NHL Draft: Profiles 81-85
81. Ben Ryan C-RW, Des Moines (USHL)
He uses short, fairly quick
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strides to get where he wants to effectively. A versatile all-around
pivot, and smart, skilled outlet passer, he directs the power play
from the point. A good skater, not great though, lacks breakaway
foot speed. He grows on you the more you see him, shows a
more well rounded game than Palushaj. A good playmaker, he
moves puck smartly, but he's a bit smallish, more a fourth-line
NHLer, third at best, hard working, not really a one-on-one threat.
Very industrious.
82. Robert Bortuzzo D, Kitchener (OHL)
While it takes a lot longer
for bigger players, especially defencemen, to make their mark,
the strides in which Kitchener defenceman Robert Bortuzzo has
taken his game in a short period of time is a reflection of how
badly he wants to become a player. He has done a good job of
putting himself in better situations and is playing a much smarter
game defensively. He still gets caught watching the play on occasion
and needs to tie up his man in front better. He is showing a
willingness to jump into the play and uses his size to go up the
middle to cause a distraction for defenders and in turn opens up
room for his streaking teammates. His plays with the puck could
be smoother and softer as he has a tendency to force things and
as a result his first passes are hard to absorb and are usually off
the mark. He does a very good job in eliminating players from
the play with both his size and ability to throw a good check.
83. Alex Grant D, Saint John (QMJHL)
Grant is one of those players
that you will see in every draft, a prospect who hasn't lived up
to his billing. Two seasons ago he was projected as a top-ten
pick in 2007, and ended up being the first overall pick in the
QMJHL draft. Two seasons later some scouts won't even bother
scouting him any more. Has all the physical tools but lacks a
toolbox was how one scout described him, and many concur with
that analogy. "I heard he's coming on," said one scout. "If he
can figure out to keep it simple in his own zone he'll be alright."
Grant started slowly at the Under-18's and was Canada's seventh
defenceman the first few games. He ended up showing
more consistency than Eric Doyle however, and by keeping it
simple he ended up being one of Canada's top-six defencemen
at the tournament.
84. Maxime Tanguay C, Rimouski (QMJHL)
Alex's little brother entered
this season highly regarded due to his skating skills, but injuries
and a poor team along with some below-average efforts tempered
many scouts' enthusiasm, to the point where a player once
thought to be a top 30-40 pick may not be selected until the third
round. He's fast and talented, but scouts are concerned about
his willingness to compete, particularly in tight quarters. Certainly
he has the skating speed and hands to do a lot of things in the
offensive zone, but his reluctance to compete in the high traffic
areas limits his opportunities.
85. Corey Tropp RW, Sioux Falls (USHL)
A good finisher around the
goal, he has a knack for collecting loose pucks. He has deceptive
strength and balance for his size, and is tough to knock
down. He's got some offensive creativity and ability to open up
shooting lanes for himself, he's a good pick in the third for a team
looking for a potential point producer. Good busy skater, he
keeps himself active. Tropp needs defensive training. Very
skilled on the puck, does good things with it. His first step is
above average, likes to challenge one-on-one with stickhandling
to open up lanes. Aggressive, works hard, anticipates the game
well, has an ability to execute at top speed.