OHL Player Profiles

McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, has profiles of several OHL prospects that were ranked by McKeen's for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In the final installment, Ryan Martindale, Tyler Toffoli, Ivan Telegin, Mark Visentin and Dalton Smith are featured.

Ryan Martindale C, Ottawa (selected 61st overall) Edmonton Oilers

Martindale is an interesting prospect who always leaves you wanting more. At 6'3 and 190 pounds, he still has some filling out to do but he has presence and one can't help but notice him every time he steps onto the ice. Whether it be hovering down low or trying to help out defensively, Martindale has done a good job in rounding his game even though his point production would suggest otherwise, as he was barely a point a game player. He showed a willingness to alter his game following criticism of his lack of physical play by finishing his checks with regularity and even engaging in a fighting major. He is more of a finesse player and a project at this point. His size, reach and keen offensive awareness are his calling cards to the NHL. He shows creativity playing up the middle and marks his man clearly when defending. His skating is not elite as his lack of a stride and quickness cripples his game. He does a good job of disguising his weakness by constantly pumping his feet. Martindale has loads of potential and it is easy to get seduced by his combination of size and skill.

Tyler Toffoli C, Ottawa (selected 47th overall) Los Angeles Kings

Toffoli struggled in the first month of the season when he was asked to play out of position from wing to centre. The experiment did not work well and head coach Chris Byrne quickly made the adjustment. Toffoli immediately responded and scored at a consistent pace the entire season. Toffoli improved all aspects of his game this season including both his offensive and defensive game. He thrived under the new coaching staff and increased ice time, especially on the power-play. Toffoli played his best hockey when partnered with Dalton Smith and Ryan Martindale as the trio formed excellent chemistry. He is an average skater and stick-handler and does not always assert himself. He can be brilliant for one game and invisible the next, however, when he is on he can put on an offensive display. Toffoli needs to get into a game early to establish himself as he can become complacent. His hands and shot are NHL elite already. He improved his decision-making and passing skills throughout the year, making him more versatile in the offensive zone. Toffoli finds a way to get things done and is subtle yet effective in his approach.

Ivan Telegin LW, Saginaw (selected 101st overall) Atlanta Thrashers

Telegin is yet another Russian to join the CHL ranks and enjoy a productive season as a member of the Saginaw Spirit. Telegin has been in the spotlight, having appeared in the U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament and the Canada-Russia Super Series. He works better when he is in a defined role, playing within a structured framework. Prior to joining Saginaw, he played a vital role with Team Russia in both the U17 and U18 tournaments playing on the top two lines. Telegin is blessed with exceptional reach and creativity for a big man. He really improved his stick-handling this season and was far more confident exploding up the ice with the puck. Telegin struggles with his twists and turns as he is not agile with his feet. He is more of a North-South skater who relies on his quick hands to manoeuvre around players. He plays a North American game as he understands how to operate a cycle, but he does not always push himself to the goal or sacrifice his body in traffic. Telegin's lack of commitment in the defensive zone is unsettling as he is far to lazy in his defensive duties. Durability is also a concern as he has sustained various injuries thus far in his junior career.

Mark Visentin G, Niagara (selected 27th overall) Phoenix Coyotes

Vistentin's strong play in the second half of the season was instrumental in getting the IceDogs in the playoffs and avoiding Barrie in the first round. Visentin entered camp with the starting duties locked up and responded very well to the pressure of being the go-to guy. He played the most games amongst NHL draft eligible goalies in the entire OHL with 55 and only five other starting goalies played more games than him. Playing in front of a porous defensive corps and a limited group of scoring forwards, Visentin did a great job of keeping his team in most contests. He is a hybrid goalie with solid mechanics and suitable rebound control. He has good size when he gets down low and does not panic in his crease. At times it appears as if he does not compete as he is nonchalant in his movements but such is not the case. He manages to exert very little energy in moving across his crease and always maintains square in the crease. Visentin struggles with the long shots and often surrenders point shots that are not even deflected. He will need to strengthen this aspect of his game.

Dalton Smith LW, Ottawa (selected 34th overall) Columbus Blue Jackets

Smith is your prototypical work boot who can work well with any set of line-mates. He saw a huge spike in his offensive totals increasing his goal total by 19 playing on one of the top two lines for the chunk of the season. Smith does all the little things well and is a force in front, a position he occupies on the power-play. He also has under stated passing skills and acute hockey sense. He lacks speed and quickness and his first step is rather ineffective. Smith excels down low, where he uses his size to shelter the puck and make plays. Smith plays with a physical edge and garners additional time and space as he is intimidates the opposition. He backs up his tough play by dropping the gloves something that he did 14 times in the regular season and another three times in the playoffs. Smith failed to make an impression in the post-season and appeared lost in many of the speed games against the Majors. The son of former NHLer Derrick Smith (Philadelphia) plays with determination and has shown remarkable improvement in a single season. This type of immediate progress bodes well for NHL teams.