NHL Draft: OHL Overview Part VI

In our continuing coverage of NHL-drafted prospects from the OHL, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at five more players selected in the third and fourth rounds of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft including Adam Henrique, Jamie Arniel, AJ Jenks, Michal Jordan and TJ Brodie.

Adam Henrique (NJ), C

Henrique came into the season with much fanfare and hype. After recording impressive rookie totals, including 20-plus goals, Henrique failed to exhibit the consistency that would have lauded him first round consideration. His point totals were lower than his rookie season and considering the depth the organization boasted it was a tad surprising. The emergence of Taylor Hall did steal some PP time from Henrique, however too often he did not play with the type or urgency one would expect a prospect to display in his draft year. A highly skilled forward with great acceleration, Henrique improved his play away from the puck substantially in his second season. He has game-breaking ability, which included two five-point games this season but once again was invisible for too many contests. He bodes well for the Devils current system that seeks smart forwards who can play a more defensive-minded game. Given his ability away from the puck, Henrique could fit the mould of a Pandolfo in a few short years, as he is solid on the forecheck, has good offensive attributes and can win faceoffs.

Jamie Arniel (Bos), C

Arniel showed his true character when the Guelph Storm were marred in their worst losing slump of the season (11 games) when he requested a trade. After a successful second season, the late-born Arniel was pegged as a potential first round selection but after he handcuffed an organization that was good to him question marks began to surface. Arniel sat out the better part of three weeks and even returned home as he awaited a trade in his draft year. Once he was accommodated, he found his scoring touch, as he was reunited with his Under-18 linemate and first overall pick Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting. Arniel, on many nights lacked consistency and his playoff performance did very little to increase his draft stock. Moving forward, Arniel should be the backbone of the Sting next season with the departure of Stamkos and will be expected to lead by example with his conduct on the ice. He still has a lot of growing up to do, as was witnessed with his recent off-ice antics, which included several charges being laid against him including drinking over the legal limit and public mischief.

AJ Jenks (Fla), C

The only forward taken by the Panthers in the draft, Jenks gives the organization size and presence on the wing. Jenks improved on every offensive category in his second season but struggled on the defensive side of things without the presence of seasoned veterans to support the team. Despite the rise of his offensive totals, Jenks had a difficult time adjusting to the increase in offensive responsibility and eventually the burden became too much for him to shoulder. Jenks started off quickly, scoring 20 goals before the Christmas break but was unable to sustain that pace and ended the season with only six more goals. This was likely the reason his stock dropped as far as it did. With all due respect to his skill set, he does not factor to be more than a shutdown third-liner, as he lacks hands and creativity. Jenks has been a member of many International teams and has represented his country, (USA) plenty of times on the junior stage. His next leap in development would be to capture a spot on Team USA WJC roster and continue to build on his offensive totals next season with the Whalers.

Michal Jordan (Car), D

The Carolina Hurricanes once again return to the OHL with their next selection after drafting both Chris Terry and Brett Bellemore last season. Jordan, an original 8th overall selection in the CHL Import Draft (Windsor Spitfires) was the key figurehead in a midseason move that saw the Spits acquire fellow countryman Michel Nuevirth. Jordan immediately responded with not only a growth spurt, as he added two inches but he gave the Whalers some stability on the backend. He adjusted well in the second half of the season and became more acclimatized with the pace of the OHL game. The Czech National Junior team recognized his progress, as he was added to the roster and was the only player with a 1990 birth date to make the squad. Jordan contributed to the team seeing icetime in various situations and took the confidence he gained from the tournament back with him to the OHL. He became more aggressive in his reads and even though he struggled to contain the leagues best; as he was always matched up against them and he did an admirable job throughout the season to adjust his overall game. He flourished in the Whalers offensive system, as he recorded points and was given PP time, a privilege which he did not have in Windsor.

T.J. Brodie (Cgy), D

Had the Spirit not been so deep on the backend, Brodie could have stuck as a 16-year-old rookie. He played over 20 games (playoffs included) for the Spirit, splitting time with Saginaw's one time Jr.B affiliate the Leamington Fliers. Brodie captured the Jr.B Rookie-of-the-Year award, as he was sensational in both the regular season and playoffs. Brodie added some much-needed weight to his frame but still was intimidated in the early going, however his swift skating and mobility helped him get out of trouble when pressured. Challenged by the coaching staff to pick up his intensity and physical play, Brodie responded well to the criticism and is the type of player that likes to be challenged. Brodie gives the Flames depth at the defensive position and is a quick player who can dart in and out of the action. His play is similar to a young Joe Corvo and he will need time to develop. Brodie played in all 68 games for the Spirit and his point totals albeit modest (68-4-26-30) can certainly be improved upon. Expect to see him make a quantum leap in the points department this season.