OHL: Central Division Draft Eligible Prospects

In our second installment of examining the top NHL draft eligible players in the OHL, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at the Central division, which includes Matt Duchene (pictured) and the Brampton Battalion, the Barrie Colts, Sudbury Wolves, Niagara IceDogs and the St. Mikes Mississauga Majors.

***With extra files from McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson.

Central Division

Brampton Battalion

Last season the Battalion had a player selected in the top ten of the NHL entry draft, this year they could have a player go in the top five. Matt Duchene embodies everything that makes NHL scouts run out of ink when watching him. Much like last year, the Battalion offer very little else in terms of draft eligible prospects, however Brandon Foote, the backup goalie could be pleasant surprise.

Matt Duchene (2009), C, Battalion

Duchene first started making headlines at the tender age of 14 when he was being heavily recruited by Michigan. It was this speculation that prohibited him from going first overall in the OHL draft, however the Battalion decided to take a stab at him at fourth overall. As was the case the year before with the selection of Hodgson, coach and GM Stan Butler made like the Canadian Mounties 'as he always gets his man'. The thought of both Cody Hodgson and Duchene on the same line this season is enough to make 19 OHL goalies break into cold sweats. The duo could be the best 1-2 punch in the league, should the Canucks return Hodgson to junior. Duchene posted staggering totals last season (64-30-22-52) and only one other player with a 1991 birth date outscored him - OHL and CHL Rookie-of-the-Year Taylor Hall. He immediately gained the respect from his teammates after scoring a hat trick in only his third OHL game. He quickly became a lethal option on the first PP unit due to his sizzling wristshot, blazing speed and sharp offensive instincts. Duchene followed up a rather sub-par playoff performance with a convincing gold medal winning effort at the Ivan Hlinka Under 18 tournament, where he was named captain. Duchene has all the tools and will be a highly sought after prospect due to his ability to adapt to any game situation and his surplus of offensive attributes.

Scouting News

Has multiple levels of speed and can blow by the opposition .. commanding use of stick in the offensive zone with both the ability to pass or score .. likes to shoot, as his shot boasts considerable power and velocity .. can step out of the corner and suck defensemen out of position with his superior hand quickness and shiftiness .. patience around the goal and often gets the goalie to commit first .. has good balance and is strong on his skates, which allows him to attack the boards with zest .. not a bang and crash-type-of player, he does bring a particular energy to his game .. speed and first-step quickness factor into his overall game, as he intimidates with it and forces defensemen back .. opens up space with his speed but needs to fully utilize his teammates despite impressive playmaking skills .. shows a concentrated effort to get back defensively but his heart and commitment level in all areas of the ice this year will be scrutinized like never before.

Brandon Foote (2009), G, Brampton

The Battalion has had a considerable degree of success developing goalies into NHL draft picks. In the last four seasons the likes of Daren Machesney, Bryan Pitton and Patrick Kileen have all heard their names called by various NHL clubs. Foote could easily follow this current trend, as he combines athleticism with superior reflexes. He played the better parts of 34 games for the Durham Fury; an inferior team that only managed 13 wins, however Foote was responsible for eight of those victories. Foote faced shooters up to five years older than him and although his statistical categories suffered, he did gain valuable experience, which should help to mould him into a quality backup. Blessed with a quick glove and legs, he plays more a hybrid style. His biggest strength is his quickness, agility and skating ability. He can move exceptionally well going post-to-post. He has already seen several starts in preseason play and should be given many opportunities to play in order to rest Killeen before the playoffs.

Barrie Colts

Full credit should go to GM Carrigan for making his team younger and more competitive thru trades last season. The Colts will be led by superstar goalie Michael Hutchinson (Bos 80th 2008) but have a slew of younger players that are eager to make their mark. Looking to improve on his 30-plus-goal season will be Alex Hutchings, a strong candidate to be drafted this season. Other rookies such as Colten Kennedy, and Kyle Clifford will also look to establish themselves and even though he had a disappointing rookie campaign, expect Barrie's first round selection of last season Mitch Lebar to challenge for a spot in NHL scouts' notebooks.

Alex Hutchings (2009), C, Barrie

After finding himself in and out of the lineup in his rookie season, Hutchings certainly benefited from graduations and trades made at the deadline this season. He exploded for 29 goals and 54 points to lead the Colts in scoring. His point total of 54 was the lowest amongst team leaders, however it marked a dramatic 28-goal and 49-point improvement from his rookie season. When the team decided to trade Nikiforov it did little to stunt his offensive production, as the added responsibility did not faze Hutchings. He was a model of consistency, as only Hutchings and Della Rovere played in all 68 games. He did not go a stretch of longer than three games without recording a point and finished the season with the best plus/minus totals (+7) on the team. He started the season in a secondary scoring role but by the midway point of the season he quickly established himself as a PP threat and played with the likes of Marcinko - the Colts best all-around player. Hutchings has put on some weight and size since his draft year but is still slight by pro and even OHL standards. He relies primarily on his speed to generate many of his opportunities and his shot. His assists generally come as a result of a rebound a goalie cannot contain. Hutchings should slide into a number one scoring role and given the balanced attack of the Colts he may be able to draw some favorable checking assignments and improve on his totals from last season.

Scouting News

Shifty and agile skater with a tremendous first step and rapid acceleration .. fearless approach to the game, as he willingly sacrifices and hurls his body at any object .. lacks hockey sense and tends to react more than he incites .. satisfactory wristshot equipped with a strong release and accuracy .. marks his man with authority on the backcheck but does not have a complete grasp of positioning, rather he stays with his man and does not allow him to move .. hockey sense is lacking and he appears to go through the motions rather than process the game .. nifty shot in close and penchant for driving to the net and going to the danger areas bodes well for his success .. needs to slow down, as he tends to rush plays, which as a result fail to materialize into quality scoring chances.

Kyle Clifford (2009), LW, Barrie

Let's forget that Clifford only scored one goal last season, besides Hutchings was in the same boat and exploded for 29 in his second season. To suggest the same for Clifford would be daft but he will become a very integral cog in Barrie's checking game. Clifford will undoubtedly be a fixture on the PK this season, as he is already being groomed for the position. Clifford has never been a scorer even at the minor level but he is the ultimate shutdown player. His skating, grittiness and on ice awareness are all strong suits and will be put to the test this season when he is called upon to defend in odd man situations. Clifford is also built like a tank, at 6-foot-1 he tips the scales at just over 200 pounds and is impossible to knock off his skates. He dishes out checks and engages in all areas of the ice and has already developed a reputation in the league, as opponents already realize how strong he is and stay clear of him.

Colt Kennedy (2009), C, Barrie

Kennedy was acquired at the trade deadline from Sarnia. The former first round selection was buried in Sarnia, as he barely saw any icetime. He then sustained a broken thumb, which cost him the better parts of 17 games this season. While he was injured he found himself being traded. Many factors played into his sub-par season including the injury, the trade and his general lack of confidence from playing very little in Sarnia. There is little doubt why the Colts were so high on Kennedy - his ability to flat out score. He is an extremely athletic and offensively fuelled player who has unrivalled offensive characteristics. Kennedy literally dances on the ice, as he is swift and calculated in his movements. If there is a knock on him it is that he is too passive and does not always follow plays through. His talent level is high but as witnessed with the likes of John Hughes and Luke Pither that will only get you so far in NHL draft circles.

Sudbury Wolves

The two impact players of the 1991 draft for the Wolves are both defenseman - Daniel Maggio and Peter Hermenegildo. The two immediately stepped into the lineup and even though they played on a team that surrendered the third most goals in the OHL last season (290), the experience of playing against older competition improved their games immensely. They play a different style of game and both bring an individual element to the Wolves backend.

Peter Hermenegildo (2009), D, Sudbury

Hermenegildo showed steady progress all season flashing signs of him becoming an offensive catalyst and controlling the point on the PP. He led his team in points on the backend with 24 and no other rookie did that other than Ryan Ellis. He has tremendous puck-carrying ability and the confidence he exudes simply cannot be taught. Hermenegildo has a rocket at the point and he worked hard this season to position himself accordingly to use it. His footwork struggles so he has to make adjustments early on the line, otherwise he becomes susceptible to costly turnovers. Played a limited role in the Under 17 Team Ontario gold medal win and even though he did not see an rash of playing time, he did manage to chip in with three assists good for second in defenseman scoring behind yet again only Ryan Ellis. The stage is set for him to take on more of an offensive workload, as he passed the test last year. With an improving cast up front, including first overall selection John McFarland, he should be able to jump into the attack more with sustained pressure generated by the forward unit.

Scouting News

An incredibly gifted puckhandler with slick moves and confidence .. physical and well built (5-11, 200 pounds), he is very difficult to pry off the puck .. uses his size, especially his big rump to his advantage in tight spaces to box players out of position .. good acceleration and healthy stride but lack of startup speed cripples his game .. can play in either situation .. booming point shot needs work to get it off faster .. makes good decisions with the puck but is still raw .. has decent mobility to track down guys and is very determined in his one-on-one coverage - not falling for flashy moves or shifty players .. is able to step up on guys and administer properly timed bodychecks.

Additonal notes from McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson:

Similar to Maggio in his two-way play and willingness to initiate contact .. though he only stands 5-10, Hermenegildo packs a punch with his 195-pound frame .. quality distributor of the puck, as he can make accurate passes out of his own end, as well as in the attacking zone .. his ability to dish out the rubber makes him an effective set-up guy on the man advantage .. solid skater who can rush the ice and man the point of attack .. more of an offensive defenseman than a stay-at-home type.

Daniel Maggio (2009), D, Sudbury

Maggio like his counterpart Hermenegildo, played admirably for the entire stretch of the season. Even when the Wolves had sunk to the bottom of the standings, Maggio still put in consistent efforts that did not go unnoticed by coach Foligno. A hulking defender (6-2, 205), Maggio put some weight on in the off-season and appears poised to be a bruising, no-nonsense physical rearguard who takes care of his own end first. He posted modest point totals with five goals and 20 points only missing a handful of games to compete in the Under 17's. Was in the top four rotation for Team Ontario's gold medal win. Not a player you notice immediately due to the style of game he plays, however his size and brute strength will be his calling cards. He is still quite raw in the way he approaches the game and his puckhandling skills need definite upgrades. He does however, marry both the defensive and offensive side of the game rather well and should be a key ingredient in Sudbury's rebuilding program and certainly a top-two defender this year for his club.

Additonal notes from McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson:

Reliable two-way defenseman who likes to play a physical brand of hockey given his generous frame .. a staple on the penalty kill, as he not only makes quick and intelligent decisions, but he is also willing to sacrifice his body in an effort to defend the crease .. effective at knocking opponents off the puck, particularly along the boards .. despite the fact that he does not own the best set of wheels, Maggio is just as productive in the offensive end .. his rapid and precise shot from the point allows him to get quality blasts on net and create rebound opportunities for teammates in the process .. as a result, he is utilized regularly on the power play .. needs to improve his skating, which is normal for most players his size.

Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs lost many players to graduation including 100-plus-point scorer Luca Caputi and pugilistic but highly offensive Stefan Legein. Those two players are irreplaceable and the IceDogs will struggle to score goals this season. The team is not overly blessed with size, however many IceDog players tend to play bigger than their stats suggest. Leading the charge on the NHL draft front will be Andrew Agozzino. Players such as Chris Desousa and Jay Gilbert might also get secondary looks.

Andrew Agozzino (2009), LW, Niagara

There will be little to no competition for Agozzino to capture the first line scoring duties on the left side. The lack of forward depth in general will work in Agozzino's favor this season and he will be given every opportunity to shine, as he is praised by coach Cicchillo. The most all-around skilled player on the roster this season, Agozzino succumbed to some injury woes last year, which cost him the better parts of 12 games. He notched reasonable totals considering he saw the majority of his ice on the third line and limited to no PP time with the likes of Legein, Caputi, Foreman and Swift running the show. His performance at the Under 17 opened up many eyes to his versatile play. He was relied upon to be both a shutdown man and an offensive contributor. He played in every situation and was a big part of the overall success of Team Ontario. He rivaled for a spot on the Ivan Hlinka Under 18 roster having an impressive camp but was a last minute cut. Agozzino needs to be challenged. He has always played ahead of his age group and thrives in the role of being the number one guy. This season should be the ultimate test for him. He must learn to put fourth consistent and concentrated efforts on a nightly basis, which should help eliminate size concerns NHL scouts might have.

Scouting News

A deceptively fast skater, with short bursts of acceleration and shiftiness .. quick hands and an even quicker release .. can make others better with his passes and vision in traffic .. he has a great wristshot and works hard to get into positions to score .. sturdy and well balanced on his skates, he can absorb hits .. solid offensive instincts and awareness .. reads plays well and is always involved when he wants to be .. needs to work on consistency to make up for his shortcomings in the size department.

Chris DeSousa (2009), C, Niagara

DeSousa, a late birth broke out in his second OHL season last year exploding for 23 goals and 36 points but what was even more impressive was his plus/minus and PIM totals. He finished the season with a plus-25 rating and recorded over 100 PIM displaying the type of hardnosed yet defensive conscious game he is capable of. DeSousa has a good offensive skill set to draw from, he is hard on his skates and is not afraid to attack all areas of the ice. Due to his low centre of gravity, he is most successful down low where he can apply himself physically and knock players down with his powerful tree trunk legs. He skates hard and really digs into the ice. He establishes healthy levels of acceleration and has breakaway speed. Traditionally known more for his shooting skills, he tends to suffer from tunnel vision and will always shoot first and look later. He drives hard to the net from all angles and his work ethic gets him noticed on the ice and inevitably on the scoresheet. DeSousa will more than likely start the season with a letter and has the right character and mental makeup to be the captain before his tenure with the IceDogs is complete.

Jay Gilbert (2009), D, Niagara

Gilbert split time last season with both the IceDogs (played 13 games) but played the bulk of his season with the St.Thomas Stars of the Western Jr. B loop. Gilbert started the season with the IceDogs but was sent down due to the depth at the defensive position. He registered three goals and eight points for the Stars but his contributions are not measured by points. He was integral in many situations down the stretch including their opening round playoff series. Playing against older competition allowed him to improve on his already sharp defensive skills. Considered more of a defensive defenseman, Gilbert is capable of making a good first pass. More importantly he uses his size (6-2, 180), to his advantage in terms of cutting down shooting lanes and blocking passing lanes. Gilbert will be put into a good situation to succeed this season with the likes of Drew Schiestel, Josh Day, Reggie Traccitto and more than likely Alex Pietrangelo to learn from.

St. Mikes Mississauga Majors

The Majors will be one of the most sought after teams to be watched by NHL scouts due to their rash of high draft eligible talent. Gone are the days when the Majors would squander their first round picks largely because they could not recruit players to their organization. The return of coach and GM Dave Cameron has restored order on the draft table and the Majors are once again a threat in the Central division.

Casey Cizikas (2009), C, Mississauga

Cizikas is a winner! On every team he has played on he has tasted success and it is only a matter of time before he puts his stamp on the Majors. An incredibly gifted forward with keen offensive prowess and an uncompromising work ethic sum up the play of Cizikas. He will more than likely wear a letter this season and after his productive rookie season of 18 goals and 41 points, his scoring exploits alone are worthy of the responsibility. Cizikas took a few weeks off during Christmas to win a gold medal at the Under 17's, a tournament in which he was a dominant player and also named assistant captain. Cizikas was the only player to bother to show up for the playoffs (4 game sweep against Niagara), as he was relentless on the puckcarrier and did everything a 16-year old could to rev up his teammates. The level of commitment and heart he displays on a regular shift rivals that of a five-year veteran playing his last game of junior. Cizikas is solidly built at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds. He is not physically intimidating nor does he try to play that way but he is aggressive in the danger areas of the ice and rarely loses many one-on-one battles, especially if he is driving to the net. The strength he exhibits far exceeds any player with a 1991 birth date and his NHL combine results should be very intriguing.

Scouting News

Not a blinding skater, he is equipped with agility, strength and superior balance .. able to fend guys off with one arm and push forward .. finds the open ice and positions himself to score .. deadly accurate release .. tireless worker, committed to plays and fearlessly sacrifices his body to win at any cost .. not afraid of getting hit or his nose dirty .. character player who already at the tender age of 16 has earned his teammates respect and that of the league .. solid defensively, as his work ethic and overall on ice awareness puts him in the right position .. next to impossible to knock him off the puck down low .. boasts many intangibles like courage, heart and a winning attitude that round him into a blue chip prospect.

Jordan Mayer (2009), C, Mississauga

After refusing to report to Sault Ste. Marie, the team that drafted him 13th overall in the 2007 draft, Mayer was subsequently traded to the Majors in exchange for the services of Matt Caria. Mayer was the leading scorer of the OPJHL, (Kingston Voyageurs) at the time of his trade but had a hard time getting acclimatized to the OHL. He scored 17 points in 32 games but seemed overwhelmed at the size and toughness of the league. Offensively, Mayer is one of the most skilled in his age group, however he does not always want to compete and appears afraid at times on the ice, often surrendering the puck and or position for fear of getting hit. He skates well and has multiple levels of quickness but lacks the requisite leg strength to power his way by defenders. His wristshot is a dangerous weapon and he employs it often. Mayer joined the Majors after Christmas and appeared to be small even on a team that is not blessed with an abundance of size. This lack of size crippled his overall game because he was too timid to be a difference maker. With some added strength and weight hopefully Mayer can play through the physicality dished his way because if he cannot find a way to overcome it, his NHL draft stock will plummet.

Brett Flemming (2009), D, Mississauga

Fleming grew a few inches and looks poised to make a mark for himself this season. A reliable player with an abundance of skill, Fleming is your typical well-rounded defenseman that can do everything for a team, including killing penalties and QB the PP. With the likes of Guance and Billingsley it is unlikely that he will see top PP time right away but he has the potential to usurp others on the depth chart and dictate his playing time with a strong performance to start the season. Fleming is an effortless skater, he can blow by the opposition and handles the puck meticulously both in his own zone and the offensive zone. He is a methodical player and makes a healthy first pass and rarely if ever is pressured off the puck. Fleming struggled in the early stages of his OHL career and had to be sent down to the Burlington Eagles (OPJHL) for a reconditioning stint. He had a difficult time coping with coach Cameron's assertive style but appears to have put that behind him. Given the exposure that the Majors will receive this season from NHL scouts, it is not inconceivable for him to shoot up the draft ladder should he perform like he is capable of.

Corey Bureau (2009), RW, Mississauga

Bureau and Mayer were linemates in their OHL draft year as member of the Kingston Predators minor hockey program. Bureau had a cup of coffee with the Majors last season but should be more of a factor this year. He played three games but did manage to score a point in his first OHL game. Bureau spent the majority of the season with the Wellington Dukes of the OPJHL, a team known for developing top tier talent. Bureau did not look out of place, as he scored 43 points in 49 games for the Dukes and followed that up with an impressive 8 points in 13 playoff games. Bureau will bring a myriad of offensive ability to the table. He is not a burner but can skate. His best weapon is his shot. He is also versatile and can adapt to most game situations and linemates. Bureau received several NCAA Division I offers due to his play with the Dukes but eventually chose the Majors and the OHL as a place to develop.

William Wallen (2009), LW, Mississauga

It is very unusual for Swedish hockey players to report to an OHL team considering the level of competition and the development leagues they have back home. It is even rarer to see a player of Wallen's ilk commit to the Majors program. Wallen has been mentioned and spoken about very highly as a junior coming up in the Swedish hockey system. The move should be a good one for both parties. Wallen brings a competitive fire in him and despite his lack of size (5-8, 175) he plays with heart and tenacity not to mention he is ultra-skilled. He has been an accomplished scorer at every level. Wallen is like a pinball, constantly bouncing off players to get into prime scoring areas. He has a quick stick and can finish in close. His shot and skating suffer from a lack of strength at this point. He will complement the Majors organization, as he will compete and is the prototypical player to thrive under coach Cameron's demanding system.