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#6. Brett Connolly | LW | Prince George (WHL)

Date of Birth: May 2nd, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 181lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 16GP 10G 9A 19P 8PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 6 | Position Rank: 3rd Forwards
League Rank: 1st WHL | Country Rank: 5th Canada

If Brett didn’t have bad luck he’d have none at all.  Great expectations were placed on Connolly after being named the CHL rookie of the year in 2008-2009 beating out the likes of Evgeny Grachev and Dmitry Kulikov who was an early first round pick of Florida Panthers last year.   But from the start of the season Connolly became the victim of the injury bug.  It started in August when he injured his hip while playing for Canada’s U18 entry at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Slovakia.  After trying to return from injury too quickly, Connolly re-aggravated the injury and ended up missing all but 16 games for the Prince George Cougars this year.  After posting 10 goals and 9 assists in those games, Connolly was invited to play for Canada again, this time at the IIHF U18 World Championships in Belarus.  Only this time, he encountered a bout of food poisoning that kept him out of a couple games there as well.

Despite the reoccurring hip injury and missing a huge chunk of his draft-eligible year, Connolly has still managed to keep his draft stock in check.  He showed well despite still being hampered by his injuries and playing for a very weak and depleted Prince George squad.  He claims to have finally taken care of the injury and does not expect there to be any lingering effects going forward.

Connolly is a big, skilled forward.  He possesses very good speed and is effective at both ends of the ice.  He uses his body effectively both to shield the puck from defenders as well as to take his man out when it is advantageous to do so.  His soft hands allow him to get shots off both quickly and accurately.  Connolly has a good sense for how a play is going to develop and he takes advantage of it by finding opens areas and seams in the defensive coverage.

Connolly was widely considered a Top 5 candidate going into the season and with the uncertainty of the injury status, Connolly becomes a high risk/high reward pick.  Depending on how he tests at the NHL Combine and individual teams’ testing, he could move inside the Top 5 or be a draft day faller.  With all the uncertainties around him, expect him to go anywhere from 3rd to 10th.  He has too much talent to fall any further.

Plus – Size/Skill package, well-rounded play

Minus - Injury history

Style Comparable - Patrick Marleau

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Thanks for checking out TSR’s NHL Draft Final Rankings for 2010. It’s been a very tumultuous and exciting season in the world of hockey, especially the world of hockey prospects. Amidst all of the fluctuation, our contributors and sources have played a major part in helping to compile this Top 100 list for your viewing. I’d like to thank our entire team for all of their hard work this season, and hope that you enjoy what we’ve been able to produce!

- Scott Campbell

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#1. Taylor Hall  | LW | Windsor (OHL)

Date of Birth: November 14th, 1991
Height: 6.01
Weight: 185lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 57GP 40G 66A 106P 56PIM
Playoffs | 19GP 17G 18A 35P 32PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 1 | Position Rank: 1st Forwards
League Rank: 1st OHL | Country Rank: 1st Canada

Hall remains a top the rankings after a very strong year where he performed very well at the World Juniors, as well as in the playoffs and in the Memorial Cup. Hall is the most dynamic forward in the draft with tremendous skating ability and the type of player who can make something happen out of nothing. Still has to work on bringing a complete game to the table, but he’s definitely a franchise type player. If you want to read more about Taylor Hall check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#2. Tyler Seguin | C | Plymouth (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 31st, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 186lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 63GP 48G 58A 106P 54PIM
Playoffs | 9GP 5G 5A 10P 8PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 2 | Position Rank: 2nd Forwards
League Rank: 2nd OHL | Country Rank: 2nd Canada

Seguin was one of the biggest surprises of the season, quickly putting himself into legitimate contention for the number one selection. His game is a little different then Hall’s, as he sees the ice a bit better and distributes the puck well, but they’re both very similar at this point, if not interchangeable. Either way, he’s secured himself a spot in the top two in June. If you want to read more about Tyler Seguin check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#3. Erik Gudbranson | D | Kingston (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 7th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 199lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 41GP 2G 21A 23P 68PIM
Playoffs | 7GP 1G 2A 3P 6PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 4 | Position Rank: 1st Defensemen
League Rank: 3rd OHL | Country Rank: 3rd Canada

Gudbranson had a very strong sophomore year despite having the season hampered by an injury as well as a lengthy bout with mono. He’s a big, raw defenseman, who has considerable upside that should come to fruition in the next few seasons. He oozes class and has exceptional character as well and has captain material in him down the road. If you want to read more about Erik Gudbranson check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#4. Brandon Gormley | D | Moncton (QMJHL)

Date of Birth: February 18th, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 190lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 58GP 9G 34A 43P 54PIM
Playoffs | 17GP 2G 15A 17P 8PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 5 | Position Rank: 2nd Defensemen
League Rank: 1st QMJHL | Country Rank: 4th Canada

He might not blow you away on the ice, but Gormley is a very effective puck moving defenseman who can play in all situations. He skates well and thinks the game equally well and is a strong defender in his own zone. Offensively he’s starting to utilize his shot a lot more and has the tools to be a very capable point contributor. If you want to read more about Brandon Gormley check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#5. Cam Fowler | D | Windsor (OHL)

Date of Birth: December 6th, 1991
Height: 6.02
Weight: 190lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 55GP 8G 47A 55P 14PIM
Playoffs | 19GP 3G 11A 14P 10PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 3 | Position Rank: 3rd Defensemen
League Rank: 4th OHL | Country Rank: 1st USA

After coming into the season as an expected challenger for the top slot, Fowler was a bit of a disappointment and had his game overshadowed by some of the other defensemen in the draft. His ability to move the puck effectively and skate well for a big guy are good intangibles, but he doesn’t use his size enough and is often too hesitant to shoot the puck. Should be a safe bet to develop into a reliable defender, but his ability to reach his high end potential at the NHL level is questionable. If you want to read more about Cam Fowler check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#6. Brett Connolly | RW | Prince George (WHL)

Date of Birth: May 2nd, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 181lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 16GP 10G 9A 19P 8PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 6 | Position Rank: 3rd Forwards
League Rank: 1st WHL | Country Rank: 5th Canada

Struggled to stay healthy all season after battling a hip flexor injury throughout most of the year. Despite the injury concerns, Connolly has proven that he is a very capable goal scorer, albeit not a very flashy one. Plays a hard game and loves to play around the net. Has a lot of pro qualities in his game that projects well to the next level. If you want to read more about Brett Connolly check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#7. Vladimir Tarasenko | LW | Sibir (KHL)

Date of Birth: December 13th, 1991
Height: 6.00
Weight: 175lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 42GP 13G 11A 24P 18PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 7 | Position Rank: 4th Forwards
League Rank: 1st KHL | Country Rank: 1st Russia

An explosive player who has exceptional vision and goal scoring ability. He skates very well and is slippery on the ice as he finds ways to break down a defense. There will be major concerns about his KHL contract which could cause him to slip, but based on pure talent alone, his name definitely belongs in this range. If you want to read more about Vladimir Tarasenko check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#8. Nino Niederreiter | RW | Portland (WHL)

Date of Birth: September 8th, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 201lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 65GP 36G 24A 60P 68PIM
Playoffs | 13GP 8G 8A 16P 16PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 10 | Position Rank: 5th Forwards
League Rank: 2nd WHL | Country Rank: 1st Switzerland

A big, gritty winger who plays a pro style game. Niederreiter had a very strong first season in North America where he adjusted very well to the WHL and capitalized on the score sheet as well. His real coming out party was at the World Junior Championships where he was among the top forwards at the event. If you want to read more about Nino Niederreiter check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#9. Mikael Granlund | C | HIFK (SM-Liiga)

Date of Birth: February 26th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 176lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 25GP 39G 34A 73P 38PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 9 | Position Rank: 6th Forwards
League Rank: 1st SM-Liiga | Country Rank: 1st Finland

If Granlund was a little bigger and skated a little bit better, you’d likely be hearing his name tossed around in the Top 2 or 3 of the draft. Working with the package that’s here, however, Granlund is still a very worthy NHL prospect. He’s got great skills and had a great opportunity to play heavy minutes in a men’s league this season. He competes hard and doesn’t give up on battles, either. If you want to read more about Mikael Granlund check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#10. Derek Forbort | D | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: March 4th, 1992
Height: 6.04
Weight: 195lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 26GP 4G 10A 14P 26PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 11 | Position Rank: 4th Defensemen
League Rank: 1st USHL | Country Rank: 2nd USA

He’s definitely a bit of a project, but it could pay off in spades if everything pans out. Forbort is a great skater for his size, has a lot of raw athleticism and once he fills out, could be a physical force. On ice decisions need to improve, as well as his footwork, but these skills will develop as he spends time at North Dakota. If you want to read more about Derek Forbort check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#11. Ryan Johansen | C | Portland (WHL)

Date of Birth: July 31st, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 180lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 71GP 25G 44A 69P 53PIM
Playoffs | 13GP 6G 12A 18P 18PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 41 | Position Rank: 7th Forwards
League Rank: 3rd WHL | Country Rank: 6th Canada

Johansen is certainly relishing his decision to sign with Portland this year and forgo college opportunities, as it’s unlikely he would find his name in this range if he had of. One of the biggest risers this season, Johansen has a great combination of size and skill and elevated his game even further in the playoffs. If you want to read more about Ryan Johansen check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#12. Alexander Burmistrov | C | Barrie (OHL)

Date of Birth: October 21st, 1991
Height: 6.00
Weight: 170lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 62GP 22G 43A 65P 49PIM
Playoffs | 17GP 8G 8A 16P 22PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 12 | Position Rank: 8th Forwards
League Rank: 5th OHL | Country Rank: 2nd Russia

Another European who found a lot of success in the CHL, Burmistrov really bolstered his draft stock this year. He is one of the most talented players in the draft, with elite hands and skating ability. He also is very reliable as a two-way player and sees a lot of time on the penalty kill. Consistency is an issue at this point, but there are comparisons to a young Pavel Datsyuk. If you want to read more about Alexander Burmistrov check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#13. Mark Pysyk | D | Edmonton (WHL)

Date of Birth: November 27th, 1991
Height: 6.01
Weight: 173lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 48GP 7G 17A 24P 47PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 14 | Position Rank: 5th Defensemen
League Rank: 4th WHL | Country Rank: 7th Canada

Pysyk is a solid all around defenseman who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes on the ice. Despite playing on one of the worst teams in the CHL, where he has to log a considerable amount of minutes, Pysyk is a calming force on the blue line. His offensive ability is starting to come around, but he’ll be a real safe pick in the mid teens. If you want to read more about Mark Pysyk check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#14. Austin Watson | RW | Peterborough (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 13th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 171lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 52GP 20G 34A 54P 22PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 2G 0A 2P 2PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 23 | Position Rank: 9th Forwards
League Rank: 6th OHL | Country Rank: 3rd USA

Watson really emerged after a trade sent him from the Windsor Spitfires to the Peterborough Petes. Despite missing some time with an injury, Watson proved that he could deliver offensively with a good opportunity to do so. He still has to fill out, but his willingness to compete and do the little things such as block shots on the penalty kill are valuable assets to any team. If you want to read more about Austin Watson check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#15. Emerson Etem | C | Medicine Hat (WHL)

Date of Birth: June 16th, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 174lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 72GP 37G 28A 65P 26PIM
Playoffs | 12GP 7G 3A 10P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 21 | Position Rank: 10th Forwards
League Rank: 5th WHL | Country Rank: 4th USA

Has a bit of an awkward stride, but make no mistake, Etem can score goals with the best of them. Works hard to gain puck possession and has the ability to capitalize on chances in the offensive zone. He’s a player that will be in high demand on draft day. If you want to read more about Emerson Etem check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#16. Evgeny Kuznetsov | RW | Traktor (KHL)

Date of Birth: May 19th, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 174lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 35GP 2G 7A 9P 10PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 1G 0A 1P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 17 | Position Rank: 11th Forwards
League Rank: 2nd KHL | Country Rank: 3rd Russia

Kuznetsov is an extremely talented player who has the prototypical package of elite offensive skills. There will be concerns about him re-signing with Traktor which will likely cause him to fall, and some issues with undisciplined play and an on ice temper are cons to his game, but the upside to be a point producer at the NHL level is certainly present. If you want to read more about Evgeny Kuznetsov check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#17. Jon Merrill | D | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: February 3rd, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 205lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 22GP 1G 8A 9P 12PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 19 | Position Rank: 6th Defensemen
League Rank: 2nd USHL | Country Rank: 5th USA

After a bit of an underwhelming start to the season, Merrill alleviated a lot of concerns with a good finish to the year. His combination of size, skill and intensity is hard to overlook and while his play in the USNTDP has been less then stellar, he’s still a player with a lot of potential. He’ll be attending the University of Michigan, but his style of play is tailor made for professional hockey. If you want to read more about Jon Merrill check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#18. Jeff Skinner | C | Kitchener (OHL)

Date of Birth: May 16th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 182lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 64GP 50G 40A 90P 72PIM
Playoffs | 20GP 20G 13A 33P 14PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 20 | Position Rank: 12th Forwards
League Rank: 7th OHL | Country Rank: 8th Canada

Nobody scored more goals then Jeff Skinner in the CHL this season, and it’s been a year where he’s served notice to many that he’s a first round talent. While the statistics are certainly gaudy, his lack of size and quickness are concerns that he might have a lot more trouble scoring at the NHL level, when playing against bigger and faster defensemen. He’s a bit of a risk, but he’s definitely worth the risk at this point in the first round. If you want to read more about Jeff Skinner check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#19. Nick Bjugstad | C | Blaine (HS-Minnesota)

Date of Birth: July 17th, 1992
Height: 6.04
Weight: 188lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 25GP 29G 31A 60P 24PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 15 | Position Rank: 13th Forwards
League Rank: 1st HS-Minnesota | Country Rank: 6th USA

Bjugstad had a tremendous season with Blaine, winning the Minnesota Mr. Hockey award as the top high school hockey player in the state. He’s a huge, imposing center, who plays effectively at both ends of the ice. He’s set to attend the University of Minnesota where he should be able to step in and contribute right away. If you want to read more about Nick Bjugstad check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#20. Quinton Howden | LW | Moose Jaw (WHL)

Date of Birth: January 21st, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 183lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 65GP 28G 37A 65P 44PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 18 | Position Rank: 14th Forwards
League Rank: 6th WHL | Country Rank: 9th Canada

The former first overall pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Howden was a very strong player for the Warriors this year as a sophomore. He’s one of the top skaters in the CHL, and has an effortless stride. Put that in combination with a good scorer’s touch and a 6’3″ frame and you have the makings of a quality winger with good professional potential. If you want to read more about Quiton Howden check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#21. Jack Campbell | G | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: January 9th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 175lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 6-3-1 2.21GAA .917SV% 1SO
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 1st Goalies
League Rank: 3rd USHL | Country Rank: 7th USA

Campbell is the best goalie available in the draft. Very strong technically, he takes up a lot of space in the net and finds ways to win games, especially big games, such as the Gold Medal Game at the World Juniors as a 17 year old. He could go a lot higher if a team decides they want to step up and take a goalie. He’ll be joining the Windsor Spitfires next year. If you want to read more about Jack Campbell check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#22. Tyler Pitlick | C | Minnesota State (NCAA)

Date of Birth: November 1st, 1991
Height: 6.02
Weight: 194lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 38GP 11G 8A 19P 27PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 15th Forwards
League Rank: 1st NCAA | Country Rank: 8th USA

After a very impressive high school career in Minnesota, Pitlick continued to be an impact player with Minnesota State Mankato this season. He’s got a big frame and plays an edgy game but has the ability to put the puck in the net. He’s been a bit of a surprise this season, but he looks like he’s going to be a good pro prospect. There are a couple indications circulating that he might be willing to jump ship to the WHL for a season before turning professional. If you want to read more about Tyler Pitlick check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#23. Jordan Weal | C | Regina (WHL)

Date of Birth: April 15th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 162lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 72GP 35G 67A 102P 54PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 28 | Position Rank: 16th Forwards
League Rank: 7th WHL | Country Rank: 10th Canada

What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in sheer offensive talent. A very good skater, Weal is one of the best playmakers available in this draft, and helped Jordan Eberle much more then some give him credit for. Weal sees the ice very well and has the skills to make plays that few other players in this draft can make. He’ll be a bit of a risk, but if a team is willing to take a chance, they might hit a home run with Weal. If you want to read more about Jordan Weal check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#24. Dylan McIlrath | D | Moose Jaw (WHL)

Date of Birth: April 20th, 1992
Height: 6.04
Weight: 212lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 65GP 7G 17A 24P 169PIM
Playoffs | 7GP 0G 1A 1P 21PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 33 | Position Rank: 7th Defensemen
League Rank: 8th WHL | Country Rank: 11th Canada

McIlrath is a physical warrior and a player that you hate to play against. He’s big, imposing, physical and one of the better fighters in the WHL, all making up for an intimidating package. His puck skills need to continue to improve, but the attributes he brings to the table will put a smile on the face of a lot of NHL General Managers. If you want to read more about Dylan McIlrath check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#25. Jaden Schwartz | C | Tri-City (USHL)

Date of Birth: June 25th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 193lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 60GP 33G 50A 83P 18PIM
Playoffs | 3GP 3G 0A 3P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 29 | Position Rank: 17th Forwards
League Rank: 4th USHL | Country Rank: 12th Canada

He was the leading scorer in the USHL this season as a rookie, and really put his name on the map. The offensive skill is his primary asset, he sees the ice well and has the ability to create chances whenever he gets the opportunity to handle the puck. Size is a bit of an issue, but he’ll be going to Colorado College next year to spend some time in the NCAA. There are rumours he might be pushed to the WHL route, however. If you want to read more about Jaden Schwartz check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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Be sure to check out the rest of our Top 100: (1-25) (26-50) (51-75) (76-100)

Update: Be sure to check out our most up to date rankings here

Be sure to check out TSR’s second half of the 2010 Mid-Term Rankings with players from 31-60.
http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-60-skaters-3160/

#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.

Brett Connolly is a 6’2″ 180 pound forward currently playing for the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League, and is widely considered the top prospect eligible for the 2010 NHL entry draft coming out of the WHL.

Connolly got off to a quick start in the 2008-09 season with Prince George, starting the season on the team’s top line that featured Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dana Tyrell. It was believed early on that his success could be attributed to playing alongside Tyrell, a point that Connolly would be quick to prove wrong after Tyrell suffered an injury with Canada’s World Junior team. Connolly would go on to post the first 30 goal season by a 16 year old in the WHL since Patrick Marleau accomplished the feat in his preliminary season with Seattle in 1996. Connolly would also add 30 assists for a 60 point effort, while playing in 65 of the team’s 72 regular season games. Connolly was a -26 on the season, however; which might me due more to the fact that played for the Cougars, whose 25-44-0-3 record was due largely to the fact that the team gave up 298 goals against, second in the entire league.

To start the 2009-10 season, Connolly picked up right where he left off, finding the back of the net 4 times, while adding 2 assists for 6 points in his first 7 games of the season, while also showing a +2 before suffering a hip injury that has had him out of the lineup in recent weeks.

With room to grow into his 6’2″ frame, Connolly already seems to overpower many defensemen in the Western League, a league known to produce alot of rough and tumble NHL quality defenders. Connolly has an extremely accurate, high powered shot, sees the ice very well and has the ability to set teammates up for scoring chances, and isn’t afraid to go into high traffic areas to make a play. What is most impressive about Connolly’s point totals to this point is that the next closest scorer on the team was Cameron Cepek – a defenseman who scored 15 fewer points than Connolly.

Connolly is widely considered the best the WHL has to offer for the 2010 NHL draft, and will look to continue to impress scouts once he returns from injury. He was recently named to team WHL for the upcoming Super Series to face team Russia on November 26th, and will look to turn heads on a larger stage, featuring some of the best junior players in the world.

Brett Connolly is currently slated to be selected in the top 10 of next June’s NHL Entry draft.

1. CAM FOWLER

Position: Defense | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: December 5^th, 1991

Height: 6’3” | Weight: 200 lbs

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

09/10 Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

While it may be a surprise to see someone other than Taylor Hall at the top of the list, make no mistake, Cam Fowler is the real deal. Fowler is a prototypical solid two-way defenseman that lacks any glaring weaknesses in his game. After coming off a terrific season with the US Under 18 team, Fowler was named the best defenseman in the Under 18 World Championships in Fargo, as well as being named to the tournament’s all-star team.

Fowler is a terrific skater, especially for his size and looks almost effortless with a very strong stride. In his own end Fowler is extremely strong positionally and can log heavy minutes against the other team’s top line. However, Fowler is equally adept at contributing at the other end of the ice as his offensive instincts are very good.

After originally committing to play for the University of Notre Dame for the 2009/2010 season, Fowler has opted instead to head to the Ontario Hockey League and join the Windsor Spitfires, who selected him with the 17^th pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection. Some may remember that Fowler was originally drafted 18^th overall by the Kitchener Rangers in 2007, but the Rangers elected to release his rights prior to the 2008 draft in order to pick up a 2^nd round pick as compensation. Fans can expect a big year out of Fowler as he joins a very strong Spitfires team that is fresh off a Memorial Cup Championship in Rimouski. With most of the team’s core returning again this season, they will once again be favourites to win the Ontario Hockey League.

Overall, Fowler looks to have all the tools to be a big time defenseman in the NHL in the future. While his offensive potential may not be as high end as some think, he definitely has the ability to be a very good two way defenseman, and should be ready for NHL duty as early as the 2010/2011 season.

2. TAYLOR HALL

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: November 14^th, 1991

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 178 lbs

Hometown: Kingston, Ontario

09/10 Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Take note that most scouting services will have Taylor Hall pegged as the top player available in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the reality is that right now there really isn’t much separating some of the players at the top and they are essentially interchangeable.

Hall has been on NHL scouts radar for quite some time and really burst onto the scene with the Kingston Minor Midgets en route to being selected 2^nd overall by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago.

When you describe Hall’s game, the first word that comes to mind is explosive. Taylor Hall is an extremely good skater and has the ability to make things happen all on his own, very reminiscent of Pavel Bure in the mid 1990s. Hall is a very unique skater as he bends over almost at a 90 degree angle in his stride, but make no mistake, when he reaches his top speed there are very few that can catch him; and it doesn’t take him long to hit that high gear.

With that being said, there is some cause for concern in Hall’s game. He’s prone to making bad turnovers in transition, and sometimes he makes poor decisions with the puck in the offensive zone as well. While his plus/minus rating has been very solid the past two seasons, he is susceptible to being caught out of position, leading one to wonder how much playing for a strong Windsor club is sheltering some defensive concerns in his game.

This season will be a big one for Hall if he wants to be the first pick in 2010. Scouts will be looking for him to really break out offensively the way they expected him to last season. Hall has already showed that he can be a big time player in the playoffs, picking up both the OHL Playoffs and Memorial Cup MVP awards, but now is the time to show that he has the ability to put up big time numbers while proving that he isn’t a liability at the other end of the ice.

3. KIRILL KABANOV

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: July 16^th, 1992

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 176 lbs

Hometown: Moskva, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

Arguably the most hyped prospect out of Russia since Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2004, the wait is finally over as Kirill Kabanov’s draft year has finally arrived.

Kabanov is a big kid who’s very raw at this point and has yet to fill out his frame. He’s got all the typical talent that you would expect from a Russian forward. He’s a very good skater that has a very explosive stride which he uses to his advantage in his game. He has tremendous natural talent and has the ability to make big time moves at high speed. With Kabanov, you’re getting a player that also has the ability to read the ice well. He sees gaps where he can slide into quietly and before you know it has the puck and he’s making something happen. From that aspect, there is a lot to like about Kabanov’s game, and once he fills out a bit, there’s no telling how good he could be.

However, before he can get to that point, he still has to refine some of the minor areas of his game. For one, Kabanov has been dogged for being a bit immature on the ice when things aren’t going his way. He also tends to not compete as hard as other players and can be guilty of taking shifts off. These are both things that Kabanov needs to address in taking a more complete approach to the game moving forward.

One of the other major lingering questions with Kabanov is figuring out where he is even going to be playing the 2009/2010 season. After spending time between Spartak’s KHL team and junior team last season, rumours have been swirling that he might be headed to Salavat next season. However, Kabanov previously made headlines in Canada when he made comments that indicated that he may want to play in the Canadian Hockey League as well. After Moncton took him with the 7^th pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft, they will be doing their best to convince him to come to the QMJHL.

4. TEEMU PULKKINEN

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 2^nd, 1992

Height: 5’11” | Weight: 183 lbs

Hometown: Vantaa, Finland

09/10 Team: Jokerit (SM-Liiga)

Coming into the 2008/2009 season, there was a lot of hype for Teemu Pulkkinen to be in contention for the #1 pick in 2010 heading into the 2009/2010 season. While injuries derailed his season a bit and held him off the Finnish U20 team in the World Juniors, Pulkkinen has done well to reaffirm himself with the elite players in this draft after a tremendous showing at the U18 World Championships in Fargo.

Unlike most Finnish forwards, Pulkkinen is an interesting package of offensive skill. While he isn’t the biggest player, he is not afraid to drive the traffic zones on the ice. He doesn’t look to play the body often, but he’s not afraid to take a big hit if it means making a play and he certainly doesn’t shy away from contact. His skating is solid, albeit not at the same level many have come to expect from most European prospects. However, what Pulkkinen lacks in elite speed, he makes up for with slick offensive talent. He’s extremely good with the puck and handles it incredibly well in traffic. He also has a very good shot and is one of those players that while he has the prowess of a true sniper, he is equally adept and being a top notch playmaker.

Next season will be a big test for Pulkkinen to prove that he can stick with the top players in this crop, especially considering that there is a significant amount of players that are neck in neck with him. After being selected in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Kelowna Rockets, it looks as though Pulkkinen is planning on staying in Finland to play with Jokerit’s SM-Liiga squad. Pulkkinen will need to prove that he can contribute in the league and more importantly in the World Juniors, where a lot of scouts will be focusing heavily on him and his Finnish teammate Mikael Granlund.

Overall, Pulkkinen already has a lot going for him in that he has the tools to be a very good player and he already plays a North American style game. However, the real question with Pulkkinen is maintaining some consistency in his game, and proving that he can be the go-to player on a nightly basis.

5. ERIK GUDBRANSON

Position: Defense | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 7^th, 1992

Height: 6’3” | Weight: 195 lbs

Hometown: Orleans, Ontario

09/10 Team: Kingston (OHL)

One player to really keep an eye on in 2009 will be Kingston’s Erik Gudbranson. The former 4^th overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, Gudbranson was one of the few brightspots on Kingston’s dismal team last year, and will be a key piece of the team’s rebuild. Gudbranson earned many accolades last season, including captaining the Frontenacs at one point during the season as a 16 year old. He also was the captain for Ontario at the Under 17 Championships, and made Team Canada’s U18 team as an underager.

Right now despite the obvious talent you’ll see in Gudbranson, he’s far from being polished. Blessed with great size, Gudbranson is a terrific skater and can start a rush at will, which is something he will likely do more this upcoming season. He’s got great offensive instincts on the breakout and has a great shot from the point. He also has the ability to make sure that he gets shots through to the net, which is an extremely desired skill. Defensively, Gudbranson is good positionally and he uses his long reach to his advantage. While he could likely be more physical and utilize his size better, he will play the body when he needs too.

When evaluating Gudbranson, the main question to ponder is just how good can he be? He still needs to add another 15+ pounds to his frame before he can fill out, which will obviously have a major effect on his ability to be more physical. He also got very little powerplay time in Kingston last season, so his offensive numbers will likely spruce up considerably as Kingston Head Coach Doug Gilmour uses him more in powerplay situations this season. Really there isn’t much not too like with Gudbranson right now as he seems to have all the potential in the world. This year will be a big test for him to show the scouts that he is ready to take that next step and elevate his game to a new level, and if he’s able to do so, he could be a player that gets his name in the mix to be the top pick in next year’s draft.

6. MIKAEL GRANLUND

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: February 26^th, 1992

Height: 5’10” | Weight: 172 lbs

Hometown: Oulu, Finland

09/10 Team: HIFK (SM-Liiga)

The other piece of Finland’s dynamic 1992 duo, Mikael Granlund is another major brightspot for Finland’s development system. Last season was a big year for Granlund as he really burst onto the scene with strong performances in both the World Juniors as a 16 year old, and then once again playing as an underager in the Under 18 World Championships. Also after shining for Karpat’s U20 team in the SM-Liiga’s Jr. A circuit, Granlund earned himself a brief call-up to Karpat’s SM-Liiga squad.

One of the things plaguing Granlund right now is that there seems to be a common perception that he is a tiny player, which is not the case. While he is definitely undersized by NHL standards, his size is not a major concern given his exceptional level of talent. He’s a very good skater and has great agility which he uses to advantage. Like Pulkkinen, he’s a bit of a stick magician as well and has a tremendous repertoire of moves. Granlund is definitely a playmaker first and foremost, as he sees the ice pretty well and can definitely create a lot of quality chances for other players. But he still has a pretty good wrist shot and can put the puck in the net when need be. Another thing to really like about Granlund is that for being undersized, he competes pretty hard on the ice and is willing to battle.

Like his fellow countryman Teemu Pulkkinen, Granlund will be playing in the SM-Liiga next season, only with HIFK. After really bursting onto the scene this past year, a lot of scouts will be paying close attention to Granlund in 2009/2010 which means that there will be a lot of pressure on him to live up to the billing of a top prospect. Like Pulkkinen, Granlund’s true tests will come in international play as he will have to ensure that he has big tournaments at the World Juniors and the Under 18 World Championships if he wants to cement his status as a Top 10 pick and even give himself a shot at creeping into the Top 5.

7. BRETT CONNOLLY

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: May 2^nd. 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 162 lbs

Hometown: Prince George, BC

09/10 Team: Prince George (WHL)

To describe just how good Brett Connolly’s rookie season was in Prince George, just take into account that Connolly was the first 16 year old to score 30 goals in the WHL since Patrick Marleau did it way back in the 1995-1996 season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Then consider the fact that Connolly did this playing for the fourth worst team in the WHL. Add in the fact that he also led the next closest Cougar by 11 goals, and 15 points, and it’s very easy to see that Connolly’s rookie season was nothing short of remarkable.

Connolly is a good sized player that like Gudbranson still needs to fill out his frame to truly hit his potential, something that with almost every prospect will come in time. The strength in Connolly’s game lies in his ability to find ways to score goals. He’s a real bonafide sniper, he’s got a tremendous shot that’s extremely accurate, and most importantly he has a very quick release. All of those signs point towards Connolly translating into a 30+ goal scorer at the NHL level. His skating is good, albeit his stride is a big awkward and he has a good set of hands to go along with it. One of the other things that Connolly does well is he has a knack to get into great positions on the ice where the puck seems to find him and gives him the opportunity to score those garbage goals that big time goal scorers often get.

The upcoming season will be a very interesting one for Connolly as he will be expected to build off his strong rookie season. With Prince George still expected to encounter some struggles, Connolly’s play will more or less dictate how the season could go for the Cougars. If Connolly has the type of season that he is capable of, he could be a player that gets himself in the mix for a Top 5 pick or even higher. While he definitely flew under the radar last season, this year will be when Connolly is truly seen as a prime time prospect.

8. BRANDON GORMLEY

Position: Defense | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: February 18^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbs

Hometown: Murray River, PEI

09/10 Team: Moncton (QMJHL)

Brandon Gormley is used to being under the spotlight as he’s been one of the most highly touted players to come out of the Maritimes since Sidney Crosby. After heading west in his QMJHL draft year to play for the famed Notre Dame Hounds along with fellow top QMJHL prospect Sean Couturier, Gormley was snatched up by the Moncton Wildcats who held the first overall pick in the 2008 QMJHL Draft.

Gormley’s rookie campaign was solid, albeit maybe a little underwhelming from what some people may have been expecting. Gormley plays a two way game, although I would say that his game is a little more catered to the offensive end. He’s a good skater and has a pretty smooth stride, with mobility as a definite asset. He sees the ice pretty well and he’s got good offensive instincts which are all the things you like to see out of an offensive defenseman. He also has a big shot which is another important quality for an offensive defenseman. With Gormley, a lot of people are going to have him as a player that is in the mix for a Top 3 or Top 5 pick, a lot of opinions may point to the contrary. While he does have the potential to be a very good player, right now he needs to prove that he has the skills that the hype has built up. Gormley was often very ordinary last season and looked like he struggled with the speed of the game some nights which are things he needs to improve on.

Either way, Gormley is another player that will be very interesting to watch this season. If he has a big season, he will definitely cement his status as a Top 3 or Top 5 pick in a lot of team’s eyes, but it would not be surprising if Gormley is one of the players that takes a bit of a dive, possibly out of the Top 10. With the big 3 defensemen (Fowler, Gudbranson, Gormley) all playing in the CHL next year, it will certainly be an interesting season to see how they progress as the scouts will no doubt be paying very close attention to each of these players.

9. EVGENI KUZNETSOV

Position: Forward | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: May 19^th, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 174 lbs

Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

The first player to break the list as a bit of a surprise, Evgeni Kuznetsov is a name that will start to become very familiar as the 2009/2010 season carries on. In a year where it looks as though the Russians may pump out one of their most talented draft crops ever, Kuznetsov is one of the players that is definitely leading the charge in that aspect.

After spending the past season in relative obscurity playing in Russia’s third division, Kuznetsov burst onto the scene at the Under 18 World Championships where he was the fourth leading scorer in the tournament despite being an underager, as well as finishing second in team scoring behind Vladimir Tarasenko. The thing that Kuznetsov brings to the table is a talent level that is among the elite players in this draft crop. He has a tremendous set of hands, very comparable to a fellow countryman, Alex Semin. He distributes the puck very well and has the ability to make hi-light reel plays. The other thing about Kuznetsov is that he actually competes fairly well, especially for Russian players, who have been given the reputation to be very passive players.

Right now the only thing really hurting Kuznetsov is a lack of exposure. Not very many people know a lot about him right now which is one of the reasons why he’s fairly underrated at this point. It could work as a catch twenty-two however, as perhaps more viewings might uncover some shortcomings in his game. At any rate, Kuznetsov will have some pressure on him to really prove that he belongs with the elite of this draft crop this year. One of the other things Kuznetsov will need to work on as the year progresses is to become more mature and work on his overall strength as the 2009 season progresses. While some may have Kuznetsov behind Tarasenko or even Galiev at this point, he may not be better players then them right now, but he certainly has the potential to.

10. JOHN McFARLAND

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: April 2^nd, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 192 lbs

Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON

09/10 Team: Sudbury (OHL)

After being highly touted since before he played a game of midget, it’s safe to say that people were probably expecting a little bit more out of McFarland this past season. After being turned down for exceptional status to play in the OHL as a 15 year old via the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, McFarland had to wait a season before being selected 1^st overall in 2008 by the Sudbury Wolves.

While McFarland’s stock fell a bit this past season, he still was pretty productive offensively, especially considering the tough start he encountered at the beginning of his OHL career. Starting with the good, McFarland has a lot of tools that are going to be very attractive to NHL scouts. Namely, he’s an incredible skater, maybe a step behind Taylor Hall, but very close. He’s got an NHL shot with a great release, although he needs to use it more. Also despite not being extremely tall, he’s already got NHL ready size. While that sounds enticing, there is cause for concern. McFarland’s positional play definitely leaves something to be desired as he often is out of position in his own end and loses positional matchups. He also doesn’t see the ice very well and struggled to develop any real chemistry with any of his line-mates. One of the other things that McFarland needs to improve on is getting to the traffic areas on the ice. Often times he settles for outside shots as he seems to be driven towards scoring the glamorous goals instead of just crashing the net and getting a few ugly ones as well.

On a positive note, McFarland did end his season exceptionally well. At the Under 18’s he was a seemingly different player then he was with Sudbury and was one of Canada’s top forwards despite being an underager. If he can play with that type of flare throughout the upcoming season, it will answer a lot of questions that the scouts are going to have about him going into the 2010 Entry Draft.

11. VLADIMIR TARASENKO

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: December 13^th, 1991

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 185 lbs

Hometown: Novosbirsk, Russia

09/10 Team: Sibir Novosbirsk (KHL)

A lot like his fellow countryman Evgeni Kuznetsov, Tarasenko is a player who has really flown under the radar heading into the draft year. While he might end up slipping in the first round due to concerns over his desires to come over with no transfer agreement in place with Russia, make no mistake, Tarasenko definitely has high end talent even in a deep draft like this.

Tarasenko is a pretty good skater, although he needs to continue to work on his high-end acceleration and his ability to get there. Tarasenko’s true strength lies in his elite ability to make things happen with the puck in the offensive zone. He has an incredible set of hands and can create plays out of nothing. One of the things that Tarasenko also does well is that he is willing to compete on the ice, which is sometimes rare for players that have his type of flare. He’s also had the opportunity to log some significant minutes with his KHL club, Sibir, as he has seen a fair amount of ice time playing with the team’s second line. This is a big accomplishment for a player of his age to already have that type of responsibility in a men’s league.

Really the only thing holding Tarasenko back right now is getting more exposure. He needs to continue to work on his two-way play and becoming more of a complete player and ensure that he produces well in international competitions with Russia this season where the scouts will no doubt be keeping a close eye on him. While you could easily swap Tarasenko with Kuznetsov in the rankings at this point, and could likely argue that Tarasenko is actually the better player at this point, Tarasenko’s ceiling might not be quite as high as Kuznetsov when compared which is why he comes in at number eleven on the preliminary rankings.

12. TYLER TOFFOLI

Photo Credit: Valerie Wutti, Blitzen Photography

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: April 24^th, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 181 lbs

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

09/10 Team: Ottawa (OHL)

While Tyler Toffoli has always been considered a very talented player who would no doubt be a big time point producer in the OHL at some point during his junior career, there is no doubt that Toffoli burst onto the scene a little ahead of schedule last season in Ottawa.

Toffoli was one of the top scorers in Minor Midget two years ago playing with the powerhouse Toronto Jr. Canadiens team that also featured John McFarland, who he often played alongside with. Toffoli was able to translate a lot of that talent over to the OHL last season as he played a big role with the 67’s, often riding shotgun to former San Jose first rounder Logan Couture on the club’s top line.

With Toffoli, you’re getting a player who doesn’t really have any elite talents but is extremely well rounded. His real strength is his hockey sense which he uses to his advantage on the ice. Toffoli does a good job of positioning himself and finding places where the puck seems to find him afterwards. He competes hard and won’t back down in the corners and isn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play either.

One of the real coming out parties for Toffoli happened in the playoffs where he was arguably Ottawa’s best forward in their series against Niagara. After scoring at just under a point per game clip during the regular season, Toffoli stepped his game up when it mattered and tied for fourth in team scoring during the playoffs with 8 points in 7 games.

Next year will be a big one for Toffoli as he will be relied on to take a more important role in the team’s offense with the loss of several key players. If Toffoli can step up once again and prove that he can handle the responsibilities of being a consistent point producer, he should do well to cement himself as a Top 15 pick in the eyes of NHL scouts in preparation for the 2010 Entry Draft.

13. STANISLAV GALIEV

Position: Forward | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 17^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 177 lbs

Hometown: Moscow, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

Galiev made a big decision prior to this season when he elected to leave Russia to come play in the USHL with the Indiana Ice. In hindsight, the decision proved to be a good one, as Galiev had a very productive season with the team as he finished 2^nd in team scoring and likely would have been the rookie of the year if not for Louis LeBlanc taking home the honour.

Galiev is a dynamic forward with a lot of offensive flare, much like the other high end Russians available in this crop. He’s a little inconsistent right now and needs to do a better job of capitalizing on his chances, but there is no doubt that the talent is there. The other thing that is good to see with Galiev is that he obviously has the desire to play in the NHL which is something that scouts will like to see and should alleviate any concerns of the “Russian Factor”.

While scouts know that Galiev has the talent to be a premier offensive forward at the next level, one of the burning questions surrounding the 17 year old Russian is just where he will play next season. Since the CHL does not allow 16 year old imports to play in the league, his only choice to play at the next highest level of junior hockey in North America was the USHL. Many were sure that the next logical step would be for Galiev to then be a top pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft before starting a CHL career this fall. While Galiev checked one of those things off after being selected first overall in the Import Draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs, apparently there is a lot of uncertainty if Galiev will in fact be with Saint John this fall.

Some reports are beginning to indicate that Galiev will in fact return to Indiana after winning a Clark Cup with them last season before then re-evaluating his situation after the 2010 NHL Entry Draft where he would then be eligible to play either in the AHL, with Saint John or pursue an NCAA degree. Right now however, nothing is certain as Saint John will continue in their quest to lure him, while Indiana will hope that the talented forward returns for one more season with the team.

14. MARK PYSYK

Position: Defense | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 11^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbs

Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta

09/10 Team: Edmonton (WHL)

While the 2010 crop lacks a bit of high end talent from the WHL, Mark Pysyk is a player who could end up being a very good pick if he eventually does slide out of the Top 10. Despite playing on a pretty weak Oil Kings team that is still building itself up from expansion status, Pysyk was a definite brightspot for the team that struggled just to limp into the WHL playoffs last season. Luckily for Pysyk, fans already had a good idea of what to expect as the 17 year old defenseman already suited up in 14 games for the club during the 2007/2008 season.

While Pysyk isn’t the smoothest skating defenseman, and that may very well be one aspect that holds him back from hitting his potential in the NHL, he still has the ability to be a real controlling force on the blue line. Pysyk’s strength lies in his ability to be a real shutdown defenseman. He is very adept with man coverage in his own end and is extremely good positionally. Furthermore, he manages to play such a strong defensive game without taking very many penalties, a rarity in this day. Offensively, Pysyk is a decent puck mover who should be able to contribute at the NHL level, but teams will be definitely drafting him based on his ability to be a shut down defenseman with some solid transition ability.

The 2009/2010 season will present a new set of challenges for Pysyk as he will be counted on to take his game to a new level. With Edmonton looking as though they could be a significantly more competitive team next season, Pysyk will have to be on top of his game if the Oil Kings are able to do so. In a draft that is pretty wide open on the back-end right now, Pysyk could be a player that might go much higher in the draft if he’s able to put together an impressive season next year. The onus is on him to convince scouts that he has the ability to be a Top 10 pick.

15. JACK CAMPBELL

Position: Goalie | Catches: Left

Birthdate: January 9^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 165 lbs

Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan

09/10 Team: US Under 18 Team (USHL)

After a weak goaltending crop in 2009, things are looking a little brighter in 2010 with American Jack Campbell headlining the available goaltenders. Campbell had a very interesting year as he bounced between the US Under 17 and Under 18 teams and eventually worked himself into the starter’s spot for the Under 18 when they partook in the Under 18 World Championships at home in Fargo/Moorhead, a tournament that they eventually went on to win the gold medal in. Campbell stole the show in Fargo as he took over the team’s starting role after some dissention on the team. Campbell grasped the opportunity as he led in the tournament in GAA, SV% and went on to capture the award for Best Goalie despite being an underager.

Campbell has decent size, but he still needs to fill out his frame. He’s got very good reflexes and he’s extremely quick in his stance. He also has the ability to make great recovery saves if he is ever caught out of position. One of the other aspects that Campbell really excels at is puck handling, as he is extremely good at that aspect of the game. Campbell has also been praised as being extremely competitive, and as a player that strives to improve his game. With goalies, there is always a significant amount of work to be done in regards to improving their technical components of the game, so having a goalie that wants to improve is a huge plus.

The Port Huron native will no doubt have a big year ahead of him as he looks to replicate the success he had this past season. Campbell will need to continue to improve his positioning and just refining his overall game to show scouts that he has the potential to be a big time goaltender at the next level. While Campbell is slated to play for the Under 18 Team this fall before his college commitment to Michigan, there is some speculation that Campbell is still considering heading to the OHL where the powerhouse Windsor Spitfires hold his OHL rights.