The OHL season is now at about the half way point which means that it's time for the first media/scout poll for the 2014 NHL Draft.
For those unfamiliar with how this works, I poll many of the OHL's brightest minds; those who cover the league incredibly well and know their stuff. These contributors supply me with their top 10 available players from the OHL, in addition to some comments. I then put it all together and provide you with a cumulative list. Call it "the consensus."
As always, this list involves contributions from a rather colourful cast
of characters. Contributing their rankings and thoughts to this preliminary
list for 2014 were:
Ross MacLean - Head scout for
ISS Hockey (
@rossmaclean)
Corey Pronman -
Hockey Prospectus and ESPN author (
@coreypronman)
Dominic Tiano - Writer for The
OHL Writers (
@dominictiano)
Matt Burnside - Independent OHL scout
(
@MattBTHG)
David Burstyn - Director of Scouting for
McKeen's Hockey (
@DavidBurstyn)
Sean LaFortune - Scout for
McKeen's Hockey/Director of
TheScout.ca (
@SeanLafortune)
Nathan Fournier - Author of
The World of Junior Hockey/Contributor to
The Hockey News (
@jrhockeywriter)
Ryan Kennedy - Associate senior writer for
The Hockey News (
@THNRyanKennedy)
Dan Stewart - Director of Scouting for
Future Considerations (
@StewartFC)
Brandon Sudeyko - Host/Producer of the
In the O Radio Show (
@intheoradio)
Mark Seidel - Scouting Director for
NACS Hockey (
@MarkSeidel)
Peter Kneulman - Writer for the
OHL Writers and
In the O Radio (
@PeterKneulman)
Manny Paiva - Play by Play voice of the Owen Sound Attack (
@paivatheway)
Brendan Ross - Co-Manager of
DobberProspects, scout for
TheScout.ca (
@RossyYoungblood)
Craig Button -
TSN Scout (
@CraigJButton)
Scott Campbell - Director of
The Scouting Report (
@TSRhockey)
and of course...myself (
@BrockOtten)
As per the feedback I've received previously, I'm sticking with the new format used on last year's final list. No paragraphs, just the scouting reports. Simply easier to read.
Here's the Top 10 with (several) Honorable Mentions:
10. Josh Ho-Sang - Forward - Windsor Spitfires
Total Votes: 7
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 8th (3x)/Outside the Top 10 (9x)
The Scoop: With the departure of Kerby Rychel, Ho-Sang is now unquestionably the offensive leader for the Spits. He leads them in scoring with 37 points and is a huge reason why they've been one of the surprise teams in the league thus far. His offensive abilities have never been questioned, but it's his play without the puck and intensity level that has scouts talking thanks to the improvements he's made in those areas this season.
Comments:
"Explosive offensive player with elite quickness and creative technical
ability that allows him to really keep opponents guessing. Has been
operating at over a point per game pace this season and has managed to
show subtle
improvements in his two-way game. He can really wow with his move set
and is always at least fun to watch play. He’s a very interesting
prospect and still needs to mature but his potential cannot be ignored." - Anonymous
"Maybe the most skilled player eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft. Can wow
you on any given shift with his speed and hands but his hockey sense
leaves me wondering about him. Has a lot of work to do to round out his
game." - Corey Pronman
"
Ho-Sang matured considerably in the off-season
and the proof is in his play this season. He has since bought in to the team
systems and no longer does he play an individualistic game as he distributes
the puck more efficiently while flashing his stick handling and creativity on a
nightly basis. His puck skills may be one of the best in the draft as he can
side step and slither past defenders while standing still. Defensively Ho-Sang
is completely committed and will retreat as far back as behind the net to make
a play, often assuming the defensive responsibilities of the centre on his
line." - McKeen's Hockey (Burstyn and Lafortune)
"Pound for
pound he is arguably the most talented player in the OHL as a first year
eligible. There was thought of off ice issues and dedication to getting
better, but this year that seems to be taken care of. He has the
ability to create offense in the smallest places and make the impossible
passes. There is no questioning his offensive talent, what has made a
difference is watching him defensively. no longer coasting or just
waiting for the puck to pop loose. he is attacking, pressuring and
supporting his teammates in his own zone. Much more effective all around
and making it back in most top 10's." - Anonymous
9. Spencer Watson - Forward - Kingston Frontenacs
Total Votes: 7
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 7th (1x)/Outside the Top 10 (9x)
The Scoop: The little engine that could. Watson may not be the biggest guy on the ice, but he consistently finds ways to score for the Kingston Frontenacs. His 16 goals are currently second on the team and he's done well to build off the momentum that his terrific performance at the Ivan Hlinka gave him.
Comments:
"
He always had
the ability to score and he was able to showcase it. What you may not
have noticed is he can work in tight spaces while not needing to move at
100mph. Not the fastest on the ice but he can still find a way to make
offence happen. His time with the U18 Summer Team has given him a great
understanding of the competition around him. That has only made him
hungrier to improve his game in all threee zones." - Anonymous
"A strong position player who is sometimes
overlooked on a team with Bennett and McKeown. Doesn’t have the size of some of
the others but makes up for it with smarts, determination and of course talent.
When he is on the ice you are confident that he will outscore those he is on
the ice against and really isn’t that the point of the game?" - Anonymous
"It's not that I don't like Watson and what he brings to the game. It's that there are other players that I prefer more because they bring similar things to the ice but are bigger and quicker. I will say one thing about Watson though, that separates him from others. He has that innate ability to find holes in the defense that you love to see in smaller players when projecting them to continue their production at the NHL level. His hockey sense in the offensive end truly is terrific." - Anonymous
8. Anthony DeAngelo - Defense - Sarnia Sting
Total Votes: 8
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 6th (1x)/Outside the Top 10 (8x)
The Scoop: DeAngelo is leading the OHL in defenseman scoring by a remarkable 14 points and has to be the odds on favourite to win defenseman of the year at this point. The 3rd year OHL player (late birth date) has really exploded and lived up to his potential. So what's keeping such a dynamic player from climbing up the rankings?
Comments:
"DeAngelo is one heck of an offensive defenseman. His skating ability, coupled with his puck carrying ability make him a near unstoppable force at this level when it comes to gaining the offensive zone. In a lot of ways, he's like having an extra forward out there with his high skill level. But he looks disinterested in the defensive end at times. There's no question that his play in his own end leaves a lot to be desired and a lot of that, unfortunately, seems to stem from an attitude and not an ability." - Anonymous
"DeAngelo is the premier puck moving defenseman in the draft but was never one of my favorites as he always came off as spoiled; constantly making selfish decisions with the puck, showing bad body language towards his teammates when they couldn’t capitalize on his set-ups and poor attitude towards everyone when the Sting were losing. But this season he has cleaned up that immaturity and taken hold of a leadership role. He picks his spots better and is one of the guys to positively talk to his teammates when they need a boost. Size is still a concern but with his wheels, slick hands and offensive instincts he it finally tracking in the right direction and will be on many teams lists around the tail end of the first round." - Dan Stewart
"In a draft that features very few puck rushing defenseman,
DeAngelo may be the crown jewel of the draft. His sheer ability to create off
the rush and produce offensively makes him an instant stand out in the NHL
draft landscape. DeAngelo has great game reading ability and is not afraid to
take off if he sees an opportunity. He currently leads the OHL in defenseman
scoring all the more impressive as he plays on a weak team with only three
forwards having double digit goal totals. Defensively he struggles, his reads
are not great, he can get caught out of position and is not always able to
contain his man. Despite his defensive short comings, DeAngelo has the
requisite skills to play a puck possession game at the professional level." - McKeens Hockey
"The New Jersey native has made significant improvements on the defensive side of the puck showing better positioning and a commitment to his defensive assignments. The often hot-tempered rearguard has dialed down his outbursts which will surely impress scouts but he remains a high-risk, high-reward player heading into the draft. His ranking here reflects his potential but he will need to convince teams that he isn’t too much of a defensive liability to warrant such a selection." - Anonymous
7. Brendan Perlini - Forward - Niagara IceDogs
Total Votes: 15
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 4th (2x)/Outside the Top 10 (1x)
The Scoop: Even if he's cooled lately (more so that his team has cooled significantly), Perlini has to be considered one of the biggest risers for the draft this year. The big winger has been firmly inside the top 20 of league scoring all season long, which is no easy feat for a second year player.
Comments:
"The OHL’s biggest surprise heading into the Holidays, Brendan Perlini has been outstanding playing on a young and inexperienced IceDogs team. His puck possession game is among the league’s best and his shot owns both velocity and accuracy jumping off of his stick. Perlini’s game projects well to the NHL given his size, ability to dominate in the gritty areas and play both a playmaker and goal scorers’ game." - Anonymous
"Love Perlini's game and potential. Think Jeff Carter. Big winger who excels in the transition game, using his size and speed to drive the net. He's got a very heavy shot too, which is only going to get better as he gets stronger. He's no slouch without the puck and shows a willingness to engage physically (not consistently, but it's there). He has to be getting consideration for the Top 15 at this point." - Anonymous
"My sleeper pick for the draft. Really strong start to the season. A nice blend of power, skill, and speed. Prototypical power forward who has really excelled lead the charge for the Niagara IceDogs. The team has tapered off but Perlini has remained consistent for the most part. Has the potential to be a game breaker and continues to get better. " - Anonymous
"Perlini shot out of a cannon to start the year with 30
points in his first 15 games but has since fizzled in the month of
November/December with only 11 points in his last 16 games. Acquired at the
trade deadline last season from the Barrie Colts, Perlini’s 12 points last year
were matched in his first 7 games this season. Perlini’s biggest strengths is
his effortless skating stride, he is crisp, fluid and can accelerate in a
moment’s notice. He has a great stick and is an excellent special team’s
player. Perlini’s short comings can be traced to a lack of pulse and intensity
as he does not go out of his way to engage despite possessing a sturdy 6’2, 205
pound frame. He offers a brilliant scoring touch that simply can not be taught;
his game mirrors that of Jeff Carter." - McKeens Hockey
"More of a North/South type of player who
has really thrived on the smaller ice in Niagara. Making the most of his opportunities
and seems to be more physically prepared for the OHL this year. Has shown great
growth in his game while playing on a team that lacks depth. Teams have started
to make adjustments since his hot start to the season and it seems to be
slowing down his production. The big thing to look for in the 2
nd
half of the season is to see what kind of adjustments Brendan makes to this
added attention is receiving on the ice." - Anonymous
6. Nick Ritchie - Forward - Peterborough Petes
Total Votes: 15
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 1st (1x)/Outside the Top 10 (1x)
The Scoop: Following in the foot steps of brother Brett, Nick has developed into a force in the OHL; a true power forward. The biggest thing for Ritchie this year has been to stay healthy, which he has so far. Missing so many games the past 2 seasons certainly set his development back a bit, but he's well on his way to great things and currently leads Peterborough in scoring.
Comments:
"Ritchie has better power forward skills than his older brother, Dallas Stars forward Brett Richie, but problems with his consistency level (same knock as Brett) and reoccurring injuries have hurt his draft stock as I had projected him a top five guy last spring. When he’s on he plays a fierce power game and is at his most effective when he plays angry but those games are too few and far between. A definite high risk, high reward type prospect." - Dan Stewart
"Nick Ritchie has the potential to be a dominant force. He contains a plethora of assets that make him so difficult to contain for opposing defensemen. Nick has size, speed and skill, three areas that any NHL team will benefit from. Nick is a prototypical power forward, and scoring a point per game pace this season. I still feel he can be doing more. I would really like to see Nick pick up the pace offensively and truly lead this Petes team consistently through the rest of this season." - Anonymous
"Call me crazy but a forward always has the edge over a D [in reference to ranking Ritchie over Ekblad]. If you get a
healthy season out of Ritchie you will get a 30G 70Pt player. Now if you
gave him someone to play with those stats would be better. Since
catching a glimpse of what he can do as a Toronto Marlboro, Nick has
grown in all the areas needed. Size, Skating, Shooting, and his play
with and without the puck. I don't find anything too flashy about
Ritchie compared to some other players on this list but as an all around
player, he has it and a healthy season may not only mean first OHL
player taken, he can take a real jab at being 1st overall." - Anonymous
"When Ritchie is on his game he is an unstoppable force. He has great
size, shows some tremendous power for his age and can really intimidate
and punish opponents with his aggressive physical pursuits of the puck.
He has deceptively smooth hands, especially considering his brash
demeanor on the ice and is very good around the net. It seems to be a
Ritchie family trait to have an insanely quick release on shots. Health
and durability considering the style that makes
him most successful is the one concern I would have moving forward." - Anonymous
5. Roland McKeown - Defense - Kingston Frontenacs
Total Votes: 16
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 2nd (1x)/9th (2x)
The Scoop: Even if the Frontenacs have been incredibly inconsistent this season, they still sit 3rd in the Eastern Conference and the development of Roland McKeown has had a lot to do with that. He's been among the league leaders in +/- all year long and plays a ton of minutes, in all situations for Kingston. While the former Marlboro doesn't appear to be a threat to Aaron Ekblad for first overall, he's positioned himself nicely as a lottery selection candidate.
Comments:
"McKeown came into the season with considerable fanfare and
despite the success of the Frontenacs; McKeown has failed to live up to his
potential. He has not grown since his OHL draft year and his biggest problem
lies in his defensive hockey sense. He habitually misses his mark and finds
himself on the wrong side of the puck. Additionally he does not apply a
physical dimension to his game which exposes him in down low situations.
McKeown is an athletic player whose skating and puck skills are above average
and is what has kept him in high regard in the draft landscape. McKeown needs
to clamp down more, play to his size while also pushing the pace offensively." - McKeen's Hockey
"My viewings of Roland McKeown have been up and
down all season long. High-end skating and elite puck moving ability certainly
grab your attention first and foremost but he tends to be too passive
defensively and is prone to making some bad decisions. High potential player
with exceptional skating ability but leaves me wanting more." - Anonymous
"Good skating defenseman with strong offensive skills. Good size,
with room to grow. Would like to see him limit his rushes
offensively so he doesn't get caught out of position. Has to improve
his physical play in his own end along the boards, where I have seen
him get beat a few times." - Anonymous
"I'm not as high on him as other NHL scouts I've talked to, and this is
more a deferment to the glowing reports I've heard from sources. Very
good two-way hockey sense and skater." - Corey Pronman
"He had a brutal October, but rebounded in November. The skating is a
clear asset and he has nice size to go along with it. Ironing out that
consistency is obviously a challenge for the rest of the campaign." - Anonymous
4. Jared McCann - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Total Votes: 16
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 2nd (1x)/8th (2x)
The Scoop: McCann is finally starting to move up the rankings after a terrific start to the season, where he's the 2nd leading scorer on the one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The smooth skating, two way center brings a lot of different things to the ice and should continue to climb if he can keep having success.
Comments:
"Originally stood out to me at the Under 17's last year where I thought he was terrific as a penalty killer/energy guy for the team. His skating is top notch, as are his instincts at both ends of the ice. Defensively, he's got a great stick and anticipates and intercepts passes exceptionally well. And offensively he just finds a way to score and has a terrific shot. Easily one of the most underrated players available. Should be getting top 10 consideration IMO." - Anonymous
"Graduated to the top line of the upstart Greyhounds, McCann is a natural goal scorer who has uncanny touch with the puck on the half boards. His one timer and stick preparation are one of the best not just in the OHL but the entire draft class. Under the watchful eye of Coach Keefe he has rounded out his game and become more responsible in all three zones; not just counted on in PP situations. McCann has a quick, fluid stride which enables him to separate himself from the pack and much like Mike Bossy he has an innate ability to get open in optimum scoring positions. McCann has also done a better job of self preservation and not launching himself into compromising positions where he could sustain an injury." - McKeens Hockey
"The player on the list that I have by far
seen the most. NHL caliber shot that has improved significantly from last year.
Equally adept at creating offense whether it is even strength or on the power
play. Gets top PK minutes for the Greyhounds on what is one of the best penalty
kill units in the OHL. He is a player that you can put out against a teams top
line and shut them down but with Tyler Gaudet also on the Hounds he hasn’t always
been needed in that role. He is a team player who makes those around him better
yet can still flash individual game changing talent like he did in London this
past week when he split Zadorov and Austin before making Stolarz look fooling
on a deke." - Anonymous
"McCann has been one of my personal favorite guys for this draft crop since last season as I loved his hockey sense, intelligence and ability to adapt and succeed in any role he is asked to play. This year he has filled the offensive catalyst role and more recently the two-way role as he still adds to the offensive side but is also playing against the oppositions top line in a defensive minded role." - Dan Stewart
3. Michael Dal Colle - Forward - Oshawa Generals
Total Votes: 16
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 2nd (6x)/4th (2x)
The Scoop: Written off after it was expected that Scott Laughton would not return, the Oshawa Generals currently sit 1st in the Eastern Conference and have surprised a ton of people. Michael Dal Colle has to get a ton of respect for the way that he's taken this team under his wing in his 2nd year in the league. His consistent production has him sitting 3rd in OHL scoring currently and he seems to have firmly entrenched himself as a top 10 pick.
Comments:
"Michael is a guy who I was not sure about to start the year as he had some impressive showings last year where he was buzzing around the net making things happen and then some outings where he looked like a dog; always behind the play and making little to no impact on the game. This season he has improved his consistency and is making a believer out of me that his overall game will translate into a top six role at the NHL level. Love his blend of size, strength and hands down low." - Dan Stewart
"Has been on fire lately. Leads all draft eligible players in almost all
offensive categories and near the top of the league among all players.
He has good size, excellent vision, can finish or make a very good pass,
excellent anticipation and an uncanny ability to slow the game down and
make the right play." - Anonymous
"A
big bodied forward with great puck protection skills, Dal Colle has
exploded into the top of the draft conversation with his consistently
impressive offensive production so far this season. He is a patient,
poised
and intelligent player who is very good at drawing opponents to him
before making a play to an open teammate. He shows good strength and
work ethic around the puck and is also a quietly effective defensive
player as well. His skating will need to continue
to improve but his abilities and IQ around the puck have really made
him a player to watch this year." - Anonymous
"
Reminiscent
of former General John Tavares with his ability to create offense in
tight situations and may be the best player in the draft from the
hash-marks in. Skating has improved but is still an area of focus. Will
be interesting to see if he ultimately is utilized as a winger or down
the middle, something that will likely hinge on how his skating
develops. Lacks the complete game Bennett brings to the table but his
offensive ceiling is what gives him the edge for me." - Anonymous
"Dal Colle has been terrorizing goalies all
season as he has the best offensive instincts amongst all the OHL draft
eligible’s in this year’s draft. Coming into the season the big question mark
was whether or not he could produce by himself with graduations to Jenner et al
and Dal Colle has more than satisfied all the critics as he currently sits in
the top three in league scoring. Dal Colle displays a hunger for the puck
inside the offensive zone that is unrivalled by his peers. Not overly physical
but competitive and uses his 6’2 frame to make plays, drive the net and attack
the slot to utilize his hair trigger release. His skating is a work in
progress, it lacks an explosive element to it however his anticipation in all
three zones helps to offset that weakness. Dal Colle is a versatile player who
can play wing or centre and his game translates incredibly well at the pro
level when his offensive imagination can be taken advantage of to the fullest." - McKeen's Hockey
2. Sam Bennett - Forward - Kingston Frontenacs
Total Votes: 16
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 1st (1x)/5th (1x)
The Scoop: Bennett made a name for himself at last year's Under 18's, where he was one of Team Canada's top performers as an "underager." He's taken the confidence from that event and carried it over to this season where he leads Kingston in scoring and has been inside the top 20 of OHL scoring all season long. And while he's a terrific offensive player, it's his two way game and play without the puck that has scouts salivating, to the point where he's getting serious consideration for the top 3.
Comments:
"Bennett does it all. The type of guy you will eventually win in the playoffs with because he does whatever is necessary to win. You need a big goal? Bennett. You need to force a turnover on the forecheck? Bennett. You need a big hit to turn momentum? Bennett. You need someone to block a shot or kill a big penalty? Bennett. You get the point. As complete a draft eligible forward as I've ever seen." - Anonymous
"A true gamer, Bennett’s
competitive and tireless work ethic creates
problems for opposing defenses. His explosive skating and offensive instincts
pressures defenses into mistakes. He’s a complete player and a player known for
raising his game in critical situations. While I currently have Dal Colle
ranked ahead of Bennett, I feel the Frontenac is right on par with his OHL
Eastern Conference rival." - Anonymous
"
There is a reason the Frontenacs exploded out of
the gate; the terrific and consistent play of Sam Bennett. He has only been
held off the score sheet five times this season and has 12 multi point games. A
sensational two-way force, Bennett makes as much of an impression defending as
he does manufacturing offence. He is highly competitive and hurls his body at
all players regardless of size. His game has marked improvement in terms of
patience with the puck and understanding when to push for offensive chances; he
has shown vast maturity in his game in a very short period of time. Bennett has
the disposition of a young Rod Brind’Amour and his draft stock should see a
considerable spike if he is able to lead the Frontenacs deep into the playoffs." - McKeens Hockey
"A very intelligent player who can really amplify the skill sets of those
around him, Bennett is a multi-tooled forward who is willing to try
anything to make a play. He is a quick thinker with great instincts and
seemingly
a sixth-sense at times. He has been very impressive so far this year
and has really stood out in almost every viewing. He has tremendous
edge control and agility and that really allows him to get defenders
turned inside out" - Anonymous
"This was a lot closer for me than maybe some others [in reference to Bennett and Ekblad for the top spot]. I think Bennett
has exceptional skills as a forward. He can play both ends of the
rink. I saw him drive the net hard as he skated around a three year
OHL defenceman to set up a goal. Just in that play alone, he showed
good skating ability, some speed, a nose for the net, a chance to
score while also setting up a teammate with his playmaking ability." - Anonymous
1. Aaron Ekblad - Defense - Barrie Colts
Total Votes: 16
Highest Placement/Lowest Placement: 1st (14x)/3rd (1x)
The Scoop: While he wasn't the unanimous top choice, he was pretty close. As the only player on this list invited to the Canadian WJC camp, one has to be impressed with Ekblad's maturity level as a player. While Barrie hasn't exactly lived up to expectations this year, Ekblad continues to be a beast and improve in his 3rd year in the league (thanks to his exceptional draft status). He remains a serious candidate for 1st overall.
Comments:
"I loved Aaron Ekblad last year and still like him. I think some
people try to pick apart his game because they have seen him so much
as he started his OHL career as an 'exceptional player.' But he is
imposing on the blueline, plays well in all types of minutes. Can be
offensive and physical. I want to see him be more physical. I also
think he is improving as a skater. " - Anonymous
"Exceptional... you better believe it. What made Ekblad so unique is that
he was never thought to be a huge point getter and in reality he isn't.
Watching him struggle against better competitors have only made him
better. Thinking back to how he use to get burned on the outside and now
he will catch you and check you. He was never given anything because of
his exceptional status and that arguably made him a better player. He
has played a lot of hockey recently and the errors have minimized while
his consistency has shot up." - Anonymous
"Who wants a six-foot-four defenseman who can play at both ends of the rink and shows solid leadership qualities? How about all 30 NHL teams. While the big, reliable two-way blueliner has not really jumped up and grabbed the reins as top guy in this draft class so far the good news for him is that neither has anyone else. His skating, transitions, overall mobility have improved since last season but are still nowhere near considered a strength or asset to his game. His ability to think the game and use strong positioning impress but he could stand to show more aggressive play at both ends of the ice. As it stands, his game looks like it should translate to the pros as an effective top four blueliner who will eat up big minutes, be a primary role player on your PK and add thirty to forty points a season." - Dan Stewart
"The improvements in his game have been obvious and while most of the
time we start to pick apart players that have been in the spotlight as
long as he has, Ekblad continues to impress. He’s got all the tools to
be a franchise
defender at the pro-level and still has some raw technical points that
make it almost scary how much better he could potentially get. " - Anonymous
"
Few defenseman play as much as Ekblad does in
not just the OHL but the entire CHL. He is an invaluable member to the Colts as
he plays in every situation. Ekblad was arguably the best player for Canada at the
Hlinka tournament capturing a gold medal and playing on the top defensive
pairing. One of the bigger defenders available for this year’s draft, he is
already a mountain of a man and imposes his will. Not a natural point producing
defenseman, he has improved upon his point totals however he needs to work on
his puck rushing skills. He is very useful on the PP due to an absolute cannon
of a point shot. Certain facets of his skating including lateral quickness and
pivots need to be addressed however he is a suffocating defenseman who is extremely
difficult to beat one-on-one. Ekblad is a safe pick due to his size and
ability. He has the potential to be a 10+ year pro who can excel in both a
shutdown role while also chipping in some points." - McKeen's Hockey
Others Receiving Consideration (HM's):
Alex Nedeljkovic - Goaltender - Plymouth Whalers (7 votes)
Highest Placement: 8th
Comments:
"He may not be putting up the Goddy numbers as he did last year than
again Plymouth lost some players to the pro game. He's still only 17 and
will probably be the face of USA Hockey at the WJCs in 2015 and 2016." - Anonymous
"Last season as this kid forced the Whalers to make a switch from veteran to rookie in their starting goaltenders because of his impressive play. He showed maturity and poise in the crease rarely seen in a youngster that helped push the Whalers into the OHL playoffs but fast forward to this season and while the play from Nedeljkovic is still impressive the same cannot be said for his team. He has seen a ton more pucks this season as he faces an average of 36 per game so far up over ten shots per game from last season. He remains a good first shot stopper because of his strong technical play, sound rebound control and impressive focus but is getting hung out too many times this season in Plymouth." - Dan Stewart
"Alex is playing on a weak Plymouth Whalers squad this season, but I
have seen him on several nights where he has kept his team in the
game, has allowed the Whalers to get a single point or has won the
game single-handedly. Challenges the shooters well, while rarely
offering rebounds. Sometimes too deep in his net." - Anonymous
Robby Fabbri - Forward - Guelph Storm (5 votes)
Highest Placement: 6th (2x)
Comments:
"Love this kid, in my opinion a low first round prospect. Plays with fire
and pace, pretty good skater and while not a highlight reel offensive
player I think he can make a lot of plays with the puck." - Corey Pronman
"I know everyone is going to talk about his size, but every time I
see Robby Fabbri, he is a factor in a hockey game. Despite his size
under 6 feet, he goes to the 'dirty areas' around the net. He can
score and also set up his teammates. I think his second half of the
OHL season will be tremendous while playing with Kerby Rychel." - Anonymous
"
Fabbri
isn’t a prototypical first round prospect but it’s hard not to love
what the kid brings to the table. I think his offense will project to
the NHL level but the intangibles he brings cannot be overlooked despite
his size. Plays a fearless game and his tenacity and compete level are
matched by few in the league. I could see him having the ability to be a
very solid #2C." - Anonymous
Jacob Middleton - Defenseman - Ottawa 67's (4 votes)
Highest Placement: 7th
Comments:
"I’m a big fan of this kid and I love the fact that this season has
offered him some good adversity to handle. He’s a big, mobile defender
who understands the physics of the game well. He is reliable and
intelligent
in his own end, plays with good physicality and I believe there is some
untapped offensive upside that should develop as his team improves and
he matures. He has the makeup of a reliable pro-level defender." - Anonymous
"There won't be many that will have Middleton on this list, but all one
needs to do is watch him play. He's a leader on a young and
inexperienced Ottawa defence. He plays in any and all situations and
eats up huge minutes. If a team has the time to wait for Middleton to
develop, then he should be high on those teams list." - Anonymous
"
Unfortunately I
didn't have a base from his Minor Midget days... the good news is that
he stands out regardless. Much like Ekblad, Middleton knows how to use
his body in the defensive zone. Whether it is the reach from his stick,
his ability to box out wingers, or the ability to clear a man or contain
him in front of the net. His speed sets him apart from other big
defencemen in this draft class, that and his mean streak. He plays a lot
of minutes and it will do him good considering the team as he will have
to stay sharp for the whole game which will let him grow even more." - Anonymous
Ryan MacInnis - Forward - Kitchener Rangers (4 votes)
Highest Placement: 8th
Comments:
"The son of NHL HOF Al; Ryan has adjusted slowly to the OHL
ranks after a stand-out debut season with the U17 US National Program last
year. He has a high potential ceiling at the NHL level as he stands 6’4 yet
only weighs 185 pounds giving him plenty of room to fill out. MacInnis is very
gifted with the puck; he can make plays and never settles on his first option.
He is highly cerebral and has become a fixture on the PP as he can manufacture
offence out of innocent looking plays. Skating is a concern, as he tends to
operate on only one level of quickness. Additionally he would benefit from
being more physical which would also help him in the defensive zone as he can
be rather easy to play against. MacInnis mixture of hockey smarts, size, skill
makes him an intriguing prospect and his bloodlines only add to his draft
stock." - McKeen's Hockey
"I have seen Ryan a lot already this season and I am going to
throw him in my top 10 because he continues to impress at
different stages of the game. Has a strong shot, and his skating
is improving. As an OHL rookie, he sometimes disappears in games
and want to see more consistency from him." - Anonymous
"Getting better and better each game. Saw him early and he was awful. Last couple of times I've seen him he's been very good. With the puck on his stick, he can make things happen and with his size there's a lot of potential in the puck possession/play creation area. Play away from the puck and ability to fight through traffic are definitely areas of concern right now though." - Anonymous
Blake Clarke - Forward - North Bay Battalion (4 votes)
Highest Placement: 8th
Comments:
"This ranking is based mostly off of what he
did last season as he has been playing less than 100% this season. What stood
out to me most about him was his ability to show offensive skill in Stan
Butlers system with the Battalion at such a young age and earning his trust." - Anonymous
"Looks lost right now. I've got him just inside my top 10 still, but it's based completely off of last year's performance. That won't hold much longer. He has so much potential as a skilled scoring power winger. The goal scoring instincts he showed last year seem absent this year. Timing is clearly off. Hopefully the 2nd half can provide him with some confidence so he can reclaim his spot on most top 10's. The Top Prospect's Game is also a big opportunity for him and I hope he's up to the task." - Anonymous
Nikolai Goldobin - Forward - Sarnia Sting (2 votes)
Highest Placement: 6th
Comments:
"Perhaps he doesn't get the love in some circles because of his size, or
maybe the Russian factor comes into play. But Goldobin is an offensive
threat. He has excellent vision, is creative with the puck, makes a very
good pass and can score goals. His defensive game needs work, and he
has shown a willingness at times to improve on it, but he has a ways to
go." - Anonymous
"Ranking Goldobin was extremely difficult. The
skilled Russian added both height and mass over the summer and is playing as a
much stronger player this season. Goldobin has elite puck skills (likely
unmatched in the OHL) and buys time with his ability to read the attack
showcasing high-end vision. Defensively, Goldobin has improved to become
adequate but he does experiences lulls in his intensity and can get caught
sleeping on his defensive assignments. Amping up the intensity will be
important for Goldobin if he hopes to improve his draft stock as he can
sometimes play it safe and stick to the perimeter rather than attacking through
the tough areas. The skill set and potential to rise up these rankings is there
with Goldobin but it may be tough on a young and inexperienced Sarnia Sting
team. The Russian factor won’t help his ranking either but I’ve put that aside." - Anonymous
Matt Mistele - Forward - Plymouth Whalers (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 6th
Comments:
"Has struggled this year and is falling down the draft charts, but I still believe in his talent as a goal scoring power winger. Has been better since returning from suspension. But still needs to get his act together." - Anonymous
Eric Cornel - Forward - Peterborough Petes (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 10th
Comments:
"
Has
never had the opportunity to play on a good team dating back to Minor
Midget which in my opinion, has held him back a bit in terms of how he’s
perceived. His game is still very raw but as he’s added strength, I
like what I see as a big bodied right-hand shot centre who has above
average puck skills and vision. I think late in the first round this is a
guy who a team could potentially wind up getting some real nice value
out of 3-4 years down the road." - Anonymous
Jaden Lindo - Forward - Owen Sound Attack (1 vote)
Highest Placement: 10th
Comments:
"Lots of guys I wanted to add to this list but Lindo has done nothing but
appeal to me from the first game I watched him play. He isn’t
necessarily a jump out you type of skill player. He has good skills but
what sets
him apart for me is the character, versatility and pure passion he
plays with. He has intangibles that, to me, make him a sure bet to play
at the next level. This is a kid you can rely on to bring it every
game, every shift and he seems to rub off on his
teammates too. That contagious energy, discipline and character in one
player is a very valuable asset to have on a hockey team, at any level." - Anonymous
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