The Western Hockey League considers itself to be “One of the premier development League’s in the World”. With alumni scattered across every NHL team in the league, I decided I would take a look at 5 current WHL players you are sure to see in the NHL sooner rather than later.

1. Emerson Etem, RW, Medicine Hat Tigers.
A first round pick of his hometown Anaheim Ducks, Emerson Etem has all the tools to become a great NHL player. 2010-11was a bit of a breakout for Etem Etem as he finished with 45 goals, 35 assists and a +41. His year would also see him help team USA to a Bronze medal at the World Junior Tournament. Through just 8 games this season, Etem already has 13 goals, 4 assists and even showed a bit of a nasty side a few nights ago with a fight. On October 9th, it was announced that Etem was the CHL’s Player Of The Week after a 6 goal, 1 assist effort in 3-game for the Tigers. Expect Etem to crack the NHL lineup next season.

2. Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon Blades.
At 6’3” and 195 lbs the Colorado Avalanche may have found themselves a defenseman to anchor the back end for many years to come. The 11th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft finished last season 5 goals, 41 assists and 121 PIM. The Saskatoon Blades finished the regular season with the best record in the WHL, but were swept in the second round by a Kootenay Ice team that would eventually end up in the Memorial Cup. The 18 year old Siemens is now the captain in Saskatoon and should make the team Canada roster for the upcoming World Junior Championships in Edmonton/Calgary. Siemens is still a few years away from being an NHL player; expect to see him in Colorado at the beginning of the 2013 season.

3. Sven Bärtschi, LW, Portland Winterhawks.
The second year winger from Switzerland returns to the Winterhawks this season hoping to improve on a 34 goal, 51 assist rookie campaign that helped him become the 13th overall pick of the Calgary Flames. Bärtschi showed he is not afraid to play the more physical North American game and it resulted in 74 PIM. During the 2011 World Junior Championships, Bärtschi scored one goal and had one assist in six games for a Switzerland team that finished 5th. This season is a big season for Bärtschi as the Winterhawks do lose some weapons off last season’s Western Conference Championship team. Should Ryan Johansen be sent back from the Columbus Blue Jackets, expect the two to be paired together with 2nd round pick Ty Rattie. Bärtschi has the ability to be in the NHL next season, but could see time in the AHL as well.

4. Quinton Howden, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors.
Quinton Howden has what I like to call “The 3 S’s”… Speed, Size and a Shot. At 6’3” and 195 lbs, Howden has the size to play in front of the net and the speed skate circles around most defenseman in the WHL. Howden is currently out with a neck injury, but when he returns expect him to improve on last season’s 40 goal, 39 assist season of 2010-11. If healthy you will see Howden playing for team Canada again at the World Junior Championships where last year he had 2 goals and 3 assists in 7 games while collecting a silver medal. Had Howden not suffered a neck injury, he may have been on the opening roster of the Florida Panthers. You can expect to see him in south Florida next season.

5. Ryan Murray, D, Everett Silvertips.
The only player on this list that has yet to be drafted is Ryan Murray; he would’ve been a top 10 pick in last year’s draft if he wasn’t a late birthday. At 6’1” tall and 195 lbs, his style of play is very reminiscent of Scott Niedermayer. Murray will anchor the blueline and quarterback the power play of whichever team drafts him. You should be able to get a glance of him at this year’s World Junior Championship where can expect him to play 25+ minutes a night. Last season for the Silvertips he would finish with 6 goals, 40 assists and a +18 for a team that would finish 8th place in the western conference. Murray is a player that could make the jump to the NHL next season, but obviously may or may not depending on which team selects him.