For those lucky enough to still have their favorite hockey clubs battling it out in the 2013-14 Stanley Cup playoffs, thoughts of the top 10 prospects heading into the 2014 NHL Entry Draft may be the furthest thing from their minds. However, this year’s draft may very well be the deepest we have seen in a while, therefore making it something every hockey fan needs to start paying attention to whether you are still interested in the playoffs or not.

Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects heading into the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on June 27th and 28th.

10. Brendan Perlini- Niagara IceDogs

Not only does this 6’2” left winger have the ability to put the puck in the back of the net, he also has the ability to play a consistent and disciplined style of hockey. Perlini was named the most sportsmanlike player for the IceDogs in 2013-14, which is something that GM’s all across the NHL will appreciate given the high amount of penalties that NHL referees seem to be dishing out over the past couple of seasons.

9. Nicholas Ritchie- Peterborough Petes

Ritchie has the raw talent and ability to flat out dominate. This 6’2”, 226 pound left wingers stature allows him to gain control of the play in the offensive zone whenever he sees fit. Back on February 7, 2014 Ritchie managed to score five goals along with registering one helper in a six point performance, putting him on the map and driving his draft stock upwards. He could be the steal of the first round for whoever takes a stab at him.

8. Haydn Fleury- Red Deer Rebels

While some think that Fleury’s draft stock plummeted half way through his 2013-14 season, his ability to skate well saved his spot within the top 10 prospects of the upcoming NHL draft. Fleury is on the ice for the Rebels when they score more often than not, as he registered a +15 this past season in Red Deer. An agile defenseman is not something you see everyday, and Fleury is undoubtedly just that.

7. Jake Vertanen- Calgary Hitmen

Virtanen is a very special talent. He is a physical forward that can take the puck to the net and finish by putting the puck in the back of the net more often than not. Vertanen tallied a team-high 45 goals in 2013-14, which should prove to be a number he can eventually build upon after he gets drafted in the first-round of the NHL draft.

6. Michael Dal Colle- Oshawa Generals

Dal Colle is what you can officially call an offensive juggernaut. The native of Vaughan, Ontario put up a team high 95 points, leading the Generals to the OHL’s Eastern Conference finals. Dal Colle has the ability to potentially be a top three pick in the NHL draft, especially if there s a team that is hungry for some offensive power.

5. Jared McCann- Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Finding a player that models his game after Jonathan Toews probably isn’t that hard nowadays. Finding a player that actually resembles Toews when he is on the ice is a complete different story. McCann is just that. His ability to play solid two-way hockey is second to none, thus making him a hot commodity early in the draft.

4. Sam Reinhart- Kootenay Ice

Reinhart comes from a family of a long line of professional hockey players. Both of his brothers and his dad made it to the NHL and Reinhart himself is looking to make some noise at the professional level as well. After scoring 105 points for the Ice in 2013-14, expect Reinhart to be one of only a few players to make an immediate impact once he hits the NHL ice.

3. Leon Draisaitl- Prince Albert Raiders

The lone European born player ready to be picked in the top ten of the NHL draft is one of the more special players to come along in years. Draisaitl managed to put up 105 points, tying Reinhart for the lead in the WHL. Amongst all of the Canadians that will dominate this draft class, the native of Germany will definitely hold his own in whatever jersey he dawns come this October.

2. Aaron Ekblad- Barrie Colts

The OHL’s defenseman of the year surpassed almost everyone on this list after having a more than stellar year for the Colts in 2013-14. The 6’3” blue-liner dominates in the corners and has the ability to make those that play with him better on a nightly basis. It’s not often that an 18-year old defenseman is so highly regarded by the rest of the league, but Ekblad deserves every ounce of praise he has received thus far in his young career, and he is sure to continue to do so at the next level.

1. Samuel Bennett- Kingston Frontenacs

After scoring 91 points in 57 games for the Frontenacs, Bennett solidified himself as the most highly recognized prospect going into the 2013-14 NHL entry draft. Bennett has it all. He skates well at both ends of the ice and has the ability to be a top-line center on any team, sooner rather than later. If Bennett doesn’t go first overall in the draft, he won’t slip too far down the line. He is definitely one of, and if not the best player to come out of this draft.