Prospect, Player, or Trade Bait? Them's the rules:

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Prospect, Player, or Trade Bait?

Untouchables	Franchise Player
Can put in big TOI	NHL Regular
Protected from tough TOI	NHL Project
Mid-to-High Value / Low Return	Questionable Roster Spot Zone
Low-to-Mid Value / High Return	Prime Trade Bait
Low-to-Mid Value / Low Return	Questionable Roster Spot Zone
Low Risk Prospects	AHL Prospect
Unwanted Elsewhere	Dump Zone

The Rules

Players on the list have at least one game of NHL experience

Players on the list can have up to three seasons of NHL experience

Player age, amount of prior experience, and placement on depth chart are all factors that determine placement

Amount of comparables on team in terms of other prospects or veterans is of importance

Chemistry with team veterans is another crucial factor

The Buffer Zones

NHL Player:
(High Value / High Return) - Established player with lower risk and lower profit.
NHL Project:
A player who is undoubtedly going to be a (1) franchise player or (2) an NHL regular but still needs a lot of work. (Mid-to-High Value / High Return)
High Value / Low Return - Questionable Roster Zone:
This player is not quite on the top 2 lines, but not quite in a checking role either. However, they wouldn't bring back enough to seriously consider trading them right this moment.
Small Value / Low Return - Questionable Roster Zone:
What role does this player have? 13th Forward? 7h Defenseman? Or below that... ? The NHL player has shown the pluck to make the big club and perhaps stick around for a while - but their role is ambiguous on the team.