31 Teams in 31 Days - New Jersey Devils

New Jersey really hit up the OHL this year with their entry draft selections and that gives us more to talk about.

1. Graeme Clarke - Ottawa 67's
A really savvy selection by the Devils this year. Clarke is one of the most talented offensive players in this Ontario age group, but his production wasn't overwhelming because he had to play a lesser role on a strong, and deep 67's team. But Clarke is a big time goal scorer with a terrific release. He also possesses some of the best hands in the league. His creativity with the puck is something that I expect will really become known with more ice time and greater confidence and strength. This kid has tried the "Mike Legg goal" more times than I can remember. I think his skating and play away from the puck have already greatly improved over his two years in the OHL. But they are the areas that will require the most attention. In addition to that, I'd like Clarke to be more assertive with the puck. At times, especially on the powerplay, he had a tendency to float near the slot looking for one time passes. With his creativity and skill level, I want to see him taking the bull by the horns more, carrying the puck and being a play creator instead of just a play finisher. The 67's will continue to be a strong team over the next few years and during that time, I do actually expect him to challenge for a scoring title. Next year, don't be surprised if he breaks out in a big way. I could see him scoring 40 goals and being well over a point per game as he'll receive (likely) top unit powerplay time in addition to top 6, five on five time.

2. Nikita Okhotyuk - Ottawa 67's
Okhotyuk is a real throwback defender. But he's a mix of the new age and the old age. He relishes in the opportunity to plant an opponent on his butt and has to be considered one of the better open ice hitters in the OHL. But he's also a very smart and staunch defender who consistently wins battles in the corners, rarely loses his man in coverage, and uses his above average mobility to keep attacking forwards in front of him. It's very rare to see him taken out of a play. As an offensive player, I think there is more than meets the eye. The second half of this year, we really started to see him jump up in the play more and take more chances leading the rush. This component to his game most definitely has the potential to improve and that will be the big focus next season when he returns to the OHL for a final year. Again, Ottawa will be strong and part of the reason for that is that they are returning their entire defensive unit intact. While he's not likely to see much powerplay time, Okhotyuk will continue to be a PK anchor and the guy out on the ice late to protect leads. I do think that his offensive production will take a nice jump, into the 8 goal, 25 assist range.

3. Michael Vukojevic - Kitchener Rangers
I think it's very interesting that the Devils took both Okhotyuk and Vukojevic this year, considering most OHL talent watchers believed them to be pretty interchangeable as potential NHL shut down defenders. Obviously, New Jersey wanted to cover their bases and target someone who could bring physicality and toughness to their blueline in the future. Few players in this OHL draft class played as much as Vukojevic this year. He was an anchor for the Kitchener Rangers. I also think that his game improved by leaps and bounds from the beginning of this year to the end. This is especially true for his skating ability and confidence with the puck in his zone. His footwork in the defensive end and overall mobility have improved a ton. And he has really cut down on his defensive zone turnovers, handling the forecheck much better, likely because his improved stride has allowed him to skate the puck out of trouble when he needs it. But his bread and butter is his defensive ability. He is just so smart and calculated in the defensive end. Allows the game to come to him, relying on his hockey sense and anticipation to make him so difficult to play against, especially when you combine that with his size and physical tenacity. Next year, I expect we will continue to see great growth for him. The Rangers are expecting to challenge for the Western Conference and he will be a big part of that. I still don't know how high the offensive ceiling is, but I would expect modest production increases, at least to the 35+ point mark.

4. Mitchell Hoelscher - Ottawa 67's
Well it's clear that the Devils have really enjoyed watching the 67's the last few years. If you follow my writing, you know that I'm a big fan of what Mitchell Hoelscher brings to the ice. He had a bit of a rough start to the year, but his game really came together after the trade deadline, when the 67's put together the Chiodo/Hoelscher/Maksimovich line. Flanked by two talented OA's, Hoelscher's game really shined and he had a fantastic finish to the year, including the playoffs. He's just such a smart hockey player. As a playmaker, he anticipates the play really well and has enough skill with the puck to bide time anddraw defenders in to open up lanes. Hoelscher is also a terrific defensive player, IMO one of the top defensive centers in the OHL. Again, it's all in his anticipation and hockey sense. That said, there are still areas that need to be improved upon. First is his skating. I don't think that really improved a ton and he really needs to get a quicker first few steps. This would make him a much more dangerous player who can be more consistent creating offense when the pace increases. I also think that he needs to get stronger. This would greatly help his shot, which at this point is not a strength. And it would allow him to be even more effective as a three zone player who can control the wall and take more advantage of his intellectual gifts. Coming into this year, Hoelscher is likely to be Ottawa's second line center and will see some powerplay time for the first time in his OHL career. I would expect him to be in the 25/50 range and above the point per game mark.