OHL 06 Draft Hopefuls Part 2

Ontario correspondent David Burstyn previews the top eligible OHL players for next summer's NHL Draft. In this installment he takes a look at former OHL first round picks in Kitchener's Justin Azevedo and Guelph's Michael Caruso as well as a trio of promising Kingston rookies in Chris Stewart, Ben Shutron and Cory Emmerton. Emmerton and Shutron represented Canada's Under-18 national team this past summer.

Justin Azevedo (2006), C, Kitchener

Top scoring rookie last season with 18 goals and 39 points. Skating is his best asset as he is extremely shifty and has a quick first step. Azevedo boasts top-notch moves and excels at faceoffs. His diminutive size allows him to wheel and deal in the offensive zone and he is quite mindful of his defensive responsibilities.

Projection: It will be interesting to see how Azevedo adjusts this season. He played last year with the likes of Mike Richards which really helped to pad his stats. He also saw substantial time on the PP - a luxury he may not be allotted this year with some player acquisitions. He is a top notch OHL player but one has to wonder how much better he will get. Mike Duco performed better last season albeit in his draft year but he went unnoticed on draft day and the same fate may await Azevedo.

Michael Caruso (2006), D, Guelph

An extremely agile and gifted skater, Caruso also possess great offensive abilities. He is very capable of rushing the puck up the ice ice or making a crisp first pass out of the zone. Not overly physical but he does not get beat either and can eliminate his man from the play.

Projection: The new rule changes could really benefit Caruso and more importantly the whole Storm defence. The team boasts three top notch defenders in the league in Caruso, Drew Doughty and NHL first round pick Ryan Parent (Nashville Predators). Their ability to headman the rush while going virtually unmolested could result in many breakout plays and scoring opportunities. A wide open game complements Caruso, and with time on the PP he could hear his name called early on draft day.

Ben Shutron (2006), D, Kingston

Offense-minded defenseman carries the puck with confidence. Must improve his decision making and learn to make safe, more cautious plays. Has great straightaway speed but must apply a physical dimension to his game so he can improve on his defence. PP specialist has a nice, low shot from the point he can get through traffic.

Projection: It will be interesting to see how the new rule changes affect Shutron's game. He is deceptively quick and can jump into offensive situations. He will continue to log big minutes and will be held more accountable for his defensive blunders this season, which should really test the mental aspect of his game. Capable netminders Danny Taylor and Daryl Borden should be able to bail him out more than Dayne Davis did last year.

Cory Emmerton (2006), C, Kingston

Really impressed last year at camp and worked hard to make the team. The fifth round pick surprised with his offensive touch by notching 17 goals only to be outdone by Chris Stewart (18), but played in six less games. Emmerton has a wicked release and an effortless skating stride which creates speed especially in the offensive zone. The PP specialist's most dangerous offensive weapon is his accurate shot, but he still needs to address his defensive dimension. He tends to give up on plays too easily when things don't go his way.

Projection: Emmerton is a finisher and a goal scorer. He constantly wants the puck on his stick, but would benefit by having a playmaker at his side. He will be a go-to guy this year and has size. The extent to which he does business in the offensive end this year will depend on whether he adds some strength and muscle to his promising frame.

Chris Stewart (2006), RW, Kingston

Hard working, competitive workhorse. Most effective when banging and crashing in tight games. He lacks foot speed, but can accelerate surprisingly well when his feet are moving. Defensively he is persistent on the puckcarrier and positions himself well. Still has to work on his shot, as it lacks accuracy.

Projection: There were times last season when Chris played better than his older brother Anthony. He should add to his point totals this season as he had shed a little weight and understands the league better. Size and intensity will score him top marks with NHL scouts, thus it is not inconceivable for him to land in the top three-to-four rounds.