OHL [Jun-06]: NHL Draft List and Profiles

NHL Draft List and Profiles: (posted 6.13.06)

by David Burstyn

1. Jordan Staal - Having a great playoff and its scary to think just how big he can get. He is better than Eric was at this age and could really make any team that passes him up regret it.

2. Bryan Little - Led his team to the Eastern Conference final and proved that he could produce in the playoffs. A great two-way player who would need little seasoning to make the jump to the next level. Especially with the emphasis on skills as opposed to size in the new NHL.

3. Chris Stewart - Showed a willingness to compete and want to win. Scouts believe he is better than his brother a former 1st round selection. His size and sheer skill make him a good fit on the wing to any rebuilding organization.

4. Bob Sanguinetti - While his strength may not be in protecting his own zone, one cannot deny his uncanny skating abilities and offensive prowess. He may be better suited as a forward as McKeen's Hockey has suggested.

5. Cory Emmerton - Could be the dark horse of the draft as you may get a reliable two-way player who could provide you with years of NHL service or a player who may never develop into anything better than an OHL player.

6. Ben Shutron - Oozes with offensive skill and his puck distribution skills are one of the best in the league. Improved considerably in his second OHL season in all areas of his game and was named an assistant captain.

7. Cal Clutterbuck - Heart and soul of Oshawa Generals team. He played with intensity and was able to finish as he posted his best offensive numbers this season. He will be a big part to Oshawa's rebuilding program and look for his numbers and overall game to only get better in the OHL and beyond.

8. Mike Weber - Mature defender who had a good playoff before being eliminated in the opening round in a grueling 7 game series with Plymouth. Plays with poise and patience and has the size and skating strength to be a factor at higher levels of competition.

9. Matthew Corrente - Had he been a few inches taller he would be in the top 3 as his aggressiveness, decision making and skating are his best traits. His coming out party was a large reason the Spirit made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

10. Bobby Hughes - A complete package, he has good speed and hockey sense and his contribution on his team will not go unnoticed by NHL clubs.

11. Theo Peckham - The meanest player available for this year's draft. He will fight and play aggressive, an intimidating force. He struggles at time with his foot speed but conditioning may solve that problem.

12. Shawn Matthias - Really elevated his game in the playoffs and the Under 18's. Always making a play with the puck and is very smart and a gifted skater. Worked hard to get up in the rankings and could provide an NHL team with a quality checking line player.

13. Nick Foligno - Certainly has the skills but desire is another question. A horrible playoff with only 1 goal in 10 games will hurt his stock considerably.

14. Oskar Osala - The big Finn teased scouts at the end of the year and showed a glimpse as to what he is capable off. McKeen's likes his skating and overall puck skills; he could be a real sleeper.

15. Matt Beleskey - Made vast improvements to his game from last season. Made the Under 18 team and showed that his skating did not hold him completely back on the larger ice surface. He has plenty of heart and a scoring touch that will make him an attractive player to most NHL teams.

16. Jamie McGinn - Has a knack for being at the right place at the right time, as he really likes to go hard to the net to score. His overall game is average however he does have a good understanding of the game and he can play with players of equal or greater skill than him and not look out of place.

17. Kevin Armstrong - Yes, we know he had a bad season, but he did turn it up a bit in the playoffs. He is too big and smooth to over look and NHL teams will realize that players like him take longer to develop. Perhaps a team with more picks will gamble on him as he does show good promise.

18. John Hughes - Size has always been a concern but this guy can play. He makes sensational passes and let us not forget that he had double the amount of points on his team than the next guy. He will need to attack the net more and add some strength but his skill set is top notch.

19. Aaron Snow - A complete player, who does everything well including skating. He managed to play with Wolski and Aquino one of the hottest lines in the OHL and complimented the line with his intelligence and strong skill set.

20. John DeGray - Think defensive defenseman. Now say it three more times so you know it.

21. Ryan Daniels - Did not play as many games as he would have liked to, as he was still the back up to over aged goalie Thuot. He did play in the last game of the year for the Spirit before they were swept by the Guelph Storm in the opening round of the playoffs. He should return next season hungry and eager to advance his talented team deep into the playoffs.

22. Ryan McDonough - Another player who dazzles with speed but at times lacks the intensity from shift to shift. He has a great shot and strong offensive skills but he will need to get stronger.

23. Michael Caruso - A player who is better when he keeps his game simple. He elevated his game in the playoffs but was still prone to some gaffes and lapses in judgment. He is a smooth skating defender with limited offensive capabilities.

24. Matt Caria - No player emerged as much in the second part of the season and was more valuable to the Majors than Caria. His strong play in the playoffs was a reflection of his ability to raise his game even further, a trait that is most endearing to scouts.

25. Luke Lynes - He started off super hot but than fizzled as soon as Wolski came back and pulled a David Copperfield disappearance act in the playoffs, as he looked very ineffective. His skating and toughness are big questions marks, which may require McKeen's to put the word big in capital letters.