NHL Draft: OHL Overview Part 1

It was a banner year for the OHL at the NHL draft. This draft marked the first time that the first four selections came from the same league. Forty-six players were selected from the OHL including 11 in the first round. The Windsor Spitfires and Mississauga Majors both led the way with four players chosen. In part one of a ten-part series, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at the first five OHL players drafted including first overall selection Steven Stamkos.

Steven Stamkos (TB), C

Stamkos, along with Lindros holds the distinct honour of being only one of two players selected first overall in the OHL draft and following it up with a first overall selection in the NHL draft. There was little to no suspense that Stamkos would be a Bolt, as the organization had already begun to market him as the next savior plastering his smiling, charismatic face on countless billboards in the Tampa Bay area. Stamkos has nothing to prove in junior and in all likelihood would be able to step in next season and be an impact player. He will be put in every situation to succeed and will more than likely play on the second line with Halpren and Jokinen. He may even see some time on the wing with LeCavalier on the first PP unit. Given the lengthy contract of LeCavalier's new deal it is clear the team still views him as the face of the organization. However, this will invariably take pressure away from Stamkos and he could thrive in a secondary scoring role. Stamkos will need to put on some weight to sustain the rigours of the NHL schedule even though his strength results at the combine were well above his peers in most exercises.

Drew Doughty (LA), D

Doughty is exactly what the Kings organization needs, a legitimate puck rushing defenseman who can anchor a PP. Doughty proved in his three-plus seasons in the OHL that he was not only one of the finer defensemen in his respective league but amongst the entire draft class. Even though his point totals dropped this season, he played a vital role in Canada's WJC gold medal achievement, capturing the Top Defenseman award in the process. Doughty was brilliant in the OHL playoffs, as he single handily beat the London Knights in the opening round. Doughty impressed the Kings brass when he lost 24 pounds prior to the draft. He struggled with his weight all season and it was an area of concern. Given that Doughty will be put on an extensive program and monitored closely, his fluctuations in weight should not be an issue any longer. Given the lack of depth of the King's blueline, it is conceivable to suggest that Doughty may start the season in the NHL. The Kings may want Doughty to be under the watchful eye of Rob Blake, as the veteran could show Doughty the ropes and help his overall game away from the puck.

Zach Bogosian (Atl), D

It is unclear who will emerge as the best, longest-lasting pro amongst the three OHL defenseman chosen on 2008-draft day, however Bogosian certainly is the entire package. While many scouts may agree he is not as versed as Pietrangelo or Doughty with the puck, few could argue that his competitiveness and physical play are not at a higher level than his peers. It has been well documented that Bogosian was coached by Ray Bourque and like a sponge soaked up the lessons learned. He was the only defenseman in the league to lead his team in scoring. A man amongst boys last season, Bogosian physically manhandled the competition and was rarely challenged due to his quick fists and nasty temper. Bogosian not only helped the Petes on the score sheet but he willingly came to the aid of his teammates, a trait that made him particularly endearing to the Atlanta organization considering they lack that type of player on the backend. Exelby and Valabik rival if not best Bogosian toughness, however their overall offensive game is not as mature as Bogosian's. Given the landscape of the backend it is conceivable for him to make the jump to the NHL and at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he is physically ready.

Alex Pietrangelo (StL), D

A late season ending injury cost Pietrangelo and more importantly his team, the Niagara IceDogs a chance to advance deeper into the OHL playoffs. The injury, a ruptured spleen kept him from participating at the combine but most NHL scouts were sold on his ability. It is difficult to gauge if he would have been chosen higher had he not succumbed to the injury, however the Blues organization is an ideal fit for Pietrangelo. The Blues are still a few years away from reaching their true potential but with a solid nucleus of Erik Johnson and Barret Jackman on the backend, Pietrangelo should be able to rival for a roster spot in two short seasons. Management will want to put him in the best possible situation to succeed and a return to junior is almost inevitable. The increased playing time should allow for his confidence to soar while improving his physical play and picking up his intensity. Pietrangelo should be able to also challenge for a position with Team Canada for the upcoming WJC. Next season will be crucial for his development, as the experience and exposure to NHL rookie camps and guidance from the Blues should give him a clearer picture as to the aspects of his game that will need to be addressed.

Mikkel Boedker (Phx), RW

Boedker, a product of Brandby, Denmark became the highest drafted Dane usurping Lars Eller, who only a season ago, was also selected in the first round of the NHL draft, 13th overall to the St.Louis Blues. Boedker played over 90 games this season and continued to get better as the season wore on. His ability to recognize the holes in his game and make the corrective measures had him a consensus top-10 pick on most NHL team's draft boards. He played tentative to start the season but really picked up his physical game in the playoffs, including the Memorial Cup. There is an outside chance he would make the Coyotes, however the Coyotes may not want to lose a year of NHL eligibility and a return to junior or possibly the AHL would be his best possible option. The Coyotes have the option to send him to San Antonio, as Boedker would be able to play in the AHL despite not being 20 to start the season, as he was an Import selection in the OHL draft. A quick glance at the Coyotes overall forward depth would suggest that Boedker is very close to making the parent club. However, given the Coyotes track record in developing prospects they may wish to take a different avenue with Boedker and not expose him immediately.