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-30-skaters/ http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-30-skaters/#comments Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:59:03 +0000 Scott Campbell http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-midterm-top-60-skaters-130/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyler Toffoli

6'0" | 181lbs | April 24th, 1992 | Shoots: Right

Toffoli came into the OHL last season as a player with the potential to make an impact right away, and he certainly lived up to the billing. After a dominating Minor Midget year with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Toffoli quickly established himself as one of top scoring threats on the 67’s and quickly gained league wide notoriety for his strong two way play. After putting together a very solid 17 goal, 46 point regular season, Toffoli elevated his play to another level in the playoffs where he was one of Ottawa’s best players in their seven game loss to the Niagara Ice Dogs. With 2 goals and 8 points along with a +3 rating, Toffoli looked like he was on the verge of a breakout this season.

However that has not been the case thus far, as Toffoli has yet to hit the score-sheet and currently sports an unsightly -3 plus/minus rating. Pegged as a consensus Top 15 NHL pick coming into the season, it’s hard to tell what’s been plaguing Toffoli right now. The 17 year old Scarborough native is a good skater who sees the ice well and has a good offensive skill set. Perhaps the loss of players like Logan Couture and Corey Cowick could be hurting Toffoli as he is now more of a focus to opposing hockey clubs, but it’s clear that he’s been uncomfortable through his first four games. Either way, Toffoli will continue to see a lot of ice-time with a young Ottawa team, and if he can get out of this early season funk, he could be poised for an offensive breakout.

Steven Shipley

6'2" | 204lbs | April 22nd, 1992 | Shoots: Left

The former 3^rd overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection is another highly touted player that has had a bit of a struggle so far this season. Coming into this season, it was hopeful that Shipley would be able to improve his skating to the point where it was no longer a liability for him. While he does have a great combination of physical size and talent, his foot speed has been a problem and was the primary reason for why he was cut from Canada’s Under 18 team this summer.

Shipley was solid in his rookie season with the Attack, picking up 16 goals and 39 points in 63 games, but his progression this season has been limited. With 4 assists through 5 games, the numbers aren’t bad, but his skating is still a major concern at this point. The Ilderton native will be able to get by at this level based on his sheer talent level, but after being pegged as a Top 60 pick for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, if he can’t show signs of improvement this season and his numbers don’t come around, he might be a player that slips through the second round.

Joey Hishon

5'10" | 190lbs | Oct 20th, 1991 | Shoots: Left

A late 1991 birthday, Hishon has been a player that has really flown under the radar playing in Owen Sound the past two seasons. After a very productive 47 point rookie season, Hishon really broke out last year with 37 goals and 81 points for the Attack, good enough for 12^th in OHL Scoring. Being undersized, it was unsure where Hishon would slot into the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but he was still generally regarded as being a mid to late first round pick if he could take another step forward and show that he is an elite forward in the OHL.

Thus far, that hasn’t been the case. Like Shipley, Hishon has also had a poor start to the 2009/2010 Season with 1 goal and 4 points through the first 5 games along with a dreadful -4 plus/minus rating. While it is clear to see that Hishon has a full arsenal of offensive flare and has the ability to make plays that very few others can make, it might not be enough. The combination of being undersized and his tendency not to use his teammates will certainly be a major concern for NHL Scouts. If Hishon learns to make better use of his line-mates, not only will the numbers come, but it will also alleviate a lot of problems with his game, which is something he’ll need to do in order to solidify a spot in Round 1.

Besides having slow starts in common, the one thing that these three players also have in common is that they all have a lot of talent, and even more potential. Like every prospect, these players all have their strength’s and flaws to their game, and facing some early season adversity will go a long way towards finding out if they can overcome it and show improvement to their games. For that reason alone, it will be very interesting to see how they respond to a slow start as the season continues to progress.

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.