NHL Draft: OHL Prospects Review Part 2

In part two of our five part series, McKeen's reviews another handful of OHL players selected at the NHL Entry Draft including: P.K. Subban, Trevor Cann, Jeremy Smith, Akim Aliu, Nick Spaling, Drew Schiestel and Wayne Simmonds.

P.K. Subban (Mtl), D, - 43rd Overall

Subban is a remarkable story, as he is one of a select group of players that was actually drafted higher in the NHL draft as opposed to the OHL draft. He worked tremendously to establish himself as a point producer, as his high-octane rushes and slick puckmoving skills garnered considerable attention. Known for his end-to-end rushes, Subban and the words stay-at-home were never used to describe his play and the word defence was rarely used. Subban does have offensive abilities that make him a highly sought after prospect. In an organization that is slowly starting to build a stable of offensive-minded defenders, Montreal has a good cornerstone in Subban. Will return to junior to work on polishing his stride in terms of appearance not necessarily speed, add some more functional strength and improve on his defensive awareness to make him a much better asset. Expect him again to be among the top ten in goal scoring and point production for defensemen next season.

Trevor Cann (Col), G, - 49th Overall

The first goalie taken from the OHL and second chosen in the draft behind only Antoine Lafleur from the QMJHL who was selected at the 48th position. Cann posted great statistical numbers despite being constantly bombarded this season with shots due to a failing defence. Smaller in stature, he relies solely on his reflexes to make a save and as reported on numerous occasions, he actually makes himself smaller when he goes down to the butterfly. Cann is well respected in the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence and has thrived in international competition. His ability to play big in important games highlights his mental toughness. The last time the Avalanche selected a goalie from the OHL, he ended up being their starter and representing his country on the international stage; that goalie was Peter Budaj. The Avalanche is hoping Cann can follow a similar career path and a spot on this year's Canadian WJC team would be a step in the right direction.

Jeremy Smith (Nsh), G, – 54th Overall

Seeing the Nashville Predators traded away their starting goalie, it would only make sense for them to draft Smith with the second round pick they received from Florida in exchange for Tomas Vokoun. Smith was the top-ranked goalie on McKeen's Draft rankings throughout the season, due to his remarkable athleticism and agility. He did not play as much as he should have, largely in part to the stellar play of Michal Neuvirth. The two split duties coming into the playoffs before Neuvirth stole the job in the second round. Smith was fortunate to see some action in the Memorial Cup however, the long layoff did not help his game. He never started a game but replaced Neuvirth on two separate occasions when he struggled. Smith should receive more starts next season. The additional workload should determine how mentally prepared Smith is and how much work he did in the off-season to better prepare himself for the upcoming challenges. Nashville will be watching with great interest, as their goaltending-talent pool is getting rather shallow.

Akim Aliu (Chi), RW, – 56th Overall

Chicago ended the speculation of the Aliu sweepstakes when they used their third pick to grab the maligned winger. The Nigerian-born Aliu has all the requisite skills to be a top-flight player however; his problems are not related to the ice but his actions off it.

In the news constantly for the wrong reasons, Aliu will enter his third season with his third different club this year when he suits up for the London Knights after brief stops in Sudbury and Windsor. Aliu failed to crack the second line on a consistent basis with the Sudbury Wolves and was even sent home to re-evaluate his priorities just days before the playoffs. He struggled severely in the postseason and despite his team's surprising success and extended playoff run into the OHL Final, Aliu made a minimal contribution with one goal in 21 games. Given the track record of success, the Hunter brothers have had in turning so-called basket cases around, they will certainly have their work cut out for them this season when Aliu sports his famous number 78.

Nick Spaling (Nsh), C, – 58th Overall

The Predators return to the OHL with their next pick and acquire a player who may very well play in the NHL in some capacity. One of the older players in the draft, he missed NHL draft eligibility by a mere four days last season. Spaling took full advantage of his additional time in the league to produce healthy offensive numbers with 23 goals and a shade under a point-per-game average. Despite playing on a top line and seeing large amounts of PP time, Spaling is known for his ability to do the small things really well. His ability to close the gap on skaters and eat up the ice while maintaining sound position is what makes him so effective. Spaling has good vision but his shot and more importantly, his shot selection and accuracy, make him a candidate for a checking line at the NHL level. However, Spaling should factor to be a large component for the Kitchener Rangers Memorial Cup drive and coach Peter DeBoer is expecting him to elevate his game considerably in the offensive department. Spaling will only get better with the pressure of being the go-to-guy in Kitchener's offensive scheme, as he will better understand what it takes to be leaned on.

Drew Schiestel (Buf), D, - 59th Overall

The Sabres came into the draft looking to make upgrades at defence and that is exactly what they did by selecting defenseman with their first two selections. In a surprising move, the Sabres selected Schiestel from the Niagara Ice Dogs (formerly Mississauga). Known more for his defensive acumen, the Hamilton-born rearguard plays a very conservative type of game and is at his best when he goes unnoticed. Slightly underdeveloped, Schiestel was thrown around and beaten by faster players to the outside however; he does boast good agility in both directions and has a solid skating stride. His top speed is above average but he does not seem to have a second gear but stays with players trying to stick check them in an effort to pry the puck away. He does not willingly engage in corner battles and rarely plays a physical game. Schiestel has many facets to his game that require immediate attention.

Wayne Simmonds (LA), RW, - 61st Overall

It was a horrible way to end the season, as Simmonds was a minus-five in Game 4 during a first round sweep at the hands of the London Knights. Newly appointed Co-Director of Amateur Scouting for the Kings, Mike Futa, the former GM of the Owen Sound Attack, must have had his fingerprints all over this selection. Simmonds did have a good season with the Attack however, the Kings known for their off the cuff picks, may have been a tad premature in taking him so early. Simmonds improved his overall game with increased icetime, which he should see plenty of this year with the departure of so many players from Owen Sound. Simmonds has a gangly disposition, which gives him an outstanding reach. He manages to find himself in all areas of the ice and does not back down or shy away from the rough stuff despite his 160-pound frame. He is much stronger than his weight totals suggest, as he can easily fend off players with one hand and boll towards the net. He is fearless in his approach and given his committed work ethic and willingness to improve, he may surprise many teams nonetheless, he may have been available deeper into the draft.