OHL: 2008 Draft Eligible Prospects Part 3

In our third installment of OHL draft eligible prospects, McKeen's correspondent, David Burstyn, evaluates the progress of Brampton pivot Cody Hodgson, as well as a trio of prospects with late 1989-birth dates - Zach Harnden, Joshua Bailey and Jamie Arniel.

Cody Hodgson (2008), C, Brampton

Season Overview

It did not take long for Hodgson to establish himself as the first line centre this season. An absolute steal for the Battalion, it is unlikely he would have lasted until the 18th overall position, had there not been grumblings of NCAA commitments. Nevertheless, he opted to play in the OHL and after a year of playing Tier II for Markham in his OHL draft year, the transition was easy, as he started the year on an eight-game-point streak and finished third in team scoring (63-23-23-46). He was the Battalions leading scorer in the first two months. The fire was quickly put out when he returned to reality hitting a slag in the months of November and December. The Christmas break served him well, as it gave him a chance to get some much-needed rest. In the month of February, along with a slew of other Ontario-born players won gold at the Canada Winter Games. He played alongside long time minor hockey teammate Steven Stamkos and the duo demolished the opposition feeding brilliantly off one another. The confidence he gained from that tournament by being in a winning environment fueled his desire again, as he played some of his best hockey in the playoffs. Despite an opening round loss, he averaged a point-a-game during the postseason and improved his defensive game by remaining even, after going minus-21 during the season. Hodgson recently participated in the Under 18 Ivan Hlinka tournament and once again lined up with Stamkos as his winger. The two were tied for the team scoring lead with five points. The Battalion did Hodgson a great service when they drafted a natural finisher in Matt Duchene, fourth overall in last year's OHL draft. The duo should form a unique chemistry that will terrorize the league for many years to come.

Scouting News

Hodgson can do many wonderful things with the puck, as hand skills are developed in all aspects of the game. His offensive stats show how polished he is as both a shooter and passer, as he tallied both 23 goals and 23 assists. Not overly bullish, and a low centre of gravity and strength on his skates would have you think that he would compete more down low however, this is an aspect that he is lacking. He has a good feel for the game and he can get to loose pucks faster however, his speed hinders him on occasion. His speed deficiencies may be a concern at the next level, as he is not overly big and cannot win battles along the boards. If he shows a willingness to compete on a nightly basis and sacrifice his body then he would be a player worth considering, otherwise he could become another John Hughes.

Zach Harnden (2008), RW, Peterborough

Season Overview

It may be hard for NHL scouts to get excited about a player who has played major junior two years now and has yet to record more than 22 points or 10 goals in a season. However, a quick examination of Peterborough team dynamics in the past few years and it is easy to see why this player has slipped through the cracks. A late-birth date gives Harnden every opportunity this season to establish himself as the go-to-guy after two years of being buried behind the likes of Steve Downie and Daniel Ryder. Harnden was a first round selection despite only playing 15 games during his draft year, after sustaining an ankle injury that cost him his season. The Petes, an organization who in the past have been astute with their selections, saw enough of him to make him their top selection. While Harnden has struggled to find his way, he has not exactly received the key minutes and been put in the best positions to pad his offensive totals. Prior to the trading deadline, that saw Peterborough unload Downie and Ryder, he was still situated on the third or even fourth line. The moves helped Harnden assume a top-six position, where he was able to assert himself by taking chances and not having to worry if he would see another shift if he made a mistake. The third year player will be provided every chance to succeed this season and has the potential, should he remain injury free to lead his team in scoring.

Scouting News

Already possesses NHL size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. He is a power forward in the making and once he understands how strong he is, he will be a force in this league. He must assert himself more and if he could develop an unstable temper to his game and rack up some PIM's he might be able to get chances out of sheer intimidation. His skating has come a long way since his first year, a direct result of his coordination and size catching up to one another. He cycles and protects the puck down low however; he will still need to show better position in front, not only with his body but also with his stick. He has the propensity to be a 10-goal scorer or a 40-goal man, as it is entirely up to him. The confidence he gained toward the end of the season should improve his game leaps and bounds and with an improving cast set to surround him, he can only get better.

Joshua Bailey (2008), C, Windsor

Season Overview

The Owen Sound Attack will one day look back and ask themselves why they ever traded Bailey. In an effort to shore up their goaltending to make a run at the Memorial Cup, Owen Sound exchanged their first round selection of the 2005 draft, for floundering overage goalie Anthony Guadagnolo. It was a shocking move at the time because Bailey was averaging a point-a-game and was on the cusp of OHL stardom. In a series of moves made by the new management, this one in particular had to be considered the piece de résistance, as it gave the Spits a legitimate first-line centre. The deal sparked off a series of deals that saw the Spits get younger with every transaction, while building around the Bowmanville native. Bailey did not disappoint and paid immediate dividends in the scoring department while representing the Spitfires in the All-Star game. Bailey, in typical fashion lent his name on the scoresheet twice and assisted on another. The rebuilding stage is set for Windsor, with Bailey acting as the centerpiece. They added a slew of young players to the lineup this season with tremendous offensive capabilities via the OHL draft, which should help shoulder and spread the offensive load. He could explode for 100 points and if he leads his team into the playoffs, his stock will soar further than the smile that stretched across Warren Rychel's face the day he acquired him.

Scouting News

A highly intelligent, cerebral player who meshes well with any set of linemates. Is not a flashy player, as he approaches the game methodically. He makes smart plays that often go unnoticed. He has to be observed closely to fully understand the contributions he makes, as his passes out of the zone and knowledge of his surroundings serve him well. He does not panic and will never rush a play. He is so creative without the puck that he knows how to get into playmaking and scoring positions. He is an ideal centre, as he comes back regularly and his lead-by-example attitude rubs off positively on his teammates. Since he comes down so far in his own zone, his skating allows him to move up the ice with the puck. He is one of the few centers that needs to be checked in his own zone. His skating is still a work in progress but his excellent hockey sense makes him that much more serviceable. He will be a favorite amongst many NHL teams vying for his services.

Jamie Arniel (2008), LW, Guelph

Season Overview

The only player to appear in all 68 games for the Storm, Arniel exploded last season by tripling his totals in all offensive categories from his rookie season. A second round selection in 2005, he is the nephew of former NHLer Scott Arniel, and plays a game similar to his uncle. Arniel led the Storm with 31 goals and finished second in points in the regular season and playoffs, trailing only that of Drew Doughty. He seemed to run out of gas toward the end of the season, as failed to register a point in the month of March, following a 12-game point streak he had in January that carried on into February. He formed good chemistry with Rotter, as the two will likely lineup up together again this season. The Storm have been putting the pieces of the puzzle together for the past two seasons to make a healthy run at representing the OHL for the Memorial Cup. Their 2005 draft crop has matured and is starting to pave the way. While it is conceivable to suggest they may make a run at it this season, all the tools to be heavy contenders are in place for them to get there in 2009 and that starts and ends with a productive Arniel.

Scouting News

Arniel is an average player as far as finesse goes. He has some speed together with good balance in his game but lacks the true quickness that would make him a productive goal scorer at higher levels of competition. He combines his skating with a degree of hockey sense to be an effective scorer at the OHL level. He is slightly inconsistent in his physical approach, as some nights he will compete, while other nights he seems content to coast and not assert himself. He is at his best when he is throwing his weight around. His thinking is one dimensional, as he lacks creativity to process the game. His shot is average, so he must muster himself to drive the net and score goals at the mouth or side of the crease. A decently put together player however, he does not shine in any one area, which may be a concern for NHL clubs in determining what role exactly he can bring to the table.