a night in all situations for the Mississauga IceDogs. Canada’s last cut for its world junior team, the 6-foot-2, 191-pound Quincey would be a lock to sign with the Red Wings if a collective bargaining agreement were in place. He has the type of game that should translate well in the pro ranks.

Quincey Prospect Profile »