OHL Priority Selection: Plymouth Whalers

The Plymouth Whalers addressed their backend needs with the pick of Max Iafrate, the son of former NHLer Al Iafrate. Thomas Wilson and Ryan Hartman add size and skill up front and have a strong chance of making the roster next year given the graduations the Whalers will endure. Mckeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles the Whalers first three selections.

Max Iafrate (2012), D, Plymouth[/db]

Max is a chip off the old block and plays an almost identical game to his father Al, who enjoyed 12 productive seasons in the NHL. Iafrate is a high risk, high-reward defenseman who can explode up the ice with the puck. He has great puckhandling skills and is dynamic on the PP. Much like his father, he has a blistering pointshot and wastes little energy to get it off. His skating is very fluid and is powerful in all directions. Iafrate's biggest issues arise when he is not handling the puck and is forced to defend. He often finds himself on the wrong side of the puckcarrier and his hockey sense comes into question on a routine basis. He will need to work on the finer nuances of the game and understanding where to position himself. Nonetheless, he has a great skill set and could be a very dangerous offensive weapon in a few short seasons, comparable to a young P.K. Subban.

Thomas Wilson (2012), RW, Plymouth

Only two years removed from double A hockey, no player has marked as much of an improvement as Wilson has since Major Bantam. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he has the size to play in the league and uses it advantageously to win board battles and compete down low. He scored over 40 goals and logged over 125 PIM showcasing both his brute strength and ability to score. In close, Wilson is very effective, as he has good hands to finish. He can take a beating and come back for more. Wilson was an extremely effective player for the Jr. Canadiens run in the GTHL playoffs but sadly ran out of steam at the OHL Cup. Wilson struggles with his skating and he will need to improve on his overall quickness by lengthening his stride. Wilson still has a lot to learn about the game, but his upward development curve is very encouraging.

Ryan Hartman (2013), C/W, Plymouth

One of the smarter players in the draft, Hartman can play any forward position but thrives more as a centre. His hockey IQ and ability to make others better coupled with his attention to defensive detail will be his calling cards to the OHL. Hartman is an exceptional passer and has offensive finish but considering his undersized frame (5'11, 170), he may develop into an ideal second line, shutdown centre, matching up against the opposition's best lines. Hartman is a presence in all three zones and is always moving his feet to stay in plays. Able to transition from offence to defence is also a strength to his game. A late birth date should give Hartman plenty of time to develop into a legitimate NHL prospect.