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Best forward isn't really up for debate but there doesn't seem to be a consensus on the back end this year. I think many expected Matt Anderson to be the top D-man but he's had a pretty tough season.

I think the short list is:

Matt Anderson
Grant Anderson
Dylan Samberg
Nick Perbix
Nicky Leivermann
Josh Ess
Keaton Pehrson

Any others in the running? Stampohar, Bjugstad, and Stucker maybe?

My two cents:

If you look at the players "ceiling", then Matt Anderson is the best D man on the list. But you would not say that if you look only at the numbers this year.

The rest of the players all bring something different, and the next best D would be a great debate.

Personally, I've always like Ess. His game is solid, all around.

The kid who scares me the most when you look at the opponents bench would be Nick L from EP. Speedy, skilled, and always seems to bury a big goal when the game is in doubt.

I'm glad you included a mention to Stucker. He's on the ice under high pressure situations, always against the opponents top line. And usually shuts that line down.

Great debate

Like this thread.

My instincts are similar (the word best is a sticky wicket...is it "right now" or 2-3 years down the line?)...

1. Anderson
2. Leivermann
3. Stucker
4. Samberg

After those four its kind of a toss up

Here are a few not on your list that I like: Benton Maass (ER), John Stampohar (GR) and Will Zmolek (Roch Century).

Hermantown's E Peterson

Bemidji Hartje?

silentbutdeadly3139 wrote:Bemidji Hartje?

Maybe not today, but has a lot of upside.

How about LaMaster at Duluth East?

Only a sophomore, but Brinkman has looked very good this year

YouthHockeyHub wrote:Like this thread.

My instincts are similar (the word best is a sticky wicket...is it "right now" or 2-3 years down the line?)...

1. Anderson
2. Leivermann
3. Stucker
4. Samberg

After those four its kind of a toss up

Here are a few not on your list that I like: Benton Maass (ER), John Stampohar (GR) and Will Zmolek (Roch Century).

I meant right now, not factoring in potential. I still think Anderson is the best in the state but he hasn't done a whole lot to prove it so far.

Spencer Meier-Sartell

Here's how Central Scouting has them ranked:

1. Dylan Samberg
2. Robbie Stucker
3. Nick Leivermann
4. Matt Anderson
5. Benton Maass
6. Jesse Bjugstad
7. Noah Ganske
8. Nick Perbix

Does anyone know if Ganske is actually playing D? MSHSL and the Hub have him listed as a forward.

TheNightman wrote: Does anyone know if Ganske is actually playing D? MSHSL and the Hub have him listed as a forward.

Yes he is playing D or at least was during the St. Thomas and Eden Prairie games I was at

To me Ryan Kranz #22 - Centennial is the best defenseman in the state. I got to watch him play against Elk River and he is absolutely phenomenal! A complete game changer!

They beat Elk River 5-1. Without him they would have lost that game.

1. Matt Anderson
2. Stucker
3. Leivermann
4. Ess
5. Samberg

[quote="TheNightman"]Here's how Central Scouting has them ranked:

1. Dylan Samberg
2. Robbie Stucker
3. Nick Leivermann
4. Matt Anderson
5. Benton Maass
6. Jesse Bjugstad
7. Noah Ganske
8. Nick Perbix

Does anyone know if Ganske is actually playing D? MSHSL and the Hub have him listed as a forward.[/quote]

Jesse Bjugstad, best defenseman in the state? He's not even a top defenseman in the SEC. It's too bad he can't control his temper.

hockeygoof1 wrote:

TheNightman wrote:Here's how Central Scouting has them ranked:

1. Dylan Samberg
2. Robbie Stucker
3. Nick Leivermann
4. Matt Anderson
5. Benton Maass
6. Jesse Bjugstad
7. Noah Ganske
8. Nick Perbix

Does anyone know if Ganske is actually playing D? MSHSL and the Hub have him listed as a forward.

Jesse Bjugstad, best defenseman in the state? He's not even a top defenseman in the SEC. It's too bad he can't control his temper

Nick Perbix needs to get more props- underrated by a good margin- he ruled the ice vs Duluth East.

Ganske is playing D and bet he is NHL draft pick at that position. Sticker is very very good!

I would include Big John Stampohar - #24 Grand Rapids - Big, strong, skilled and plays with a nice edge to his game.

M anderson is very, very over-rated...
He was a better player a couple years ago..

the best D are:

Stucker
Pherson

GoldenBear69 wrote:I would include Big John Stampohar - #24 Grand Rapids - Big, strong, skilled and plays with a nice edge to his game.

GoldenBear69 wrote:I would include Big John Stampohar - #24 Grand Rapids - Big, strong, skilled and plays with a nice edge to his game.

Only saw Samberg in Elite League and one regular season game, so not as much perspective on his recent play , but hard to argue with NHL CS

At this point down the stretch, Leivermann is looking pretty good when considering both offensive and defensive production, and importance to success of team.

Perbix is the most dominant force on the ice in most Elk games Ive seen, but interestingly I think Maass may be more important to the Elks puck flow

All others mentioned are certainly top top quality as well.

TheNightman wrote:Here's how Central Scouting has them ranked:

1. Dylan Samberg
2. Robbie Stucker
3. Nick Leivermann
4. Matt Anderson
5. Benton Maass
6. Jesse Bjugstad
7. Noah Ganske
8. Nick Perbix

Does anyone know if Ganske is actually playing D? MSHSL and the Hub have him listed as a forward.

Surprised Colin Baird is not on there..I would think he would be towards the top of it too.

I believe the top three considerations for the NHL Central Scouting draft ranks are:
Size, skating and size.
This may or may not describe the best high school defenseman in the state of MN.