Following Saturday’s game in Barrie, I was able to head over to the Hershey Centre in Mississauga on Sunday afternoon for an afternoon tilt between the hometown Majors and the visiting London Knights. Despite a very sparse crowd in attendance, the game was a tightly contested defensive battle where the Knights were able to edge out a 3-2 win. The box-score from the game can be found at this link, http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16063

LONDON KNIGHTS

LC Phil Varone | 1990L | 5’10” | 187lbs | 9GP 1G 5A 6P +2 6PIM

NHL: 2009 SJS (5/147)

Varone was drafted last year after turning around a disappointing season by really elevating his game in the playoffs. Slightly undersized, he is a quick skater with some good junior offensive ability, but nothing that really indicates success at the NHL level. He’s been off to a tough start this season, and if he continues at this pace, San Jose might even elect to return him to junior next season as an over-ager.

LW Zac Rinaldo | 1990 | 5’11” | 180lbs | 9GP 3G 1A 4P -1 45PIM

NHL: 2008 PHI (6/178)

Rinaldo didn’t have his best performance in this game, but he’s definitely a player with some NHL upside. His forte as a player is his ability to influence a game with his physical play, and his ability to back it up with his fists. He skates pretty well given the type of game he plays, and it should translate into an NHL role down the line. He does need to work on controlling his emotions and avoid taking undisciplined penalties, which is something he will need to work on when he reaches the AHL next season.

LC Philip McRae | 1990 | 6’3” | 191lbs | 9GP 1G 6A 7P -1 9PIM

NHL: 2008 STL (2/33)

One of the most naturally talented players in the OHL right now, McRae continues to be an enigma for the Knights. He’s a big player that skates well and has all of the major offensive traits you would find in a big point producer, but he’s still having a lot of problems packaging it all up. Often times he doesn’t compete hard enough and isn’t willing to pay the price necessary to make plays. While he does have the potential to be a top six forward at the NHL level, he’s going to need some time in the AHL to mature as a player before the Blues even consider bringing him up.

LC Nazem Kadri | 1990L | 6’0” | 177lbs | 9GP 3G 2A 5P +3 16PIM

NHL: 2009 TOR (1/7)

Kadri’s start to the 2009 OHL season has been less than spectacular statistically, as many expected big numbers from the 19 year old. After just barely being cut by the Toronto Maple Leafs, it looks like Kadri might have a bit of NHL syndrome and is having a tough time getting motivated back in the OHL. However, it’s clear that despite his marginal numbers, he’s an electrifying player with high end NHL potential, so it’s really anything to worry about at this point.

RC Jared Knight | 1992 | 5’11” | 190lbs | 10GP 2G 2A 4P +5 8PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

It’s been a bit of a slow start thus far for Knight, as points have been hard to come by for almost all of London’s forwards this season. He’s a stocky player with good speed and a willingness to compete hard and finish checks. A lack of natural offensive talent will likely prevent him from being selected in the Top 60, but he should be a solid pick in the mid rounds this year. He did manage to score a nice goal in the game as he picked the top corner, short side on a nice rush.

G Michael Hutchinson | 1990 | 6’3” | 185lbs | 4-3-0 3.11GAA .906SV%

NHL: 2008 BOS (3/77)

Hutchinson was very solid in this game, stopping 31/33 shots from the Majors. He’s a big goalie that uses his size well to challenge shooters, and takes up a lot of room in his butterfly. He did a good job of controlling his rebounds and showed a lot of good positional skills in this game as well. He’ll definitely be in the AHl next year with Providence, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to better shooters.

MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS

RD Stuart Percy | 1993 | 6’1” | 175lbs | 10GP 0G 4A 4P +2 7PIM

NHL: 2011 Eligible

Percy is a fairly mobile 16 year old defenseman who is reliable in his own end. His overall game still needs some refinement, but he makes good decisions on the ice and manages to keep things simple for being a rookie defenseman in the league. At this point, he will be on the NHL radar next year, and barring a breakout season offensively, he’s likely a mid round pick at this point.

RD Tim Billingsley | 1990 | 6’1” | 185lbs | 10GP 0G 1A 1P +2 6PIM

NHL: 2008 PHX (7/189)

A late pick in 2008, Billingsley has struggled significantly the last couple of years in the OHL, and hasn’t actually scored since his 17 year old season. He’s had a lot of trouble handling opposing forwards, and really has become a bit of a liability for the Majors as he has slid down their depth chart. It’s unlikely that he will be signed this off-season, and will likely be back in the OHL for an overage season in 2010.

RD Brett Flemming | 1991 | 5’11” | 175lbs | 10GP 0G 1A 1P -1 22PIM

NHL: 2009 WAS (5/145)

After a decent season a year ago, Flemming is another Major who has really struggled so far this season. Against London he was used frequently on forward with little effect, and created limited offense from the point on the powerplay. Even without his poor season, Flemming doesn’t have much NHL potential and probably will need to rebound over the next year and a half if he wants to have a chance at a contract offer from Washington.

LC Casey Cizikas | 1991 | 5’11” | 184lbs | 10GP 4G 4A 8P E 18PIM

NHL: 2009 NYI (4/92)

After a disappointing sophomore season that was plagued by some unfortunate off-ice issues, Cizikas looks a lot more mature this season with increased confidence and poise. While his statistics thus far aren’t exactly eye popping, he’s a good two way player who competes hard and has some grit in his game. He’s still a few years away from getting into some NHL action, but he could develop into an effective third line NHL center at some point in the future for the Islanders.

RC Jordan Mayer | 1991 | 5’10” | 177lbs | 10GP 7G 2A 9P +4 11PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

The former 13^th overall pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, Mayer went undrafted in last year’s NHL Entry Draft. Despite that, he’s taken some steps forward this year which is a positive sign. He’s got a good nose for the net and isn’t afraid to take some punishment in tight. He’s got a quick release and an accurate snap shot which is why he is very dangerous in the offensive zone. While he will likely be a big time scorer in the OHL, he’s not a great skater for his size which will drastically limit the amount of pro interest he receives.

LW Devante Smith-Pelly | 1992 | 5’11” | 180lbs | 10GP 3G 4A 7P +3 2PIM

NHL: 2010 Eligible

Smith-Pelly has really been a player that has raised his stock considerably from his minor midget season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. While his offense is not going to be something that gets him noticed, he’s a hard worker that competes extremely hard. He’s good at protecting the puck and can create chances off the forecheck as a result of his tenacity. He could be a definite riser this year, just like his OHL draft year, and is likely a 3rd round pick at this point.

LD Cameron Gaunce | 1990 | 6’1” | 201lbs | 10GP 1G 7A 8P +1 20PIM

NHL: 2008 COL (2/50)

Gaunce’s season thus far has been a bit of a disappointment as more was expected out of the third year captain of the Majors. He’s a big weapon on the powerplay and utilizes his shot effectively at the top of the umbrella. His skating is a bit of a concern, and will need to be addressed in the AHL next season before he is ready to make the leap to the NHL. Gaunce has good offensive instincts, but his defensive play still needs some refinement with his positioning. Either way, he looks to be rebounding now, and he’ll be closely watched by the Avalanche.

G Chris Carrozzi | 1990 | 6’2” | 185lbs | 4-2-0 1.57GAA .942SV%

NHL: 2008 ATL (6/154)

Carrozzi has really been solid early in the 2009 OHL season, leading the league in several goaltending categories thus far. He’s got good size and is a true butterfly goalie, but sometimes is guilty of sitting too far back in his crease. He’s got quick reflexes and moves well in the net, but his glove hand is a bit of a liability and cost him a couple of goals in this game that might be classified as weak ones. Next year he’ll challenge with Edward Pasquale for a spot with the Chicago Wolves, with the loser likely going down to the ECHL.

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.