OHL: 2008 Draft Eligible Prospects Part 4

In our final installment of OHL draft eligible prospects, McKeen's correspondent, David Burstyn, examines the development of American forwards Philip McRae and AJ Jenks, as well as the Windsor Spitfires young duo of Adam Henrique and Greg Nemisz.

Adam Henrique (2008), C, Windsor

Season Overview

Henrique is an unappreciated player whose name has flown under the radar, as he is barely mentioned within the OHL elite draft class this season. Henrique's accomplishments were nothing short of brilliant last year, as he finished second in goals scored with 23. He proved last year that with a better set of linemates, he can be a very effective scorer. The remarkable thing about his goals is that more came via even strength, as he was not fully utilized on the PP. The addition of Joshua Bailey in early December essentially bumped him down the depth chart however, Henrique continued to plug away providing formidable second unit scoring. Henrique played an active role in Team Ontario's win at the Canadian Winter Games. Once again he played the role of a secondary scorer and provided clutch scoring while eating up key minutes to preserve wins for his team. He was a late invitee for Team Canada's camp for the Under 18 squad, after an injury was sustained to Patrice Cormier. Although he failed to make the squad, the sheer fact that he was invited to camp was a privilege in itself and a compliment to his game and how quickly it has progressed. It is not common for a second round rookie to jump into the league and score 20-plus goals, so the rapid development of Henrique gives the Spits two bona fide centers to build around and could potentially make the Spits contenders faster than people think.

Scouting News

Henrique exploits openings with his excellent vision and hockey sense. Henrique has only begun to scratch the surface on how good he can be, as he has all the tools to be a potential 50-goal scorer. His shot is very accurate and the timing of his release catches most goalies by surprise, as he can shoot off either wing or foot. Very hard to contain and trap in the offensive zone, as he appears to be cornered only to make a quick move to elude a check and get into the clear. He blows by defenders with smooth acceleration, which he makes look effortless. He has earned the respect of defenders in the league, backing them up to expose and take advantage of the open ice his skating creates. On a team littered with minus players he had one of the lowest plus/minus totals on the team, due to his defensive awareness and ability to get his stick on a forward or identify his man early and stay with him. Henrique oozes character, he does what is asked and works hard, traits that most NHL teams covet.

Greg Nemisz (2008), RW, Windsor

Season Overview

Nemisz did not find his game until the tail end of last season where he recorded more points in his final nine games then he did in his first 30. Nemisz had to bide his time as he watched others work the PP. The Courtice native scored a bulk of his goals by crashing the front of the net and making use of his size. He was mainly situated on the third line and only in the later stages of his first OHL season did he finally get promoted to the second unit. Nemisz thrived with the added responsibility and is a player that needs to be challenged. A scoring machine in his minor hockey day's the transition to junior was a gradual one and to be expected for a player of his maturing skill set. He will be a powerful cog in Windsor's offence, as he possesses the size in front to be a difference maker.

Scouting News

A power forward in the making, as he couples size and aggression with a pair of velvet-soft hands. Employs a regular spot in front of the net, as he makes plays in traffic that result into scoring chances. Very adept on how to handle the puck and applies the right pressure on passes, as he can gauge a situation and react quickly. A firm skater, he compiles moderate speed once he gets going, as his balance and strength on his skates propels him forward. He still may have bouts with inconsistency and it is uncertain as to how much his point totals will jump this season however, with his size and skill, he may draw comparisons to a poor man's John LeClair.

AJ Jenks (2008), C, Plymouth

Season Overview

Real estate agents often talk about location being everything when deciding to buy property. The Plymouth Whalers might want to thank the agent who sold the Jenks family their home, as the proximity Jenks had to the Compuware Centre played a large role in deciding to play in the OHL rather than explore his playing options at Michigan. Originally pegged as a potential first round OHL pick, Jenks slid to the sixth round, as it appeared he would opt for the NCAA route. However, when the season began, Jenks was found sporting a big whale on his chest. Jenks managed to crack the lineup that was laden with many overage players and NHL draft picks but played in all 68 games, a feat only two other players accomplished. Surrounded by many positive team players and involved in a winning environment helped Jenks mature as a better two-way player. He often had the luxury of being slotted with Andrew Fournier and Joe McCann, a line that chipped in offensively on occasion but was relied upon to stop the opposition. Jenks played sparingly in the Memorial Cup, as his team was not prepared to play nevertheless; the experience of being involved in the tournament gave him a finer appreciation of what it takes to be a winner at the junior level. Jenks played a ton of hockey in the off-season and after a successful Under 17 select camp in Minnesota, he earned a position on the Team USA Under 18 team in the Czech Republic, seeing spot duty on the third line and some PK time.

Scouting News

Jenks is not much of a finesse player and whatever he accomplishes is out of hard work and dedication to stick with the play. He is a strong skater with a burst of speed thanks to his impressive stride. He is a good straightaway skater and uses his speed to chase down the puckcarrier. He does a good job of identifying his forward and staying with him. He combines anticipation with his skating to manufacture some scoring chances but lacks the finish and hand skills to be an effective offensive contributor. Jenks does not have an overly good shot and he needs time and space to locate a man for a pass. His upper body and leg strength make him very hard to contain along the boards and although he is not overly physical, he is effective making plays in tight spaces. May carve out a niche for himself as a good fourth-line energy player with limited scoring prowess however, little else can be expected, as his hockey sense is not quite refined.

Philip McRae (2008), C, London

Season Overview

It was a tumultuous season for the Chesterfield, Missouri native, as he did not collect his first assist until the 18th game and his first until the 33rd. He registered a paltry 10 points in his rookie campaign, a statistic that is even less impressive when you factor he had a four-assist game against Erie. It seemed like the perfect environment for the former US Under-17 scoring sensation, as he was slotted to play in between Sam Gagner and Patrick Kane. The marriage quickly dissolved, as he could not keep pace with the eventual NHL first round selections and as a result, he was shifted in between linemates and unable to develop any cohesion. Frustrated by his lack of production, his confidence swayed and he became less and less of an option for coach Dale Hunter, a coach already known for not giving his rookies much icetime to begin with. The summer months saw McRae regain his confidence, as he dominated at the Under 17 USA Select camps before being named an assistant captain for the Under 18 tournament. He dominated at the Under 18, sharing the tournament scoring lead (4-2-4-6). The landscape in London should change drastically this season if the Blackhawks decide to keep last year's OHL scoring leader Pat Kane. Should Kane play in the NHL, it would leave a gapping hole in the team's top six, essentially paving the way for McRae to succeed. In any case, McRae has proved that he is more than just the co-owners son and has what it takes to produce.

Scouting News

A player blessed with finesse skills and finish. He appears to be a cumbersome skater but he has a deceiving quick change of pace and can separate himself from the pack. He is improving his agility and is more than competent to skate in all directions. His hand skill is what separates him from an ordinary player into a special one. He is an excellent playmaker able to execute passes in traffic and in open ice. His shot release is a dangerous weapon, as it combines accuracy and power. He anticipates superbly, especially when making the transition from offence to defense. He employs his large frame in a multitude of ways by shielding the puck, attacking the half boards or using his long reach to stimulate offensive chances. Should McRae score early and develop confidence, he could be a borderline first round selection, as he fuses skill with size and has good NHL bloodlines.