1. Mason Millman - Saginaw Spirit
Millman has to be considered one of the most improved players in the OHL this year from the start of the year to the abrupt finish. He just seemed to get better and more confident with each viewing. Take away the first 11 games of the year and Millman was nearly a point per game defender. He's such a strong skater and he's really gained confidence in his ability to lead the attack and play with more aggressiveness offensively. He is not afraid to push deep into the offensive zone, and you will quite often find him jumping up in the attack, pushing his way to the net, looking for a pass or an opportunity to use his good shot. Millman also controls the point on the powerplay very effectively. He does a great job getting pucks through to the net and, again, uses his mobility to create those shooting and passing lanes. He also has become a much more deliberate facilitator when holding the blueline. He makes quick decisions and the Saginaw attack is better off for it. Millman isn't just strictly an offensive defender either. His defensive game really improved this year. Because of his strong mobility, he defends in transition quite well and shows great gap control. The will and effort to engage physically has improved too, although he needs to continue to get stronger to be a little more consistent when it comes to tying up attackers net front and winning those one on one challenges along the wall. Millman is a prospect who truly is trending in the right direction and I think he has even more room to grow. I would look for him to be one of the higher scoring defenders in the OHL next season.
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