Now that we've had some time to consider how each team's haul from the 2014 draft fits into their pipeline, we can identify which clubs now have a new No. 1 prospect in their system.
A reminder on the term "prospects" as I define them: Players outside the NHL are eligible if they have played fewer than 25 NHL games in any season, and fewer than 50 career NHL games total. So players like Evgeny Kuznetsov, Mikhail Grigorenko and Teuvo Teravainen are eligible, while Brett Connolly and Beau Bennett are not.
Here, in alphabetical order, are NHL clubs that now have a new No. 1 prospect in their system thanks to the 2014 draft.
David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins
2013-14 team: Sodertalje (SHL-2)
Pastrnak had one of the most productive seasons in the lower Swedish league for an under-18 forward in decades, despite a late back injury that kept him out of the under-18 championships. His 24 points in 36 games surpassed Filip Forsberg's 17 points when the Nashville Predators prospect was in this situation. His hockey IQ is really high, as he sees all his options, processes the game very quickly and understands how to play with pace. He's a good skater with shiftiness and an above-average top gear, who also possesses a quick release on his shot.
The top few prospects in the Bruins' system are all small, skill forwards with Pastrnak joining Ryan Spooner and Alexander Khokhlachev. Pastrnak is a level higher in terms of the skill/hockey IQ combination, so even though they all have similar skill sets, Pastrnak's potential is a level higher. He has fringe top-line potential.
Sam Reinhart, C, Buffalo Sabres
2013-14 team: Kootenay (WHL)