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

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#26. Ryan Spooner  | C | Peterborough (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 30th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 175lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 47GP 19G 35A 54P 12PIM
Playoffs | 3GP 0G 1A 1P 2PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 16 | Position Rank: 18th Forwards
League Rank: 8th OHL | Country Rank: 13th Canada

Spooner’s stock has slipped a bit after a broken collarbone sidelined him for a good chunk of the season. Despite this, Spooner remains as one of the most talented players available in the draft. His skill level, creativity, and ability to make teammates around him better are all tremendous assets. His defensive game needs to continue to improve, but he’s a player that has a shot at being a productive offensive forward at the NHL level. If you want to read more about Ryan Spooner check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#27. John McFarland | LW | Sudbury (OHL)

Date of Birth: April 2nd, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 192lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 64GP 20G 30A 50P 70PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 3G 0A 3P 2PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 13 | Position Rank: 19th Forwards
League Rank: 9th OHL | Country Rank: 14th Canada

McFarland came into the season with very high expectations, and failed to live up to them after a mediocre showing. Despite what many would consider to be a disastrous year, McFarland is a player that plays a lot better with high caliber players, leading to the notion that he might actually be a better professional player, then in the OHL. He’s got NHL speed, and an NHL shot, but his lack of hockey sense and poor positional play will be the biggest detriments to his development. If you want to read more about John McFarland check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#28. Kirill Kabanov | LW | Moncton (QMJHL)

Date of Birth: July 16th, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 173lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 22GP 10G 13A 23P 34PIM
Playoffs | 1GP 0G 0A 0P 2PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 8 | Position Rank: 20th Forwards
League Rank: 2nd QMJHL | Country Rank: 4th Russia

Like McFarland, Kabanov also watched his stock take a nose dive throughout the season as a wrist injury and personal issues with the coaching staff in Moncton limited him to a mere 22 games played. While he’s certainly considered to be a risky pick, he has made it known he still wants to play in the NHL, and with his skill set, it will be very hard to envision a team passing up on this type of talent at the end of the first round. If you want to read more about Kirill Kabanov check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#29. Stanislav Galiev | RW | St. John (QMJHL)

Date of Birth: January 17th, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 178lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 67GP 15G 45A 60P 38PIM
Playoffs | 17GP 8G 11A 19P 14PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 25 | Position Rank: 21st Forwards
League Rank: 3rd QMJHL | Country Rank: 5th Russia

A little more might have been expected out of Galiev this season, but he proved to be a very dependable center for the Sea Dogs, as they enjoyed their best season in franchise history. Galiev is a very smart player who distributes the puck very well and is a pretty safe pick at the end of the first round, although his high end potential isn’t as enticing as some of the other players in this range. If you want to read more about Stanislav Galiev check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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#30. Riley Sheahan | C | Notre Dame (NCAA)

Date of Birth: December 7th, 1991
Height: 6.02
Weight: 202lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 37GP 6G 11A 17P 22PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 22 | Position Rank: 22nd Forwards
League Rank: 2nd NCAA | Country Rank: 15th Canada

Sheahan enjoyed a productive season with Notre Dame after graduating from the St. Catherines Falcons program. He’s a skilled player with NHL size, and while still a bit raw, has a good amount of upside. His recent arrest at Notre Dame could jeopardize his NCAA career, however, so it wouldn’t be a reach to see him end up somewhere in the OHL next year as the Erie Otters hold his rights there. If you want to read more about Riley Sheahan check out our in-depth scouting report on him here

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Sheahan had a bit of a blip when he was arrested on campus. Photo (USAToday)

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#31. Calvin Pickard | G | Seattle (WHL)

Date of Birth: April 15th, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 195lbs.
Catches: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 16-34-7 3.09GAA .914SV%
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 2nd Goalies
League Rank: 9th WHL | Country Rank: 16th Canada

Has already seen a considerable amount of action in his first two WHL seasons and has international experience with Canada. He’s a solid overall goalie with no glaring weaknesses and battles hard in net, never giving up on a shot, which are good characteristics for a goalie. Could easily slide into the first round if a team decides they want to address a need in net.

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#32. Teemu Pulkkinen | RW | Jokerit (Jr. A SM-Liiga)

Date of Birth: January 2nd, 1992
Height: 5.11
Weight: 183lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 17GP 20G 21A 41P 41PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 3G 3A 6P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 36 | Position Rank: 23rd Forwards
League Rank: 2nd SM-Liiga | Country Rank: 2nd Finland

Pulkkinen’s career thus far has been marred by injury, and after some promising late season play, he underwent surgery at the conclusion of the Jokerit season. There’s no doubt that this will be a risky pick, but the reward could be very high. He’s an extremely talented goal scorer who finds ways to put the puck in the net and isn’t afraid to play a chippy game, either. Size is a bit of an issue given his style of play, but he could be a home run type pick if all pans out.

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#33. Alexander Petrovic | D | Red Deer (WHL)

Date of Birth: March 3rd, 1992
Height: 6.04
Weight: 193lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 57GP 8G 19A 27P 87PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 0G 0A 0P 4PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 24 | Position Rank: 8th Defensemen
League Rank: 10th WHL | Country Rank: 17th Canada

Petrovic had a good draft year, establishing himself in the late first to early second range. He plays a very rugged style and does a good job of utilizing his size and physicality. The offensive skills are starting to emerge, and he’s been doing a good job of using his shot, but his role at the next level projects to be a physical two-way defender at this point.

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#34. Brock Nelson | C | Warroad (HS-Minnesota)

Date of Birth: October 15th, 1991
Height: 6.03
Weight: 205lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 25GP 39G 34A 73P 38PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 26 | Position Rank: 24th Forwards
League Rank: 2nd HS-Minnesota | Country Rank: 9th USA

A big, crafty offensive forward who has very good goal scoring ability. He’s got tremendous size and is a good skater as well, presenting an enticing package. He’s set to attend the University of North Dakota next season where he will need a few years to develop his skills against a higher level of competition.

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#35. Charlie Coyle | RW | South Shore (EJHL)

Date of Birth: March 2nd, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 202lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 42GP 21G 42A 63P 50PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 37 | Position Rank: 25th Forwards
League Rank: 1st EJHL | Country Rank: 10th USA

It’s been a very productive season for Coyle, despite playing in one of the weaker junior leagues in the United States. Coyle, a cousin of Tony Amonte, is a big winger that moves well on the ice and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas. He competes hard in the corners and has a good scoring touch in front of the net. He’s slated to attend Boston University next season where he will benefit from a few years of development.

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Coyle represented Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka U18 tournament. Photo (hockeyjournal.com)

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#36. Tyler Toffoli | C | Ottawa (OHL)

Date of Birth: April 24th, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 178lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 65GP 37G 42A 79P 54PIM
Playoffs | 12GP 7G 6A 13P 10PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 32 | Position Rank: 26th Forwards
League Rank: 10th OHL | Country Rank: 18th Canada

After an absolutely dreadful start to the season, Toffoli saved his draft stock after finding his scoring touch and putting together a very nice offensive season. A solid all around player, the main concern with Toffoli’s game is that he doesn’t have a real defining attribute that indicates that he’ll be able to produce at the NHL level, which will be a concern for NHL teams.

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#37. Petr Straka | LW | Rimouski (QMJHL)

Date of Birth: June 15th, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 180lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 62GP 28G 36A 64P 54PIM
Playoffs | 12GP 5G 9A 14P 10PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 27 | Position Rank: 27th Forwards
League Rank: 4th QMJHL | Country Rank: 1st Czech Republic

Straka has really flown under the radar despite a very strong rookie season in North America with Rimouski. While he might not be making things happen every shift, he’s a good skater who is very opportunistic and has high end offensive skills. A good showing in the playoffs should solidify his status as a Top 45 pick.

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#38. Beau Bennett | RW | Penticton (BCHL)

Date of Birth: November 27th, 1991
Height: 6.01
Weight: 173lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 56GP 41G 79A 120P 20PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 28th Forwards
League Rank: 1st BCHL | Country Rank: 11th USA

A bit of a late bloomer who had a tremendous year in the BCHL after playing in the MEWHL with Los Angeles last season. His physical build is slender, but his skills are high end and he’s the type of player that can really break a game open with his ability to generate offense. He’s going to be heading to the University of Denver where he’ll need a few years as he’s a bit of a project right now. Don’t be surprised if a team is willing to step up and gamble on him in the late first round, either.

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#39. Calle Jarnkrok | C | Brynas (SEL)

Date of Birth: September 25th, 1991
Height: 5.11
Weight: 165lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 33GP 4G 6A 10P 2PIM
Playoffs | 5GP 1G 1A 2P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 29th Forwards
League Rank: 1st SEL | Country Rank: 1st Sweden

Jarnkrok has seen his stock progressively rise this season after having a smooth transition to Brynas’ Eliserien squad. He’s very slight, which is a concern that scouts will have to assess, but his offensive skills are undeniable. He’s one of the better playmakers in the draft, and has received high praise from many in Sweden. Like Bennett, he could even sneak up a bit higher in the draft depending on the team.

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#40. Jason Zucker | LW | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: January 16th, 1992
Height: 5.11
Weight: 174lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 22GP 11G 7A 18P 23PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 39 | Position Rank: 30th Forwards
League Rank: 5th USHL | Country Rank: 12th USA

Despite being an effective offensive player, Zucker’s true strength lies in his ability to play a very solid two-way game as a responsible player who can play in a lot of different situations. He skates well and does have some good puck skills, but his potential is fairly limited in that department. His versatility, however, is the basis for his draft stock as he projects to be a very effective 2nd or 3rd line player. Committed to the University of Denver for next year.

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Zucker was a member of the US World Junior team as a 17 year old, as they won gold in Saskatoon. Photo (thehockeynews.com)

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#41. Ludvig Rensfeldt | LW | Brynas J20 (SuperElit)

Date of Birth: January 29th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 192lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 39GP 21G 29A 50P 37PIM
Playoffs | 5GP 3G 0A 3P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 31st Forwards
League Rank: 1st SuperElit | Country Rank: 2nd Sweden

Rensefeldt has been rising all season as the imposing Swede scored at a very impressive clip with Brynas. He has a very good shot and does a good job of using his size to shield the puck from opponents. Was among the top players at the Under 18s, and displayed his offensive prowess very well.

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#42. Jared Knight | RW | London (OHL)

Date of Birth: January 16th, 1992
Height: 5.11
Weight: 180lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 63GP 36G 21A 57P 39PIM
Playoffs | 12GP 10G 7A 17P 12PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 46 | Position Rank: 32nd Forwards
League Rank: 11th OHL | Country Rank: 13th USA

Goal scoring ability was a bit of a concern coming into the season, but Knight was able to alleviate those concerns rather quickly with a bigger role on the Knights. His skating still needs to improve given his size, but his willingness to compete and play the body are both definite assets to his game. Will be a very good value pick around this range.

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#43. Kevin Hayes | RW | Nobles & Greenough (HS-Massachusetts)

Date of Birth: May 8th, 1992
Height: 6.02
Weight: 201lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 28GP 25G 42A 67P 8PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 43 | Position Rank: 33rd Forwards
League Rank: 1st HS-MASS | Country Rank: 14th USA

A very good skater with the ability to kick it up a gear and blow by defensemen, Hayes is good in traffic and has a good release. He plays physical and isn’t afraid to go into the corners, either. His hockey sense remains a bit of a concern, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to playing against better players at Boston College in a couple of seasons.

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#44. Brad Ross | LW | Portland (WHL)

Date of Birth: May 28th, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 167lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 71GP 27G 41A 68P 203PIM
Playoffs | 13GP 2G 7A 9P 36PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 50 | Position Rank: 34th Forwards
League Rank: 11th WHL | Country Rank: 19th Canada

Ross has continued to excel throughout the season, cementing his status as a fan favourite. He’s one of the more physical players in the draft and is willing to drop the gloves whenever he has to as well. His offensive play is pretty good considering his age and the type of style he plays with, which makes him a pretty valuable prospect. He could be a player that reaches the end of the first round if a team really falls in love with his style of game.

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#45. Jarred Tinordi | D | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: February 20th, 1992
Height: 6.06
Weight: 205lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 26GP 4G 5A 9P 68PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 9th Defensemen
League Rank: 6th USHL | Country Rank: 15th USA

One of the biggest and nastiest players in the draft, Tinnordi has worked his way up the board after some stellar play in the Under 18s. His puck play is still a pretty big concern, but an NHL team will likely overlook that for now and focus more on what he brings to the table, instead. He’s set to attend the University of Notre Dame next season.

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Tinordi wore the captaincy for the US Under 18 Team. Photo (usahockey.com)

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#46. Joey Hishon | C | Owen Sound (OHL)

Date of Birth: October 20th, 1991
Height: 5.10
Weight: 190lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 36GP 16G 24A 40P 26PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 30 | Position Rank: 35th Forwards
League Rank: 12th OHL | Country Rank: 20th Canada

Hishon had a very poor season that was hindered by an injury, as well as a drop in production after a breakout sophomore season a year ago. While his draft stock has taken a beating, it is still important to note that Hishon is a very good offensive talent, and while his size is a major concern, he has pretty good upside for being available at this point in the draft.

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#47. Bill Arnold | C | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: May 13th, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 218lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 26GP 8G 15A 23P 20PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: NR | Position Rank: 36th Forwards
League Rank: 7th USHL | Country Rank: 16th USA

A good sized forward who provides a lot of intangibles on the ice. While he isn’t the most flashy player, his willingness to compete hard, sacrifice his body and play a responsible game can not be overlooked. He’ll be attending Boston College where it will be a lot more indicative of what type of player he might become.

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#48. Greg McKegg | C | Erie (OHL)

Date of Birth: June 17th, 1992
Height: 6.00
Weight: 185lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 67GP 37G 48A 85P 32PIM
Playoffs | 4GP 2G 1A 3P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 57 | Position Rank: 37th Forwards
League Rank: 13th OHL | Country Rank: 21st Canada

We predicted at the start of the season that McKegg would be poised for a major breakout season, and he’s done that this year. He’s a slippery center with good skills and sees the ice well. His skating needs to continue to improve and he needs to show a more consistent effort, but he is on the path towards developing into a solid offensive prospect.

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#49. Troy Rutkowski | D | Portland (WHL)

Date of Birth: June 17th, 1992
Height: 6.01
Weight: 219lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 71GP 12G 31A 43P 70PIM
Playoffs | 13GP 4G 3A 7P 8PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 49 | Position Rank: 10th Defensemen
League Rank: 12th WHL | Country Rank: 22nd Canada

Has fallen beneath the shadows of his teammates, but still remains a very solid prospect in his own right. Has a lot of pro skills and has an underrated offensive side and the ability to change the complexion of the game with a big hit. Acceleration is still a bit of a concern, and he needs to play more consistently, but he could be a very solid NHL defenseman down the road.

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#50. Stephen Johns | D | USNTDP (USHL)

Date of Birth: April 18th, 1992
Height: 6.03
Weight: 215lbs.
Shoots: R
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 23GP 1G 7A 8P 29PIM
Playoffs | n/a
TSR Midterm Rank: 31 | Position Rank: 11th Defensemen
League Rank: 8th USHL | Country Rank: 17th USA

Johns has seen his stock take a bit of a dip in the second half of the season, but he’s still a very strong prospect. He’s strong on the puck and plays a physical game which projects well to the next level. His offensive skills are there, but they’re raw, and he’s very prone to lapses in judgment. He’ll be attending the University of Notre Dame next year.

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

]]> http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsr-2010-nhl-draft-final-rankings-top-26-50/feed/ 2 http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-60-skaters-3160/ http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-60-skaters-3160/#comments Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:55:55 +0000 Scott Campbell http://www.thescoutingreport.org/?p=822
Update: Be sure to check out our most up to date rankings here

Be sure to check out TSR’s first half of the 2010 Mid-Term Rankings with players from 1-30
http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-30-skaters/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With nearly half of the 2009/2010 OHL Season completed, here is TSR’s look at how the 2010 Draft Crop from the OHL is beginning to stack up. We’ve managed to get multiple viewings at every player on this list, and as always we’re taking into account a combination of current ability as well as potential, and projecting player’s abilities to be strong pro players. Please note that we have ranked Goaltenders as a separate entity from the skaters, and you can see the Goalie list at the bottom, after the Skaters table. If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to post a comment or send us an email!

Skaters

Goaltenders

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a couple of good OHL games, featuring a lot of prospects who are on the NHL radar. Saturday Night I was in Barrie to see the Colts take on the Erie Otters in a game they would go on to win 7-4 in a bit of a run and gun type game. The following afternoon I was in Mississauga for a matinee between the Majors and the London Knights, which was a much more tightly contested game that resulted in London edging the hometown Majors by a 3-2 score. With a lot of highly touted players on display, I’ll give you some insight on what I saw from them this weekend. Here’s the boxscore link for anyone interested. http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16058

ERIE OTTERS

RD David Shields | 1991 | 6’3” | 215lbs | 9GP 1G 1A 2P -13 4PIM

NHL:  2009 BUF (6/168)

Shields is a hulking defenseman who is extremely raw at this point. While he does have some tools to play at the next level, Shields still struggles with the pace of the OHL and was having problems with his positioning on the ice, and in turn was not able to contain the speed of Barrie’s forwards. At this point, he will really need to work on his skating and his defensive zone play if he wants to move on to the next level. Shields had a goal on the night, and was a -4.

RD Tyler Hostetter | 1991| 5’11” | 195lbs | 7GP 0G 6A 6P -4 7PIM

NHL:  2009 FA PHI

After going undrafted this summer, the Pennsylvania native signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers during the free agent window this summer. Hostetter has decent poise with the puck and does have some offensive potential, but being a bit undersized and a fairly average skater will greatly reduce his NHL potential. Hostetter had one assist, and was even in the game.

LC Andrew Yogan | 1991L | 6’3” | 200lbs | 9GP 5G 2A 7P -10 2PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Yogan is a player that has always been a bit of a project, and will likely become an NHL team’s project next summer. He’s a very good skater for his size, and has solid breakaway speed. He’s not overly physical, but he competes hard for pucks in the corners as well. Yogan has a decent set of hands and a pretty good shot, but he seems to miss out on a lot of opportunities. His main problem is that he doesn’t have a great mind for the game. There are a lot of times where his hockey sense seems to be lacking, and causes him to make the wrong play. Either way, his high end potential will likely entice a team to snatch him up in the top three rounds next June, but he’s definitely a boom or bust type player at this point. Yogan was held off the score-sheet and was a -2.

LC Greg McKegg | 1992 | 6’0” | 190lbs | 9GP 3G 4A 7P -6 6PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Many consider McKegg’s OHL career to be a disappointment thus far, and there is definitely a lot of merit to that statement. However, after struggling to adapt last year, there are signs that McKegg is really starting to come around as a player, however. While he certainly is not flashy, he’s a pretty effective player. He’s an average skater, with above average acceleration and good offensive instincts. He’s also pretty effective in his own end, and is a fairly solid penalty killer. At this point, I would say McKegg is a raw version of Peter Holland and has the potential to be a solid NHL forward in a few years after some continued development. McKegg picked up an assist in the game and was a -1.

LW David Broll | 1993 | 6’1” | 225lbs | 9GP 2G 4A 6P -4 4PIM

NHL: 2011 Eligible

One of the surprises from the 93 crop has definitely been David Broll. After getting some quality top six ice-time, Broll has definitely shown that he has the ability to play a regular shift in the OHL at 16 tihs season. His skating definitely needs work right now, although he does have decent speed once he gets going, but there is a lot to like about his game. He competes hard and has some talent to boot. If he can continue to work on his feet, Broll could get some first round consideration in 2011. Broll got a bit of a weak goal and was a -2 in the game.

BARRIE COLTS

LC Alexander Burmistrov | 1991L | 6’0” | 170lbs | 10GP 7G 10A 17P +1 10PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Barrie’s first round import pick has been nothing short of spectacular in his brief OHL stint thus far. Burmistrov has high end offensive skill and a great release on his shot, clearly his two main assets as a player. He scored two very nice goals in the game, and could have had a couple others as well. His skating is not great for being a bit undersized, which will be a point of emphasis, but his willingness to compete and his offensive ability is definitely an attractive package. It’s hard to see where Burmistrov might end up going in 2010 as consistency issues have also plagued him a bit thus far, but he’s likely a 20-40 guy at this point. Burmistrov also added an assist in the game and was a +4.

LC Luke Pither | 1989 | 6’0” | 194lbs | 9GP 9G 6A 15P +3 12PIM

NHL: Free Agent

After scoring 8 goals in the first three games, Pither has scored just 1 over his past 6. A lot of people will look at his gaudy statistics and wonder why an NHL team hasn’t picked him up yet, but there is a good reason behind it. While Pither has the ability to make plays if he has time and space, he’s easily neutralized by any body contact. For this reason, Pither might have a tough time even sticking in the AHL, yet alone the NHL at some point. He was held off the score sheet in this game and was even.

RC Alex Hutchings | 1990L | 5’10” | 179lbs | 10GP 6G 7A 13P +5 4PIM

NHL: 2009 TB (4/93)

Hutchings is a player that should have elevated his game this year, but hasn’t been able to do so at this point. While he does have great speed and the ability to make spectacular plays out of nothing, the inconsistency in his game is very frustrating to watch. After this year, Hutchings should be able to play his way into a two way contract, but he’ll need to really lift his game in Norfolk. Hutchings had a goal and an assist and was a +2.

LC Michael Sgarbossa | 1992 | 5’11” | 165lbs | 10GP 5G 7A 12P -3 10PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

One of the real surprises in the OHL last year with 43 points as a rookie, there is a lot of intrigue around the Campbellville native this year. Playing a limited role given the amount of forward depth in Barrie will likely hurt his draft stock a bit, but there’s still a lot to like. He’s a bit undersized, but he does have a lot of offensive ability. He’s a good finisher in tight and sees the ice pretty well, but most of all, he’s got some grit to his game and is not afraid to get involved physically. At this point, he will likely be a real solid selection in the middle rounds, and could realistically go anywhere from the mid second to the fourth round. He had a big game with 2 goals and 2 assists, being named the first star.

LW Kyle Clifford | 1991 | 6’1” | 200lbs | 6GP 3G 2A 5P +2 16PIM

NHL: 2009 LA (2/35)

Clifford might have shocked some people being taken at the top of the second last year, but while he doesn’t have high end offensive potential, he will still be a very effective guy that can play on either the second or third line on an NHL team. While Clifford doesn’t have overwhelming size for the style of game he plays, he competes hard and finishes checks effectively and makes an impact on the game that way. Don’t be surprised to see him earn a spot on the Canadian World Junior team this year for his gritty style of play. He had an assist in the game and was even.

RC Ryan Strome | 1993| 5’11” | 160lbs | 10GP 0G 0A 0P -3 15PIM

NHL: 2011 Eligible

It’s hard to fault Strome’s lack of production so far this year, as the 16 year old forward barely sees the ice as a result of being a young player in Barrie’s dynamic offense. However, the Colts first round pick in 2009 should be ready for a breakout season next year when his role increases drastically as a result of the impending losses to the Colts roster. Strome still needs to fill out, but he’s a very crafty offensive player. He does a good job of controlling the pace when he has the puck and makes very smart decisions. He has the ability to make the players around him better, and he will definitely be on the NHL radar next year.

LW Stefan Della Rovere | 1990 | 5’11” | 200lbs | 8GP 0G 3A 3P E 10PIM

NHL: 2008 WAS (7/204)

Barrie’s 19 year old captain has really struggled so far this year, and has been guilty of trying to do to much on the ice. In order for Della Rovere to be a successful player, he has to stick to his crash and bang game where he plays on the edge, however this season he’s been trying to hard to be the offensive player that he really isn’t. He’s also been struggling to contain his emotions, and he’s starting to get into some bad habits in that regard. His spot on the U-20 team could be in jeopardy right now, and he’ll really need to step up his game in the next month if he wants to get another shot in Saskatoon. He had one assist and was a -1 in the game.

RD Ryan O’Connor | 1992 | 5’8” | 175lbs | 10GP 2G 7A 9P +2 13PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

There are a lot of comparisons between Ellis and O’Connor, as they are both of similar stature and play similar games, but the reality is that O’Connor is still quite a bit behind Ellis at this point. He’s a smart defenseman with good up ice vision and solid poise, but he still struggles to overcome his size deficiencies in his own end when he has to contain opposing forwards. He does have some pro upside, and should be drafted based on that, but he’s going to be fighting an uphill battle to establish himself as an NHL player down the road. The Hamilton native was held off the score sheet in this game and was an even.

LW Josh Brittain | 1990 | 6’4” | 217lbs | 9GP 3G 5A 8P -1 19PIM

NHL: 2008 ANA (3/71)

Arguably one of the most frustrating players to watch in the OHL, Brittain is the definition of a prospect enigma. Blessed with a great package of size and skill, he has the potential to be one of the most dominating forwards in the league, but is plagued by inconsistency. On this night, he had one of those dominating games where he had a goal and two assists in addition to being a +4. Next year Brittain will surely crack the AHL, but he needs to get some more jam into his game if he wants to avoid being the next Anthony Stewart.

RC Taylor Carnevale | 1991 | 5’11” | 186lbs | 10GP 6G 7A 13P +3 4PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

After being passed over in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft where some thought he might be a late round pick, Carnevale will got a lot of draft consideration this year. A favourite of head coach Marty Williamson, Carnevale sees a lot of ice time in almost every situation and has made the most of it so far, scoring at a point per game clip this year. While he doesn’t really have any spectacular qualities, he’s developed into a pretty solid player and should be worth a late round pick this year.

All images are the property of their respective team/website. These logos and photographs are used soley for factual purposes, and TSR in no way claims these logos to be their own. All rights remain with the owners of the logos and images. Special thanks to Blitzen Photography.

LC Greg McKegg – Erie Otters

6’0” | 185lbs | June 17th, 1992

McKegg is an interesting story to follow as the former 2^nd overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection has almost fallen completely off the map. After a spectacular Minor Midget season with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, McKegg was snatched up by the Erie Otters one pick behind John McFarland. Out of the spotlight in Erie, McKegg struggled during his rookie year to adapt to the increased speed and physicality of the OHL. Despite a rough transition, McKegg gradually improved as the season progressed and he started to show flashes of the talent that made him the 2^nd pick. All of this culminated in a great playoff run for the 16 year old as he notched 3 points in 5 games against London and was easily one of the better players on the ice during the series despite a -5 rating. While his 8 goal, 18 point regular season is nothing to get too excited over, McKegg is a player that could definitely break out this season.

Already McKegg looks a lot stronger on the puck and more of a noticeable player. He’s spent time mostly at his natural center position this year rather than playing on the left wing which seems to have made a difference. His skating is getting better and his confidence is finally starting to come around. Despite only having 1 assist through 2 games thus far, you can tell that the 17 year old is on the verge of putting up a lot of points. He’s exceptionally skilled with the puck and does a good job of reading the play. Sometimes he is a bit guilty of trying to force a pass and make a bad decision, but the offense will come. It will certainly be an interesting year for the St. Thomas , Ontario native, as he has the potential to put up 20 goals and  60 points this year which should warrant a top 2 round selection and when it’s all said and done, don’t be surprised if you hear some talk about McKegg inching into the late first round. With McKegg it’s not all about what you see now, it’s about realizing how much potential he has and determining whether or not he can hit it.

RD Brock Beukeboom – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

6’1” | 196lbs | April 1st, 1992

At the opposite corner of the OHL from McKegg, the son of former NHL first round pick Jeff Beukeboom is beginning to make a name for himself with the Greyhounds. After a baptism by fire on a youthful Greyhounds blueline last year, Beukeboom has really solidified his game this season. The Uxbridge native put up a respectable 2 goals and 11 points as a 16 year old with the Greyhounds last season, and this year he looks poised to take the next step.

After making Canada’s Under 18 team roster for the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, it looks like Beukeboom is playing with a lot more confidence and displaying the ability to make plays and create offense. He tends to keep it simple in his own end and is a dependable player that can get pucks out and avoid defensive zone collapses. At the other end of the rink, he’s starting to use his shot a lot more which is one of his assets and he’s likely to be rewarded with even more power-play time throughout the season. Currently Beukeboom has already picked up 3 assists in only 2 games with the Greyhounds which is a positive sign. While it’s tough to project where he might go in 2010, if he can put up around 40 points and continue to play a solid two-way game, like McKegg, he could warrant some first round talk and should definitely be a Top 60 player.

RC Sam Carrick – Brampton Battalion

6’0” | 188lbs | February 4th, 1992

The last feature player in this article, Carrick was Brampton’s first round selection in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, 15^th overall. Unlike McKegg and Beukeboom, Carrick might not wow you with any high end plays, but he’s a very solid two-way forward who has the versatility to play in any situation. After spending last season bouncing around almost every Brampton line, the Stouffville  native ended up with a strong rookie campaign where he put up a very impressive 10 goals and 21 points despite seeing limited ice time on a very good Brampton club.

This year it is a completely different story in Brampton however. With the loss of several key players, Carrick has found himself surging up the depth chart and now centers Brampton’s top line with Sean Jones and rookie Barclay Goodrow seeing time on his wing. This season will be a big test to see how the 17 year old can handle playing against other team’s top lines night in night out, and being relied upon to also be a consistent offensive contributor. Only two games in, Carrick has looked pretty good thus far with 2 assists for the Battalion. While a big season at 17 would be impressive, if Carrick can focus on getting stronger and working on his feet, he should be a real good value pick in the middle rounds of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Suffice to say, these are just three examples of players that are on the rise at this point and could become players to watch for throughout the season. One of the interesting things about the NHL Entry Draft is always the players who see their stocks rise and fall throughout the year and when it’s all said and done, the sense of uncertainty that will always go hand in hand with the draft itself. For TSR, I’m Scott Campbell.

All images are the property of their respective team/website. These logos and photographs are used soley for factual purposes, and TSR in no way claims these logos to be their own. All rights remain with the owners of the logos and images.