(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015-16 PHPA Top Prospect Award as voted by the player Membership of the PHPA. 

The PHPA Top Prospect Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League’s Eastern and Western Conferences, who stands out as the best next future star to succeed and make an impact in the National Hockey League.

AHL Eastern Conference: William Nylander, Toronto Marlies

The 20-year old Canadian-born Swedish forward was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, 8^th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut on February 29^th, 2016 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Nylander posted 45 points in 38 games during the regular season to help the Marlies clinch the MacGregor Kilpatrick Trophy as AHL regular season champions for the first time in the team’s 11-year history.  In 22 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, Nylander tallied 6 goals and 7 assists. 

“It’s pretty big to receive something like this and I’m just very honored to be recognized from fellow players in the league,” said Nylander.

AHL Western Conference: Mikko Rantanen, San Antonio Rampage

The 19-year old rookie from Nousiainen, Finland was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, 10^th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.  He began the 2015-16 season with the Avalanche before being assigned to the San Antonio Rampage, where he led the team in scoring with 24 goals and 36 assists in 52 games, finishing with 42 penalty minutes and +20.  During his first North American professional season, Rantanen was loaned by Colorado to serve as Captain of the Finnish Junior National Team, which captured the gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championship.

“There is always big respect between players so this award means a lot to me,” said Rantanen.  “We had a tough season as a team but I was fortunate to play with great linemates the whole season.  I also want to acknowledge my teammates, as well as our coaching staff and trainers for helping me and providing good advice throughout the season.”

“On behalf of the entire PHPA Membership, I offer my most sincere congratulations to both William Nylander and Mikko Rantanen, whose futures as National Hockey League players appears to be bright,” added PHPA Executiove Director, Larry Landon.  “To stand out amoung your peers for this distinguished honor, given that close to 90% of current NHL players first developed within the American Hockey League says a lot about their potential.”