The Scouting Report » Cody Ceci

2012 NHL Mid-Term Top 60 Rankings (1-30)

TSR Staff — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:39:22 +0000

Welcome!

Welcome to TSR’s Mid-Term Top 60 Rankings for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. For the first time we have included goaltenders in our rankings this year which is the one major change to announce. For viewer ease, we have divided the rankings up into two separate sections. We love to hear feedback via email, our comments section, or connecting with us on Twitter @TSRhockey. Enjoy!

Be sure to check out the second half of our Top 60: (1-30) (31-60)

1. LC Mikhail Grigorenko – Quebec (QMJHL)

DOB: May 16/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs

Let’s be clear about it, there’s not a lot separating Grigorenko and Yakupov right now – so much so you could even call them 1A and 1B in either order. Grigorenko won out our top spot due to his size and the extra value we feel he brings as a center. Skill-wise, Grigorenko and Yakupov are different players, with Grigorenko being more of a playmaking pivot who is more methodical and uses his on-ice vision to create opportunities. Thus far, Grigorenko has played very well in the QMJHL and acquitted himself fairly well in the World Juniors as well. It looks to be a 2-horse race with Yakupov down the stretch as Alex Galchenyuk still battles back from injury, and in the end, it likely comes down to preference when picking between Grigorenko and Yakupov.

2. RW Nail Yakupov – Sarnia (OHL)

DOB: Oct. 6/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 190lbs

Yakupov has to be considered more of a 1B than a #2 at this point with a lot of hockey still left to be played. The 18-year-old Russian is the biggest game-breaker in this draft and plays a very similar style to Taylor Hall only with more physicality away from the puck. Yakupov is a phenomenal skater and his ability to use his speed while creating offense is unparalleled in this draft class. Projecting as a dynamic top-line forward, the only real concern with Yakupov lies in his stature and determining whether or not his body will be able to hold up with his style of play at the next level.

3. LC Alex Galchenyuk – Sarnia (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 12/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 200lbs

For a player who was primed to make a run at the top spot, Galchenyuk’s season has been derailed by a pre-season knee injury that will keep him out for at least another month. Galchenyuk is not overly dynamic, but his elusive style of play is very comparable to Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin. Galchenyuk has good size and does a great job of stickhandling and weaving in and out of traffic. He has a great shot and a deceptive release and a goal scorer’s instinct that simply cannot be taught. He’s certainly a wildcard right now, but his upside is just as high as anyone in this draft.

4. LD Ryan Murray – Everett (WHL)

DOB: Sep. 27/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 201lbs

After missing nearly two months of the WHL season due to a high ankle sprain and a generally forgettable WJC tournament, Murray will finish out the season with the last-place Everett Silvertips, who will look to their captain to lead their building team towards a brighter future. Murray is a great skater with excellent lateral movement, and sees the game well as plays develop around him. He is a very capable playmaker and can effectively jump into or lead the rush up the ice. With a heavy shot from the point, it certainly appears that Ryan Murray has all of the tangibles that NHL teams love to build around on their blueline. It will be important for Murray to forget some of his struggles this year, and continue to build towards what should be a very good professional career.

5. LD Morgan Rielly – Moose Jaw (WHL)

DOB: Mar. 9/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 195lbs

Continues to rehab from a torn ACL that ended his season back in November. Rielly is an offensive dynamo who does a tremendous job of generating offense with his speed and vision. Excellent surveyor of the ice that has a great feel for how to set the tempo for his team. Defensive play may be questionable due to his shorter stature, but makes up for it with quick footwork. Excellent vision and hands around the net. If his season wasn’t cut short, we believe you’d see Rielly make a serious charge at Murray in the rankings.

6. RC Filip Forsberg – Leksand (Allsvenskan)

DOB: Aug. 13/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 181lbs

Forsberg had a bit of a rough start to the season offensively, but has come on nicely over the past couple of months in Leksand – a period that also included some strong play in the World Juniors as a 17-year-old. Forsberg has a high skill level and displays good puck skills to go along with a quality shot. He is an above average skater and plays with a high energy level and is also willing to finish checks and compete in board battles. Overall, he’s still a work in progress, but his ceiling is quite high and his unique skill-set makes him a player that teams will covet in the draft.

7. RD Jacob Trouba – USNTDP (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 26/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 195lbs

Trouba is a big-time right-handed defenseman who projects to be a top pairing two-way defenseman. Despite being only 17-years-old, Trouba is extremely polished and has already proved himself against much older competition as one of the United States’ top defensemen at the World Juniors. The U18 captain has great size and lateral ability and is very mobile in all 3 zones. Trouba plays with a physical edge but shows good decision making, knowing when to take the body and when to use his pokecheck and positioning to make defensive plays. His offensive game is still evolving, but he shows good upside and a quality shot which indicate strong future potential. As it stands, Trouba is already a very safe NHL pick, and if he can continue to improve his offensive game, he could be an exceptional NHL defenseman for a long time.

8. RD Matt Dumba – Red Deer (WHL)

DOB: Jul. 25/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 185lbs

Dumba continues to be what he is, looking to make a big impact all over the ice, either through big hits, big shots, or making crisp breakout passes. His defensive play is a little erratic at times and his ability to handle the rigor of his style of play at the next level could be a concern, but he’s certainly a game-breaker with his style of play. Dumba isn’t the biggest player on the ice but plays like he is. He does a great job of buying time and capitalizing on opportunities while using his high-end skill level to his advantage.

9. LC Zemgus Girgensons – Dubuque (USHL)

DOB: Jan. 5/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 200lbs

There was a lot of pressure on Girgesons to have a good showing in the World Juniors on a Latvia squad that lacked talent from top to bottom. While some where indifferent about his play, Girgensons did show some positive signs that he could play a solid two-way game despite having minimal support in his lineup. Girgensons plays a reliable two-way style of play and is a strong center in all 3 zones. He uses his size to his advantage and as his skating continues to improve, his offense should benefit as well. Girgensons will be taking the college route at Vermont, but as a projected high-end 1st round pick, it will be interesting to see what route he takes in his development path.

10. LD Slater Koekkoek – Peterborough (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 18/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 185lbs

It may be a surprise to most to see Koekkoek this high on our list, but for those who have seen him play a lot, you may be on the same page as us. Koekkoek has a tremendous package of size, skill, and potential which could be a home-run in a few years. Currently out for the season with a torn labrum, Koekkoek was playing 30+ minutes a night with the Petes before the injury. Koekkoek is a great skater and does a good job of moving the puck and making good decisions. His skating ability allows him to lead rushes and his offensive zone play is very good. He’s still in the progress of filling out his frame and improving his defensive zone play, but the skill-set that Koekkoek brings to the table cannot be overlooked as his ceiling could be as high as any of the defensemen in this draft.

11. LC Brendan Gaunce – Belleville (OHL)

DOB: Mar. 25/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 215lbs

Gaunce is never going to be the type of player to wow you with dynamic offensive flair, but you can rest assured he brings more than enough to the table. As one of the top two-way forwards in the draft, Gaunce has developed into a player that a coach can feel confident in putting on the ice in any situation. He has good size and competes hard, winning lots of puck battles and being a difficult player to contain. His game is centered around his ability to do the little things and his intangibles, such as leadership, are qualities that separate him from others. Gaunce is still a very capable offensive player and has a good scoring touch, especially around the net. His skating still needs to improve, but his game has a lot of parallels to Ryan O’Reilly at the same age.

12. RW Sebastian Collberg – Frolunda (SuperElit)

DOB: Feb. 23/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 175lbs

Stats don’t tell the full story as Collberg has had trouble finding playing time this season, which started with a lengthy stint in the Elitserien. Collberg is one of the most intriguing offensive talents in the draft and his shot is arguably the most lethal in the draft. Collberg plays with a lot of flair in his game, and when he’s getting offensive opportunities his shot is a tremendous asset to his game. Being a little undersized, Collberg needs to continue to add strength to his game and prove thatt he can battle through tight defenses and avoid being neutralized by physical teams.

13. LD Olli Maatta – London (OHL)

DOB: Aug. 22/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 202lbs

Maatta is a cerebral defenseman whose strength lies in his ability to play a simple and effective game. He’s got NHL size and is a very smooth skater and does a good job of making good decisions on the breakout and moving the puck with efficiency. He doesn’t play with very much physicality but Maatta is extremely polished for a 17-year-old and does a good job positioning himself to make plays on the puck and utilizing his long reach to his advantage. His offensive upside is questionable right now but Maatta has shown that he is capable of playing the point effectively on the powerplay. Maatta doesn’t project to be much of a game-breaker, but he looks like a solid mid-pairing defenseman who could have a long NHL career.

14. LW Pontus Aberg – Djrugarden (Elitserien)

DOB: Sep. 23/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 195lbs

While Forsberg and Collberg may be considered to be having “underwhelming” seasons thus far, Aberg has proven to be a very pleasant surprise when it comes to Swedish prospects. Skating in the Elitserien as a rookie, Aberg has put himself into contention as a Rookie-of-the-Year candidate with some strong offensive results this season. Aberg has always been regarded as a great two-way player and someone who brings it every shift with a high effort-level, but his offensive emergence has been the major catalyst behind his rising in the draft rankings.

15. RD Griffin Reinhart – Edmonton (WHL)

DOB: Jan. 24/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 207lbs

Reinhart continues to be a prospect that you wish just could be physical more often, and while that aspect of his game can be frustrating, he still has a number of tools which make him a high-end prospect. Reinhart has a very heavy point shot and makes good first passes while being equally effective in the offensive and defensive ends. Has a good feel for when to jump into the rush. Reinhart at times seems disinterested in the game and could benefit from showing more competitiveness and emotion in his game. He’s got all the tools to be a high-end NHL defenseman, but he needs to use them more consistently.

16. LC Radek Faksa – Kitchener (OHL)

DOB: Jan. 09/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 202lbs

Radek Faksa has seen his name shoot up the draft rankings ever since coming over to the Ontario Hockey League from HC Trinec of the Czech U20 league. Kitchener drafted the Czech native 22nd overall in the 2011 CHL Import Draft namely based on his offensively skill, but that is not all he brings to the table. Faksa has great size and does a pretty good job of utilizing it to his advantage. He’s shown to be an effective two-way player and has displayed improved consistency this year. Faksa lacks a wow factor to his game, but he projects to be a very solid mid 1st round pick at this point.

17. LD Matt Finn – Guelph (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 24/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 195lbs

Finn has done a nice job of taking his game to the next level this season and really asserting himself as the go-to defenseman on the Guelph blueline. Finn can play in all situations and has shown considerable improvement at both ends of the ice this season. He’s a competitor who is not afraid to finish checks but does a good job of picking his spots and playing within his means. Offensively, Finn has steadily improved and is becoming a very effective offensive defenseman and the true QB on the Storm powerplay. While Finn doesn’t have natural physical tools, he has a strong hockey IQ and does a good job of playing a smart game while minimizing mistakes.

18. RD Cody Ceci – Ottawa (OHL)

DOB: Dec. 21/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 207lbs

As it stands, Ceci has to be considered one of the premier defensemen not only in the OHL, but the Canadian Hockey League as a whole. He plays a strong offensive game and has developed into an exceptional puck mover and one of the top powerplay players in the OHL. Ceci has a big shot and does a good job distributing the puck and activating in the offensive zone. His defensive game has improved considerably since his 16-year-old season, but he still needs to show an increased commitment to the defensive end. As an 18-year-old, Ceci is a little ahead in the development curve of some of the other defensemen in the draft, but his strong offensive upside makes him a quality pick in this range.

19. LC Stefan Matteau – USNTDP (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 23/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 210lbs

Matteau’s game translates well to the professional ranks which makes him valuable as a relatively safe bet in this range. He has pro size as well as an effective skill set that will suit the physical rigors of the NHL. Matteau shoots well, makes the simple play with the puck and brings a physical edge to his game. What Matteau lacks in pure foot speed, he makes up with an efficient skating stride that should allow him to gain quickness as he continues to get stronger. Matteau was originally slated to attend North Dakota but has since committed to play in the QMJHL next year with Blainville-Boisbriand.

20. LC Tomas Hertl – HC Slavia Praha (Czech)

DOB: Nov. 12/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 200lbs

Hertl had a very productive first half to the season and may be even underrated at #20 in our rankings. Playing in the Czech Extraliga on a weak team, Hertl has worked his way up the depth chart and been an effective offensive contributor for the team. Hertl has a good blend of size and skating ability and displays some grit and a willingness to finish checks. At the World Juniors, Hertl was one of the top Czech forwards and had a strong showing in the tournament. If Hertl can close out his season with continued strong play he will make a compelling case to be a Top 20 pick this summer.

21. LW Nicolas Kerdiles – USNTDP (USHL)

DOB: Jan. 11/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 201lbs

Kerdiles continues to develop steadily into a productive offensive player. He has the necessary skating, shooting and puck skills to compete at the highest level. Kerdiles also does the little things well such as protecting the puck in traffic and possessing a nose for the net. Kerdiles will contribute defensively as he has the awareness to keep on the defensive side of the puck and maintains discipline and positioning in the defensive zone and on the forecheck. A strong U18 Championship could make Kerdiles this year’s JT Miller.

22. RC Colton Sissons – Kelowna (WHL)

DOB: Nov. 5/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 189lbs

With good size and a lethal shot, Sissons undoubtedly projects on the high end as a top-6 winger in the NHL. His game is not without question marks, though – as he currently has a team-worst -15 rating. Sissons could also benefit from using his teammates better as evidenced by his low assist totals, however has certainly shown a knack for being a hard worker on the ice. Sissons was recently named captain of his team for the upcoming CHL top prospects game, which proves his ability to lead by example on the ice. Look for Sissons to continue to put up impressive goal scoring numbers, while also continuing to improve his all-around game leading up to the draft.

23. RD Ville Pokka – Karpat (Sm-Liiga)

DOB: Jun. 3/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 195lbs

Pokka is far from flashy, but he’s a defenseman who gets the job done. Despite being an average skater and having mobility concerns, Pokka does a great job of anticipating and reading the play and getting himself into position accordingly. Conditioning appeared to be a concern with his game a season ago, which is something that he has addressed this year by getting into better shape with the results now paying off. Pokka is a composed defenseman who does a good job moving the puck and making heady decisions under pressure. His shot is above average and he has shown that he is capable of playing on the powerplay as well. Pokka certainly doesn’t have elite upside, but he has shown steady improvement.

24. LD Derrick Pouliot – Portland (WHL)

DOB: Jan. 16/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 185lbs

After being selected #1 overall in the WHL bantam draft, Portland’s Derick Pouliot continues to develop into a top offensive defenseman in the WHL. A silky smooth skater, Pouliot has spent time on the talented team’s top powerplay unit for much of the season. He has a good – if not overly powerful – shot from the point, that he gets through traffic and on net with regularity. While he is an above average passer, Pouliot is sometimes the victim of trying to do too much, and is susceptible to the occasional glaring mistake. The mid-sized defenseman certainly has the skillset to be a future powerplay quarterback at the next level, but at this point should to be considered a bit of a project by whichever team selects him on draft day.

25. LW Charles Hudon – Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

DOB: Jun. 23/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.10 | Weight: 170lbs

Hudon is undersized and his skating isn’t going to blow you away, but he’s a skilled player who always seems to find ways to score goals and create offense. Offensively, Hudon’s skill level is very high and he has the offensive tools that few in this draft can match. One of the things that separates Hudon from others, however, is his willingness to battle through adversity and find ways to score goals when the defense is keying in on him. There’s no doubt that Hudon is a risky pick, but for a team picking at the end of the 1st round, he could be well worth that risk in several years.

26. LD Adam Pelech – Erie (OHL)

DOB: Aug. 18/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 210lbs

Pelech had a late start to the season after recovering from a wrist injury, but the 17-year-old has been one of the few bright spots on an absolutely dismal Erie team. Pelech projects as a reliable defensive defenseman who does a great job of playing against top lines and shutting down high-end forwards. Pelech plays a very smart game and has great defensive positioning and a strong understanding of defensive zone systems. He has an active stick and wins lots of board battles which makes him an asset on the penalty kill as well. His offensive upside is below-average, but Pelech projects to be a strong 2nd pair defenseman who can log heavy minutes and be an effective penalty killer.

27. G Andrei Vasilevski – UFA (MHL)

DOB: Jul. 25/94 | Catches: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 205lbs

There’s always several players who drastically improve their stock at the World Juniors and Vasilevski is testament to that theory this year. While the big goaltender has been one of the top goaltenders in the MHL this season, he really put his name on the map with a tremendous goaltending performance at the World Juniors where he split time with Andrey Makarov. Vasilevski has great size and has a strong net presence. He has good angles and squares up well to shooters and does a good job of challenging them by coming out of the net. The Russian factor is always a concern for NHL teams but on talent alone, Vasilevski is certainly deserving of a Top 30 pick.

28. LW Anton Slepyshev – Metallurg (KHL)

DOB: May 13/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 190lbs

There is obviously some risk to taking Slepyshev based on the fact that he’s already contributing in the KHL and might not be in any hurry to cross the pond, but the upside is well worth that risk ala Evgeni Kuznetsov. Slepyshev is a big winger who oozes offensive skill with an array of slick puckhandling skills and the ability to dangle in and out of traffic. He’s already showing he can compete with men in the second best league in the world and as he continues to learn how to use his size and strength, he’ll be a very dangerous forward. We’re working with some limited viewing so don’t be surprised to see him rise between now and our finals.

29. LD Brady Skjei – USNTDP (USHL)

DOB: Mar. 26/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 200lbs

Skjei is an imposing defenseman who continued to grow this season and has been climbing the charts as well. For a big player, Skjei is tremendously mobile and his high-end skating ability allows him to work in transition and handle incoming forechecks. He’s still got a raw skill-set and is learning how to use his size effectively, but the Minnesota commit has an enticing skill-set that projects well at the NHL level. At this point, Skjei has to be considered to be the 2012 edition of the NTDP’s Connor Murphy, and we’ll see how he plays over the coming months as he makes a final push up the charts.

30. G Malcolm Subban – Belleville (OHL)

DOB: Dec. 21/93 | Catches: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 188lbs

With his style of play in net, Subban seems a lot like a throwback QMJHL goalie from the 90′s with his lightning quick reflexes and athleticism in goal. After playing Midget hockey as a 16-year-old, Subban has finally started to fill out his lanky frame and the increased strength has made a big difference in his play. Subban has very good lateral ability and does a great job of making recovery saves on 2nd and 3rd chances. He has great hands and does a good job of making saves in traffic and using his quick reflexes to make saves that few goaltenders can make. While he still projects as a long-term prospect, any team looking to boost their organizational depth in goal can add a goaltender with big-time upside in Subban.

Be sure to check out the second half of our Top 60: (1-30) (31-60)

2012 NHL Draft Rankings: Preliminary Top 30 Skaters (16-30)

Scott Campbell — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:31:08 +0000

TSR 2012 NHL Draft Rankings Preliminary (1-15) 16-30

16. LD Derrick Pouliot – Portland (WHL)

DOB: Jan. 16/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 170lbs

The former first overall bantam pick had an impressive 16 year old season with one of the most talented teams in the entire CHL. Pouliot is an effortless skater, able to effectively transition from either offense to defense, or defense to offense, in a hurry. He has strong offensive instincts, and can join the rush effectively using his skating ability to keep pace with attacking forwards. Pouliot has a good shot that he is able to get to the net frequently, though his shot velocity could use some work. Defensively, Pouliot has to be considered a bit of a project at this point, as the undersized defenseman found himself out-matched by larger WHL forwards, and also occasionally out of position. Pouliot returns to the Hawks this year in a bigger role, and should be primed for a big year offensively.

17. LW Andreas Athanasiou – London (OHL)

DOB: Aug. 6/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 170lbs

The OHL frequently produces a player who comes out of nowhere to surprise as not only an exceptional OHL player, but a very solid NHL prospect as well. Athanasiou falls into that category in 2012 as the Knight’s 4th-round pick in 2010 has quickly established himself as one of the premier ’94 YOB forwards in the OHL. Athanasiou is a slick offensive forward with an abundance of offensive skill. He’s a dangerous forward who is always a threat to score in every game and has really done a good job of putting himself in good positions to find the back of the net. Currently makes up for lack of strength with great bursts of speed but adding some muscle to his frame is very important moving forward. Athanasiou might appear a little off the board right now, but after a very impressive showing with the Canadian U18 team at the Ivan Hlinka, expect a lot of people to take notice.

18. RC Matia Marcantuoni – Kitchener (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 22/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 180lbs

Entering the 2010-11 season a lot of was expected of Matia Marcantuoni as some believe he easily could have been a top five pick in the 2010 OHL Priority selection before eventually winding up with the Rangers at the 18th pick. In a limited role last season with a competitive Ranger squad, Marcantuoni saw decent offensive success. Coach Steve Spott will expect higher offensive output this season from the Toronto, Ontario native. He is arguably one of the strongest skaters in the draft, and has a very hard NHL-calibre shot as well. Plays the game at a very high tempo but needs to capitalize on more of his chances.

19. RW Henrik Samuelsson – Modo J20 (SuperElit)

DOB: Feb. 7/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 195lbs

The son of former NHL tough guy Ulf Samuelsson, Henrik brings a lot of power forward qualities that NHL teams are sure to covet at next summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Samuelsson is a big body who utlizes his physical strength to create space on the ice. Skates quite well and does a good job maintaining the puck and competing in physical battles. Displays a lot of grit and plays both ends of the rink very hard… looks for opportunities to finish checks and keeps players honest when he’s on the ice. Samuelsson’s offensive play is still developing but is a wildcard in his overall upside. Elected to play in Sweden this season after his father took an Assistant Coaching job with Modo where Henrik will surely see some time in the Elitserien with a strong year.

20. RW Sebastian Collberg – Frolunda (SuperElit)

DOB: Feb. 23/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 175lbs

Collberg is a diminutive winger with high-end skill level. Very good skater with good technique and shifty agility. Collberg thrives on the perimeter and uses his speed and skill-level to create offensive opportunities and odd-man rushes by breaking the defense down with his speed. Has an exceptional shot with pro-calibre release and loves to shoot the puck. Offensive upside translates very well to the NHL level and Collberg doesn’t mind playing in traffic areas either, which should help his eventual transition to the North American game. Still needs to improve his two-way game and add some strength but with a productive season Collberg should see some time in the Elitserien and could be a major riser this year.

21. LC Brendan Gaunce – Belleville (OHL)

DOB: Mar. 25/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 205lbs

It was a bit of a tough season for Gaunce as the highly touted 16-year-old rookie met his fair share of struggles with a Belleville squad that ended up being hard pressed to find the back of the net. Gaunce’s season saw many ebs and flows but was an overall productive season for the 2nd overall pick in the 2010 OHL Priortiy Selection. Coming into the league as one of the most dominant Minor Midget players from a year before, Gaunce has all of the qualities you look for in a two-way forward. Gaunce has good size and does a good job bringing a consistent effort to the rink every night. Competes hard and does a good job winning battles on the ice. Doesn’t have elite offensive skill but is an offensively productive player who is a threat to create offense at any time. Skating is an area where he will need to improve but Gaunce projects to be a solid second line type NHL center with good character and strong two-way play.

22. LC Scott Laughton – Oshawa (OHL)

DOB: May 30/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 175lbs

Scott Laughton is currently known for a solid two-way talent; he is a competitive player every shift and understands his role on the ice. Although the Oshawa Generals already high end talent up front, it is likely that Laughton sees an increased offensive role with the team. If the Oakville, Ont. is able to put together a solid offensive season there is no question he could see his stock rise into the top fifteen in the draft. He is a similar, albeit smaller, version of teammate Boone Jenner, but if he pans out could be the better overall prospect. At this point, Laughton and Gaunce are similar players who will be interesting prospects to follow as both 17-year-olds spend the season battling it out in the OHL’s East Division as rivals.

23. LW Cristoval Nieves – Kent HS (HS-MA)

DOB: Jan. 23/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 185lbs

Blessed with a big frame – 6’3″ to be exact – Nieves has phenomenal stick work and deceptive agility, speed, and acceleration. Labeled mostly as a playmaker, Nieves isn’t afraid to get creative. A superb passer, he is easily the best player playing for Kent and it looks as though he is coming back for another season. He still has some “filling out” to do being only 185 lbs, but just his skills and explosiveness will excite many scouts. Committed to the University of Michigan in 2012, Nieves might crack the first round at next year’s draft. On the off chance he doesn’t, look for him to go in the early 2nd.

24. RD Cody Ceci – Ottawa (OHL)

DOB: Dec. 21/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 190lbs

Ceci’s sophomore season in the OHL was promising as the Ottawa native took the steps forward that most were expecting after his rookie season. Already playing with pro size, Ceci entrenched himself as one of the better defensive defensemen in the OHL last season with very responsible play while logging heavy minutes. His physical play took a step forward last season and it was noticeable that he was much improved in handling defensive zone coverage and preventing himself from over-committing. Has some offensive upside and serves as an effective PP quarterback at the OHL level. Ceci projects to be a potential late first-round pick or early second-round pick as a player who has the potential to be a dependable NHL defenseman who might not have quite as much high-end upside as some of the other players available in the range.

25. Gianluca Curcuruto – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 25/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 188lbs

Curcuruto is a puck mover first and foremost, but as his -1 indicates he is also a strong two-way player. His -1 was among the best on his team last year, which is exceptional considering he was a rookie defenseman on a team that gave up the second most goals in the entire Western Conference while finishing dead last in points. Despite his rookie status, he took on a leadership role, providing a calming influence when things were going haywire on a very bad Greyhounds team. We currently have him going in the bottom third of the first round, but it won’t be a surprise to see him rise as he’s a player with considerable raw talent.

26. LD Michael Matheson – Dubuque (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 27/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 170lbs

Matheson is set to join the Dubuque Fighting Saints after spending the 2010/11 season playing in the QMAAA. Regarded as one of the top 94′s in Quebec, Matheson elected to bypass the Major Junior route in favour of a 2012 commitment to Boston College. Matheson is lauded for his leadership skills, intelligence and maturity off the ice. On the ice, Matheson provides those intangibles as well as a skill set of smooth skating and puck skills. Matheson uses his hockey sense and ability to close on the puck and puck carrier to force the play and transition the puck quickly to offense. He has quick hands and shows some pretty nifty puck handling. Matheson might be the type of player who amasses points by simply possessing the puck often and moving it to the right player to create offense.

27. RW Pontus Aberg – Djurgarden (SuperElit)

DOB: Sep. 23/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 5.11 | Weight: 190lbs

Aberg’s game is centered around his superb skating ability. At this point, he projects to be one of the top skaters in the draft and creates most of his offense with his quick acceleration and high-end speed. Has solid offensive skill and an adept shot which allow him to be an effective scorer. Needs to prove that he can take his offensive production to the next level this season and be a consistent producer. Has fairly average on-ice vision and needs to do a better job of utilizing teammates and distributing the puck as the defense can focus on him if he’s not moving the puck. Aberg also needs to show an increased commitment to the defensive end as his speed will be a two-way asset as he improves his defensive play.

28. RD Ville Pokka – Karpat (SM-Liiga)

DOB: Jun. 3/94 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 198lbs

Pokka is another ’94 YOB defenseman from Finland who will have expectations in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. At this point he isn’t quite as refined as Maatta and doesn’t possess as much offensive potential as his countryman does, but Pokka still projects to be a very capable NHLer with his solid defensive zone play. Pokka is a smart player who understands his role and plays well within his means, tools that will allow him to take a regular shift in the SM-Liiga this year as a 17-year-old. He will be in a group of players looking to vie for a first round selection and can do a lot for his stock if he has a strong WJC at Christmas.

29. LC A.J. Michaelson – Waterloo (USHL)

DOB: Feb. 8/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 185lbs

AJ Michaelson joined the trend of high school hockey players making the jump their senior year to the junior level. Michaelson joins the Waterloo Blackhawks this season after playing for Apple Valley High School in Minnesota. The move has many US junior followers scratching their head due to Michaelson’s commitment to Apple Valley program last offseason when he turned down an offer to play for the USNTDP in Ann Arbor, Mich. Nonetheless, Michaelson has the skills to standout in the USHL this season as the six foot forward can flat out fly. It will be interesting to see if Michaelson’s speed, which allowed him to create tons of scoring opportunities in high school by going wide on the rush, will continue to be effective against the bigger, stronger competition. Scouts have questioned Michaelson’s durability after he missed a third of his sophomore season due to groin injury, but the University of Minnesota commit shored up durability questions when played in all of the team’s 25 games last year totaling 29 goals and 31 assists.

30. LW Nicolas Kerdiles – USNTDP U18 (USHL)

DOB: Jan. 11/94 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 175lbs

Kerdiles may not own dazzling puck skills but he does play a very solid two way game and puts enough points on the board to merit a spot on the Top 30. Kerdiles skates well and attacks open ice with speed. Kerdiles seems to do his best work along the boards and deep in the offensive zone. He has a knack for coming out of traffic with the puck and takes the puck hard to the net. Kerdiles also goes to the net hard without the puck on the rush or looking for the dirty goals in front. He makes the simple, easy play when he has the puck and is good at identifying the best option. Where Kerdiles really stands out is in his defensive play. He’s good at keeping his stick in the passing lanes and reads the play well. Kerdiles forechecks hard when he’s the first man in but also shows discipline in taking away passing options. Kerdiles is also very good at providing support and knows when to step into the play. More often than not, Kerdiles is the guy who ends up with the puck in those instances. If Kerdiles’ offensive skills and output improve, he could climb the rankings much like fellow USNTDP player JT Miller last year.

TSR 2012 NHL Draft Rankings Preliminary (1-15) 16-30

OHL Feature: Ottawa 67’s Prospects Report

Mike Kloepfer — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:49:03 +0000

#16 RW Tyler Toffoli – LAK 2010 2^nd Round, 47^th Overall
D.O.B: April 24^th, 1992 | HT: 6.00 | WT: 181 | Shoots: Right

Tyler Toffoli was extremely involved in the game against Guelph, scoring one and assisting on two. To be honest I expected nothing less from the 18 year old winger. For Ottawa to be a contending team this season, they are going to be relying heavily on the Scarborough, ON native. Toffoli is an outstanding offensive talent and is incredibly dangerous below the opposing team’s blue line. He is not going to beat you with shear strength, or speed, but is incredibly shifty when controlling the puck. Despite being an offensive threat, there is no knock on his two-way game. His drive, determination and competitive nature were shining attributes when the Kings picked him up in the 2^nd round (47^th Overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft

#18 LW Shane Prince – 2011 NHL Draft Eligible
D.O.B: November 16^th, 1992 | HT: 5.11 | WT: 185 | Shoots: Left

Shane Prince will be an interesting prospect to watch throughout the 2009-10 OHL season. Through just 20-games this season, Prince is two points away from matching his 17-year old season (30-points) offensive production. Being a late birthday he is 2011 draft eligible and will definitely benefit greatly from the extra season in the OHL before NHL scouts have to make their final decision. In previous seasons, the 5.11 forward was considered to be a one dimensional player, with his speed being his shining quality. He has now developed a more complete game to his quickness and it is clearly paying dividends in the first third of the season. Prince will be considered an undersized forward at the next level, which will likely be a defining factor when it comes to his predicted mid-round selection. Regardless, his great start to the season definitely has NHL scouts talking at this point.

#19 LC Tyler Graovac – 2011 NHL Draft Eligible
D.O.B: April 27^th, 1993 | HT: 6.04 | WT: 180 | Shoots: Left

Come June, Tyler Graovac is not a player that is going to be selected on day one, and to be completely honest, he is not a guaranteed NHL Draft selection. His most desirable attribute at this point would be his 6.04 frame that he will have to grow into. Like teammate Ryan Martindale, he needs adapt a more physical component to his game. When you have size in the OHL you are looked upon to provide a physical element. The Brampton, Ontario native is known for having a solid two-way presence on the ice and after an off-season that saw him significantly improve his acceleration and top speed he will only become a more effective hockey player. At the end of the day, his ability to offer offensive support in combination will be taken into serious consideration when looking at his draft stock.

#20 LC Sean Monahan – 2013 NHL Draft Eligible
D.O.B: October 12, 1994 | HT: 6.02 | WT: 180 | Shoots: Left

Sean Monahan is a hard prospect to judge, especially this early into his OHL career. A player initially expected to go in the top 60 of the OHL Priority Selection, an amazing OHL Cup, drove his stock right up to the first round. Monahan will likely play a limited role this season, especially as the Ottawa 67s look to make a run at an OHL championship. The future role of the 6.02, 180-pounder will be looked upon to provide an offensive punch, as well as a physical edge. As he continues to fill out he should develop into a solid power forward in the OHL.

#33 LW Dalton Smith – CMB 2010 2^nd Round, 34^th Overall
D.O.B: June 30^th, 1992 | HT: 6.01 | WT: 200 | Shoots: Left

To say the least, Dalton Smith has had a less than impressive start to the 2010-11 campaign. A player who is supposed to add physicality to the game as well as offensive punch, he has really struggled with the latter. Although struggling to find the net early in the season, Smith is still an effective player to have on your team. He rarely takes a shift off, and is a great leader to have. He will lead by example and is not afraid to stick up for his teammate. After being selected early in the 2^nd round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, expectations are high for the Oshawa native, and to date, he has been gripping his stick a little too hard.

#77 LC Ryan Martindale – EDM 2010 3^rd Round, 61^st Overall
D.O.B: October 27^th, 1991 | HT: 6.03 | WT: 190 | Shoots: Left

Ryan Martindale can be one of the most frustrating players to watch in the OHL this season. The size, strength, and talent the 19 year-old possesses will be amongst the tops in the OHL this season, but that can be completely offset by his lack of desire and competitiveness. For his size he has great mobility, and can be an offensive threat either passing or shooting the puck. When on his game, and using his size, he protects the puck extremely well making him very effective on the cycle. The games when he isn’t competing he is just another player on the ice, which leads to the frustrating aspect of his game.

Click here for more information on Martindale, as TSR’s Scott Campbell’s sat down with Copper ‘n Blue to discuss the Oiler’s 2010 3^rd rounder.

#83 RD Cody Ceci – 2012 NHL Draft Eligible
D.O.B: December 21^st, 1993 | HT: 6.02 | WT: 203 | Shoots: Right

Cody Ceci is an interesting prospect in my opinion. He can be categorized as a two-way defenseman, but at the next level will be looked upon to think defence first, and chip in offensively when his own end is taken care of. His mentality in his own zone one of his top qualities, but he is also able make a great first pass to initiate the rush. With a 6.02, 203 lbs. frame, Ceci already has respectable size, especially for a 16 year-old. To coincide his size, Ceci is a good skater, and has great vision. Due to his late birthdate, the Orleans, Ontario native is not eligible until the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and preliminary rankings have him sitting in the top 30.

# 1 G Petr Mrazek – DET 2010 5^th Round, 141^st Overall
D.O.B: February 14^th, 1992 | HT: 6.00 | WT: 170 | Catches: Left

Petr Mrazek was a goalie I had high hopes for after seeing him play a few games last season. In my first viewing of Mrazek this season, it was a less than impressive showing to say the least. The first two goals against were soft, and generally the Czech native would have stopped them. It appeared as though he lacked concentration for this game and wasn’t mentally prepared. Naturally, everyone is due for a poor game once and a while and it just happened to be Mrazek’s turn. He has good lateral movement and is positionally sound which seems to add size to his 6.00, 170 pound frame. Although I would have liked to see a stellar game out of Mrazek, I have no doubt he will rebound in his next start.

Canadian Under 18 Camp Report: Goaltenders & Defensemen

Scott McDougall — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:56:12 +0000

The Canadian U18 Selection Camp was held in Calgary from July 31^st to August 3^rd this year. Over 40 players were invited to the camp with 22 players earning a spot on Canada’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial squad. After witnessing the camp and seeing Canada’s roster, most of the selections seemed what I’d expect, but there were some curious omissions. That being said, I wasn’t able to take in the entire camp in which certain players may have lowered or bettered their stock while I was absent.

The parity on the ice was better than I expected as few players really stood out as being dominant. I’d expect that there will be lots of change in the draft rankings by the time the 2011 draft rolls around. Here are some of my thoughts on the final couple days of the selection camp.

Goaltending

Players that made the cut: Teichmann, Gusse

Jeffrey Noonan | G | Catches L | Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) | 01/18/1993 | 5’11 166lbs | 2011 Eligible

Noonan played last season for Laval-Montreal of the LHMAAAQ, but is expected to crack Rouyn-Noranda’s squad this upcoming season. He really struggled with his rebound control and positioning at the camp. Having played AAA Midget last year, the quality of shooters Noonan faced wasn’t comparable to the type of players he faced at this camp. He will need some time to ease into his role as a QMJHL goalie this season.

Liam Liston | G | Catches L | Brandon (WHL) | 04/06/1993 | 6’0.5 205lbs | 2011 Eligible

Much like Noonan, Liston also played Midget hockey last season as was overwhelmed by the quality of players he faced at the camp. Like Noonan, he had rebound control problems. He just needs some time to adjust and is still considered highly regarded by the Wheat Kings as he was named the AMHL goalie of the year last year in St. Albert. He was Brandon’s 3^rd string goalie last year for their Memorial Cup run and he will be expected to make the jump full-time this year.

Robin Gusse | G | Catches L | Chicoutimi (QMJHL) | 04/23/1993 | 5’10 170lbs | 2011 Eligible

Gusse was the best of the rest. He didn’t stand out, but seemed more comfortable in the net than the two others.

Tyson Teichmann | G | Catches L | Belleville (OHL) | 05/19/1993 | 6’0 139lbs | 2011 Eligible

It was a rough camp for the goalies as witnessed by multiple 8-7 scores. However, Teichmann was the one goalie that stood out for me. He’s a small goalie that is extremely thin, but he was able to get his skinny frame in front of the puck and consistently come up with saves. Teichmann showed very good athleticism and he was able to move post-to-post very well. Teichmann showed good reflexes and although he was able to make some good glove saves, he wasn’t always able to trap the puck. Otherwise, his rebound control was the best of the group. He pulled fewer pucks out of the back of his net than the other goalies.

Belleville Bulls netminder Tyson Teichmann got the nod from his coach, George Burnett, as Canada's starter for the Ivan Hlinka Tournament this year.

Defense

Players that made the cut: Murray, Ouellet, Percy, Bell, Hamilton, Harrington, Siemens

Cody Ceci | RD | RH | Ottawa (OHL) | 12/21/1993 | 6’1.5 203lbs | 2012 Eligible

Ceci was one of the weaker defensemen at the camp, but as the youngest player at the camp, Ceci has an extra year to develop as his late birthday makes him 2012-eligble. He looked uncomfortable in his own end where forecheckers were able to get pressure on him and cause him to turn over the puck. He lost a lot of puck battles. Ceci made some good outlet passes, but he didn’t use his skating ability to open up bigger passing lanes when pressed.

Dillon Donnelly | D | LH | Shawinigan (QMJHL) | 09/07/1993 | 6’1 181lbs | 2011 Eligible

Invited to camp but was unable to attend.

Dougie Hamilton | RD | RH | Niagara (OHL) | 06/17/1993 | 6’4.5 187lbs | 2011 Eligible

Hamilton is a huge defenseman that takes up a large amount of ice. Players were having a very hard time getting around him as his wingspan alone forces players to go much further outside than they normally would have to. Hamilton has a long, awkward stride making him just an average skater. However it isn’t something that can’t be overcome as he comes from a hard working, and athletic family. And just like his brother Freddie (who was drafted by the San Jose Sharks last year), Dougie is intelligent. He maintained a 97% average in high school last year. He projects to be a very good shutdown defenseman.

Duncan Siemens | LD | LH | Saskatoon (WHL) | 09/07/1993 | 6’3 196lbs | 2011 Eligible

One of my favorite pre-season players, Siemens didn’t play as well as I know he is capable of, yet was still one of the better defensemen at the camp. He has great size, but his skating was a little choppier than I have seen in the past. Siemens is a force at both ends of the rink.

Jimmy Oligny | LD | LH | PEI (QMJHL) | 04/30/1993 | 5’11 197lbs | 2011 Eligible

Another smaller defenseman. He was very fast and closed in on forwards quickly. Despite having a weight advantage on many players, Oligny seemed weak. Soft shot.

Jonathon Racine | LD | LH | Shawinigan (QMJHL) | 05/28/1993 | 6’1.5 181lbs | 2011 Eligible

Was ok at the camp, but I didn’t get a real good feel for him one way or another.

Myles Bell | RD | LH | Regina (WHL) | 08/19/1993 | 6’0 209lbs | 2011 Eligible

Having seen Bell many times in the past, I know that he is a versatile player and I’m guessing that is why he made the team. He didn’t really do anything for me at the camp. He struggled in his own end for much of the time. He looked clumsy at times – in regards to both skating and handling the puck. He doesn’t have a strong shot. However, Bell did make one of the nicest passes of the entire camp by spotting Lucas Lessio sneaking in deep behind the defense and then made a perfect homerun pass that resulted in a breakaway (and goal).

Reece Scarlett | RD | RH | Swift Current (WHL) | 03/31/1993 | 6’0.5 167lbs | 2011 Eligible

Scarlett had a very strong camp and was a surprise omission from the team in my books. Perhaps it was his size that scared off the coaching staff as he is quite light still. The first day I watched, Scarlett was one of the best players on the ice. He was far more average the second day. He is a good skater that is able to close the gap very quickly. He seems to have long arms and he uses them to make some excellent pokechecks. I would like to see him a little more physical instead of relying on the pokecheck so much, but I can’t complain too much as he was very effective with it. He has a good slapshot and was able to move the puck.

Ryan Murphy | RD | RH | Kitchener (OHL) | 03/31/1993 | 5’10.5 169lbs | 2011 Eligible

How can a guy who had 3 goals and a hard-earned first assist in a single game (as a defenseman no less!) not make the team?! He wasn’t the best player in his own end, but he was far from the worst. He was far and away the most offensive dman at the camp which should have held some value to the coaches. Looking at the Team Canada roster, no defenseman is under 6’0 tall so size may have played a part in the decision to leave Murphy off the team.

Ryan Murray | LD | LH | Everett (WHL) | 09/27/1993 | 6’0.5 190lbs | 2012 Eligible

Another 2012-Eligible player who parlayed a strong camp into a role as Captain, despite being the youngest player named to the team. Murray is a very good two-way player. He showed a strong first pass, and was calm and reliable in his end. A good skater. Very good acceleration and closing speed although his lateral movement was just ok. Quick release with his wrist shot.

Scott Harrington | LD | LH | London (OHL) | 03/10/1993 | 6’1 209lbs | 2011 Eligible

Harrington had a solid if unspectacular camp. His skating wasn’t that great and his acceleration was not good, but he knew where to be and wasn’t ever a liability on the ice. He just kept getting the job done, even if it didn’t always look pretty.

Stephen Woodworth | LD | LH | Cape Breton (QMJHL) | 01/21/1993 | 5’11.5 183lbs | 2011 Eligible

Another small and quick player. He played a very simple game. Looks to be a good junior player, but I’m not convinced that his game translates to the pros.

Stuart Percy | LD | LH | Mississauga (OHL) | 05/18/1993 | 6’1 187lbs | 2011 Eligible

Not having seen much of Percy before, he was a pleasant surprise. He seemed a little taller than he is listed and quite thin. He played the role of a shutdown defenseman while chipping in a couple assists for Team Red. A good skater and puck-mover. Percy was one of the more interesting prospects at the camp for me.

Xavier Ouellet | RD| LH | Montreal (QMJHL) | 7/29/1993 | 6’0 174lbs | 2011 Eligible

Ouellet was a little shaky during my first viewing as he was prone to some mistakes in his own end. He had a much stronger final day. He used his reach and moved well. Has some upside.

OHL Feature: Ottawa 67′s Prospect Report

Mike Kloepfer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:36:37 +0000

Although the standings indicate that the Ottawa 67’s are a bottom dwelling team, the team possesses quite a bit of talent, and are particularly strong with 2010 Draft Eligibles. Tyler Toffoli, Petr Mrazek and Ryan Martindale will be closely watched by scouts this season for the upcoming draft in June, while former 2008 first round pick Tyler Cuma will be looking for a shot to crack the Minnesota Wild next season. 1993L Cody Ceci, Ottawa’s first round selection in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection is another prospect to watch, but he will not be eligible until the 2012 Entry Draft as a result of his December birthday.

LD Tyler Cuma

2008 1/23 MIN

OTT | 6.02 | 192 lbs. | Jan. 19, 1990

Cuma is a player who has had a lot of ups and downs since being selected 23rd Overall by the Wild back in 2008. He’s a big defenseman who is extremely mobile for his size. His skating is his most definite asset, as he has a powerful stride and good agility on the ice. Beyond his skating, Cuma is an extremely raw prospect. His offensive instincts are average at best, and he doesn’t see the ice as well as some would like to believe. He has a good shot, but he has problems utilizing it to his advantage and often settles for weak shots to the net. There is no doubt he’s a solid OHL defenseman, which you would expect out of a 19 year old first round pick, but moving forward there will certainly be some speed bumps. Cuma has lost some key development time due to injury, and he could be a player that either struggles to adapt to the next level, or thrives, it’s just a matter of how much he’s willing to compete.

LC Ryan Martindale

2010 Draft Eligible

OTT | 6.03 | 190 lbs. | Oct. 27, 1991

Ryan Marindale is an interesting prospect who has been flying under the radar so far this season. A late 1991 birthday allows him to be eligible for the 2010 draft, where he should be late first or early second round pick next summer. He’s not a flashy player, does not try to do too much, and finds success in his simplicity. He has a good stride for his size, and uses the 6’ 3” frame to make room for himself in the slot. This often leads to scoring chances where he does a good job of using his talent to capitalize on his opportunities. One thing that could add another level to his game, would be to play with an edge, and use his frame to create energy. He has the build for a power forward, and should use it to his advantage.

G Petr Mrazek

2010 Eligible

OTT | 5.10 | 170 lbs. | Feb. 14, 1992

Petr Mrazek is an import player for the 67’s and this is the first time I have seen the Czech native in game action. In this contest he was not overly tested, but was able to make some big saves when he was called upon. He appeared to have great lateral movement, and a quick glove, but may need to work on controlling his rebounds. His 5’ 10” frame may scare off some NHL scouts, but Mrazek has likely played himself onto the NHL draft radar.

RW Tyler Toffoli

2010 Eligible

OTT | 6.00 | 181 lbs. | Apr. 24, 1992

Toffoli is a dynamic offensive player and is starting to break out of the funk he was in to start off the season. He shows great poise with the puck and is very patient around the net, which makes him a scary player over the opposition’s blue line. If defense give him the room to skate and get comfortable with the puck, he has the hands to move around defensemen with ease. His defensive game will need some refinement, and he needs to learn how to play a smart two-way game, while continuing to be a dangerous player offensively. After being pegged as sure-fire first round pick after his rookie season, Toffoli is on the bubble now and will need to remain consistent throughout the season to hear his name called in round one.

RD Cody Ceci

2012 Eligible

OTT | 6.02 | 190 lbs. | Dec. 21, 1993

Cody Ceci was Ottawa’s first round selection in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection, and looks to be steadily developing into a very good player. Ceci already has NHL size standing at 6’ 2” and 190 pounds, which is even more impressive considering Ceci is still only 15 years old. As a rookie, Ceci is playing in all situations, power play and penalty kill, and doing it effectively. This shows the confidence coach Chris Byrne has in his young defenseman, as well as the kid’s versatility. The Orleans, Ontario native has great speed for his size and is rarely beaten by quick skaters. He’s effective in the offensive zone, and is finding some success by keeping things simple and not over-thinking the game. There is no question that Ceci has the raw ability to play hockey at a high level, and he’ll have the next two seasons to develop his game before he becomes draft eligible.