From the article, not my own words...
Projected NHL Players
1. Damir Zhafyarov, RW, Nizhny Novgorod-KHL
Zhafyarov is a top scorer in the KHL this season. He will turn 27 this spring, but I could see him as a useful NHL player for a few years. He’s a highly intelligent passer with a good mid-distance shot and individual skill. He’s small, but not soft, and has killed penalties at the KHL level. While he’s a good skater for a 5-foot-9 player, he doesn’t have a true dynamic top gear. But I think he has enough skill and effort in his game to be a bottom-six forward in the NHL.
2. Matt Kiersted, D, North Dakota-NCHC
Kiersted is one of the top free agents on the market this spring. He has played large minutes for arguably the best team in the country the last two seasons. He’s a very intelligent puck mover with some skill and runs North Dakota’s power play. He’s not that big or quick, but neither the size nor the quickness are so detrimental to limit him at higher levels due to the very high IQ. He should be able to defend OK versus pros while making great outlets and offensive plays. I could see him as a third-pair defenseman in the NHL.
3. Strauss Mann, G, Michigan-Big Ten
Mann was a top player in college hockey for the last two seasons, including a tremendous .939 save percentage as a sophomore, although that number is a little down this season. Mann is an intelligent goalie who can make the smart read and efficient play, but also has great quickness to make the tough save. The athleticism isn’t off the chart for a six-foot goalie, and the size will be the main question on him, but the tools are good enough to play games and provide useful minutes for a club as a No. 2 or No. 3 goalie.