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??

The Sunday Top 10 - Overagers Worth Signing to an NHL Contract

One of the blogs I follow and read is "Coming Down the Pipe," by Guy Flaming and Dean Millard. The blog serves as a venue for great junior hockey discussion, in particular for the Western Hockey League.

One feature that Guy and Dean bring to their blog is something called "Top 5 Tuesdays." Every Tuesday, Guy and Dean compile a list of the top 5 of a specific category. For example, here is the latest top 5 Tuesday post where they looked at the top 5 draft eligible players who are small in size but big on skill.

I think that this idea is absolutely fantastic, so every Sunday, I'll be posting a Sunday Top 10 during the playoffs and offseason. Guy and Dean, hopefully you guys don't sue me, since I'm giving you credit for coming up with the idea!

For the first Sunday Top 10, I'll be looking at the Top 10 OHL Overagers this season who absolutely deserve a chance to play professional hockey, at least in my opinion.

10. Matthew Kang - Brampton Battalion
Kang is an absolute wizard with the puck. He could dangle inside a phone booth. He uses his strong puckhandling ability to help maintain puck possession in the offensive end and is especially effective on the powerplay. Kang isn't the biggest player, but he's generally not afraid to get his nose dirty too. The main drawback to Kang is his somewhat one dimensional play. He's not going to be confused for John Madden any time soon. And while Kang has always had the talent, he's never really been able to become a top point producer in the OHL. Either way, you have to admire the speed, energy and creativity he can bring to the table and maybe that gives him a chance to earn a professional contract next season.

9. Thomas Kiriakou - Ottawa 67's
One of the strongest defensive forwards in the OHL, Kiriakou took big steps forward offensively this season too. He's a great penalty killer and very strong on faceoffs and could make an NHL 4th line some day as a penalty kill specialist. He's not the most blessed skater or offensive player, but he can bury chances when they arise, and he's strong on his skates. Kiriakou is also having a strong first round for Ottawa in the OHL Playoffs.

8. Ben Shutron - Windsor Spitfires
Originally a top 100 selection of Chicago in 2006, Shutron was not signed after a poor and injury plagued 2007/08 season. However, he has bounced back very well this season, splitting the year between Kitchener and Windsor. Shutron is a smart puck moving defenseman who is a valuable powerplay quarterback. Over the course of his OHL career, he's also proven that he can play strong defensive hockey as well. While his skillset likely doesn't translate to becoming a top 4 NHL defenseman, he could at least be a solid depth player one day. Now that he's proven he's healthy again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him latch on to a professional team next season, whether that be an NHL contract or an AHL contract.

7. Rob Kwiet - Windsor Spitfires
Exploded offensively this season on Windsor's blueline and I would think that a lot of people could have Kwiet higher on a list like this. A big body, Kwiet has shown a willingness to use it well. He's also obviously very talented offensively. However, I think Kwiet's average skating ability, questionable decision making and lack of defensive ability may ultimately hold him back from becoming much of an NHL defenseman. However, with a solid skill set, and size, I'd be willing to bet he at least gets a few looks from an NHL team this summer. He does deserve it.

6. Jared Gomes - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
Once a very promising young OHL player, Gomes had failed to take that step forward throughout his OHL career...until this season. Prior to 2008/09, Gomes best offensive season was still his rookie year in 2005-06 with Sarnia. But he had never taken that step forward and went from being a promising NHL draft prospect, to now an unheralded overager. However, Gomes exploded offensively this season, potting 31 goals, and has been outstanding for Mississauga in the playoffs thus far. He's a strong two way player who works hard, isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play and actually has good goal scoring instincts. His skating isn't the greatest, and he likely doesn't have the skill to be anything more than a depth player at the NHL level, but I still expect him to get some looks.

5. Jack Combs - Saginaw Spirit
Combs will never be described as a speedster, but he brings other things to the game. Good size, aggressiveness, outstanding playmaking ability and a quality shot. He'll also never be described as a strong two way player, but his ability to generate offense can not be overlooked. Combs almost caught on in the AHL this season instead of returning as an overager, but I'm sure he will next year. A big body who can move the puck, generate offense and control the tempo in the offensive end can be a good commodity to have.

4. Cory Tanaka - Belleville Bulls
At a generous 5'10, 188, Tanaka certainly doesn't bring size to the table. What he does bring is energy, energy and more energy. Tanaka is widely considered to be the best defensive forward and penalty killer in the OHL. He anticipates the play incredibly well and is a tenacious forechecker. Offensively, he isn't likely to bring a whole lot to the table at the next level, but his work ethic and ability to play both ways should translate to a shot at the NHL somewhere down the line.

3. Matt Caria - Plymouth Whalers
The OHL's hottest player down the stretch, as he averaged over 2 points a game in January and February, as the red hot Plymouth Whalers stormed into the playoffs. Caria has long been a player I had expected to be drafted into the NHL, but he never got the call. Caria is not the best skater in the world, but he's a scrappy little player who'll do anything to make a play. He's a very talented all around offensive player and he makes those around him better too. With the outstanding second half he had, and the strong playoffs he's having thus far, I would be incredibly surprised to see Caria not earn an NHL contract.

2. Brandon Mashinter - Belleville Bulls
The only player on this list who has actually already signed an NHL deal earlier this month (link) Mashinter is a former OHL heavyweight who has turned himself into a very respectable threat at the offensive end. He's an effective big body to plant infront of the net, and his skating vastly improved over the course of his OHL career. He's also a strong two way player. As the complete package, Mashinter has the chance to develop into a serviceable NHL 3rd liner similar to another former Kitchener Ranger, David Clarkson.

1. Chris Chappell - Saginaw Spirit
Named as one of the West's most underrated and improved players, this Saginaw Spirit forward and captain has come a long way this season. At 6'4, 210, Chappell is a load to handle for opposing defenseman, as he uses his strength to outmuscle defenders for the puck. At his size, Chappell is also actually an excellent skater who loves to take the puck hard to the net and whose overall offensive ability has taken huge steps forward. Chappell has definitely been the most impressive overage player I've seen this season, and I'd be very surprised if a big man with the talent he has, does not get an NHL contract this offseason.

Stay tuned for the next Sunday Top 10!

Thoughts on Saginaw from October 25 vs. Niagara

Last Saturday the Saginaw Spirit came to the Garden City to take on the Ice Dogs and were defeated 5-4. Was my first time seeing the Spirit this season. Here are my thoughts on some of the Spirit players...

Adam Comrie (Drafted 2008 by Florida/80th)

He was every bit as impressive as the times I saw him last year, maybe more so. He scored a goal with a huge blast from the point. He looks a lot more confident in using his shot this year. He's always had that big cannon from the point, but he looks more anxious to use it. He was unleashing it all night on the Ice Dogs. It's actually quite accurate too and he generated a few scoring chances off it later in the game. He also looks more confident in using his strong skating ability to rush the puck up the ice this year. He was joining the rush a lot more than I saw him doing last year. I think this is good because as mentioned his skating ability allows him to join the rush, but also get back on defense. Defensively he was solid and remains a very solid positional player. Ideally, because of his size, I'd still like to see him become more aggressive physically. But he's not timid out there either. His puck skills skill need a bit of work though. Comrie still looks kind of stiff when he's handling the puck, especially at the point on the powerplay. In terms of a player comparison. I think it's pretty tough to say. I think the one guy Comrie may remind me of, or at least has the chance to develop into, is Sami Salo. Good two way player, works the point with a hard shot, and is a big guy who can skate and lay the body.

Nick Crawford (Drafted 2008 by Buffalo/164th)

Crawford was another guy that impressed me a lot. Can't say I ever really noticed him much last season, but he was very noticeable on Saturday. As evidenced by his 3 assists, he moved the puck very well with a good first pass. He also has the skating and puck handling ability to rush the puck up the ice with confidence. He saw a ton of powerplay time and was definitely the Spirit's go to guy, playing the full 2 minutes in some instances. Defensively, he was alright. He took the body a few times, but also got caught a few times in making pinches. When he moves on to the next level, he'll definitely need to add some strength because he got outworked a few times infront of the net and in the corners. But as a puck moving defenseman, he definitely appears to have NHL upside.

Jack Combs (Undrafted Overager)

Combs has already impressed me. He attended the prospect and training camp of the Colorado Avalanche this year but failed to earn a contract, thus his return to Saginaw for his overage year. They must be happy to have him back though. He's a great offensive player, particularily a great playmaker. He can skate fairly well and really seems to have a head for the game. He was in on all four of Saginaw's goals Saturday evening. Defensively he isn't quite as involved, but I'm sure this is an area he'd like to improve upon as well. And physically, he seems to get involved and isn't afraid to go to the net, which is what you like to see with somewhat undersized players. I'd be really surprised if he doesn't get an NHL contract after this season, especially considering some of the names that did last offseason (cough, Justin Soryal, cough).

Jordan Skellet (Undrafted 89)

Skellet is another guy that I enjoy watching play. Was always impressed with him when the Otters came to St. Catharines last year. He's a bit of a pest out there and is always buzzing around the ice looking for either an opportunity to score or an opportunity to hit someone. He drives to the net with and without the puck. He's undersized, but he skates fairly well and is involved in many different aspects of the game. He's had a great start to his year with Saginaw after sitting out the start of the year, while he waited for a trade from Erie. If he keeps this up, and as long as NHL teams don't blacklist him for his trade demand, he should begin to get serious sniffs from NHL teams, at least as maybe a late round draft pick in the coming years.

Chris Chappell (Undrafted Overager)

Another guy who really impressed me. He had a hell of a game. Chappell is their captain and a guy who's looking like a serious breakout candidate. Career high before this game was 14 goals (last season). He's already got 9. He's a big monster, listed at 6'4, 212. But he can skate. Blew through the Ice Dogs defense for one of his two goals on the night. Had other scoring opportunities as well. Looks to be a big strong guy with good skill. Not sure how he managed to put up so few points before this season. Definitely a guy to watch.

Jordan Szwarz (2009 Eligible)

Szwarz never hit the scoresheet, but he impressed me at times. Was more so a factor at the beginning of the game, but you can tell he has skill. Looked like a very good skater who was elusive and could find the openings for scoring chances. Just missed wiring one top corner on one attempt in the slot. Other times he was invisible and not involved physically. So he appears to be an enigma, not unlike many draft eligible players in this league. But he's off to a good start this year and looks to be a guy who'll find himself somewhere on the draft radar.

Edward Pasquale (2009 Eligible)

Pasquale didn't start the game. The Spirit gave the start to rookie Joe Lepara, who lasted a few minutes into the 2nd period. But Pasquale is a solid goaltender. He's a very big presence in the net and makes himself even bigger when he comes out to challenge shooters. Only let in one goal, the game winner by Chris DeSousa. He really kept Saginaw in the game and allowed them to get back into it and tie it up. Wasn't incredibly flashy but, as long as he's stopping pucks, that's all that matters. It'll be an interesting race to see who emerges as the top draft eligible goalie. But it definitely looks like Pasquale is in the mix.

That's all I've got. Now if you're asking yourself, why are all these reports positive. Don't get used to it. It's just that the main Saginaw guys did look fairly solid. I could have wrote a very negative report about rookie goalie Joe Lepara, but I chose to spare him that. The one guy I really wish I could have seen was T.J. Brodie. He didn't play in the game, but has had a great start to his season.