The Sunday Top 10 - American Players

In today's Sunday Top 10, I look at the top American born OHL players for the 2008-09 season. This was an incredibly difficult list to create, because of the large talent pool of American players currently playing in the OHL. I had some diffuculty in really settling on my top 10 and ended up leaving out a lot of talented players, especially some younger guys like Jared Knight, Austin Watson, Andrew Yogan, among others.

The list took a few things into account. For one, prospect standing and NHL potential. But it was also weighed largely by on ice performance, regardless of NHL standing or chances.

Here is the list...

10. Tony Romano - Peterborough Petes

Romano was outstanding for Peterborough this season after struggling last season in London. He came to London from Cornell University with a lot of hype and high expectations at the offensive end. However, he was largely unimpressive and looked like one of those guys with some solid athletic ability, but little hockey sense and finishing skill. However, this season with the Petes, he was a completely different player. He played in all situations, he showed great speed, he was named one of the dangerous players in the goal area by the coaches in the coaches poll and he looked to re-establish himself as a good professional prospect. Keep in mind, that this was Romano's overage season, but the progression was still great to see. He looks like he could be a solid 3rd line forward at the NHL level.

9. Brian Lashoff - Kingston Frontenacs

Lashoff is one of the best kept secrets in the OHL. Brian, the brother of Tampa defenseman and former NHL 1st round draft pick Matt Lashoff, went unselected in the 2008 NHL entry draft. However, following a strong performance at the Detroit Red Wings prospect camp, Lashoff was given a contract with the defending Cup champions. He has good size, is a great skater, can play both ways, and tends to be smart with the puck. He put up only 32 points from the backend this season combined between Barrie and Kingston, but he's capable of doing more. He's playing outstanding for Grand Rapids in the AHL currently, where he has 8 points in 11 games since the OHL season ended, and is currently playing a large role in the Griffins run for the Calder Cup.

8. Adam Comrie - Saginaw Spirit

Comrie didn`t really make a lot of strides offensively in his 2nd OHL season after transferring from the USHL, but he remains a solid prospect. The 6`4, 200lbs defenseman skates like a 5`10, 170lbs defenseman, and uses his mobility to be an effective defender. He`s also got a mean streak and isn`t afraid to use his size to gain defensive position. He does have a very booming point shot, so I do expect him to eventually score more goals in the OHL, however he remains a really solid defender and somewhat underrated based on the fact that he plays out of the spotlight in Saginaw. I also think he`s got a great shot of being a part of the next World Junior Championships for Team USA.

7. Jeremy Smith - Niagara IceDogs

Smith had an interesting season. He struggled mightily to start the year with Plymouth and lost his starting job to the tremendously talented Matt Hackett. After a trade to Niagara, he was outstanding to close the year and in a sense, re-cemented his status as a solid NHL prospect. You have to think his play to start the season is a complete anamoly. Smith is a solid technical goaltender who moves well in his crease and has a great glove hand. I expect him to move on to the AHL or ECHL next season, especially since he`s already under contract with Nashville. However, I have heard some rumblings that Nashville is considering returning him to Niagara next season to play as an overager due to the fact that they`ll already have two solid goaltending prospects looking for playing time in the minors next season, Mark Dekanich and Chet Pickard.

6. Nick Palmieri - Belleville Bulls

Palmieri is a monster...when he wants to be. He took a lot of flak for the way he handled things in Erie this season and his subsequent trade to Belleville. But he`s a solid player, when he wants to be. When he`s at his best, Palmieri is nearly impossible for OHL defenders to contain due to his combination of size, strength, and skating ability. He also possesses an NHL caliber shot which he gets off quickly. He`s definitely a potential NHL goal scorer. However, he doesn`t use his size nearly as much as he should. if he did, he`d be up near the top of this list. Moving on to the professional level should motivate him to be at his best in every game. On the plus side, he had an absolutely outstanding playoffs for Belleville, with 14 goals in 17 games. Just a glimpse of what he`s capable of.

5. Jack Combs - Saginaw Spirit

Combs was definitely one of the better and most important overage players in the OHL this season. He`s a tremendous offensive player who is a great playmaker who possesses great hockey sense and often makes the players around him much better. While he is slightly one dimensional, there is no doubting how important Combs was to Saginaw`s outstanding season this year. I fully expect him to make an impact at the professional level, whether it be earning an NHL contract or working his way up through the AHL/ECHL. While Combs may not be as good of an NHL prospects as some of the other players on this list, the St. Louis native has bled Spirit red, white and blue the past 4 years, being an impact player in two of them.

4. Phil McRae - London Knights

McRae was having quite the breakout season prior to the Knights acquisition of John Tavares. Following that, he tended to take a backseat, being pushed off the top powerplay unit and top line. It's tough playing second fiddle, but next season should be a significant one for McRae, as I expect him to finish in the top 10 of OHL scoring. He's a big kid who skates well, competes hard and has a high skill level. Just the pull package, who is still gaining the confidence in using it. McRae is another guy I expect to be playing for Team USA at the next World Juniors.

3. Thomas McCollum - Brampton Battalion

McCollum sure didn't help the public's perception of his ability with his stinker of a performance at the World Juniors this year, however those that see him more regularly know he's capable of significantly better. In his time with Guelph and Brampton this year, he was consistently one of the best netminders in the league and is currently heading to the OHL Championship after ousting Mike Murphy and the Belleville Bulls, showing he is capable of playing in big games. And sure, he is prone to some bouts of inconsistency, but he's still a talented goalie with a bright future. Look for him to be in the AHL next year, likely splitting time with either Dan Larsson or James Howard, whichever one isn't in the NHL as the Wings back up.

2. John Carlson - London Knights

Carlson exploded into the league this season, as the NHL first round pick of the Washington Capitals came completely as advertised following his transfer from the USHL. He was easily one of the best defenseman in the league and IMO should have been the defenseman of the year, despite not finishing in the top 3 of voting. He is a monster at both ends of the ice and uses great speed to lead the rush. He controls the powerplay and isn't afraid to get in your face, using his size. I think there is a strong chance he actually makes the Caps next season, as he was apparently pretyt damn close this season. if he's back in London, expect him to be even better.

1. Eric Tangradi - Belleville Bulls

Let's face it. Eric Tangradi is a beast. I had a little bit of trouble deciding upon Tangradi, Carlson and McCollum for the first spot on this list, and ultimately went with the big guy from Philly. He uses his size like a 6'4, 220lb forward should. And while he isn't the world's greatest skater, I don't think it's an issue either. He's incredibly skilled and is a solid all around offensive player, possessing both an NHL caliber shot and playmaking ability. He should get a shot to play in Pittsburgh as early as next season, and has a good chance to be a top quality, impact NHL player. Tangradi's performance against Niagara this postseason, for the record, essentially locked up his spot at number 1 on this list. he flat out dominated.

Check back next Sunday as we take a look at the Top 10 player who could be or are jumping ship to the OHL next season. Any guesses on where Cam Fowler will sit??

Thoughts on Belleville from February 19

Tonight the Belleville Bulls took on the Niagara Ice Dogs with the game being broadcast provincially on Sportsnet. The Dogs hung in there with the game tied at 1 through two periods, but the stronger Bulls came out on top thanks to three unanswered third period goals. The score would have been a lot higher than 4-1 had it not been for Dogs goaltender Jeremy Smith who was sensational in turning aside 44 of 47 shots.

Thoughts on some Belleville players...

Cory Tanaka - Overager and NHL free agent

Tanaka has to be one of the hardest working forwards in the league, and soon will become the OHL's all time leader in games played. Tanaka is such a good penalty killer, and was the main reason the Dogs were 0 for 4 on the powerplay. He anticipates the play so well and uses his speed to defend and knock away loose pucks. He scored a beauty shorthanded goal on a great breakaway pass from Eric Tangradi, with Tanaka finishing it off with a deke to the back hand. 5 on 5, he works hard, cycles the puck, drives to the net, hits open lanes. Just a solid overall player. That being said, I think that his hard work and hockey sense allow him to put up better numbers than his skill set would allow. He's such a good penalty killer that I'd be surprised if an NHL team didn't sign him this offseason, with hopes he turns into an energy line player.

Shawn Lalonde - Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008/68th

Lalonde is a solid player, no question. I've seen him play quite a few games over his OHL career. Today was not his best. He had a lot of trouble handling the puck and had a few near costly giveaways. He was just not a factor tonight. Clearly an anomaly.

Luke Judson - NHL Draft Eligible in 2009

Judson continues to impress me this season. He doesn't get a lot of ice time, but makes the most of what he does get. He works hard and is very aggressive on the forecheck. He plays a lot bigger than he looks and drives hard to the net, showing good strength with the puck. I think that he has the potential to be a good player in this league. I also think an NHL team would be smart to draft him with a late pick, as he'll look to make a bigger impact for Belleville next season with the departure of Tangradi, Cameron, Tanaka, Palmieri, and Mashinter.

Nick Palmieri - Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2007/79th

Palmieri was actually quite invisible for the first two periods. He wasn't as involved physically as he normally is. However, he made a great turnaround in the 3rd period and was a constant threat. He's so strong away from the puck, he comes away with the puck on his stick after nearly every scrum. In one instance, he knocked Dogs defenseman Reggie Traccitto through the air as they converged for a lose puck in Niagara's end. He's also got a great shot and does a good job getting into the scoring lanes. The only thing Palmieri needs to do is become more consistent. I've found in the past that he can tend to disappear for stretches, which shouldn't be happening because of the physical intangibles he brings to the game.

Bryan Cameron - Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2007/82nd

Cameron is a beast. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This guy is the most underrated player in the OHL. Over 40 goals last season, on pace for 40 over again this season and yet you never hear his name in discussion for the best goal scorers in the league. He's undersized, but it doesn't hurt him. He has great lower body strength and he's hard to knock off the puck, similar to former Barrie Colt star and current NHL'er Bryan Little. He attacks the crease with conviction and he works the cycle with Eric Tangradi like a work of art. Have I mentioned his wrist shot, which he gets off quickly and accurately. This guy is an NHL player, and you can take that to the bank.

Eric Tangradi - Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2007/42nd

I'm not really sure what to say about Tangradi, that adds to what everyone already knows about him. He was absolutely dominant at both ends of the ice tonight. He works the cycle so well and he uses his size to his advantage. He has an NHL caliber shot and his skating has vastly improved over the course of his OHL career. I think the one thing that not a lot of people realize about Tangradi, is how good of a penalty killer he has become. Much like Tanaka, he anticipates the play so well and because he's so strong, he's able to win those loose puck battles and clear the zone. The guy is a stud.

Philipp Grubauer - NHL Draft Eligible in 2010

Grubauer got a start in place of Mike Murphy tonight, giving the all star a night off. Grubauer was quite good tonight. He wasn't tested a lot, but he made some really key saves in times that could have swung the momentum of the game. When his team needed him, he made the save. One in particular against Chris DeSousa was outstanding, where he did the splits on his arse to stop a redirected puck aimed at the bottom far side. He shows great lateral quickness and his rebound control has improved since the start of the season. I know Coach George Burnett thinks very highly of this German import and I think he's going to climb pretty high on draft lists next season as he takes the reigns from Murphy.