OHL Draft: East Division Review

In our second installment of the OHL Entry Draft review, McKeen's chief correspondent David Burstyn profiles many of the top picks by the teams in the East Division, which includes the Kingston Frontenacs, Peterborough Petes, Ottawa 67's, Oshawa Generals and the Memorial Cup bound Belleville Bulls.

Kingston Frontenacs

The Frontenacs drafted in the top four for the second time in four years. After surrendering a whopping 312 goals, their main priority coming into the draft was addressing the backend, which they successfully managed to do with their top two picks. They clearly did not emphasize size with their selections, as only three of their picks currently stand over 6'0 feet.

Erik Gudbranson (2010), D

The Frontenacs may have hit a home run with their first overall pick this season. Gudbranson (6-3, 185), has pro written all over him, as he has the size, skill and physical aggression to be a dominant player in this league. Gudbranson skates exceptionally well considering his size, as his hand/eye coordination is the envy of even a 5-foot-6 hockey player. What makes Gudbranson so effective is his ability to control the game. He can make healthy rushes up ice, as he handles the puck incredibly well. His first pass still lacks accuracy and needs to be more consistent. His reach is like an albatross, as he uses his stick effectively and plays well within his limits defensively. He can be caught moving the puck too deep into the offensive zone but is always quick to recover, as he pays as much attention to the offensive side of the game as he does the defensive side of things. Gudbranson is also a mean player. Cut from the same mould as an Ed Jovanovski, he likes to not only hit players but also punish them. Gudbranson will jump into the Frontenacs lineup immediately and could even QB the PP, as he is already the most skilled defenseman on the roster. Gudbranson is a franchise player capable of having the same impact Marc Staal had for the Sudbury Wolves in his final season of junior.

Tyler Mort (2010), D

Mort (6-1, 185), played on one of the best OMHA teams this season, the York Simcoe Express. He was their top offensive defenseman. His shot from the point is an absolute laser beam, although it was puzzling that he only scored 10 goals. He has the ability to be a very effective special team's player. His footwork is an immediate concern. He is mobile, but he just lacks the lateral agility to effectively navigate the line and buy time for himself. More of a set-up man at the point who will keep his shot low and hope for rebounds off his hard shot. Mort played with a high level of intensity. He willingly blocked shots, finished checks and was counted upon heavily in many last minute situations. The two aspects of Mort's game that will need to be upgraded are his decision-making and skating. These weaknesses should result in some goals-against this season but he appears to have the mental makeup to put mistakes aside. He will need to be mentally strong to withstand the rigors of the OHL, as he should see considerable action next season in a fifth spot.

Charles Sarault (2010), LW

Sarault (5-11, 160), is a very versatile forward able to play with any set of linemates. He played for the high octane Jr. Canadiens and had a productive season with 32 goals and 91 points. Sarault was just as susceptible to pass as he was to shoot and it was his unpredictable play that made him so effective. Sarualt had periods in which he did not compete hard enough for the puck but seemed to step up his game when challenged. A smooth and effortless skater, he often got to loose pucks first and fought valiantly for possession. He plays a very healthy cycle game, as he marries his coordination and hockey sense in terms of positioning himself in high-scoring areas. Sarault has an uncanny knack for settling down loose pucks along the boards. He does it with relative ease and actually skates faster with the puck on his blade. Sarault should be able to crack a young and improving Frontenacs roster.

Derek Froats (2010), LW

Froates (5-10, 165), is a player with some healthy attributes, however he failed to be consistent throughout the course of the season. Froates is an awkward skater but manages to get the most out of his stride. He is slightly knock-kneed but pumps his feet viciously and digs deep into the ice. Froates is a shooter first, look, and pass later offensively. His shot power is good, however his accuracy left little to be desired. At times during the season, Froates did not want to engage down low and had to be coaxed into playing an aggressive game. He lacks the upper body strength to win one-on-one battles. He is easily knocked off the puck, as he does not protect it overly well and can be pick-pocketed rather easily. Froates likes to take wide turns and expends too much energy when he can simply take the direct route. He is a raw talent and has an outside chance to make the team this season depending on how young the Frontenacs want to go. The more likely situation would see him play a year in the OPJHL and then rival for a roster spot in two seasons.

Luke Laidlaw (2010), C

Originally named captain to start the season for the Toronto Red Wings, Laidlaw (5-10, 165), had a hard time being disciplined and eventually walked out on his teammates. He came back and was stripped of the captaincy and shortly packed it in, as he did not even finish the season with the club. This was a surprise pick for the Frontenacs, as many OHL teams had balked at drafting Laidlaw, despite his obvious talent, citing character issues. He is a scrawny kid who desperately needs to add weight and strength to his game. He was often manhandled and pushed off the puck this season. He started to drift toward the midway part of the season and the same qualities that made him endearing - his commitment to defensive play - waned in the later stages of the season. Laidlaw only played when he wanted to and in the end, he choose not to play at all, a fate that the Frontenacs will surely find out and ask themselves why they burned a relatively high pick on him.

Peterborough Petes

The Petes had the most picks out of all teams in the first two rounds. With four picks in the top 40, the Petes were able to grab some much-needed forward help and selected possibly the best natural scorer in this year's OHL draft, Ryan Spooner.

Ryan Spooner (2010), C

Spooner was a highlight reel every time he played and/or touched the puck. Spooner has shades of Patrick Kane in him, as he is so incredibly strong for a player that is only 5-foot-9 and 155 pounds. His hands are velvety soft, as he can score in a multitude of ways. Spooner scored 52 goals in 53 games and was the main reason his team - the Ottawa Senators - advanced in the ODMHA finals and were represented at the OHL Cup. Spooner also played up at the Midget Nationals that were held in Ottawa too. Spooner is a dynamic player in terms of speed and flat-out offensive ability. He is a smart goal scorer and understands his angles on the ice. If Spooner is not in a position to score, he will acknowledge his surroundings and take a shot at the goalies pads in hopes that he can create a rebound for his streaking teammate who is driving to the net. Spooner did not exhibit much in terms of defensive play, however the puck was always on his blade when he was on the ice. Spooner made others better but he still had difficulty using his teammates. This is partially because of his awesome second gear and that his teammates could simply not keep up. Nonetheless, Spooner is a lethal player when he is driving out wide and forcing defensemen back. He has uncanny strength on his stick, as he can fend off a player and still muster a shot through traffic with one hand on his stick. Despite the fact that Spooner does not go into the corners, he does not play afraid. He should be well protected should anyone decide to take liberties with him. Spooner has all the qualities to be a leading goal scorer in the OHL.

Jeff Braithwaite (2010), D

Braithwaite (6-0, 175), labored through various injuries that saw his draft stock tumble. Playing in Peterborough's backyard, the Petes more than likely saw him more than any other OHL team. He missed the playoffs due to injury but was fortunate to be seen at the OMHA finals, as the Petes were the hosts. He appeared sluggish at the OHL Cup and his draft position was more than likely the result of his play in the first quarter of the season. Braithwaite is a complementary defenseman who combines both an offensive dimension to his game, as well as a conscious defensive game. Not overly big, he plays a physical game and always looks to punish forwards but never at the sacrifice of position. He became more selective after the Marlie tournament, as to when he was going to rush the puck up ice and picked his moments to jump in the play to act as a fourth forward. He does have the ability to control a game at the minor level, however in the OHL, he should more than likely pan out as a top-three defender who is reliable and consistent defensively.

David Quesnele (2010), LW

The thick forward is the brother of Michael Quesnele, defenseman for the Soo Greyhounds. The younger Quesnele is a goal scorer, as he scored 34 goals in 34 games in the GNML for the Sault Stars. Quesnele (5-9, 175), is a deceptively fast player with a lively first step. He pounces on loose pucks and can make quick plays thanks to his set of hands. He could play with more grit in the dirty areas of the ice, however his game is to set up in the slot and score goals. Quesnele should be able to complement the Petes with his play and find himself playing with the likes of Joey West.

Aaron Pearce (2010), LW

Pearce (5-10, 165), is a work boot with some offensive jam. He never gives up on a play and competes hard. Pearce's play tailed-off after the Marlie tournament, as he seemed to lose some of his luster. The concern with Pearce is that due to his diminutive size and the type of in-your-face game he plays, can he compete at the same level of intensity at the OHL level. The Petes got good value for their selection of Pearce especially as the last pick of the second round. Pearce is an undervalued playmaker. He displayed a strong hockey IQ and even though the points did not come with regularity, he played effectively on the Marlboros top line. He is instrumental in making a line click, as he does many little things that contribute to the overall success of the team. Where Pearce may struggle is his foot speed and lack of first step. He is an average skater but too often, he was beaten to loose pucks at the minor level, which raises some concerns in the OHL.

Jacob Bauchman (2010), RW

Considering Bauchman (5-9, 205), weighed as much as 235 at some points in the season, it is a testament to his dedication to want to become a hockey player, as he shed 30 pounds during the course of the year. It is not too often a team will get excited over a 13th round selection, however, Bauchman did score 54 goals. His play is eerily similar to Daniel Minor, (55th/2005, Barrie) in that he can score when the puck is on his blade but he cannot get the puck because of his weight and heavy boots. Should Bauchman decide to devout a summer on strength and conditioning, he could be a player that surprises everybody.

Ottawa 67's

The 67's have maintained their draft selection and have picked within the top-seven picks for three-straight years. The 67's have managed to squeak into the playoffs and still manage to draft a prolific player in the process to add to their improving program. The 67's were one of only a handful of teams that did not select a goalie in the 1992 draft class.

Tyler Toffoli (2010), RW

The stats do not lie or do they? Perhaps they tell you everything you need to know about Ottawa's top pick in the 2008 draft - a highly offensive player with little to no awareness to defensive detail in his own zone. His defensive shortcomings aside, there is one thing you can say about Toffoli and that is he is a clutch scorer who scored big goals in every important game the Jr. Canadiens played. He scored the game winner in the finals of the Marlie tournament and also registered four points in the OHL final game against the Toronto Marlboros. Statistically, Toffoli led all scores available for the OHL entry draft with 174 points in 83 games including 68 goals. Only McFarland scored more goals than Toffoli. Toffoli has good size (5-11, 175), and is a thick player but rarely does he assert himself. His penalties are the direct result of not wanting to put the full effort into getting back and are more of the lazy variety. Toffoli is a very tricky player and he can be invisible the entire game but have two goals on the score sheet at the conclusion of the game. He likes and wants the puck but too often, he tries to paint a Picasso with his picture-perfect passes that do not always get through. He tends to fold when games get physical but his flat-out ability to score cannot be overlooked. He has never faced adversity and it will be interesting to see his mental makeup and character under the watchful eye of coach Kilrea, who stresses a solid two-way game.

Derek Hartwick (2011), D

Not eligible until 2011, Hartwick (6-1, 165), was the third player chosen from the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, a team that dominated the Alliance with Hartwick being a big reason for it. Hartwick was the No. 1 defenseman on a team that only lost three games in the regular season and allowed just 58 goals-against in 32 games. Hartwick plays a very mature game with hard, accurate passes on the tape. His first pass out of the zone was effective all year in springing the highflying group of forwards up ice. He played a very calm game and was not easily muscled off the puck. He was always able to find his outlet pass or make a healthy play with the puck. Hartwick is an ok skater but disguises his lack of reverse movement well. He can be beaten if he does not move his feet fast enough because he lacks the lateral and reverse mobility to recover. It was not often exposed at the minor hockey level but it is something he will need to address to be successful at the next level.

Pieter Schinkelshoek (2010), C

Schinkelshoek (6-0, 175), played up with the London 91 team last season and actually looked better as an underage player than he did in his draft year. He played on an average team that only managed to score 85 goals. His 25 goals represented 30 percent of the team's offence, so when he was not scoring the team was not winning, as the 11 regular season ties can attest too. Schinkelshoek's best weapon is his shot. He has a great wristshot in the slot and is a natural finisher. He is also a strong body that once he gains a step on the opposition, he is very hard to contain. However, his troubles start with his poor startup and his inability to get to loose pucks first. He is a methodical player, as he can slow down the game when crossing the line, curling with the puck and buying time while looking for a pass. Schinkelshoek takes immature penalties and displays poor body language on the ice. He does not like to be pestered and had a hard time keeping his emotions in check all season. He may benefit from playing on the wing to utilize his shot, as he is not intelligent enough at the OHL level to play centre.

Ryan Hanes (2010), D

After going out west with their first three picks, the 67's returned home with their selection of Hanes, who played in their backyard for the Ottawa Senators minor hockey program. Hanes (6-0, 195), is a very no-nonsense defender who does not blind you with sheer ability, rather he keeps his game very simple and plays well within his limits. He boasts good puck skills and handles it with confidence. His role is more of a shutdown defender, who understands his position on the ice and manages his gap control. He is particularly adept at using his stick to pokecheck forwards coming over the line and has the mobility to recover should the forward pull the puck back. He was not often beaten to the outside this season, as his skating and smarts allowed him to be somewhat aggressive in the defensive zone. Hanes is a complementary player who should be able to fulfill a roster spot in the top 5 in two seasons.

Michael Hawkrigg (2010), LW

The consensus of most OHL scouts was that the overall draft was considered weak, however it is uncommon in every draft that you can select a 31-goal man with the 120th overall pick. Hawkrigg may only be 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, but he sure does not play like it. He provided excellent second-line scoring and benefited from teams placing their top checkers against the Marlboros top line, allowing him to maneuver easily into the offensive zone against players who were not as defensively conscious. Hawkrigg blends finishing ability to a playmaking style that many teams had a hard time reading what he would do, pass or shoot. Hawkrigg was shuffled from wing to centre all season. He may be a better winger, as his faceoff skills are average and he seemed to flourish with limited responsibilities, as his movement up and down the wing enabled him to be more effective. What makes Hawkrigg so effective is that he wants the puck. He was hampered by a shoulder injury to end the season but he still competed despite being in obvious pain. His skating is a slight drawback, as he is not fast, but employed in a good fourth-line-checking role, he could turn out to be a regular in the lineup in two short seasons.

Oshawa Generals

The Gennies made a series of trades and entered the draft with the fewest picks, 12 in total. With no second, fifth or sixth round selection, the Generals were forced to draft by position to plug the holes of their roster and did not have the luxury of always picking the best player. They did unearth some gems in the later rounds and those picks will need to emerge for this draft to be considered a success.

Kevin Bailie (2010), G

An argument can be made that Baille would not have been a first round selection, but with the Gennies relatively thin at the goaltending position and not having a second round selection, the choice was an easy one for them to make. There is little question that Baille was not in the upper echelon of goalies available this season. Baille, who was the captain of his hockey club posted great stats with three shutouts in 43 contests with a 1.81 GAA. Baille played in all of the important games this season for the Quinte Red Devils despite having a very capable backup in Real Cormier. He is a butterfly goalie who at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, covers a lot of the net even when he is down. He has an exceptional strong work ethic and prepares harder than any other goalie in the draft. He is constantly working on improving his game. He shows resounding mental composure and it is not flustered after surrendering a weak goal. Baille is very aware of where he kicks out his rebounds as well. He often kicked out the rebound to a player to create a partial breakout. His style is very simple and due to his positioning in the net, he does not expend much energy. He may sign with the Generals and be the backup as early as next season with Borden shouldering the load and Shea Cooper on his way out. His style is very reminiscent of a young Ryan Miller.

Tyler Bryden (2010), 5'11, 180

Bryden (5-11, 180), is the type of player that needs to be watched many times to appreciate what he does. Overshadowed by the likes of McKegg and Shipley, Bryden quietly posted a 32-goal season despite seeing limited PP time. A smart, industrious winger, Bryden makes the most of his skill set. He is a stealthy skater, who appears out of nowhere to capitalize on a loose puck. He is a very opportunistic player but also pays attention to the backend, as he is a responsible player. It is his hockey sense that allows him to always be actively involved in the play. Bryden is a solid role player who will need to develop at the Jr. B level if he is going to make the jump to the OHL next season.

Drew Berkel (2010), W/C

Berkel (5-8, 165), plays a game almost identical to another former 99er and current Oshawa General, Cory Nagy. They are workers, who compete and skate hard every shift. Berkel put up decent numbers with 20 goals and 29 assists, but it is very unlikely that he will be a scorer at the OHL level. He is an ideal PK player who will give you an honest effort every shift. His skating out of the blocks is his calling card, as he can fly up and down the ice. He did score some highlight-reel goals this season while breaking down on his off wing. For the most part, his feet move faster than his hands in most offensive situations. Berkel saved some of his best hockey in the opening round of the playoffs, as his team struggled against the Waterloo Wolves, but Berkel single handily won them that series by scoring many clutch goals. Berkel has scored high marks with his consistency, as scouts saw the same game from him on a regular basis. He has a good chance of suiting up for the Gennies as a quality role player in his NHL draft year and may be an ideal overage player for years to come.

Mackenzie McAvoy (2010)

McAvoy (5-11, 165), was the straw that stirred the drink offensively for the Niagara Falls Thunder. He scored a team leading 36 goals en route to a 68-point campaign. Despite his goal scoring totals, McAvoy thrives more as a playmaker. He has great patience with the puck and protects it extremely well when going into traffic. The problem was that McAvoy would stop short too often, as opposed to driving hard to the net. He scored goals from a distance but given the physical nature of the OHL, those goals might not be able to repeat with the ease that they were this season. He is an ok skater, as he surprises with his first step and shows healthy speed when handling the puck. McAvoy, whose brother (Drew) was drafted by the Majors and played the lesser parts of two seasons, will need to showcase more focus and limit his inconsistent habits, as he looked lost in some contests this season.

Alex Clements (2010), C

When you are the captain of a team that only won seven games all season it would be easy to quit, however it was quite the contrary for Clements. Clements (5-10, 155), was a model of consistency doing everything he could do inspire his teammates to be successful. Not blessed with an abundance of offensive skill nor the supporting cast to take advantage of any pass he could deliver, Clements played with heart and determination. He blocked shots, finished checks, always came back and led by example with his attention to detail in all three zones. Clements struggled with his skating, as his first step needs to be improved. He made strides to improve his skating but his balance and strength on his skates enable him to play a good down-low game. Clements has an uphill battle but has the right attitude to succeed.

Belleville Bulls

The Bulls traded many of their lower picks to make a run for the Memorial Cup, a feat they accomplished with their transactions. They acquired many middle-round selections and made the best out of their picks, selecting many local kids who had strong seasons.

Stephen Silas (2010), D

Silas (6-0, 175), scored 25 goals with the Halton Hurricanes and was a threat every time he touched the puck. Silas has game-breaking ability and can turn on and off the jets when he wants too. He can also take over a game as well, as his superior puck-rushing skills and ability to breakout of the zone uncontested were put on display many times this season. He did not always play with the type of urgency as he should have. Given his strong offensive game, he was capable of going end-to-end each time he touched the puck but seemed to lose his confidence in this regard toward the end of the season. He owns a very good shot but still needs to be more selfish in getting it off more and not looking to distribute. Defensively is where his game slides. He is confused with his assignments and needs to keep things simple to be effective defensively. He can lose his man early and then appear lost as what he is supposed to do. Given the Bulls track record of drafting defenseman with high offensive skill sets and coach Burnett being able to transform them into productive OHL players, Silas should have no problem filling a void on the backend.

Scott Howe (2010), RW

Howe (6-0, 170), did not participate in many tournaments in Canada. He played at the OHL Cup with an Atlanta select team that was coached by Uwe Krupp. Given the Bulls strong relationship with the Krupp's following their selection of their son (Bjorn) last year in the second round, there was little doubt that he came highly recommended by his coach. Howe performed admirably scoring over a point a game, as he recorded 25 points in 17 contests for t Team Maryland Under-16 program. Howe's best asset is his skating. He is very agile and quick. He can easily separate himself from the pack to get into positions to score. Given the team's lack of quality players, it is very conceivable for him to elevate his play with better players. Howe is also very diligent without the puck. Capable of playing both special teams, Howe showed little trepidation in skating to all areas of the ice, a trait that will make him very enduring with the Bulls coaching staff.

Brandon Stewart (2010), RW

Stewart (5-9, 170), is an up-and-down winger who is very effective when he has the puck. He has good speed but not rink-length speed and he may struggle if he ever plays a regular shift at the Yardmen arena, given the Olympic-sized ice sheet. He scored many goals this season using his wristshot. He is a skilled offensive player but too often, he loses sight of his options and fails to use his teammates wisely. He had the luxury of playing with either Shipley and Mckegg through the better parts of the season. Considering the icetime he was allotted with the second and third picks respectively in the OHL draft, he failed to build on his offensive totals in the same manner that some of the Jr. Canadiens' players did playing with similar talents. His 80 points were impressive but given his time on the PP, he should have been able to pad those stats more. Nonetheless, he brings a skill level to the table and will more than likely play for the St. Thomas Stars next season. Whether or not he wants to be a player is solely in his hands.

Tanner Garrick (2011), RW

The one thing about Garrick's game that stands out is his ability to control and settle down loose pucks down low and along the boards. He wins the majority of his battles down low, as he is exceptionally strong and well balanced on his skates. Garrick (5-10, 165), would be better served if he distributed the puck quicker, as he has a tendency to hold onto it too long. He appears to only have one level of quickness so when he holds onto the puck too long he does himself a great disservice, as he is easily stripped off the puck. He enjoys playing in the offensive zone but will need to adjust his defensive game. Garrick was hampered with various injuries, which subsequently resulted in him not being 100 percent in the playoffs. Garrick has tools but needs to define himself better as a player.

Dylan Goddard (2010), LW

Skill wise, Goddard is one of the best in the draft! He returned to his home centre after years of playing in the York Simcoe system and did not immediately gel with his new teammates. Goddard (5-11, 155), is a highly offensive player whose vision and ability to create is top tier. However, his complete lack of courage made him slip to being the last pick of the seventh round. He is a one-dimensional player who does not like to be hit and as a result, is easily intimidated. In the playoffs during a much-needed win, he still failed to exhibit the type of intensity you need to win games. Scouts recognized his skill set but were also quick to point out that if he does not compete at this level, how can he succeed in the OHL. The jury is still out on Goddard but he has to become stronger and braver.