NHL Draft: OHL Overview Part VII

McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn continues his look at several OHL players chosen by NHL clubs in the both the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. In part seven of a ten-part series, players Jason Missiaen, Nathan Moon, Kory Nagy, Julien Demers and Kyle DeCoste are featured.

Jason Missiaen (Mtl), G

Given Montreal's track record with goalies in recent years, few would argue with their success. However, the selection of Missiaen does leave many perplexed considering his season totals. Missiaen is the ultimate project and shares the same height as the tallest defenseman prospect selected in the draft, Tyler Myers (Buffalo, 12th overall) as both stand at 6-foot-8. Missiaen has grown three inches since his OHL draft season when he was selected in the fifth round. He does not boast much of a style and still needs work on his fundamentals. Given all the obstacles thus far in his junior career, for example his growth spurts, his limited playing time and lack of quality defensemen in front of him, he can only get better as he gets more comfortable in his crease. When Missiaen was on, he was unstoppable. He frequently kicked out 40-plus saves to preserve any of his eight wins this season. However, he put forth some awful contests and had to be yanked on several occasions. Like most goalies selected and more so with Missiaen given his size, he will need ample time to develop. The Petes are in a rebuilding mode and may wish to trade their most valuable asset Trevor Cann to a contending team like the Spitfires, thus opening the door for Missiaen to be the starter.

Nathan Moon (Pit), C

The Penguins had to wait many moons to draft the Kingston Frontenacs highest scorer in Nathan Moon. The Penguins traded their first three picks for players such as Hal Gill and Marian Hossa, players that were instrumental to getting them to the Stanley Cup finals. The last pick of the fourth round and the first pick by the Penguins, Moon posted great offensive totals, as he scored 35 goals and recorded 47 points in the last three months of the season. Like many of his teammates, the dismissal of coach Cassidy was a blessing in disguise and allowed him to showcase his offensive fortitude. If Moon could be criticized about anything, it is his complete inability to play away from the puck. He is a one-dimensional player and will need at this point to be a top- two-line player to be effective, as he thrives in PP situations. Moon did improve on his skating and the Penguins have always drafted players who can score and find a niche for them. Moon joins the likes of Luca Caputi and Dustin Jeffrey as players who struggle with their skating and first step, but whose offensive skills outweigh these weaknesses.

Kory Nagy (NJ), LW

Yet another prospect selected by the Devils who played in the OHL. Nagy was not much of a scorer, as he registered only two multiple-point games all season. Typecast as more of a defensive-minded-energy player, Nagy is a healthy skater who is strong on the forecheck. He started to show a little bit of a scoring touch in the playoffs, as he notched at least a goal in each of the Generals series. The Generals went three rounds and Nagy was relied upon heavily, as he drew the difficult checking assignments against the IceDogs and Bulls best players. He was sensational in the Generals second round victory over the Bulls, as he stymied the likes of Caputi and Legein while even chipping in four goals in the six game series victory. Nagy was a captain of his minor hockey team the Brantford 99 er's and played on a line from time-to-time with Zac Dalpe (Carolina 45th). Nagy does not have much offensive upside, as he has never been a dynamic scorer, however his willingness to play an honest, yet gritty game had Nagy pegged by the Devils organization, despite the fact that he did not make the NHL Central Scouting final list.

Julien Demers (SJ), D

The Brain Kilrea-Doug Wilson connection continues, as once again the Sharks go to the Ottawa 67's for another pick. Since Doug Wilson took over as GM of the Sharks in May of 2003, at least one player from the 2004 draft to present has donned a 67's jersey. Demers decided last season to join the 67's after playing half a season in the CJHL. The move paid off, as Demers earned his icetime this season and saw considerable PP time recording healthy offensive totals (65-5-28-33) and leading the 67's defensemen in goals and points scored. Demers has good size and decent feet. He lost marks for not playing as tough as he should and scouts wanted to see him drop the gloves more often. Demers also suffers from mental lapses and did not have the luxury of an experienced defenseman to bail him out when he made mistakes. He still is very raw but is imposing at 6-foot-2 and already weighs 215 pounds. Like many defensemen selected before him at his size, it is a crap shoot to see if they develop. Demers needs ample time next season to be a go-to-guy not only in PP situations but also in PK situations to mature as a player.

Kyle DeCoste (TB), RW

DeCoste had a whirlwind of a season, as he saw icetime on all four lines at various points of the season. DeCoste played well and when he was promoted to the first line he did not look entirely out of place. The emergence of several younger players bumped him around and he became a versatile role player for coach Butler. DeCoste did an admirable job of killing penalties and matched up well against the league's elite. Not blessed with creativity or a strong hockey sense, DeCoste did his job quietly going up and down the wing, marking his man with effectiveness in all three zones. He opened up ice for his linemates by aggressively going into heavy traffic areas to score and willingly charging the net. Next season, DeCoste should be able to stick on one of the top two lines consistently and should improve his offensive skills.