from Craig Button of TSN,

New York Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov barely edges out fellow Russian winger Grigori Denisenko of the Florida Panthers to lead the way in the 2019 edition of TSN Hockey’s annual list of the Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects.

Only players considered to have not achieved full-time NHL status are included in the rankings.

Kravtsov, 19, is a highly skilled winger who is an offensive threat with his combination of speed, power, shot and finish. He’s expanding his game by playing centre this season for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL. Kravtsov’s skill set, along with this adaptability, allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. His style of play is similar to that of the recently retired Rick Nash.

Denisenko, 18, is a dynamic offensive player who has a tremendous level of confidence in his play. Skating for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL this season, Denisenko can shoot as well as make a play and has qualities that are reminiscent of Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov.

continued with the list included...