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I had the chance to check out the Indiana Ice for another look at some of the 2010 draft eligible prospects.  I also had my first look at Jacob Fallon since he left the USA U-18 team.

Jacob Fallon               F          5’10”               180

Fallon seems to play and look bigger than 5’10 180.  He’s a powerful skater with good balance and he uses his edges well.  He is also very strong on the puck whether he is handling it in traffic or if he needs to make a hard pass or dump-in.  Fallon played well without the puck and was a very responsible player in all 3 zones as well as a physical presence.  At times, he seemed tentative in getting to open ice in the neutral zone….possibly a result of becoming acclimated to his new team.  When he had the puck, Fallon possessed another gear and was able to take the puck hard into the zone while protecting it.  Fallon certainly looks like a hockey player and stands out with strong techniques in all facets of his game and a player who does the little things well.  Whether or not his offensive skills develop will dictate Fallon’s role as a second liner or third liner in college and beyond.

Nick Mattson             D         6’1”                 190

I was a big fan prior to this season but I have to say that I’ve been somewhat disappointed in Mattson’s play.  Mattson has the tools and plays with such ease that you expect to see more production and fewer mistakes than you actually get from him.  Mattson might be the type of player who plays up to the level of competition which will make his time at North Dakota critical to his development.

John Parker                F          5’11”               180

Parker is a well rounded player who also plays well without the puck.  He’s called upon to kill penalties as well as match up against the opponent’s top offensive players.  However, Parker just has not mustered the offensive production to match his skill set.  It’s hard to imagine a team taking a shot on him in June.

Brian Ferlin                F          6’1”                 196

Ferlin on the other hand, does have offensive abilities and potential to develop them even further.  He’s a slick stick handler and has the confidence to attack the net with the puck.  He also has the knack to be in places where the puck comes to him.  Ferlin just needs to improve his skating and continue to refine his skills.  He’s certainly worth a mid to late round pick on a team willing to wait for him to develop in college.

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In the first game, the Hitmen played the Moose Jaw Warriors.  Although its been a quarter of a century since the franchise left Winnipeg, the Warriors have had a distinct Manitoba flavour to them this year as they are being led in part by a couple draft-eligible Manitobans in Quinton Howden and Dylan McIlrath.

The other game featured the Brandon Wheat Kings in town for a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Final.  The 2010 Memorial Cup hosts have added some high profile players this year to compliment the pieces they already had.

MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

LW Quinton Howden | 1992 | 6’3” | 183LBS | 46GP 20G 30A 50P +14 26PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Quinton Howden may be the most effortless skater in the WHL right now.  His fantastic acceleration often provided his defensemen with a great outlet option.  It also aided his transition game in the neutral zone where he was very effective in back checking and then turning the play back up the ice.  He showed good hands in sending Moose Jaw captain Jason Bast in on a breakaway and was one of the few Warriors to pressure the Calgary defense at all.  Howden could stand to benefit by showing more patience with the puck, allowing time for his teammates to join in and help him.  He finished the game pointless and a -1.

RD DYLAN MCILRATH | 1992 | 6’5” | 215LBS | 46GP 4G 11A 15P +21 127PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

McIlrath looked shaky at first, but after he got the first couple shifts out of the way, he looked very comfortable.  He played a very simple game in both ends.  He knows his role is a stay-at-home dman and he didn’t even look interested in going into the offensive end.  There was a few times were McIlrath was being so cautious that he didn’t even cross the blueline in order to support the play and keep the puck in the zone.  For his size, Dylan is a decent skater although like most big men, he has to work on his mobility and transition game.  He could also improve his gap control.  McIlrath was physically very solid and proved to be very hard to knock off his feet.  In one instance was able to clear out two Hitmen in front of his net simultaneously.  He and Kendall McFaull were steady defensively, blocking shots and effectively kept shooters to the outside.  He made good outlet passes and displayed patience with the puck until finding someone to pass to.

LW ANTONIN HONEJSEK | 1991 | 6’0” | 180LBS | 44GP 14G 17A 31P +10 18PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Honejsek looked a bit like a waterbug out there.  He has a distinctive stride and the combination of the stride causing him to lean forward, his height, and having his head down looks to be a recipe for disaster if a defenseman can line him up.  Fortunately for him, he proved to be a slippery player with the puck and able to avoid the big hits.  He looked to others to create scoring chances for him.

LD KENDALL MCFAULL | 1992 | 6’2” | 185LBS | 41GP 4G 5A 9P +8 43PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

McFaull was paired with McIlrath for most the night and the two of them were very successful in breaking down the Calgary attack.  He showed good mobility and looked to be bigger than he is listed.   He played smart and displayed poise in the corners.  Although McFaull looks to have potential as an all-around defenseman, he still looks to be quite raw offensively.

CALGARY HITMEN

D MATT MacKENZIE | 1991 | 6’2” | 198LBS | 44GP 4G 23A 27P +4 49PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

As the season has progessed, MacKenzie’s game seems to be changing.  MacKenzie looks to have steadily improved his skating and is focusing more on the defensive part of his game.  He hasn’t been as aggressive at pinching in the offensive end, and while his stats may be declining from his early season pace, he is playing a much more complete game.  He is getting more effective at using his reach to his advantage, but he still doesn’t always use his size to his fullest capabilities.

RW CODY BEACH | 1992 | 6’5” | 184LBS | 35GP 2G 7A 9P +4 106PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

As usual, Beach used his body well on the forecheck, however, his lack of foot speed prevented him from being more effective in that role.  He needs to improve his skating if he hopes to be drafted in June.

D PETER KOSTERMAN | 1993 | 6’4” | 182LBS | 25GP 0G 1A 1P -3 2PIM

NHL: 2011 Eligible

With Calgary’s 1^st pick in the 2008 WHL draft, they choose a lanky local kid in Peter Kosterman.  He possesses great size at 6’4 and at only 16, is still learning to use his body.  He needs to work on skating in transition, but is improving in that regard.  Although Peter is not as physical, there are a lot of similarities between him and Alex Plante when the latter was the same age.  While he’s a project, Kosterman looks to have lots of potential.  He should merit watching for the 2011 draft.

D JAYNEN RISSLING | 1993 | 6’3” | 211LBS | 25GP 0G 4A 4P -1 13PIM

NHL: 2012 Eligible

Jaynen is a late-born ’93 and therefore isn’t eligible until the 2012 draft.  Like Peter Kosterman, Rissling is a big kid who has been solid in the limited minutes he’s received.  The Calgary coaching staff hasn’t had to rely on the youngsters too much and have been good at giving them safe minutes while continuing to develop them.  Rissling’s skating leaves much to be desired and he needs to work on his mobility.  He will also be interesting to follow over the next couple seasons.

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

RW MARK STONE | 1992 | 6’3” | 190LBS | 27GP 11G 13A 24P +11 14PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Although Mark didn’t make the scoresheet in the game against Calgary, he played a pretty solid game.  He was able to work the tough areas and was especially good in front of the net distracting Martin Jones and the Calgary defense.

LW MATT CALVERT | 1989 | 5’10” | 182LBS | 50GP 34G 35A 69P +30 54PIM

NHL: 2008 CLB (5/127)

After having a strong showing at Columbus’ training camp, Matt Calvert continues to impress.  He may just be Brandon’s best player and considering all the great players the Wheat Kings have, that’s saying a lot.  His energy is contagious and he seemed to take over the game at will in the 3^rd period leading his team to the come from behind victory.  Calvert displayed great smarts and patience in setting up Brayden Schenn for the fifth goal.  He added the empty netter to finish with two points.

C SCOTT GLENNIE | 1991 | 6’1” | 188LBS | 49GP 22G 38A 60P +25 24PIM

NHL: 2009 DAL (1/8)

It was a real “snake in the grass” performace from Glennie.  Not overly noticeable for the first 2 periods, Glennie found himself a couple scoring chances in the 3^rd and capitalized in a big way.  The first was a nice breakaway goal where he tucked the puck in between Martin Jones’ pads, while the other was a long wrist shot through heavy traffic.  The first goal really breathed life into a Wheat Kings squad that had been down 3-1 midway through the final frame.  He finished with 2 goals and an assist.

D Colby Robak | 1990 | 6’4” | 207LBS | 53GP 11G 39A 50P +38 4PIM

NHL: 2008 FLA (2/46)

Robak is a smooth-skating offensive-minded defenseman.  His typical game was on display again against Calgary where he potted a goal and added an assist.  He is a strong presence on the point and while not very physical, proved himself to be quite competent in his own end defending against the Hitmen’s high-scoring forwards.

C BRAYDEN SCHENN | 1991 | 6’0” | 192LBS | 41GP 20G 42A 62P +26 45PIM

NHL: 2009 LAK (1/5)

Schenn played a complete game.  He showed his physical side early on with a couple huge hits.  He and Calvert have developed great chemistry and combined for several good scoring chances.   Brayden showed good pursuit of the puck and solid two-way play.  Schenn finished with a nice goal on a 2-on-1 chance and also added an assist.

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Calvin Pickard is currently playing with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

It has been a trying season thus far for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the US Division of the Western Hockey League. Starting the season as the youngest team in the WHL is never easy, and for a team that has only moved to get younger through the course of multiple deals this year (with only has 4 players over age 18), one player has given them a steady presence in their most important position. Goaltender Calvin Pickard might be quickly recognized by casual fans as the younger brother of Chet Pickard, a first round pick by the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Calvin has quickly proven to many, however, that Chet is not the only bluechip goaltending prospect in the Pickard household.

After a very respectable 16 year old rookie season in 2008-09 for Seattle, in which Pickard uprooted highly-touted Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Jacob DeSerres as starting netminder, Calvin started his draft eligible season on a team rebuilding for the future. Through 45 games, however, the 17 year old from Winnipeg has impressed scouts enough to be the number 1 ranked CHL goaltender on almost every mid-term scouting report. Playing more minutes (2704) than any other goaltender in the WHL, Pickard has posted a very solid 91.7% save percentage, and a respectable 2.86 goals-against average. Pickard has become a player that the young T-Birds can rely on for solid goaltending on a night in, night out basis; a fact that is proven by his ability to keep his team in games that they seem to have no business playing in.

While he doesn’t have the size of his brother (Calvin stands notably 2-3 inches shorter than Chet), Pickard fills alot of the net and gives opposition shooters very little to look at. Positionally sound, and also with very strong rebound control, you don’t see Calvin give up many soft goals, and he seems to bounce back fairly quickly after being scored on; which is a testament to his mental ability. With his impressive statistics on a fairly poor team, it is fathomable that Calvin could follow in big brother Chet’s footsteps and become a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Entry draft.

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I recently watched the USNTDP U-18’s play Ohio State.  Unfortunately, Jon Merrill, Kevin Clare and Jacob Fallon were suspended and did not play.  However, I did have the opportunity to see several of the other 2010 Draft eligible players in action.

Derek Forbort                        D                     6’4”                 195

Forbort’s raw athleticism and size attribute to his high ranking to this point.  He’s a strong skater with good balance and agility.  Forbort also skates well with the puck and appears to get through the neutral zone effortlessly.  In this regard he shows good hockey sense and the vision to skate to open ice as the play develops.  Forbort was able to maintain tight gap on the OSU forwards but had difficulty when taken wide and was beat by some of the quicker skaters.  He’ll just need to improve his technique and footwork.  Also, Forbort had difficulty recognizing shot opportunities as he, as well as some of his teammates, had several shots blocked.  I would have liked to see him more creative and confidant at the point.  Forbort is the type of player with a high ceiling and if he develops fully, will be a stud defenseman in the NHL.

Stephen Johns                        D                     6’3”                 215

In my opinion, Johns might be a safer bet to develop into an NHL defenseman as he appears more NHL ready now.  However, he does not have as high a ceiling as Forbort.  Johns is very strong on the puck and quickly moves the puck or takes the safe route by getting it to the red-line and dumping it in.  Johns plays physically and should develop into a prototypical defensive defenseman who does have the ability to make a good first pass.  He possesses a good, hard shot but he too was guilty of making poor decisions by forcing the puck, only to have it blocked several times.  Also, Johns will need to improve upon his technique in pressuring puck carriers in the corner.   On a few occasions, the OSU forwards were able to get around Johns and catch him flat footed

Jarred Tinordi                          D                     6’5”                 202

Tinordi has all the intangibles that would excite any scout.  He’s huge and has great leadership abilities as he is wearing the “C”.  Tinordi also seemed aware on the ice and has good hockey sense….defensively.  Offensively, Tinordi struggled on the point as well.  In addition to the blocked shots, Tinordi clearly does not have the agility that his fellow defenseman have.  Tinordi is an awkward skater without good balance and footwork.  He will need to improve upon his skating and puck skills when he’s at Notre Dame.  He’s clearly a project that if he works out, will be a force on an NHL blueline.  There is just a lot of work to be done.

Justin Faulk                            D                     5’11”               195

Faulk is the complete opposite of Forbort, Johns, and Tinordi in that his strengths are his offensive awareness and capabilities.  Faulk was able to routinely able to get shots on net where his teammates were not, scoring on a nice wrist shot from ten feet inside the blue line.  Faulk distributed the puck well in the offensive zone as well as making some nifty passes in the neutral zone.  Faulk also played physically and was able to throw his weight around.  It will be interesting to see how he tests at the combine though as at times, he appeared to labor, almost as though he was too heavy. 

Jason Zucker                          F                      5’10”               174

Clearly the cream of the crop of the USA forwards, Zucker stands out both through his offensive skills and creativity as well as his diligence as a backchecker and defensive player.  Zucker has speed and puck skills as well as a hard, accurate shot.  I believe that Zucker is the type of player who can play as a top 6 forward and provide offense, or as a responsible defensive player who can see time on a third line matched against another team’s first line while chipping in offensively as well.  This versatility will pay off on draft day. 

Bill Arnold                              F                      5’11”               217

Arnold is a big kid who works hard on the ice.  He was blocking shots and very effective on the boards.  However, I did not see a lot of offensive abilities that would merit a high selection.  It’s possible that he can develop a higher skill set at Boston College while providing the intangibles.

Chase Balisy                          F                      5’10                 170

Balisy is a quick, darting skater who did well in open ice.  However, he struggled in traffic against the physically mature Buckeyes.                   

Luke Moffatt                         F                      6’0”                 179

Behind Zucker, Moffatt was the most visible offensive threat among the 2010 eligibles.  Moffatt had the knack of being in the right spots and had several opportunities to create offense.  However, once he had the puck, he did not always make the right play.  He forced a few bad angle shots from the boards that were easily turned aside and transitioned by Ohio State.  On those occasions, Moffatt had more time to survey the play and wait for support.  Moffatt is a kid who will benefit from the coaching at Michigan and should play out his eligibility.

Bryan Rust                             F                      5’11                 191

Rust has good size and played a responsible game.  Rust did not display the skill that Moffatt did however he made better decisions with the puck and also had the knack for getting to the right spots.

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#1. taylor HALL | LW | Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Once declared the undisputed number one in 2010, Taylor Hall now has a lot of competition from Tyler Seguin for the top spot. Blessed with a potent combination of terrific speed and offensive skill, Hall is a dynamic player with the ability to be a game breaker at any given time. He was impressive at the WJC U20, with 6 goals and 12 points through only 6 games, but scouts will be looking to see if Hall can once again lead his Windsor club down the stretch and continue to show more focus towards the defensive zone as well. With that being said, Hall has all but locked up one of the top two spots in the draft and will surely be moving on to the NHL next season.

#2. tyler SEGUIN | RC | Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

After an impressive rookie season with Plymouth a season ago, Seguin has really come out from the shadows to be a top contender for the number one pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He currently leads the OHL in points, and is only two goals back for the league lead in that department. Seguin is tremendously talented and arguably the most dangerous player in the offensive zone in this draft. He’s a very good skater and his hands, shot and creativity are all tools that will help him put up a lot of points at the NHL level. One concern for Seguin is his lack of commitment to the defensive zone, and that will be something that has to be addressed when he moves on to the next level.

#3. cam FOWLER | LD | Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Fowler landed in the OHL this season after a controversial decision to re-neg on his commitment to the University of Notre Dame. Since joining the Spitfires, Fowler has quickly established himself as one of the top defenseman in the league, showing why he has been so highly regarded. He’s a smooth skating defenseman who can really break a team down with his strong transition play. On the powerplay he’s an effective distributor, but could probably afford to shoot the puck a bit more. Scouts also would probably like to see Fowler utilize his size more as it is surely an asset to his game. Fowler was particularly strong in the World Junior’s with the United States which may cement his place in the Top 3.

#4. erik GUDBRANSON | RD | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

It’s been a bit of a tough season for Erik Gudbranson, for all the wrong reasons. Despite some very good on ice play that has really elevated his draft stock, an early season knee injury sidelined him early before being diagnosed with mono in early January which has still kept him out of the Frontenacs lineup. Limited to only 25 games so far, Gudbranson has still managed to show a lot of the potential he possesses in his game. Gudbranson is a very good skater for his size, and has been a lot more involved offensively this year. He competes hard and isn’t afraid to play physical, which are all assets that will ease his transition to the NHL. If Gudbranson can regain his touch prior to his bout with mono when he returns, he could very well give Cam Fowler a run for the #3 slot, but if not, he might slip a few spots as well.

#5. brandon GORMLEY | LD | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Gormley has really raised his stock this season prior to suffering an injury recently against Drummondville. The one thing about his game is that he definitely isn’t the most flashy player, but he’s a guy that provides a lot of substance in his game. Gormley skates well and is very mobile, aiding his transition game. He has a strong point shot and has really benefited from a lot of powerplay time this season as well. He could still stand to add some strength to his frame and compete harder, but those are things that should come with time. At this point he’s likely a sure fire Top 5 pick, but he’ll have no shortage of challengers behind him.

#6. brett CONNOLLY | RW | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Like Gudbranson, Brett Connolly’s season has also been derailed by injury, only his injury being a lot more serious. Connolly’s hip has given him significant problems this season and has limited him to dressing in a mere 12 games for the Cougars this year. The timetable for his return is still unclear, but it’s certainly possible that the injury could keep him out of the Top 10 at the draft. Putting aside the injury, however, it’s clear that Connolly is one of the better goal scorers in this draft. While he doesn’t have a particularly dominating aspect of his game, he has an innate ability to drive the net and capitalize on his opportunities in tight. If Connolly can get back into the lineup in the next few weeks, there will be a lot of pressure on him to find his scoring touch immediately and alleviate any concerns that scouts may have about his injury.

#7. vladimir TARASENKO | LW | Sibir (KHL)

One player who’s draft stock has risen tremendously this year is dynamic Russian forward Vladimir Tarasenko. After being on many pre-season Top 20’s, Tarasenko has steadily worked himself into the Top 8 with some strong play throughout the season. He’s one of the most creative offensive forwards in the draft, which is one of the main reasons why he’s seen so much ice time in the KHL this season with Sibir. At the World Juniors, Tarasenko missed finishing on a few chances, but still showcased his scoring touch, finishing 4 goals in only 6 games played for the Russians. While the so called “Russian Factor” will likely work against Tarasenko come draft day, there is no doubting that he has established himself as a Top 10 talent in the 2010 Entry Draft.

#8. kirill KABANOV | LW | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

On the flip side from Tarasenko, one player who’s stock has been hit this year is Kirill Kabanov. Previously considered to be a challenger for top honours in the draft, Kabanov’s season has been a bit of a mess thus far. After lengthy deliberations finally concluded with Kabanov being granted his freedom to leave the KHL and play for Moncton, Kabanov only managed 11 games before he injured his wrist in November, causing him to miss the World Juniors as well as the Top Prospects game. He’s expected to return from the injury in mid February, which gives him a limited window to showcase his abilities and work his way back up the draft board.

#9. mikael GRANLUND | LC | HIFK (SM-Liiga)

After a controversial transfer from Karpat to HIFK at the start of the season, Granlund jumped out of the gates with his new club as one of the top offensive threats in the entire SM-Liiga. His strong play earned Granlund a lot of top five consideration but after a somewhat underwhelming World Junior performance, he’s negated much of his early poise. Granlund might be a bit of a risky pick given that he is an undersized forward who doesn’t skate particularly well for his size. Overlooking that, however, Granlund is one of the top playmaking forwards available in this draft. He sees the ice extremely well and is very talented, and even competes hard for a player of his stature.

#10. nino NIEDERREITER | RW | Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Every season the World Juniors proves to be a place where a few players really bolster their draft stock, and this was the case with Switzerland native Nino Niederreiter. After coming over to play in the WHL this season, Niederreiter has been a strong player for the Winterhawks showing a combination of skill and physical play which has eased his transition to Canadian Junior Hockey. There’s no doubt that his play at the World Juniors really solidified his place in the top half of the first round as Niederreiter was one of the better players at the entire tournament despite being only 17 years old. He’ll be expected to parlay some of that success into a strong playoff run with the Winterhawks, as they have loaded up for a playoff run this season.

#11. derek FORBORT | LD | US Under 18 Team (USHL)

After an underwhelming draft year for NTDP defensemen last season, the 2010 crop will certainly change that tune, highlighted by Minnesota native Derek Forbort. After making the decision to leave Minnesota High School last year and join the US Under 18 Team this year, Forbort’s draft stock has really taken off. He’s got a big frame with a lot of raw ability for the future. He’s a very good skater and has strong agility which makes moving the puck a lot easier for him. His offensive game hasn’t quite come around, but there is some potential for that aspect of his game to develop over the next few years which could make him a very good NHL defenseman.

#12. alexander BURMISTROV | LC | Barrie Colts (OHL)

Burmistrov has been one of the biggest surprises in the OHL this season, playing a key role for one of the top junior teams in the CHL, the Barrie Colts. He’s got a ton of speed, with the potential for more if he can improve his skating technique a bit, and the offensive potential is definitely well beyond the numbers he’s put up this season. While he can be guilty of trying to do to much sometimes, part of the reason why Burmistrov is only slightly over a PPG is because he is very aware of his defensive responsibilities. He’s a very good penalty killer as well as being a hard back-checker which are both definite assets. Burmistrov might not be a Top 10 pick this year, or even a Top 15 pick come draft time, but he’s got a lot of tools to be a very good two way NHL center down the road.

#13. john MCFARLAND | LW | Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

One of the biggest fallers so far this season is the 2008 1st overall pick from the OHL, John McFarland. After what was a fairly underwhelming rookie season a year ago, McFarland has really struggled to improve this year despite a strong showing with Team Canada at the Under 18’s last summer. McFarland has NHL speed and an NHL shot, but his lack of hockey sense and troubling positional play have really been detriments to his overall play. It’s likely that he’ll go a bit higher then #13 as a team will likely see a lot of pro potential in him, and if he’s willing to show a better commitment to playing a two way game and paying the price, there’s a good chance that gamble could pay off. Looking back on this draft, McFarland could be the type of player who turns out to be a much better pro player then junior player because of the pace he plays the game at.

#14. mark PYSYK | RD | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Despite playing for one of the weakest teams in the WHL his entire career, Pysyk has continued to develop nicely over the past three seasons. He certainly isn’t the most flashy defenseman, but he plays a panic free game that coaches love. Pysyk can play in all situations and is good in transition despite still needing to work on his feet a bit. His ceiling may not be as high as some of the other players in the draft, but you have to think he’s probably going to be a sure bet for the Top 15 at this point as his game really projects well to the pro level.

#15. nick BJUGSTAD | RC | Blaine HS (USHS)

It’s pretty easy to label Nick Bjugstad as this year’s version of Zack Budish, hopefully without any injury setbacks. The 6′4″ 188lbs center highlights what promises to be one of the strongest Minnesota high school crops in recent years. Bjugstad moves very well for a big man and can really break down a defense with his speed and skill. He also competes hard on a consistent basis, and once he fills out his lanky frame, he could add a valuable physical dimension to his game. While he could be a bit of a risk at #15, a team with a solid prospect pool could hit a home run if Bjugstad pans out. He currently is committed to the University of Minnesota next year for the 2010/2011 season.

#16. ryan SPOONER | LC | Peterborough Petes (OHL)

It’s been a breakout season for Peterborough’s Ryan Spooner, who took the reins of the team even before the Petes shipped Zack Kassian off to Windsor. The undersized center has an abundance of offensive skill and is one of the premier talents of the 2010 crop. While his numbers might not be gaudy, there is no question that given a better set of linemates, he could be in the Top 10 in league scoring. The knock on Spooner has always been his defensive play, but he has shown an improved focus on that aspect of the game this year which is a positive sign. Unfortunately for Spooner, however, he recently broke his collarbone which will put him out of action for roughly two months, which could cause his draft stock to take a bit of a tumble.

#17. evgeny KUZNETSOV | RW | Traktor (KHL)

With a talent like Kuznetsov potentially lurking in the middle of the first round, he could be an absolute gem to pick up. The 17 year old Russian has spent the season getting limited ice time in the KHL with Traktor, before having a solid showing at the World Juniors, scoring two goals for the Russians. He’s one of the most raw talented players available in this draft, and has the ability to make plays in the offensive zone that very few others can make. He’s still pretty raw this point, and he needs to add some much needed strength, but Russian factor aside, he’ll be a very intriguing prospect to watch in the second half, especially at the Under 18’s.

#18. quinton HOWDEN | LW | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The first overall pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Howden was somewhat lost in translation playing with Moose Jaw last season after putting up mediocre stats for a top pick. This season, however, Howden has elevated his game to a new level, finding his scoring touch while still playing his two-way style of game. His potential at the NHL level is likely as a solid two-way forward who has some physicality, but there is no doubt that his style of play will peak the interest of many NHL teams.

#19. jon MERRILL | LD | US Under 18 Team (USHL)

If you compiled 2010 rankings two years ago, you’d probably be hard pressed to find scouts who could find a better player than Jon Merrill, but oh how things change. Fast forward to January 2010, and Merrill is suddenly finding himself on the verge of slipping out of the first round. For being one of the most dominant 15 year old players in quite some time, Merrill simply hasn’t progressed at the rate many would have expected. He does have some good raw tools, including his size and skating ability, but the total package hasn’t quite come together and his offensive game has left something to be desired. Merrill is a player that definitely needs to have an impressive second half of the season to alleviate a lot of the concerns about his game.

#20. jeff SKINNER | LC | Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Very few would have been able to predict that Jeff Skinner would be the OHL leader in goals in January at the start of the season, but that is the case right now. Skinner has taken off this season with the resurgent Kitchener Rangers, establishing himself as one of the most potent snipers in the Canadian Hockey League. Skinner’s ability to lurk in the offensive zone and jump on opportunities will surely be enough for a team to take him in Round 1, but there will be some concerns over his transition to the pros. Skinner’s skating still needs some refinement, especially given his stature. There will also be some risk associated with his ability to handle the physical game of the NHL, as he will struggle to find the time and space he does at this level.

#21. emerson ETEM | RC | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Etem has been one of the biggest surprises this year, taking the WHL by storm after flying under the radar a year ago with the NTDP U17 team. One of the first things you’ll notice about Etem is his skating stride, which is one of the most awkward and unique strides out there, especially for a player of his caliber. Putting that aside, he’s one of the top snipers available in this draft. Etem loves to shoot from anywhere and has the ability to pick corners all over the offensive zone. If he continues his torrid goal scoring pace, he could climb up into the mid teens, but concerns about his overall game and skating will likely prevent him from reaching the top half of the first round.

#22. riley SHEAHAN | LC | Notre Dame (NCAA)

Sheahan, a late 1991 birthdate, spent the last two seasons playing Jr. B in Ontario with the St. Catherines Falcons. After putting up some gaudy numbers there, he moved on to the University of Notre Dame this season where he has been having a pretty successful season as a true freshman for Jeff Jackson’s squad. Sheahan doesn’t have great speed and isn’t a flashy player, but more relies on his exceptional hockey sense. He sees the ice well and is a very adept playmaker with good puck skills. At this point, Sheahan could be a player that a team jumps on earlier in the first round, but we still feel that playing in a better league such as the USHL the last couple of years really would have helped him at this point.

#23. austin WATSON | RW | Peterborough Petes (OHL)

This was expected to be a big year for Watson after being overshadowed by Windsor’s cast of star forwards last season. Despite the potential for a breakout season, Watson once again found his ice time reduced with the Spitfires returning a strong forward core. After a trade to Peterborough in the Zack Kassian deal, it seemed like Watson would finally get his opportunity to play first line minutes, before disaster struck. Watson broke his ankle in the top prospects game, and could be out for over two months, which will really limit his ability to show scouts what he can do with his new club. Despite the injury, Watson has really developed a very strong two way game in the OHL. He’s become a very reliable penalty killer, and there is the potential for some more physicality as he fills out his lanky frame.

#24. alex PETROVIC | RD | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Similar to fellow WHL blue-liner Mark Pysyk, Petrovic has also spent his WHL career thus far playing with a struggling franchise. The Edmonton native is a prototypical WHL defenseman, with great size and a rugged playing style. Petrovic competes hard on the ice, winning battles in the corner and always playing with a high level of intensity. His offensive skills are raw at this point, but he has a good shot and does a good job of getting it through to the net. He will have a lot of competition from his rival Dylan McIlrath in the second half of the season, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the better player of the two.

#25. stanislav GALIEV | LW | St. John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

Galiev was the first overall pick in this past summer’s CHL Import Draft after having a tremendous rookie season in the USHL as a 16 year old with the Indiana Ice. Playing for the suddenly strong St. John Sea Dogs, Galiev hasn’t quite scored at the clip many would have expected from him, but the talent is still evident. His offensive skills are better than his numbers indicate, and he’s a very smart player to boot. Galiev had a strong showing in the Top Prospects Game and will be a very good pick up for any team in the second half of the first round.

#26. brock NELSON | LC | Warroad HS (USHS)

Nelson will likely be the other Minnesota High Schooler to contend for a first round selection in the NHL Entry Draft this summer. Like Bjugstad, he has a lot of high end skills which really make him a standout for Warroad. Standing at 6′2″ 205lbs, he has good size which won’t be a concern moving forward. Nelson is good in tight around the net where he has the ability to score goals at an impressive clip, already notching 27 so far this season. Nelson, a late 1991 birthdate, will be attending the University of North Dakota next year, which should provide a nice challenge for him in comparison to Minnesota high school. He could be a bit of a risk at 26, but with his talent, there will be a team that is bound to step up and take him at some point in the first round in 2010.

#27. petr STRAKA | LW | Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

The first piece of Rimouski’s Czech sensations, Petr Straka has made a very nice adjustment to the CHL this year after being selected with the 22nd pick in this past summer’s CHL Import Draft. Straka is a good skater who can really finish. He isn’t always a player that is out there making things happen all the time, but when he has the puck, he is definitely a player that can find the back of the net. Along with teammate Jakub Culek, he hasn’t gotten much hype this season, but he’s definitely a player that should go in the 25-35 range.

#28. jordan WEAL | RC | Regina Pats (WHL)

The biggest detractor against Jordan weal’s game will inevitably be his lack of size. He has certainly been a beneficiary of playing with WHL superstar Jordan Eberle throughout the season, but Weal still is one of the most talented players in the draft. He sees the ice extremely well and is one of the top playmakers in the draft. He showed this skill a lot on the national stage in the Top Prospects Game where he was one of the most dangerous players on the ice, as well. His lack of size will probably scare off a few teams, but his talent level will be something that teams cannot ignore on draft day.

#29. jaden SCHWARTZ | LC | Tri-City Storm (USHL)

Another undersized Western Canadian forward is Jaden Schwartz, who is actually playing with Tri-City in the USHL this year before going off on a scholarship to Colorado College next season. He’s been one of the top players in the USHL this year, dominating on the score sheet and sitting second in the USHL scoring race. Schwartz is a very effortless skater who competes hard in all three zones in addition to his offensive prowess. Schwartz’s offensive skills should prompt a team to call his name in Round 1, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to even see him go a bit higher, either.

#30. joey HISHON | LC | Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

After a very impressive sophomore season in the OHL last season, may had Hishon pegged as a sure-fire Top 15 pick in 2010. A sluggish start followed by an injury that caused him to miss almost half the season, it’s easy to retract that statement as the Attack center’s draft stock has plummeted. Hishon has all the tools to be a very good offensive player, but he’s had a lot of problems maintaining consistency. His size is also a concern which won’t be alleviated by a lack of offensive production. At this point, Hishon could fall into the early second round, but by the same token, it’s very possible that a team might be willing to step up and grab him in the back half of the first round based on his potential.

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#31. stephen JOHNS | RD | US Under 18 Team (USHL)

Johns is another one of the impressive defenders from the US Under 18 Team this year. He has very good all around skills and could be the most NHL ready defenseman out of the group of NTDP blue-liners this season. Johns plays a solid defensive game and uses his size to aid his physical game, but his offensive potential is probably pretty limited at the next level. Johns recently committed to the University of Notre Dame, but it will be interesting to see if he actually lands there as his OHL rights are held by the Windsor Spitfires, who are no strangers to plucking NCAA talent. If Johns does wind up in South Bend, he should be a very effective defenseman as a true freshman as he continues to work on his overall game.

#32. tyler TOFFOLI | RW | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Like Hishon, Toffoli’s draft stock has also been a victim of a poor start as the Scarborough native only managed 3 points in his first 10 games this season. Since then, Toffoli has exploded offensively and has done a good job of working his way back into first round contention. He has very good offensive instincts but the knock on his game is that he doesn’t really have any defining quality to his game at this point. Either way, if he continues to score at this clip, he should find that his stock continues to rise as the season progresses.

#33. dylan MCILRATH | RD | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

It’s often rare to find a defenseman who plays with such a nasty edge to their game, but also can play a solid all around game as well. Dylan McIlrath is a perfect example of this, and his value could come at a premium as a result. Regarded as one of the most physical players in the WHL and arguably the top fighter in the league, even as a 17 year old, McIlrath is also a very steady defenseman who logs heavy minutes with the Warriors. With Travis Hamonic being dealt to the Brandon Wheat Kings, McIlrath will have even more of an opportunity to play in all situations heading down the stretch.

#34. ivan TELEGIN | LW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Telegin is a player that has seemingly come out of nowhere to be a player that has worked himself into first round contention. There was some uncertainty regarding whether or not Telegin would be coming across the pond this year, but the decision to do so has really gained a lot of valuable exposure for Telegin. The big Russian uses his size to his advantage and plays a very simple game, drive the net and create traffic. His puck skills are solid, but his real forte is his net play, which is where he scores a significant portion of his goals. A Russian World Junior representative, Telegin has a lot of attributes that should translate into an effective NHL player, but his ceiling might be a concern for teams drafting in the late first to early second round.

#35. jakub CULEK | LC | Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

The other half of Rimouski’s pair of Czech’s, Culek is another player that will surely contend for a 25-35 selection based on his combination of size, skill and potential. The Oceanic snagged Culek with the 37th pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft and he has definitely impressed in his rookie season in the QMJHL. The numbers aren’t as high as they could be, but as one of the youngest players in the draft this year, there is still a lot of room for improvement. With Culek, it will be all about how much potential an NHL team sees in him, as he does have a lot of untapped skill.

#36. teemu PULKKINEN | RW | Jokerit (SM-Liiga)

Oh how the mighty have fallen. After being touted as one of the top players in the draft heading into the season, Pulkkinen has seen his draft stock deteriorate in the wake of several injuries, most recently a wrist injury that has caused him to miss most of the season. Putting the injuries aside, it’s evident that Pulkkinen does have a boatload of talent, that would probably put him in the 7-15 range if he were healthy. He’s been flying under the radar so far as a result of not playing, but if he can back into action and play well in the Under 18’s like he did last season, there’s a good chance you’ll see him work his way back into Round 1.

#37. charlie COYLE | RW | South Shore (EJHL)

Coyle is a cousin of former NHL sniper Tony Amonte, and will be attending Boston University next season like Amonte did. Coyle is a strong skater with good quickness for a big player (6′3″ 200lbs). He competes hard on the ice and does a lot of dirty work in the corners as he is willing to take a hit to make a play. He has displayed an ice scoring touch in the EJHL this year and has good offensive skills. Coyle’s lack of exposure and playing against weaker competition could scare some NHL teams away, but his speed and skill are not something that can be overlooked. He’ll need some time to develop at BU, but there’s a lot of pro potential within his capability.

#38. devante SMITH-PELLY | LW | Mississauga Majors (OHL)

One prospect who has seemingly come from nowhere in the last three years is Devante Smith-Pelly. After having a breakout season in his OHL draft year, Smith-Pelly is once again showing that he has a ton of untapped potential. A good skater with a wicked shot, Smith-Pelly also plays with a lot of grit and isn’t afraid to drive the net. His biggest problem right now is consistently competing every shift. Smith-Pelly could also benefit from some more off-ice training as he isn’t in great shape for a player of his caliber. Either way, he’s definitely a player on the rise, who is one of the top players on one of the better CHL teams in junior hockey.

#39. jason ZUCKER | LW | US Under 18 Team (USHL)

The top draft eligible forward from this year’s US Under 18 Team is Jason Zucker, who also represented the USA at the World Juniors. Zucker has good offensive instincts as well as a hard and accurate shot, but the real strength of his game lies in his ability to play a strong two-way game. He back-checks hard and is positionally sound in the defensive zone, which is an asset to his game and should give him a good chance to develop into a quality Top 6 NHL forward.

#40. geoffrey SCHEMITSCH | RD | Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Paging Calvin de Haan. Last year de Haan worked his way all the way up to 12th overall, but this year he has a successor who has come out of nowhere just like de Haan did a year ago. Schemitsch actually went undrafted in the OHL after losing most of his draft year to an injury. After contemplating the NCAA vs. OHL this year, Schemitsch elected to sign as a free agent with Owen Sound, a decision that looks very good at the moment. He’s a lanky defenseman who might appear awkward at times, but he’s got a lot of upside. He’s a good skater who has a lot of poise moving up the ice. He doesn’t really have a panic button and he’s an exceptional distributor of the puck. Schemtisch needs to add some strength moving forward and his defensive game could use some work as well, but this guy is definitely a player to keep an eye on.

#41. ryan JOHANSEN | RC | Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

A big forward who hasn’t quite filled out his frame, Ryan Johansen has really made a name for himself with his impressive play this season. After turning down the NCAA route, Johansen joined Portland this season and has simply exploded. After only 17 points in the BCHL last season, he’s hovering at a point-per-game pace right now, as he’s found a tremendous amount of confidence playing alongside Nino Niederreiter. Johansen could be a player that continues to work his way up the rankings as his combination of size and skill will certainly entice a lot of NHL teams.

#42. maxim KITSYN | LW | Mettallurg (KHL)

Kitsyn is a bit of an enigma right now when projecting where he should go in the 2010 crop, or even for NHL teams to factor in when he will be drafted this summer. Kitsyn definitely has a lot of talent, and is one of the better puck handlers in the entire draft. Kitsyn has a very deceptive shot which he utilizes well in traffic and has a lot of traits that could make him a good NHL scorer one day in the future.

#43. kevin HAYES | LW | Nobles & Greenough HS (USHS)

Younger brother of Toronto draft pick Jimmy Hayes, Kevin is projecting to be a much better NHL prospect at this point. He’s a great skater, especially for his size (6′3″ 200lbs) and has deceptive acceleration. He uses his frame well to protect the puck in traffic and has pretty good agility for a big man. Offensively, he has a strong shot with a quick release and is willing to play in traffic. His physical play will definitely be an asset moving forward, especially given his size. One knock on Hayes is a lack of hockey sense, as he could do a better job of using his teammates as outlets. Hayes is committed to attend Boston College next season which will a good place for him to play against a higher level of competition.

#44. brock BEUKEBOOM | RD | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

A hot start to the season had many considering Beukeboom as a potential first round selection, but the son of former NHLer Jeff Beuekboom quieted down a bit in November and December. Despite that, Beukeboom has regained his form as a punishing physical defenseman. He’s a smooth skating defenseman that can break a team down with his speed and transitional passing, but he’s at his best when he’s also using his size on opponents as well. Offensively, he’s a capable shooter on the power-play, and he does have some untapped offensive potential as well. He probably won’t be a first round pick, but could be a great second round pickup for any team looking to add some quality to their defensive pool of prospects.

#45. ryan MARTINDALE | LC | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Depending on which game you see Ryan Martindale, you might think you’re seeing one of the better players in the draft. The problem is that player comes and goes at will, as Martindale really lacks passion and consistency in his game. He’s a big player with very good skating ability and good offensive instincts as well, but he often doesn’t compete hard enough to really make the most of his skill set. Even still, his potential ability will be enough for a team to jump on him in the 25-45 range as he has top line NHL skills.

#46. jared KNIGHT | RW | London Knights (OHL)

One of the more underrated players in this draft is London forward Jared Knight. After being diagnosed with diabetes earlier in the season, Knight has really turned up his game, and has found the net on a consistent basis this season, which used to be the knock against his game. His skating could still use a bit of improvement, but he plays hard and competes to make up for any lack in foot speed. Despite being undersized, he’s willing to play a physical game and is very responsible defensively. Knight could be a player that works his way up the draft board even more as scouts take notice of his impressive play.

#47. kevin LIND | LD | Chicago Steel (USHL)

The best draft eligible defenseman in the USHL not playing for the NTDP is Chicago’s Kevin Lind. The big defenseman is a good skater for his size and is surprisingly agile on the ice. He anticipates the play well and uses that as an asset to move the puck well in transition. He rarely makes a bad pass and always has his head on a swivel looking for outlet options. His offensive output has been a little disappointing, but there is the potential for more. Lind could afford to be more physical with his play and needs to avoid over-committing on opposing forwards.

#48. max GARDINER | LC | Minnetonka HS (USHS)

Minnetonka Center Max Gardiner has put himself into the Top 60 range this season with some strong play. He’s the younger brother of 2008 Anaheim first round pick Jake, who attends the University of Wisconsin. Max, however, will not be attending Wisconsin and is instead going to be attending the University of Minnesota. He’s a strong offensive player who has really been a force for Minnetonka this season and could even get some early second round consideration. Like other high school prospects, Gardiner will really challenge his game at the NCAA level next season, especially playing for one of the better college hockey programs.

#49. troy RUTKOWSKI | RD | Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Yet another one of Portland’s talented young players is defenseman Troy Rutkowski. An incredible start to th season had Rutkowski vying for a first round selection, but recently his play has been disappointing. When he’s on his game, Rutkowski can be a very potent powerplay quarterback that can also play a steady, physical game on the back-end. Lately, however, Rutkowski has struggled to put up points and his physical play has been disappearing. With a couple of additions to the Winterhawks, including Luca Sbisa, Rutkowski’s powerplay time will be cut down, making it even more important for him to step up his defensive game.

#50. brad ROSS | LW | Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Ross will likely be one of the biggest fan favourite prospects this season as he’s one of those pesty players that also has some offensive upside to his game. Ross is regarded as one of the most hated players in the WHL, playing an in your face physical game where he’s not afraid to chirp and get players off their games. Ross’ ability to do this as well as put pucks in the net should cement his status as a Top 60 prospect, who could even go a lot higher than #50. Last year nobody was expecting the Kings to snatch Kyle Clifford at #35, and a player like Ross could contend for a spot like that as well this season.

#51. tom KUHNHACKL | RW | Landshut (DEL)

Kuhnhackl is one of the better German prospects to come by the NHL draft in recent years, and this year actually provides two of them along with goaltender Philipp Grubauer of the Windsor Spitfires. Kuhnhackl (6′2″ 168lbs) is a big winger who still needs to add some bulk to his frame. He’s bounced around a bit this season between J18, the German 2nd Division as well as the DEL, but has spent most of his time playing with Landshut in the 2nd Division. He’s got some nice upside but hasn’t quite shown enough consistency to stick in the DEL. His CHL rights are held by the Windsor Spitfires who will likely make a pretty big pitch to bring Kuhnhackl over to North America next season. There hasn’t been very much definitive word on his plans for next season, but an NHL team might try to push him towards Major Junior.

#52. justin FAULK | RD | US Under 18 Team (USHL)

Another member of the talented Under 18 blue line, Justin Faulk is a much different defenseman from the rest of the group. Faulk is a pure offensive defenseman who thrives in the offensive zone. He’s got a very good shot and loves shooting the puck whenever he has the opportunity, routinely hitting the net. He’s also got good vision and can make some nice passes in transition to break down a defense. His fitness might be a bit of a concern at the moment as he looks a little heavy, so that is something to monitor as well.

#53. brandon ARCHIBALD | RD | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Port Huron native Brandon Archibald has taken some big steps forward in his game this season with the Greyhounds. Paired for most of the season with Jacob Muzzin, Archibald has looked a lot more comfortable with the puck on his stick and has found a bit of an offensive game as well this year. Archibald is a good skater for his size, has a long reach, and really employs an active stick on defense whenever he can. His defensive game has improved this year, but he still has a tendency to over-commit at times and lose body positioning. Should be a solid pick in the late second round, however.

#54. brandon DAVIDSON | LD | Regina Pats (WHL)

One of the most intriguing prospect stories in the draft is that of Brandon Davidson. After being unable to afford AAA hockey, Davidson flew under the radar playing AA, and only started getting some legitimate exposure last season. Fast forward to today, and Davidson has established himself as a strong defenseman for the Regina Pats who has not only played tremendous defense, but also chipped in on offense as well. Given his unheralded path, it’s tough to forecast how much more potential is left in the tank, but he’s certainly deserving of a Top 60 pick at this point.

#55. dalton SMITH | LC | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Another player who has really been on the rise is Ottawa center Dalton Smith. After playing only a handful of games with the 67’s last season, Smith has taken on a much bigger role with the club this year. His feisty style of play and ability to dish out big hits is something that cannot be ignored. Skating is a bit of a concern, but Smith does seem to be improving that aspect of his game every week. He’s got a decent scoring touch and is responsible defensively making him a pretty interesting package. Come draft day it’s hard to envision a team letting him slip through the second round on draft day.

#56. stephen SILAS | LD | Belleville Bulls (OHL)

Watching the Belleville Bulls play, you might be quick to notice that Stephen Silas and Shawn Lalonde seem to be almost the exact same player. Like Lalonde, Silas is a smooth skating defenseman who sees the ice well and loves having the puck on his stick. He’s a very good power-play defenseman who can really control the flow of the game when he has the puck as well. Some defensive concerns will likely hold him out of the Top 50, but he could be a great value pick up, much like Shawn Lalonde has turned out to be.

#57. greg MCKEGG | LC | Erie Otters (OHL)

A disastrous rookie season caused most of the hockey world to forget about Greg McKegg. This season, however, McKegg has really found some chemistry with Mike Cazzola and Zack Torquato to become one of the most potent trios in the OHL. McKegg’s skating is pretty average, but his hockey sense is very good. He’s a talented player with the puck and is pretty creative in the offensive zone as well. He’s responsible defensively, but needs to work on competing his hardest on a shift to shift basis.

#58. austin MADAISKY | RD | Kamploops Blazers (WHL)

Madaisky was Calgary’s first round pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, and was enjoying a strong season with the Hitmen this year before being dealt to the Kamploops Blazers in a blockbuster deadline trade. Madaisky is a big defenseman who plays a reliable defensive game as well as having some decent offensive upside. He was recently named to the Top Prospects Game to replace Erik Gudbranson as well. Madaisky is a bit raw at this point, but he will have a good opportunity to develop with the rebuilding Blazers.

#59. mark STONE | RW | Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Stone is a big winger who has the ability to find the back of the net with his strong shot. He has an innate ability to find the right places on the ice at the right time and does a good job of capitalizing on his opportunities. Having an early season injury as well as being buried down the depth chart on a loaded Brandon club will probably limit him to being outside the Top 50. Stone’s skating is also fairly average and will be a bit of a concern for teams.

#60. andrew YOGAN | LC | Erie Otters (OHL)

Yogan is a player who has first round skills, but hasn’t quite been able to put the package together. He’s a very good skater and can be explosive like few other players when he has the puck. His puck skills are good, but he often struggles to capitalize on his opportunities. Yogan also lacks the crucial element of hockey sense and struggles to adhere to his defensive responsibilities as a center. He’s a pretty risky pick with his shortcomings, but there is a chance that Yogan could be a home run type pick as well.

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The Fargo Force have a few NHL prospects for this year’s draft as well as a couple who may develop into prospects over the next few years.  Unfortunately, one of those prospects, Alex Lippincott, was not in the lineup the night I saw the Force.  I am hoping to see him before the season is over.


Eamonn McDermott                    D                   5’10           176

McDermott has put up some nice offensive numbers by relying upon his bread and butter…the ability to make very good passes.  He has a nice touch and has the ability to make hard crisp passes or soft passes to space for his teammates.  McDermott has good recognition for developing plays and is very poised with the puck.  He has the ability to recognize the amount of time and space he has to either take his time to look things over or quickly make a pass.  In those instances where he is rushed, McDermott was not simply making the safe, predictable pass.  Rather, he was able to find other options that led to some better transitional opportunities.

I would have liked to see him shoot more as he is clearly a pass first player.  When he did shoot, he was able to put the puck on net.  Defensively, McDermott has good defensive positioning and skates well enough to maintain tight gap control and angled the on-coming forwards safely to the outside.  What McDermott also has in his arsenal is a very quick stick, one of the quickest I have seen in the league so far.  His ability to poke check and intercept passes was uncanny.  Even in situations where he was at a great size disadvantage, McDermott still had the knack for separating the puck from the puck carrier.  McDermott’s future looks to be linked to how much he can grow.  Adding an inch or two and 15 – 20 pounds could make McDermott a real top 2 defensive pair prospect.  If he doesn’t grow, you have an offensive specialist who can take some minutes on a third pairing.


Garrett Allen                                   F                 5’11            170

Allen impressed with his offensive capabilities, particularly near the net.  He posses good hands in tight and was able to get shots on net when it was difficult to do so.  He showed off a nice backhand in displaying the ability to get shots off in traffic.  Allen would need to smooth out his skating as it became difficult for him to backcheck and help out defensively after the puck went into the Fargo zone.  If he could do that, and add some muscle to his frame, he might develop into a point producer at the professional level.

As for 2011 prospects, Colten St. Clair impressed with a strong two-way game.  He showed a willingness to work hard through diligent backchecking and finished all his checks on the boards.  Offensively, St. Clair found open space and made good decisions in shooting the puck vs. passing.  If he continues to develop and puts up points next year, he could be one of the higher rated USHL prospects going in to the 2011 draft.  On the other hand, Marek Hrbas did not impress.  The Czech blueliner was visibly rattled when Youngstown’s Ryan Jasinsky knocked him to the ice twice on the same shift.  I would have liked to see some sort of response but there was none.  That shift effectively knocked him out of the game.

A name for 2012 could be Alaskan native Brian Cooper.  Cooper was paired with McDermott and showed the fortitude lacked by Hrbas in this game.  He has a nice skill set with good hockey smarts.  He’s only 5’9” but he will bear watching over the next 2 seasons.

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With such an impressive crop of talent eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, it’s no surprise that some players have continued to sift through the 2009/2010 season under the radar. One such player is Erie Otter’s forward Greg McKegg, who currently sits 16^th in OHL scoring so far this season. Drafted second overall in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection behind Sudbury’s John McFarland, expectations were high for the St. Thomas, Ontario native last season. After posting a pedestrian 8 goals and 18 points in his rookie campaign, McKegg was lost in the shuffle heading into this year, especially given the immense talent of the 1992 birth years in the OHL.

You may recall that I was one of the supporters of McKegg who advocated that this type of season was well within the realm of possibilities back in September: http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsr-feature-ohl-sleepers-watch/. In hindsight, I guess 20 goals and 60 points might have even been a bit of a low projection, but I still find it a bit interesting that McKegg’s success has gone largely unnoticed. Could it be that he plays in a small OHL market like Erie? Perhaps. Could it be that he doesn’t quite have any real defining quality? Likely.

Despite putting up very impressive numbers this year, McKegg still lacks an element to his game that really jumps out at you, which is probably the main thing that is holding him back from the Top 60 at this point. While he has good size and has filled his frame out well, he doesn’t skate particularly well, which is arguably the biggest detractor for scouts. He does have an effective top speed, and he does a good job of protecting the puck and making moves at that speed, but McKegg does have some troubles getting there. His first few steps still need a lot of work, and his choppy stride is something that isn’t very appealing, either.

The skating is no doubt a concern when projecting his potential at the next level, but McKegg does a lot of other things pretty well, which really need to be considered when evaluating him. He’s a strong puck distributor who has strong vision in the offensive zone. He is particularly effective working on the half-boards and behind the net, which is where he is mainly utilized on Erie’s power play. While McKegg’s offensive skills are by no means amazing, he does have some crafty hands and a quick and accurate shot, which have really helped him elevate his game significantly this year. Another thing that goes unnoticed with McKegg is his ability to play a strong two-way game. He can play either Center or on the wall, and is positionally responsible in the defensive zone.

Essentially what I’m getting at, is that while McKegg might not be in that upper echelon of OHL players, there is a lot of merit behind his season thus far, and he’s getting better every week. McKegg needs to continue to show scouts that his skating is improving and that he’s willing to compete hard every shift, but with this type of consistency, Greg McKegg is definitely a player that should start to peak your interest as he is likely working himself into the back half of the second round.

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The Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL have a pair of wingers who are being mentioned as potential NHL draft picks.

Scott Wamsganz        6′4″    180

The Colorado College recruit possesses the attribute that can’t be taught…size.  Wamsganz should easily bulk up after spending a few years training in college.  He also had a knack for finding the puck and being in the right spots for the puck to come to him.  Wamsganz will need to correct some bad habits to have a successful pro career.  For one, he’ll need to lengthen his stride considerably to improve his speed and skating.   As each shift went on, Wamsganz became more upright and wasn’t able to generate power in his stride.  Also, Wamsganz had a tendency to take the puck on his forehand and automatically make a move to his backhand.  He took himself out of a shooting lane on one occasion and in a few instances, missed the chance to make a safe, solid breakout pass on the forehand, resulting in turnovers.  He needs to learn to trust his size and may do so as he becomes stronger.  Wamsganz also needs to work on shooting the puck as he missed the net with weak shots on two scoring chances when he had time to tee up  good hard shots.

Nick Sorkin        6′2″      165

The biggest flaw in the New Hampshire recruit’s game is his slender build.  It becomes even more concerning when realizing that Sorkin was eligible for last year’s draft.   A team will have to take a chance on this kid and hope that he does fill out.  What he does have is great play-making and passing abilities.  Sorkin sees the ice well and is able to find his teammates and make accurate passes to moving targets.  Sorkin is very unselfish and seems to have  good hockey sense when it comes to creating offense.  Sorkin has made a good transition to the USHL.  He might be a late bloomer who can develop into a solid pro.

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