NHL Draft: OHL Overview Part IX

McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn continues his look at the OHL prospects selected in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. In part nine, Mike Murphy, Mitch Gaulton, Justin Dibenedetto, Zac Rinaldo and Patrick Killeen are featured.

Mike Murphy (Car), G

The highly acrobatic netminder took his team all the way to the Memorial Cup semifinals before imploding, allowing nine goals against the Kitchener Rangers. Overall, his Memorial Cup performance was a shaky one, as he allowed more than five goals twice in four games played. Nonetheless, he established new franchise records in the regular season including most wins, best save percentage and best G.A.A. For his efforts, Murphy was named the OHL Goalie-of-the-Year. Murphy was overlooked last season largely because he was not given the starting duties, as he was the backup to Kevin Lalonde. This season he played so well that he forced management to trade their goalie of the future, Edward Pasquale for Jan Mursak and Nigel Williams, pieces that were instrumental to getting the Bulls to the Memorial Cup. Murphy is a highly unorthodox goalie who tends to make many saves on his back or stomach. He has improved on his technique and trying to stay on his feet but his Dominik Hasek-like style makes him very erratic and unpredictable in terms of the performance he will give.

Mitch Gaulton (NYR), D

Gaulton only managed to dress for 20 games this season, as a dislocated left elbow kept him out of action. The absence of Gaulton forced the Otters to dress many of their younger defensemen and it resulted in a consecutive last place finish for the Otters. Gaulton invariably has some skills but plays on a very poor hockey club that they are not always showcased. He owns a lethal pointshot but is not very well versed in carrying the puck up the ice. Where Gaulton thrives is using his stocky/thick frame to eliminate players from the action. He is capable of throwing his weight around, including well-timed and placed hip checks and has a nasty side to him as well. Gaulton's selection in the sixth round was a worthwhile stab for the Rangers considering the success they have had with the likes of Girardi, a player who was not even drafted. Gaulton has essentially lost a year of development with his injury and it will be interesting to see how is able to recover from sustaining such an injury.

Justin Dibenedetto (NYI), C

It would appear that the Islanders were at many Sting games this season after drafting both Martin and Dibenedetto, players situated on the first line with Steven Stamkos. Dibenedetto was being suffocated with the St.Mikes Majors and a trade to the Sting, allowing him to play with Stamkos, who rejuvenated his junior career and enabled him to display his offensive potential. He was overlooked for the past two drafts and after successful back-to-back campaigns with the Sting in which he averaged better than a point a game, he was finally drafted. Dibenedetto exploded this season with 93 points including seven multi-goal games and what was even more impressive is that in the absence of Stamkos to the WJC, he responded well and led his team offensively. The same question that can be asked of Martin can apply to Dibenedetto - being can he produce consistently on his own without the assistance of Stamkos. While Martin shows a physical toughness, Dibenedetto plays an opposite game, one more of stickhandling wizardry and flash, which means he will need to be extra good.

Zac Rinaldo (Phi), LW

Rinaldo is another example of hard work and determination paying off, as the scrappy Hamilton-born, left-winger was a 14th round OHL selection but managed to get drafted into the NHL. Rinaldo is a light weight (5'11, 175) but his uncanny ability to take on all challengers and rack up 191 PIM including 18 fighting majors made him not only a fan favorite but an ideal Philadelphia Flyers' selection. Rinaldo marries offensive skills with a fine skating stride that has considerable acceleration and fluidity to it. At times, Rinaldo thought his contributions should have been more acknowledged, as he often sulked about his lack of PP time, which inevitably led to him walking out on the team for two games. He returned with a better outlook and focused on doing things he was successful at and could control. Rinaldo should see more of an offensive role and will be given the chance this season. He is still a very immature player and needs to learn to be more patient in the team dynamic. Rinaldo has the potential to score 20 goals and put up 200 PIM and coupled with his 'win at any cost' attitude he may have a future as a pro someday.

Patrick Killeen (Pit), G

The Penguins returned to the OHL and selected 6-foot-4, Carp, Ontario native Patrick Killeen. Killeen played in 34 games this season and recorded 20 wins. He was the backup to Bryan Pitton and the duo combined for a new franchise record fewest goals allowed in a single season. Killeen started the season in goal, playing the first eight contests until Pitton recovered from an ankle injury. He also finished the season strong, as he won his last seven decisions and played in many games leading up to the playoffs, giving Pitton some much needed rest. Killeen has great athleticism for his size, as he moves well laterally but he desperately needs to put on some weight to fill out his frame. The likelihood of Pitton remaining with the team is not a certainty. The Battalion has not won a playoff series with Pitton and may want to talk him into a trade, giving way to Killeen to assume the starting duties. Killeen needs to play a bulk of games this season, as it would cripple his development if he did not play at least 50-plus games next year.