OHL: 2008 Draft Eligible Prospects Part 2

In the second installment of our four-part series, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn continues his preview of OHL prospects eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, looking at four defensemen poised to make it to the NHL. They include Michael DelZotto, Tyler Cuma, Zach Bogosian and Michael D'Orazio.

Michael DelZotto (2008), D, Oshawa

Season Overview

DelZotto was drafted second overall last season because of his ability to score, something the Generals needed desperately from their backend. Considered a "can't miss pick", DelZotto proved everyone right, leading the league in scoring among rookie defensemen (64-10-47-57). It did not take long before he was a fixture on the first PP unit, as his booming shot was a weapon of choice for coach Selwood. DelZotto struggled early in the season with his defensive duties. Known for his offensive prowess, DelZotto was guilty of pushing offence too much on occasion. He settled down nicely in the second half of the season and found time to win a gold medal at the Canada Games with Team Ontario. DelZotto exploded in the playoffs, leading the Generals in scoring on the backend and successfully launching them into the second round with outstanding point totals (9-3-9-12). Despite playing 10 less games, he managed to stay within the top five in scoring for both rookies and defensive scoring. The playoffs were certainly a coming out party and expect DelZotto to be a high selection come draft day with his QB PP skills.

Scouting News

DelZotto is an effective puck moving defender known primarily for his ability to create offensively, as he has remarkable sense in the offensive zone. He has excellent lateral movement, which allows him to patrol the line and generate offence with his capacity to pass with pinpoint accuracy or take several steps further into the zone to break down the oppositions' box. DelZotto plays an aggressive offensive game however; he is caught out of position at times in the neutral zone resulting in many odd man breaks the other way. Relatively physical, he has a modest frame (6-0, 200) and looks to hit when he can however, confidence with increased strength should come as early as this season. A high risk/high reward type, as his play is eerily similar to Bryan McCabe.

Tyler Cuma (2008), D, Ottawa

Season Overview

When you have been around the league as long as Brian Kilrea has, you know a thing or two about winning and on every successful team, you must have character. Fortunately, for Cuma, not only does he have an exceptional skill set but he oozes character as well. Quoted earlier at the beginning of the season, Kilrea stated that if he had a team full of Cuma's we would be Memorial Cup Champions. This statement speaks volumes for the player that he is and most certainly will become. Known for bringing along his rookies slow, especially defenseman, Cuma quickly established a niche for himself for the ever improving, yet rebuilding Ottawa franchise. By the second half of the season, Cuma blossomed into a player that Kilrea could count on in all situations. Producing quiet offensive totals (63-3-16-19), Cuma did manage to improve on his decision-making and puck moving skills with the additional icetime that was allotted to him. By seasons end, he actually dictated the tempo of certain games with his cool approach to the game. Cuma played a key role in winning a gold medal with Team Ontario at the Canada Games. He also represented Canada for the first time internationally at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. He was thrust in a more defensive role and flourished as a result, opening the eyes of many NHL scouts in the process.

Scouting News

Cuma possesses a very unassuming skill set. He has extraordinary skills as his vision, passing skills and shot are top-notch. He is very methodical, as he is a thinking man's player able to control and set the pace of the game. He is an effortless skater with superb lateral mobility. Playing a very mature game, he learned quickly this season what he could get away with and showed the intelligence to rebound after a poor shift, thus complementing his mental makeup. He shows all the signs to be a first round selection, as he has no apparent flaws and the guidance received from legendary coach Kilrea, should prove beneficial in the long run.

Zach Bogosian (2008), D, Peterborough

Season Overview

Bogosian had the type of season that was overshadowed by the poor team record of the Petes. He dressed for every game except one and had to mature fast, as the Petes backend was very young. As a result, he received ample minutes in all situations against the opposition's best players. While most rookie defenders may have wilted under such trying circumstances, Bogosian adjusted nicely especially toward the end of the season, when it appeared there was no salvation left for the Petes in terms of playoffs. Given free reign, he started to display his offensive fortitude on the backend with his penchant for taking offensive chances. Bogosian was a surprise omission from the Under-18 USA team, largely because he did not participate at the U-17 camps in Rochester. However, there is little doubt that he remains one of the more sought after defenseman in this draft, as he combines offensive skill (67-7-26-33), and defensive awareness to his game, as he was only minus-6. His plus/minus rating is even more impressive when you factor that he was a plus player until the last month of the season, when he decided to sacrifice defense positioning for offensive opportunities.

Scouting News

A sensationally smooth defender, whose lateral movement and mobility allow him to change gears and control the game with the puck in his possession. He makes a healthy first pass but is just as capable of launching an attack by himself. His decision-making seemed slightly off however, adjusting to the change of pace from Ontario Junior hockey. One of many strengths is Bogosian's hockey sense. While he struggled slightly with his decision-making, he is a smart defender who should be able to make the appropriate adjustments. He got stronger toward the end of the season, which should help his overall confidence coming into his draft year. He has all the tools to become a potential first round selection.

Michael D'Orazio (2008), D, Owen Sound

Season Overview

Plenty of phones were hung up on rival GM's when the name D'Orazio was mentioned in trade talks. Last season, the Attack made multiple deals in an effort to make a run for the Memorial Cup however, they were adamant that the name - D'Orazio, be left off the table during trade negotiations, a credit as to how highly management thought of him. D'Orazio is a defenseman that the now re-building Attack will focus around. He learned from two of the best defenseman last year in the OHL; including NHL-drafted Bob Sanguinetti and Theo Peckham. It is rather ironic, as D'Orazio combines elements of both defenders styles, having the puck rushing abilities of Sanguinetti and the physical involvement of Peckham. Therefore, when they spoke D'Orazio was very attentive. D'Orazio lost some of his playing time down the stretch with the addition of Elgin Reid, including his valuable second-unit PP icetime. This season, the scenery has changed in Owen Sound, as the trade of Sanguinetti to Brampton, the departure of Phil Oreskovic and the uncertainty of Peckham, have set the stage for D'Orazio to carry this team from the backend and establish himself as NHL worthy. D'Orazio recently participated in the Under 18 tournament but was used sparingly in Canada's fourth place finish.

Scouting News

A swift-skating defenseman who has good offensive tools including a booming slapshot from the point. He plays very confident with the puck and can make a nice pass but is not an overly fluent puckcarrier. He worked well on the PP, where he could utilize his time and space and try to open up lanes to employ his shot. He has a very stocky frame and as such, he can knock much bigger players on their cans however, it looks as if he would benefit from an increased strength and conditioning program, as he appears to be carrying extra weight. His defensive reads got better and as the season progressed, he looked less tentative and more confident in his abilities. D'Orazio must continue to play with consistency especially in the defensive zone, as that appears to be his main weakness.