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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

Over the past few years the “Russian Factor” has impacted the NHL draft in that teams aren’t certain that the Russian players will commit to an NHL career.  Stanislav Galiev appears to have taken steps to ease that fear.  While many prospects choose to stay in Russia through their draft year and beyond, Galiev took an unconventional route by completing 2 entire seasons prior to being drafted.  As a 16 year old, Galiev came to North America to play in the USHL as a member of the Clark Cup champion Indiana Ice in 2008-2009 prior to completing this season with the Saint John Seadogs of the QMJHL.  It appears that Galiev has adjusted off the ice as well as on the ice and seems prepared to embark on a productive NHL career.

Galiev’s creativity stands out as you watch him play.  He is able to generate offense for himself through some nifty puck handling as well as the ability to get shots on goal from anywhere in the offensive zone.  Galiev is also adept at drawing defensemen toward him and then quickly floating a pass to an open teammate.  Galiev sees the ice well and anticipates the play developing.  He often makes passes to open areas for his linemates or pinching defenseman to skate into.  Galiev is a good skater with a quick first step and acceleration.  He also has a nice wide base that allows him to have good balance and an ability to protect the puck against bigger, stronger players.  That skill will only improve as Galiev adds some muscle to his 178lb. frame.  Galiev is very confidant and willing to handle the puck along the boards as well as pay the price in front of the net.  Offensively, the hope is that Galiev can improve his finishing skills.  He was 4^th on his team with 175 shots on goal but had a paltry 8.6% shooting pct.  On the plus side as mentioned earlier, Galiev’s has a knack of finding the net.  However, at times he may have been able to exercise a little more patience instead of forcing a shot.

Defensively, Galiev will back check with the same determination as he would a loose puck in the offensive zone.  He also is effective on the forecheck with his speed and takes the proper angle.  Galiev just needs to be as strong on the puck in the defensive zone as he is in the offensive zone.  At times, when he intercepts the puck in his own zone, he appears uncertain as to what he should do with it.  Also, while Galiev doesn’t shy away from contact, he doesn’t protect the puck as well in his own zone as he does when he’s generating offense.  He just needs to develop a better understanding of the defensive game and gain confidence in his decision making in that regard.  Galiev’s decision to come to North America at an early age could be seen as indicative of his dedication to developing into the best NHL player he can be.

Pros:   Offensive creativity and skills

Cons:  Needs to be more aware defensively, could use goal scoring ability to match chances

Skillset comparison:  Claude Giroux

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Related posts

• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (1-30) (10)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (26-50) (2)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 15 Rankings (16)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (31-60) (6)
• #9. Mikael Granlund – 2010 Scouting Report (1)

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)

Related posts

• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (31-60) (6)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (1-30) (10)
• Mid-Season 2010 OHL Top 50 (3)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 15 Rankings (16)
• USNTDP U-18 2010 Draft Prospects (0)

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.

Related posts

• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (1-25) (5)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 15 Rankings (16)
• Mid-Season 2010 OHL Top 50 (3)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (26-50) (2)
• OHL Set to Dominate the NHL Draft Yet Again (0)

Often considered the weakest link out of the three CHL leagues, the QMJHL took some of the national spotlight from the WHL and OHL this summer with some big news of its own. Leading the way has been the ongoing dilemma with Russian phenom Kirill Kabanov and where he will indeed play the 2009/10 season. After indicating that he wanted to play in the CHL in early 2009, Kabanov’s intentions seemed to change when his rights were traded from his previous KHL club Spartak Moscow, to KHL powerhouse Salavat UFA. However, the terms of Kabanov’s contract have apparently changed as he will no longer have an NHL escape clause until his mid to late 20’s which has once again caused the 17 year old Moscow native to apparently switch his intentions to playing in the CHL.

Luckily for the Moncton Wildcats, this means that they are now one step closer to landing a player who many feel could contend for top honours in the 2010 draft class. After selecting Kabanov with the 7^th overall pick in this summer’s CHL Import Draft, Kabanov is now in New Brunswick as he looks to obtain a transfer from the IIHF to allow him to play in the QMJHL this season. While Salavat is disputing this heavily, and rightfully so, if Kabanov does land in the QMJHL, he will likely be one of the most followed players in the league since Sidney Crosby’s reign ended in 2005.

The Kabanov impasse has overshadowed another Russian’s arrival to the QMJHL as well. After a tough season last year, the St. John Sea Dogs were able to add two major components to their rebuild after they were able to nab fellow 2010 eligible Stanislav Galiev with the 1^st pick in the Import Draft, and supplemented that with flashy Slovakian Tomas Jurco with the 4^th pick. While Jurco is not eligible until the 2011 Entry Draft, both players look like they will be impact players this season and will definitely be worth keeping an eye on throughout the season.

How can you top the notion that your league has produced the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft for the last three years? Easy, you do it again. With the resurgence of the OHL kicked into high gear, the 2010 draft crop will definitely be one of the biggest storylines to follow in the league this season. Two Windsor Spitfires, Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler, will be top contenders for the first pick in the draft, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kane (2007), Stamkos (2008) and Tavares (2009) in continuing the OHL dominance at the top of the draft. As if having these two guys wasn’t enough, when you look around the league and see some of the other players available, the 2010 NHL Entry Draft’s first round will surely be littered with upwards of 10 OHL players.

One of the big teams to follow this season will be the Kitchener Rangers, who have done a nice job rebuilding over the past season after hosting the Memorial Cup in 2008. After adding a trio of Americans with Columbus first rounder John Moore, Atlanta second rounder Jeremy Morin and Colorado goaltending prospect Brandon Maxwell, the team has done a nice job of adding some high end talent to the team. Adding in third overall pick Ryan Murphy and one of the top prospects for the 2011 Entry Draft in Gabriel Landeskog, there is certainly a lot to be excited about. Oh, and don’t forget about guys like Jeff Skinner, Jason Akeson and Chris MacKinnon and this team has the potential to be one of the better teams in the league with a roster that is littered with several NHL calibre prospects as well.

After producing some solid high end players in 2009, the 2010 NHL Entry Draft doesn’t look as promising for the WHL. While Brett Connolly will surely be a Top 10 pick and Mark Pysyk could break into the Top 15, the draft crop from the WHL lacks the high end talent it normally produces. While 2010 will probably be considered a bit of an off year for the league, there is a gem that is waiting to be uncovered yet, the 2011 crop.

Many scouts have been quick to label the 2011 Draft as one of the worst in the past decade, when you look closer at some of the players that will be eligible, that opinion seems to be on the contrary. Although the draft may lack some of the high end impact prospects from other drafts, there is no doubting that there is a considerable amount of quality depth in this draft, especially from the WHL in particular.

Leading the way is Red Deer’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a slick forward who has extremely good offensive instincts. Two other players who are at a similar level are Shane McColgan of Kelowna and Colin Jacobs of Seattle. All three of these players saw some time in the WHL last season as 15 year olds, and despite their young age, each of them showed that they could already be impact players in the league despite their inexperience. However it doesn’t stop there as several other players like Ty Rattie, Duncan Siemens and Michael St. Croix will all be interesting players to follow this season.  All in all, the 1993’s in the WHL will be an intriguing age group to watch as they appear poised to break a reign of OHL dominance in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.

There will always be people who are often quick to simply write off the United States’ top calibre of junior hockey despite the fact that the league continues to take steps towards becoming a better league. This year, they’ve done that by bringing on the USNTDP program into their league for a second stint. There will always be advocates and critics of how the program is operated and whether it is ultimately beneficial or not, but one thing cannot be disputed, and that is the fact that many of the top 16 and 17 year old American players continue to call this program home during their first two years of junior eligibility. With the NTDP joining the regular league schedule this season, they will help bolster the quality of play in the league and should attract plenty of attention from the NHL scouting community which will only help create more exposure for the growing league.

One USHL player of particular intrigue will be Omaha’s Seth Ambroz, a 6’3” forward who played 61 games with the team as a 15 year old where he registered a very impressive 14 goals and 31 points. He has been generating a lot of hype with his combination of size and skill and scouts will be following his progress a lot this season to get a gauge on just how good Ambroz might be able to be.

Suffice to say, with junior hockey across the continent surging in popularity, there is plenty to be excited about once again in 2009/2010. Across the CHL and the USHL, many of the top young players in the world will once again be on display and it will be very interesting to see who will surprise and who will disappoint.

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.

Related posts

• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (1-30) (10)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 15 Rankings (16)
• WHL Feature: Eastern Conference Prospects Review (0)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (1-25) (5)
• Mid-Season 2010 OHL Top 50 (3)

While the CHL Import Draft is always considered to be a bit of a crap shoot, there is no denying that the 2008 edition of the draft was particularily unique. With only two of the top five selections suiting up in the CHL last season, the draft was full of notables lining the draft list sporatically. One of the reasons that this tends to happen is due to the nature of the import draft. Many teams target specific players and work out deals with them before hand, so that where they pick becomes less of a factor as they will still be able to get their guy.

With the 2009 CHL Import Draft recently completed on June 30th, early indications already show that there is going to be a significantly different trend with this draft. At this point it appears that each of the first five selections in the draft will be making their CHL debuts with their respective CHL clubs for the 2009/2010 season, while several other high profile players have also committed to play in the CHL only a month after the draft. Today we’ll look at some of the players who could be impact players in the league as early as this season.

1st OVR – F Stanislav Galiev

Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

After some initial concerns that Galiev would remain with the Indiana Ice of the USHL where he played last season, the Sea Dogs recently announced that they had come to terms with their top pick. Galiev, rated 13th in TSR’s Preliminary 2010 Rankings, is a dynamic offensive talent that should instantly be able to step onto the top line in Saint John. A big season from Galiev could vault the Moscow native into the Top 10 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and there will no shortage of scouts following his progress this season.

2nd OVR – F Nino Niederreiter

Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Niederreiter is a player who has been pretty highly regarded by a lot of scouts and early indications show that he would likely slide into the Top 30 for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft at this point. Niederreiter had a solid season with the Davos U20 team, and was a pretty strong contributor at the recent U18′s averaging a point per game as an underager. Either way, Niederreiter will be a very nice addition to an up and coming Portland squad.

3rd OVR – F Gabriel Landeskog

Plymouth Whalers: Traded to Kitchener (OHL)

Landeskog’s story has been one of the most interesting cases to follow since the Import Draft. After Plymouth traded up to select the 16 year old Swede, Landeksog recently had his rights traded to the Kitchener Rangers in a fairly major transaction that saw several high picks going to the Whalers in return. Landeskog is a late 1992 birthday which means that he will not be eligible until the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, but there are already high hopes that this physical two way forward could be a Top 5 pick in 2011.

7th OVR – F Kirill Kabanov

Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Arguably the most talented player in the draft, Kabanov’s case is a curious one as there continues to be rumblings back on forth as to where the highly touted Russian will spend his 2009/2010 season. After playing with Spartak last season, Kabanov has reached an agreement to move to KHL powerhouse Salavat. However there continue to be signs that Kabanov is actually intent on heading overseas to suit up for the Wildcats. It appears that things might become more clear after the conclusion of the Ivan Hlinka U18 tournament, but it will a very interesting storyline to follow.

9th OVR – G Robin Lehner

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Lehner is the first NHL drafted player on the list after being selected 46th overall by the Ottawa Senators in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Lehner is a big goalie who put up respectable numbers with Frolunda last season and will now spend time on a very young Greyhounds club. Since he will likely see a lot of quality shots this season, it will be very important for him to show some mental toughness and prove that he is able to battle through some adversity that he will almost assuredly face.

12th OVR – F Alexander Burmistrov

Barrie Colts (OHL)

Burmistrov is the most recent player to announce that he will be coming over to play in the CHL next season after agreeing to terms with the Barrie Colts. A late 91 birthdate, the undersized forward will be eligible for the 2010 NHL Draft and there is reason to believe that he could work his way into the first round.  Burmistrov is extremely talented and will get a great chance to succeed with a team that should be one of the better teams in the OHL this year. While he may not be more talented then guys like Vladimir Tarasenko and Evgeni Kuznetsov, the combination of a strong season and already being in North America could give Burmistrov the upper hand on his fellow countrymen in the draft.

14th OVR – F Toni Rajala

Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

One of the most highly touted internet phenomenoms in recent memory, Toni Rajala went from being perceived as a Top 5 pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to plummeting all the way to the fourth round where the Edmonton Oilers were happy to pick him up with the 101st pick in the draft. Rajala will come to Brandon fresh off a very impressive U18 performance where he racked up 19 points in a mere 6 games. This season will definitely be an interesting for Rajala as he joins up with a very talented Brandon team that is set to host the Memorial Cup in 2010. Playing in a very physical league should challenge Rajala’s durability and it will be interesting to see how the talented forward progresses during the season.

Suffice to say, it is certainly going to be interesting to see how the new dose of European flavour takes shape in the CHL this year. Many are often quick to jump to the conclusion that the CHL will automatically ruin European players, and while that trend did have some support as early as a few years ago, recent indications show that many European players have thrived in the CHL since the NHL lockout season, where the CHL also adapted the same rule changes. Nevertheless, with so many draft eligible players making appearances in the league this season, it will be an interesting year following the plight of many of these young players.

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• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Mid-Term rankings Top 60 Skaters (1-30) (10)
• CHL Feature – 2009/10 Junior Preview (0)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (26-50) (2)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Draft Final Rankings: Top 100 (1-25) (5)
• TSR’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft Preliminary Top 15 Rankings (16)

1. CAM FOWLER

Position: Defense | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: December 5^th, 1991

Height: 6’3” | Weight: 200 lbs

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

09/10 Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

While it may be a surprise to see someone other than Taylor Hall at the top of the list, make no mistake, Cam Fowler is the real deal. Fowler is a prototypical solid two-way defenseman that lacks any glaring weaknesses in his game. After coming off a terrific season with the US Under 18 team, Fowler was named the best defenseman in the Under 18 World Championships in Fargo, as well as being named to the tournament’s all-star team.

Fowler is a terrific skater, especially for his size and looks almost effortless with a very strong stride. In his own end Fowler is extremely strong positionally and can log heavy minutes against the other team’s top line. However, Fowler is equally adept at contributing at the other end of the ice as his offensive instincts are very good.

After originally committing to play for the University of Notre Dame for the 2009/2010 season, Fowler has opted instead to head to the Ontario Hockey League and join the Windsor Spitfires, who selected him with the 17^th pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection. Some may remember that Fowler was originally drafted 18^th overall by the Kitchener Rangers in 2007, but the Rangers elected to release his rights prior to the 2008 draft in order to pick up a 2^nd round pick as compensation. Fans can expect a big year out of Fowler as he joins a very strong Spitfires team that is fresh off a Memorial Cup Championship in Rimouski. With most of the team’s core returning again this season, they will once again be favourites to win the Ontario Hockey League.

Overall, Fowler looks to have all the tools to be a big time defenseman in the NHL in the future. While his offensive potential may not be as high end as some think, he definitely has the ability to be a very good two way defenseman, and should be ready for NHL duty as early as the 2010/2011 season.

2. TAYLOR HALL

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: November 14^th, 1991

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 178 lbs

Hometown: Kingston, Ontario

09/10 Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Take note that most scouting services will have Taylor Hall pegged as the top player available in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the reality is that right now there really isn’t much separating some of the players at the top and they are essentially interchangeable.

Hall has been on NHL scouts radar for quite some time and really burst onto the scene with the Kingston Minor Midgets en route to being selected 2^nd overall by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago.

When you describe Hall’s game, the first word that comes to mind is explosive. Taylor Hall is an extremely good skater and has the ability to make things happen all on his own, very reminiscent of Pavel Bure in the mid 1990s. Hall is a very unique skater as he bends over almost at a 90 degree angle in his stride, but make no mistake, when he reaches his top speed there are very few that can catch him; and it doesn’t take him long to hit that high gear.

With that being said, there is some cause for concern in Hall’s game. He’s prone to making bad turnovers in transition, and sometimes he makes poor decisions with the puck in the offensive zone as well. While his plus/minus rating has been very solid the past two seasons, he is susceptible to being caught out of position, leading one to wonder how much playing for a strong Windsor club is sheltering some defensive concerns in his game.

This season will be a big one for Hall if he wants to be the first pick in 2010. Scouts will be looking for him to really break out offensively the way they expected him to last season. Hall has already showed that he can be a big time player in the playoffs, picking up both the OHL Playoffs and Memorial Cup MVP awards, but now is the time to show that he has the ability to put up big time numbers while proving that he isn’t a liability at the other end of the ice.

3. KIRILL KABANOV

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: July 16^th, 1992

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 176 lbs

Hometown: Moskva, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

Arguably the most hyped prospect out of Russia since Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2004, the wait is finally over as Kirill Kabanov’s draft year has finally arrived.

Kabanov is a big kid who’s very raw at this point and has yet to fill out his frame. He’s got all the typical talent that you would expect from a Russian forward. He’s a very good skater that has a very explosive stride which he uses to his advantage in his game. He has tremendous natural talent and has the ability to make big time moves at high speed. With Kabanov, you’re getting a player that also has the ability to read the ice well. He sees gaps where he can slide into quietly and before you know it has the puck and he’s making something happen. From that aspect, there is a lot to like about Kabanov’s game, and once he fills out a bit, there’s no telling how good he could be.

However, before he can get to that point, he still has to refine some of the minor areas of his game. For one, Kabanov has been dogged for being a bit immature on the ice when things aren’t going his way. He also tends to not compete as hard as other players and can be guilty of taking shifts off. These are both things that Kabanov needs to address in taking a more complete approach to the game moving forward.

One of the other major lingering questions with Kabanov is figuring out where he is even going to be playing the 2009/2010 season. After spending time between Spartak’s KHL team and junior team last season, rumours have been swirling that he might be headed to Salavat next season. However, Kabanov previously made headlines in Canada when he made comments that indicated that he may want to play in the Canadian Hockey League as well. After Moncton took him with the 7^th pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft, they will be doing their best to convince him to come to the QMJHL.

4. TEEMU PULKKINEN

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 2^nd, 1992

Height: 5’11” | Weight: 183 lbs

Hometown: Vantaa, Finland

09/10 Team: Jokerit (SM-Liiga)

Coming into the 2008/2009 season, there was a lot of hype for Teemu Pulkkinen to be in contention for the #1 pick in 2010 heading into the 2009/2010 season. While injuries derailed his season a bit and held him off the Finnish U20 team in the World Juniors, Pulkkinen has done well to reaffirm himself with the elite players in this draft after a tremendous showing at the U18 World Championships in Fargo.

Unlike most Finnish forwards, Pulkkinen is an interesting package of offensive skill. While he isn’t the biggest player, he is not afraid to drive the traffic zones on the ice. He doesn’t look to play the body often, but he’s not afraid to take a big hit if it means making a play and he certainly doesn’t shy away from contact. His skating is solid, albeit not at the same level many have come to expect from most European prospects. However, what Pulkkinen lacks in elite speed, he makes up for with slick offensive talent. He’s extremely good with the puck and handles it incredibly well in traffic. He also has a very good shot and is one of those players that while he has the prowess of a true sniper, he is equally adept and being a top notch playmaker.

Next season will be a big test for Pulkkinen to prove that he can stick with the top players in this crop, especially considering that there is a significant amount of players that are neck in neck with him. After being selected in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Kelowna Rockets, it looks as though Pulkkinen is planning on staying in Finland to play with Jokerit’s SM-Liiga squad. Pulkkinen will need to prove that he can contribute in the league and more importantly in the World Juniors, where a lot of scouts will be focusing heavily on him and his Finnish teammate Mikael Granlund.

Overall, Pulkkinen already has a lot going for him in that he has the tools to be a very good player and he already plays a North American style game. However, the real question with Pulkkinen is maintaining some consistency in his game, and proving that he can be the go-to player on a nightly basis.

5. ERIK GUDBRANSON

Position: Defense | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 7^th, 1992

Height: 6’3” | Weight: 195 lbs

Hometown: Orleans, Ontario

09/10 Team: Kingston (OHL)

One player to really keep an eye on in 2009 will be Kingston’s Erik Gudbranson. The former 4^th overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, Gudbranson was one of the few brightspots on Kingston’s dismal team last year, and will be a key piece of the team’s rebuild. Gudbranson earned many accolades last season, including captaining the Frontenacs at one point during the season as a 16 year old. He also was the captain for Ontario at the Under 17 Championships, and made Team Canada’s U18 team as an underager.

Right now despite the obvious talent you’ll see in Gudbranson, he’s far from being polished. Blessed with great size, Gudbranson is a terrific skater and can start a rush at will, which is something he will likely do more this upcoming season. He’s got great offensive instincts on the breakout and has a great shot from the point. He also has the ability to make sure that he gets shots through to the net, which is an extremely desired skill. Defensively, Gudbranson is good positionally and he uses his long reach to his advantage. While he could likely be more physical and utilize his size better, he will play the body when he needs too.

When evaluating Gudbranson, the main question to ponder is just how good can he be? He still needs to add another 15+ pounds to his frame before he can fill out, which will obviously have a major effect on his ability to be more physical. He also got very little powerplay time in Kingston last season, so his offensive numbers will likely spruce up considerably as Kingston Head Coach Doug Gilmour uses him more in powerplay situations this season. Really there isn’t much not too like with Gudbranson right now as he seems to have all the potential in the world. This year will be a big test for him to show the scouts that he is ready to take that next step and elevate his game to a new level, and if he’s able to do so, he could be a player that gets his name in the mix to be the top pick in next year’s draft.

6. MIKAEL GRANLUND

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: February 26^th, 1992

Height: 5’10” | Weight: 172 lbs

Hometown: Oulu, Finland

09/10 Team: HIFK (SM-Liiga)

The other piece of Finland’s dynamic 1992 duo, Mikael Granlund is another major brightspot for Finland’s development system. Last season was a big year for Granlund as he really burst onto the scene with strong performances in both the World Juniors as a 16 year old, and then once again playing as an underager in the Under 18 World Championships. Also after shining for Karpat’s U20 team in the SM-Liiga’s Jr. A circuit, Granlund earned himself a brief call-up to Karpat’s SM-Liiga squad.

One of the things plaguing Granlund right now is that there seems to be a common perception that he is a tiny player, which is not the case. While he is definitely undersized by NHL standards, his size is not a major concern given his exceptional level of talent. He’s a very good skater and has great agility which he uses to advantage. Like Pulkkinen, he’s a bit of a stick magician as well and has a tremendous repertoire of moves. Granlund is definitely a playmaker first and foremost, as he sees the ice pretty well and can definitely create a lot of quality chances for other players. But he still has a pretty good wrist shot and can put the puck in the net when need be. Another thing to really like about Granlund is that for being undersized, he competes pretty hard on the ice and is willing to battle.

Like his fellow countryman Teemu Pulkkinen, Granlund will be playing in the SM-Liiga next season, only with HIFK. After really bursting onto the scene this past year, a lot of scouts will be paying close attention to Granlund in 2009/2010 which means that there will be a lot of pressure on him to live up to the billing of a top prospect. Like Pulkkinen, Granlund’s true tests will come in international play as he will have to ensure that he has big tournaments at the World Juniors and the Under 18 World Championships if he wants to cement his status as a Top 10 pick and even give himself a shot at creeping into the Top 5.

7. BRETT CONNOLLY

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: May 2^nd. 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 162 lbs

Hometown: Prince George, BC

09/10 Team: Prince George (WHL)

To describe just how good Brett Connolly’s rookie season was in Prince George, just take into account that Connolly was the first 16 year old to score 30 goals in the WHL since Patrick Marleau did it way back in the 1995-1996 season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Then consider the fact that Connolly did this playing for the fourth worst team in the WHL. Add in the fact that he also led the next closest Cougar by 11 goals, and 15 points, and it’s very easy to see that Connolly’s rookie season was nothing short of remarkable.

Connolly is a good sized player that like Gudbranson still needs to fill out his frame to truly hit his potential, something that with almost every prospect will come in time. The strength in Connolly’s game lies in his ability to find ways to score goals. He’s a real bonafide sniper, he’s got a tremendous shot that’s extremely accurate, and most importantly he has a very quick release. All of those signs point towards Connolly translating into a 30+ goal scorer at the NHL level. His skating is good, albeit his stride is a big awkward and he has a good set of hands to go along with it. One of the other things that Connolly does well is he has a knack to get into great positions on the ice where the puck seems to find him and gives him the opportunity to score those garbage goals that big time goal scorers often get.

The upcoming season will be a very interesting one for Connolly as he will be expected to build off his strong rookie season. With Prince George still expected to encounter some struggles, Connolly’s play will more or less dictate how the season could go for the Cougars. If Connolly has the type of season that he is capable of, he could be a player that gets himself in the mix for a Top 5 pick or even higher. While he definitely flew under the radar last season, this year will be when Connolly is truly seen as a prime time prospect.

8. BRANDON GORMLEY

Position: Defense | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: February 18^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbs

Hometown: Murray River, PEI

09/10 Team: Moncton (QMJHL)

Brandon Gormley is used to being under the spotlight as he’s been one of the most highly touted players to come out of the Maritimes since Sidney Crosby. After heading west in his QMJHL draft year to play for the famed Notre Dame Hounds along with fellow top QMJHL prospect Sean Couturier, Gormley was snatched up by the Moncton Wildcats who held the first overall pick in the 2008 QMJHL Draft.

Gormley’s rookie campaign was solid, albeit maybe a little underwhelming from what some people may have been expecting. Gormley plays a two way game, although I would say that his game is a little more catered to the offensive end. He’s a good skater and has a pretty smooth stride, with mobility as a definite asset. He sees the ice pretty well and he’s got good offensive instincts which are all the things you like to see out of an offensive defenseman. He also has a big shot which is another important quality for an offensive defenseman. With Gormley, a lot of people are going to have him as a player that is in the mix for a Top 3 or Top 5 pick, a lot of opinions may point to the contrary. While he does have the potential to be a very good player, right now he needs to prove that he has the skills that the hype has built up. Gormley was often very ordinary last season and looked like he struggled with the speed of the game some nights which are things he needs to improve on.

Either way, Gormley is another player that will be very interesting to watch this season. If he has a big season, he will definitely cement his status as a Top 3 or Top 5 pick in a lot of team’s eyes, but it would not be surprising if Gormley is one of the players that takes a bit of a dive, possibly out of the Top 10. With the big 3 defensemen (Fowler, Gudbranson, Gormley) all playing in the CHL next year, it will certainly be an interesting season to see how they progress as the scouts will no doubt be paying very close attention to each of these players.

9. EVGENI KUZNETSOV

Position: Forward | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: May 19^th, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 174 lbs

Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

The first player to break the list as a bit of a surprise, Evgeni Kuznetsov is a name that will start to become very familiar as the 2009/2010 season carries on. In a year where it looks as though the Russians may pump out one of their most talented draft crops ever, Kuznetsov is one of the players that is definitely leading the charge in that aspect.

After spending the past season in relative obscurity playing in Russia’s third division, Kuznetsov burst onto the scene at the Under 18 World Championships where he was the fourth leading scorer in the tournament despite being an underager, as well as finishing second in team scoring behind Vladimir Tarasenko. The thing that Kuznetsov brings to the table is a talent level that is among the elite players in this draft crop. He has a tremendous set of hands, very comparable to a fellow countryman, Alex Semin. He distributes the puck very well and has the ability to make hi-light reel plays. The other thing about Kuznetsov is that he actually competes fairly well, especially for Russian players, who have been given the reputation to be very passive players.

Right now the only thing really hurting Kuznetsov is a lack of exposure. Not very many people know a lot about him right now which is one of the reasons why he’s fairly underrated at this point. It could work as a catch twenty-two however, as perhaps more viewings might uncover some shortcomings in his game. At any rate, Kuznetsov will have some pressure on him to really prove that he belongs with the elite of this draft crop this year. One of the other things Kuznetsov will need to work on as the year progresses is to become more mature and work on his overall strength as the 2009 season progresses. While some may have Kuznetsov behind Tarasenko or even Galiev at this point, he may not be better players then them right now, but he certainly has the potential to.

10. JOHN McFARLAND

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: April 2^nd, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 192 lbs

Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON

09/10 Team: Sudbury (OHL)

After being highly touted since before he played a game of midget, it’s safe to say that people were probably expecting a little bit more out of McFarland this past season. After being turned down for exceptional status to play in the OHL as a 15 year old via the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, McFarland had to wait a season before being selected 1^st overall in 2008 by the Sudbury Wolves.

While McFarland’s stock fell a bit this past season, he still was pretty productive offensively, especially considering the tough start he encountered at the beginning of his OHL career. Starting with the good, McFarland has a lot of tools that are going to be very attractive to NHL scouts. Namely, he’s an incredible skater, maybe a step behind Taylor Hall, but very close. He’s got an NHL shot with a great release, although he needs to use it more. Also despite not being extremely tall, he’s already got NHL ready size. While that sounds enticing, there is cause for concern. McFarland’s positional play definitely leaves something to be desired as he often is out of position in his own end and loses positional matchups. He also doesn’t see the ice very well and struggled to develop any real chemistry with any of his line-mates. One of the other things that McFarland needs to improve on is getting to the traffic areas on the ice. Often times he settles for outside shots as he seems to be driven towards scoring the glamorous goals instead of just crashing the net and getting a few ugly ones as well.

On a positive note, McFarland did end his season exceptionally well. At the Under 18’s he was a seemingly different player then he was with Sudbury and was one of Canada’s top forwards despite being an underager. If he can play with that type of flare throughout the upcoming season, it will answer a lot of questions that the scouts are going to have about him going into the 2010 Entry Draft.

11. VLADIMIR TARASENKO

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Left

Birthdate: December 13^th, 1991

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 185 lbs

Hometown: Novosbirsk, Russia

09/10 Team: Sibir Novosbirsk (KHL)

A lot like his fellow countryman Evgeni Kuznetsov, Tarasenko is a player who has really flown under the radar heading into the draft year. While he might end up slipping in the first round due to concerns over his desires to come over with no transfer agreement in place with Russia, make no mistake, Tarasenko definitely has high end talent even in a deep draft like this.

Tarasenko is a pretty good skater, although he needs to continue to work on his high-end acceleration and his ability to get there. Tarasenko’s true strength lies in his elite ability to make things happen with the puck in the offensive zone. He has an incredible set of hands and can create plays out of nothing. One of the things that Tarasenko also does well is that he is willing to compete on the ice, which is sometimes rare for players that have his type of flare. He’s also had the opportunity to log some significant minutes with his KHL club, Sibir, as he has seen a fair amount of ice time playing with the team’s second line. This is a big accomplishment for a player of his age to already have that type of responsibility in a men’s league.

Really the only thing holding Tarasenko back right now is getting more exposure. He needs to continue to work on his two-way play and becoming more of a complete player and ensure that he produces well in international competitions with Russia this season where the scouts will no doubt be keeping a close eye on him. While you could easily swap Tarasenko with Kuznetsov in the rankings at this point, and could likely argue that Tarasenko is actually the better player at this point, Tarasenko’s ceiling might not be quite as high as Kuznetsov when compared which is why he comes in at number eleven on the preliminary rankings.

12. TYLER TOFFOLI

Photo Credit: Valerie Wutti, Blitzen Photography

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: April 24^th, 1992

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 181 lbs

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

09/10 Team: Ottawa (OHL)

While Tyler Toffoli has always been considered a very talented player who would no doubt be a big time point producer in the OHL at some point during his junior career, there is no doubt that Toffoli burst onto the scene a little ahead of schedule last season in Ottawa.

Toffoli was one of the top scorers in Minor Midget two years ago playing with the powerhouse Toronto Jr. Canadiens team that also featured John McFarland, who he often played alongside with. Toffoli was able to translate a lot of that talent over to the OHL last season as he played a big role with the 67’s, often riding shotgun to former San Jose first rounder Logan Couture on the club’s top line.

With Toffoli, you’re getting a player who doesn’t really have any elite talents but is extremely well rounded. His real strength is his hockey sense which he uses to his advantage on the ice. Toffoli does a good job of positioning himself and finding places where the puck seems to find him afterwards. He competes hard and won’t back down in the corners and isn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play either.

One of the real coming out parties for Toffoli happened in the playoffs where he was arguably Ottawa’s best forward in their series against Niagara. After scoring at just under a point per game clip during the regular season, Toffoli stepped his game up when it mattered and tied for fourth in team scoring during the playoffs with 8 points in 7 games.

Next year will be a big one for Toffoli as he will be relied on to take a more important role in the team’s offense with the loss of several key players. If Toffoli can step up once again and prove that he can handle the responsibilities of being a consistent point producer, he should do well to cement himself as a Top 15 pick in the eyes of NHL scouts in preparation for the 2010 Entry Draft.

13. STANISLAV GALIEV

Position: Forward | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 17^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 177 lbs

Hometown: Moscow, Russia

09/10 Team: Undecided

Galiev made a big decision prior to this season when he elected to leave Russia to come play in the USHL with the Indiana Ice. In hindsight, the decision proved to be a good one, as Galiev had a very productive season with the team as he finished 2^nd in team scoring and likely would have been the rookie of the year if not for Louis LeBlanc taking home the honour.

Galiev is a dynamic forward with a lot of offensive flare, much like the other high end Russians available in this crop. He’s a little inconsistent right now and needs to do a better job of capitalizing on his chances, but there is no doubt that the talent is there. The other thing that is good to see with Galiev is that he obviously has the desire to play in the NHL which is something that scouts will like to see and should alleviate any concerns of the “Russian Factor”.

While scouts know that Galiev has the talent to be a premier offensive forward at the next level, one of the burning questions surrounding the 17 year old Russian is just where he will play next season. Since the CHL does not allow 16 year old imports to play in the league, his only choice to play at the next highest level of junior hockey in North America was the USHL. Many were sure that the next logical step would be for Galiev to then be a top pick in the 2009 CHL Import Draft before starting a CHL career this fall. While Galiev checked one of those things off after being selected first overall in the Import Draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs, apparently there is a lot of uncertainty if Galiev will in fact be with Saint John this fall.

Some reports are beginning to indicate that Galiev will in fact return to Indiana after winning a Clark Cup with them last season before then re-evaluating his situation after the 2010 NHL Entry Draft where he would then be eligible to play either in the AHL, with Saint John or pursue an NCAA degree. Right now however, nothing is certain as Saint John will continue in their quest to lure him, while Indiana will hope that the talented forward returns for one more season with the team.

14. MARK PYSYK

Position: Defense | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 11^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbs

Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta

09/10 Team: Edmonton (WHL)

While the 2010 crop lacks a bit of high end talent from the WHL, Mark Pysyk is a player who could end up being a very good pick if he eventually does slide out of the Top 10. Despite playing on a pretty weak Oil Kings team that is still building itself up from expansion status, Pysyk was a definite brightspot for the team that struggled just to limp into the WHL playoffs last season. Luckily for Pysyk, fans already had a good idea of what to expect as the 17 year old defenseman already suited up in 14 games for the club during the 2007/2008 season.

While Pysyk isn’t the smoothest skating defenseman, and that may very well be one aspect that holds him back from hitting his potential in the NHL, he still has the ability to be a real controlling force on the blue line. Pysyk’s strength lies in his ability to be a real shutdown defenseman. He is very adept with man coverage in his own end and is extremely good positionally. Furthermore, he manages to play such a strong defensive game without taking very many penalties, a rarity in this day. Offensively, Pysyk is a decent puck mover who should be able to contribute at the NHL level, but teams will be definitely drafting him based on his ability to be a shut down defenseman with some solid transition ability.

The 2009/2010 season will present a new set of challenges for Pysyk as he will be counted on to take his game to a new level. With Edmonton looking as though they could be a significantly more competitive team next season, Pysyk will have to be on top of his game if the Oil Kings are able to do so. In a draft that is pretty wide open on the back-end right now, Pysyk could be a player that might go much higher in the draft if he’s able to put together an impressive season next year. The onus is on him to convince scouts that he has the ability to be a Top 10 pick.

15. JACK CAMPBELL

Position: Goalie | Catches: Left

Birthdate: January 9^th, 1992

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 165 lbs

Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan

09/10 Team: US Under 18 Team (USHL)

After a weak goaltending crop in 2009, things are looking a little brighter in 2010 with American Jack Campbell headlining the available goaltenders. Campbell had a very interesting year as he bounced between the US Under 17 and Under 18 teams and eventually worked himself into the starter’s spot for the Under 18 when they partook in the Under 18 World Championships at home in Fargo/Moorhead, a tournament that they eventually went on to win the gold medal in. Campbell stole the show in Fargo as he took over the team’s starting role after some dissention on the team. Campbell grasped the opportunity as he led in the tournament in GAA, SV% and went on to capture the award for Best Goalie despite being an underager.

Campbell has decent size, but he still needs to fill out his frame. He’s got very good reflexes and he’s extremely quick in his stance. He also has the ability to make great recovery saves if he is ever caught out of position. One of the other aspects that Campbell really excels at is puck handling, as he is extremely good at that aspect of the game. Campbell has also been praised as being extremely competitive, and as a player that strives to improve his game. With goalies, there is always a significant amount of work to be done in regards to improving their technical components of the game, so having a goalie that wants to improve is a huge plus.

The Port Huron native will no doubt have a big year ahead of him as he looks to replicate the success he had this past season. Campbell will need to continue to improve his positioning and just refining his overall game to show scouts that he has the potential to be a big time goaltender at the next level. While Campbell is slated to play for the Under 18 Team this fall before his college commitment to Michigan, there is some speculation that Campbell is still considering heading to the OHL where the powerhouse Windsor Spitfires hold his OHL rights.

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