North Dakota recruit Derek Forbort is the highest ranked North American skater connected to a college team on the final NHL Central Scouting rankings for the 2010 draft.
Forbort, a defenseman who plays for the U.S. National Team Development Program, is ranked ninth, up two spots from the midterm rankings. He’s scheduled to join the Fighting Sioux next season.
Minnesota State freshman center Tyler Pitlick is the top ranked player among those already in college at No. 18, up three spots from the midterms.
Other college-related players in the top 30: Minnesota 2011 recruit Nick Bjugstad, a center, at No. 13; Michigan recruit Jonathon Merrill, a defenseman, at No. 21; Notre Dame freshman center Riley Sheahan at No. 22; Boston University recruit Charlie Coyle, a forward, at No. 24; North Dakota 2011 recruit Brock Nelson, a center, at No. 25; Boston College recruit Kevin Hayes, a winger, at No. 26; and Colorado College recruit Jaden Schwartz, a center, at No. 28.
Nine goaltenders have college ties among the 30 ranked in North America. North Dakota 2012 recruit Zane Gothberg leads the way at No. 6.
The others: Denver 2011 recruit Sam Brittain at No. 11; Maine recruit Martin Ouellette at No. 13; Northeastern recruit Clay Witt at No. 17; Michigan State recruit Will Yanakeff at No. 20; Princeton recruit Sean Bonar at No. 21; Massachusetts recruit Jeff Teglia at No. 24; Boston College freshman Parker Milner at No. 26; and Northern Michigan recruit Jared Coreau at No. 28.
For the full Central Scouting rankings, visit centralscouting.nhl.com.
