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.

With 18 players from the Ontario Hockey League selected in the first round over the past two NHL Entry Drafts, it’s been no surprise to see several junior eligible players sticking in the NHL as a teenager. While only a select few manage to seize this opportunity and make the leap to the professional ranks early, the vast majority of first round picks return to the league to work on various aspects of the game in an effort to crack their respective NHL roster the next season. This year has been no exception as several highly accomplished OHL players will be returning to the league after being cut from their NHL teams.

RC Cody Hodgson – Brampton Battalion

6’0” | 188lbs | Shoots: R

Perhaps the most surprising returnee in the OHL this year, the consensus was that the 19 year old Markham native was a lock to crack the Vancouver Canucks this season after the year he had in 2008/2009. While a lingering back injury no doubt played a role in Hodgson being cut by the Canucks this year, there is still a lot that Hodgson can be optimistic for this season.

When he does come back from the injury, Hodgson should be able to quickly re-establish his presence as a dominant player in the OHL. A superb two-way player with a deadly release, Hodgson might have a bit of trouble replicating his gaudy statistics of a year ago after losing a lot of talented wingers from a year ago, but the season still has a lot of promise. Hodgson will be expected to take the captaincy for the World Junior team this year in Saskatoon and if he elects to accept a trade, he could be one of the most potent offensive players in the league if he manages to play on a contender later in the season. If you factor Matt Clark into the equation, this situation seems very similar to the John Tavares/Michael Del Zotto situation in Oshawa last year, and it will be interesting to see how Battalion GM Stan Butler plays his hand.

LC Nazem Kadri – London Knights

6’0” | 177lbs | Shoots: L

You might be hard pressed to find a player drafted out of the Top 3 this season with more upside then Nazem Kadri and he certainly showed a lot of that upside in the pre-season this year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After many were quick to question the selection of Kadri at #7 in June, a lot of people were surprised to see Brian Burke elect not to give Kadri a chance in the NHL regular season, despite arguably being the team’s most electrifying player during the pre-season.

While Kadri likely could play a regular shift in the NHL this year, he still has a lot to gain from returning to the OHL for his fourth OHL season. The Leafs will be very hopeful that the London native can add some much needed strength to his lanky body and work on playing a more complete game. One of the major knacks against Kadri has been his tendency to rely on individual play and sometimes avoiding defensive responsibilities. The Leafs already know that Kadri has an abundance of skill, so improving this aspect of his game will be a top priority this season. Additionally, Kadri will also benefit from a World Junior appearance this year, after being one of the last cuts last season.

LW Kyle Clifford – Barrie Colts

6’1” | 200lbs | Shoots: L

The one player on this list that could be considered a bit of an anomaly is Barrie’s Kyle Clifford. He’s the only player here that was not selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, and he won’t be a player that makes the NHL based on elite talent. Clifford is not a pure scorer by any means, but that won’t stop him from being closely monitored by the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him with the 35th pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Clifford’s biggest strength is his versatility, and his ability to play a physical game while still being a threat offensively. He competes harder than almost any player on the ice on a consistent basis and can play in almost any situation. It will be interesting to see what type of year Clifford has offensively, as he should be a player that can put up 50+ points on a talented Barrie club this year, but the main thing to watch for will be whether Clifford can get an opportunity with the World Junior team this year. His ability to play a checking role is a definite asset, and he could make a case for that type of role with the team at Christmas, perhaps even getting the nod over teammate Stefan Della Rovere in that regard.

RW Zack Kassian – Peterborough Petes

6’3” | 215lbs | Shoots: R

The Buffalo Sabres made a decision that they wanted to bring in a new dynamic into their organization with the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and picking arguably the best power forward in the draft is a good way to add some much needed size to your team. Kassian returns to captain Peterborough after a lukewarm camp with Buffalo as there were expectations that the 18 year old might contend for a roster spot with the team.

Like Kadri, Kassian is a player that can definitely benefit from another year in the OHL. Despite having the potential to be a big time player in the league, Kassian hasn’t quite taken that step yet, and this year will go a long way to determining if he will be able to do so. With increased offensive expectations on Kassian, the onus is on the LaSalle native to elevate his game and play with more passion and maturity, something that has plagued his career thus far. Despite suffering a separated shoulder last week in Sault Ste. Marie, Kassian will definitely be a contender for a Canadian World Junior roster spot and should be a versatile player for the team.

LD Calvin de Haan – Oshawa Generals

6’0” | 180lbs | Shoots: L

de Haan’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular for the 18 year old Carp native. After being excluded from the OHL draft list in 2007, the Oshawa Generals added de Haan to the final list and boldly selected the then 5’9” defenseman from Ottawa Valley. After an impressive season with the Kemptville 73’s, de Haan contemplated the NCAA route before signing with Oshawa before last season in a decision that he will surely not regret at this point. The slick offensive defenseman made a seamless transition to major junior, picking up 63 points in a full 68 game campaign.

After being a bit of a surprise selection to some at 12th Overall, de Haan looked poised to crack the New York Islanders during the pre-season, putting his smart play and offensive flair on display. Despite a good showing, the Islanders determined that de Haan would benefit from another year in the OHL where he will look to add some much needed mass to his slight frame.

The upcoming season will be particularly interesting for de Haan as he will have the spotlight on him a lot more. With the Generals still in the midst of a rebuild, there will be a lot of pressure on de Haan to improve off his rookie season and establish himself as a truly elite defenseman in the OHL this year. If de Haan can continue to work on his defensive game and a bit of grit, there is no doubt that he will be a player that gets a long look at the Canadian World Junior team this year, especially given his strong play with the Under 18 team this summer.

RD Ryan Ellis – Windsor Spitfires

5’10” | 170lbs | Shoots: R

After one of the most impressive OHL seasons by a defenseman in recent memory last year, it’s hard to say that Ellis really has much to gain from coming back to the league this season given his accomplishments. However, a combination of Nashville’s depth on the blue-line and Ellis not being quite ready for the NHL just yet will see the 18 year old Freelton native lace them up for another season with the Spitfires.

With Windsor set to ice one of the most talented rosters in the CHL this season, there will be a lot of pressure on the team to make another long playoff run this season and defend their Memorial Cup title, something that Ellis will need to be a big part of. While it’s clear that Ellis possesses elite offensive ability, this year will give him a chance to work on his skating and improve his defensive play so that he can give the Predators a tough decision in training camp next season on how they want to handle him.

Postscript: I haven’t included John Moore in this article as I haven’t had the opportunity to see him in action with the Rangers at this point.

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.