OHL: Battalions Special Agent Cody

McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at several Brampton Battalion players poised to make a splash at the NHL Entry Draft, including Cody Hodgson, who is being pegged as possible first round pick and currently ranked No. 15 on McKeen's Preliminary Rankings for 2008.

Cody Hodgson (2008), C, Brampton

Has averaged better than a point a game in his first 18 games, registering seven multiple-point games and being held off the scoresheet in only two games this season .. extraordinary skill set, he has good offensive instincts and always wants the puck in the offensive zone .. he has quick hands and surprisingly quick feet once the puck is in his vision .. boasts a powerful wristshot and quick release .. a highly developed offensive player, whose reads and positioning allow him to garner all his points .. he can slide off players and somehow manages to escape coverage to score .. he appears faster when he has the puck on his blade .. he wins the majority of his draws, as he stays low to the ice and has good/hand eye coordination .. generously listed at 6-feet, Hodgson will have to overcome some size issues, as he plays an ok physical game but needs to assert himself more defensively .. has the skill set to get serious looks and first round NHL draft consideration.

Kyle DeCoste (2008), RW, Brampton

DeCoste has made excellent strides in improving his all-around game and becoming more of a sought-after prospect in NHL circles .. a tall, well put together winger who lacks offensive punch but is capable of creating chances with his frame .. he is not overly physical or mean but he does use his size well along the boards and in open-ice areas .. sizeable winger who skates well and opens up room for his teammates .. limited hands, as he does not own a very lethal shot .. he works the corners and provides a defensive conscience for his line .. he is a fluid skater with a long, elegant stride .. he has healthy coordination and athleticism, as he can make effective plays even when passes are behind him .. plays both special teams .. has been moved to the top line recently, which has enabled him to pad his offensive totals and has increased his overall confidence with the puck .. new role should help bolster his draft chances, as he has all the makings of a potential fourth-line pro.

Mike Lomas (2008), LW, Brampton

Lomas makes the most of his opportunities .. well on his way to surpassing last season's offensive totals, the Burlington native provides grit to go along with a modest skill set .. more of a shooter than a playmaker, he has a quick release and sets up well in the slot for one-timers .. he is a darty skater, who achieves healthy acceleration in tight spaces .. he plays with an edge but is responsible with his stick and does not find himself taking foolish penalties .. he works the corners well and is strong for his size .. at times, he does not recognize his time and space and takes himself out of scoring positions coming down the wing .. is not a player that can do things by himself, as he needs to be paired with a strong set-up man .. his vision is also an area of concern .. his shoot first, look and think later raises some questions .. needs to move his feet quicker in the neutral zone, as he can be caught flatfooted .. continues to produce and provide the Battalion with good third line scoring.

Conor O'Donnell (2008), LW, Brampton

Fourth line LW is bogged down by a surplus of depth at his position .. very limited shifts for him to make an impression .. modest size but uses it effectively .. he readily charges into the zone like a bull seeing red .. he is raw in his ability to create offensively .. he would rather go through a guy than around him .. limited hands and unpolished offensive skill set .. he has not been given the right opportunity to thrive .. average skater but has the will and determination to succeed .. could surprise many in a different role.

Matt Duchene (2009), C, Brampton

It did not take Duchene long to be an offensive contributor despite his lack of playing in a primetime role .. mature offensive force has learned to make more aggressive reads, as his improvements in all areas of his game have been vast .. breaks up plays with his keen anticipation .. very active in the neutral zone by using his speed to intimidate defenseman into making a bad decision .. has a great first step and is not afraid to attack the corners, go through defenseman or hard to the net .. plays without fear, as he is reckless in his approach .. hits guys but does not have the strength to go through them .. as the season grows older, Duchene will get better .. he is a natural scorer and with increased strength in his upper body to add heightened velocity to his shot, it is almost scary to think of how good a goal scorer he will be in this league.