First NHL Central Scouting List Full of Minnesotans

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau puts out a number of different rankings every year. The first of their lists came out Tuesday, and it is simply a rundown of the top players to watch throughout North America.

Here is the explanation of this early list.

A Rating -- A 'must see' player who is predicted to be a potential First or Second Round Draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

B Rating -- A player to note if you are in the area, a potential selection in the Third to Fifth Round Draft Selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

C Rating -- A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late round selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

There are a number of players with Minnesota ties, including some UMD recruits, on these lists.

First off, let's list the UMD recruits.

A Rating
Joe Basaraba, RW, Shattuck-St. Mary's

B Rating
Mac Carruth, G, Wenatchee (NAHL)
Caleb Herbert, C, Bloomington Jefferson

C Rating
Adam Krause, C, Hermantown

Basaraba is from Fort Frances, and played in Duluth Marshall's Christmas tournament a couple years ago. Very impressive kid who will be on campus next year. He was a high pick in the OHL Draft, with rights going to the Erie Otters, but there are no indications he will go that route.

Herbert is a bit undersized, but a very impressive playmaker who can skate like crazy. Krause is the top local player this year, and he could lead Hermantown back to state.

Other names worth watching on this list:

B Rating
Tyson Fulton, RW, Breck (Jordan's younger brother)
Garrett Hendrickson, C, Virginia/MIB

C Rating
Will Corrin, D, International Falls
John Skrbec, RW, Grand Rapids

Players from the USHL and U.S. Under 18 National Team program are not on this list. They will be ranked separately in November. Duluth East's Derek Forbort should be quite high in those rankings, as he is a possible high pick next year, too.

Want proof? Kevin Pates notes International Scouting Services rankings that have Forbort 15th among North American skaters.