Scouting Methodology

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I believe the most important qualities a player can posses are a high hockey IQ and puck skills. 

That's not to say, things like skating and how hard a player shoots isn't valuable, however these are qualities that are either a) qualify more as habits or tendencies which can be harder to create further in a player's career, or b) are not as easily developed with off-season training.

Yes, Hockey IQ or Hockey Sense can be measured. Plenty of work has been done to determine which types of plays contribute more to the on-ice success of individual players and teams. If players can execute more of these types of plays within their given ice time, it can be reasonably determined that the player has more Hockey IQ or Hockey Sense.

Data is an important component of player evaluation. Through the eye test there can be a delineation between a player who clearly does or does not have the physical ability or skill to play at the professional level. However, when closely comparing players with similar skill, physical ability, it is their tendencies and overall productivity that require data and context to completely evaluate and rank.

Overall, the order is determined by a player's projected ceiling and their overall impact I believe they will have at the pro level. 

Breaking the list into smaller chunks (ie; right shot USHL defenseman) can make the task of ordering players much easier. When groups of players are properly listed, it is easier to slot in others asking yourself the same set of questions when ordering the small groups of players.

My list is always evolving, essentially a living thing during the season. It is important to keep in mind that the list is about a player's trendline and their body of work.

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