OHL 06 Draft Hopefuls Part 4

Final instalment of top draft eligible OHL players for the coming NHL draft focuses on Jordan Staal, Ryan McDonough, Matt Halischuk and John Armstrong. We also fill you in on several other important eligible names to keep an eye on from the league.

Matt Halischuk (2006), RW, St. Mike's

Started the season last year with the Majors but was quickly sent down to the Tier II Buzzers. Despite the demotion, Halischuk made tremendous strides and it helped his confidence level as he was more involved on the score sheet. A capable scorer who excels in his two-way approach to the game, Halischuk is a workhorse who never stops moving his feet. He is a smart player who anticipates well and can often be found doing the little things that contribute to a team's success. The coaches have the confidence to play him in PK situations and late in games while protecting leads.

Projection: This will be the year for Halischuk to showcase his skills on a full time basis. While not a dynamic scorer, his play away from the puck is what will garner the most attention from NHL scouts. One of his strengths is his skating which has been one of the more improved weapons in his arsenal.

Ryan McDonough (2006), C, Saginaw

Scoring champ in minor midget for the Jr. Canadiens took his offense-first approach to the OHL, but had a frustrating year. Shuffled constantly on different lines, McDonough failed to establish chemistry with his linemates. He possesses creativity with the puck and is a budding scorer in the league. His quick feet and exceptional skating abilities allow him to beat defenders to loose pucks. While small in stature, McDonough does not shy away from the corners, though he does not attack them with zest either. His faceoff skills are impressive but defensive awareness needs to be addressed.

Projection: A new team to play for in Saginaw may be the change in environment McDonough needed. He is playing on the first PP unit with the team's best, a luxury not allotted last year. While size is a concern, his talent isn't and his absence from the Under-18 national team was due to nagging injuries.

John Armstrong (2006), C, Plymouth

A big player with remarkable athleticism. Armstrong is a strong kid with the ability to drive hard to the net. With a goal scorer's touch, intense desire to win and a thick, bulky frame, Armstrong is a unique prospect. He leads quietly by example, playing an efficient game, and can burn teams on the scoresheet when provided with enough space. His speed isn't outstanding but he possesses a long reach which helps him to be effective in defensive situations.

Projection: Armstrong is surrounded by an offensively gifted cast in Plymouth with the likes of Dan Collins and James Neal. He is capable of scoring 30 goals this season, but maturation will not be instant, as power forwards often take some time to get into a comfort zone. A first round candidate with the potential to fill out into a solid pro.

Jordan Staal (2006), C, Peterborough

Thunder Bay continues to produce the Staal brothers like cars coming off an assembly line. Jordan is the Cadillac of them all. Equipped with size, skill and speed, Staal combines all the ingredients for a professional hockey player. He is physically bigger than his peers and uses his size effectively to create ample scoring chances. He is quick and agile, which makes him particularly attractive to NHL scouts. His deceptive speed allows him space to manoeuvre and set up players from behind the net with pinpoint passes or charge the net himself to draw a penalty or create a scoring chance in the process.

Projection: Staal stepped up his game considerably in the playoffs and was the Petes' best player by far. His maturation continued this summer playing with the U-18 national team, where he assumed a leadership role. Despite a strong cast of teammates this season, including Liam Reddox, Peterborough will be Staal's team to carry. His play down the stretch will have a lot to do with where he is slotted come draft time. A top-10 selection is in the cards.

OHL BUMPER CROP

Among other exciting prospects in the OHL for the upcoming draft is Matt Corrente, a slick skating defender with the Saginaw Spirit with considerable offensive upside.

Myles Applebaum of the Kitchener Rangers is a solid two-way forward playing on a deep squad. He is recovering from shoulder surgery but will be of value down the stretch.

Cory Tanaka of the Plymouth Whalers is an energy player, small in size but not in heart. Skating makes him stand out, although he does not have other elite assets.

The Owen Sound Attack has a trio of draft-eligible rookies in Matthew Kang, Bob Sanguinetti and Neil Conway. Kang is an explosive player with breakaway speed and some nifty moves. He can score in bunches and could make Attack fans forget Brad Richardson eventually. Sanguinetti sustained an injury before the playoffs last spring, which was a big blow. An adept skater he is capable of joining the rush and should already be the team's best defender. Conway, who played for the US U-18 NTDP last season, is a technically sound goalie with flexibility, agility, ability to read plays and position himself accordingly.

McKeen's will observe these players for the duration of the season, as well as other Ontario Hockey Leaguers who show pro potential.