OHL: Reviewing The NHL Draft Part II

NHL Draft Review Part II (posted 7.19.06)

by David Burstyn

McKeen's Hockey takes a look at ten prospects in our second instalment of potential impact players drafted from the OHL in this year's NHL entry.

Jamie McGinn (SJ), LW, 36th overall

McGinn has really matured as a valuable player since coming into the OHL as a third round pick. His play last season warranted him a roster spot on the Under 18 Team and he played admirably with the best players in his age group from around the world. He was the highest drafted LW this season in the OHL as his soft touch around the net and hockey sense made him a good fit for the Sharks organization. He found good chemistry with Logan Couture, a projected top 10 pick for 2007 and Matt Lahey as the trio formed the Ottawa 67's first line. McGinn provided the grit and brought the physical element to the line. His hard work along the boards and ability to stay in front of the net resulted in career totals as he more than doubled his offensive output from 22 points in his first season to 57 points in his draft year.

Cory Emmerton (Det), C/LW, 41st overall

Early in the season Emmerton was being mentioned as first round material but slipped to mid second the day of the draft. It may not have been so much his play that was in decline as much as his peers elevated their play. Emmerton started the season hot and carried that confidence into every game this year as he provided consistent efforts daily and finished eleventh in league scoring with 90 points. He showed great play making ability and coupled with his patience it resulted in many goals this season for the Frontenacs. He is a quick skater and it really helped him flourish in his five-on-five play as he made vast improvements in the +/- department improving from a -7 his first year into a +37 this season. Emmerton has improved at every level of competition thrown at him and a third season in the OHL should really help the Red Wings identify what type of player Emmerton may become within their organization.

Shawn Matthias (Det), C, 47th overall

No player did more to improve his draft stock as Matthias. He was one of the Bulls, if not the best Bull in the playoffs in their opening round loss to the Brampton Battalion. His three goals led the team and his spirited play made him a factor in every game. He carried that momentum to the Under 18 Team and once again impressed scouts with his smooth healthy skating stride and commitment to two-way play. Matthias will most likely return to the OHL next season and while it remains to be seen if he can be a goal scorer, his size, agility and hockey sense make him a legitimate candidate for the NHL.

Mike Weber (Buf), D, 57th overall

The Sabres checklist coming into the draft was clearly defence and they may have gotten a steal with their third selection of Weber. He is a strong skating, talented puck moving defenseman who really thrived this season in the OHL. While his offensive skills have yet to be polished he is a potential 3rd or 4th defender as his size and his no nonsense approach to defence makes him so attractive. Weber really shined in the playoffs as he was constantly matched up against the Plymouth Whalers best players and did a good job shutting them down. Weber certainly has all the qualities to become a successful professional.

Steve Mason (CBJ), G, 69th overall

The first goalie taken from the OHL was Steve Mason. Playing the back up role to OHL Goalie-of-the-Year, Adam Dennis he only dressed for 12 games but had a 1.83 GAA and registered five wins. He is a quick goalie with outstanding size as he covers a lot of net with his massive 6'3 frame. He saw minimal action in the playoffs dressing for four games but usually to replace Dennis who was having an off night. His coming out party should be this season as he will be the starting goalie for the Knights. The Blue Jackets should get a better feel for his mental game and how he reacts to the pressure of being the number one keeper.

Cal Clutterbuck (Min), RW, 72nd overall

The first of two Generals drafted this season Clutterbuck improved his draft status greatly since coming over in a trade with the St.Mike Majors last season. He took on an expanded role with the Generals and produced at just over a point a game this season. Clutterbuck found instant success with John Tavares as the duo terrorized goalies all year. Clutterbuck approaches every game with the same intensity and his work ethic has rubbed off on a young Generals team in which he is looked upon as a veteran. His skating, toughness and ability to finish could see him land a job in the AHL with an outside chance of auditioning to be a third or fourth line player in the NHL.

John deGray (Ana), D, 83rd overall

De Gray is a player that all NHL teams covet to win championships; a reliable stay-at-home defender who maintains his position and plays his man effectively. De Gray made virtually no strides in the offensive department as he did not manage to score a single goal this season and only has two in 121 OHL games. However, the Ducks are rich in offensive minded defenseman, which makes this a solid pick at the 83rd position. At 6'4, 205 pounds the hulking rear guard will earn his ticket into the NHL by improving on his skating especially his foot speed and shutting down the opposition.

John Armstrong (Cgy), C, 87th overall

It was widely considered a bad season for Armstrong and his draft status certainly suffered as a result. After finishing last season on the Under 18 Team that won World Junior Cup gold, many things were expected of Armstrong coming into his draft year however he failed to deliver. He struggled horribly in the first half of the season as he had only two goals at the 25 game mark. Fortunately, for him he salvaged a poor season with a decent performance in the playoffs and even though the Whalers failed to make it past the second round, he did notch 11 points in 13 contests. His defensive game needs work and he needs to show more consistency. The Flames organization hopes he can find his game again and put last season's woes behind him. This year will be the ultimate test for Armstrong to redeem himself and show the Flames what he has got.

Aaron Snow (Dal), LW, 90th overall

Snow showed from the onset this season that he was fully prepared to work hard every night to realize his dream of being drafted by an NHL team. His skating skills are top notch. The quick-footed left-winger is smooth and cuts the ice better then most players in the OHL. He benefited greatly playing with Wolski and Aquino and managed to score 30 goals, which impressed the Stars organization greatly. He has all the tools to become a successful pro player and his versatility to play on any line and succeed will not be overlooked by the Stars when they are ready to accommodate him with a roster spot.

NHL Draft Review (posted 7.16.06)

by David Burstyn

The OHL once again had a strong showing in this year's NHL entry draft with 29 players selected from the league, including six in the first round. Nine NHL teams choose multiple players from the league including the Detroit Red Wings who used both their second round picks on Cory Emmerton (41st) and Shawn Matthias (47th) respectively. It also marked the second time in as many years that the second overall pick came from the OHL with Jordan Staal following in Bobby Ryan foot steps off last year. Mckeen's takes a look at the NHL draft and analyzes 25 prospects that were selected from the OHL.

Jordan Staal (Pit) – Centre, 2nd overall

The new Pittsburgh Penguins management group led by Ray Shero wasted no time in selecting Jordan Staal with the second overall pick. The Penguins balked at an opportunity in 2003 to draft Eric, the eldest of the Staal family whose achievements have since become well documented and did not want to make the same mistake twice. He may not put up the offensive totals as his older brother Eric however the selection gives the Penguins a strong centre to build around. His potential is unlimited as he possesses size, skill and deceptive speed. He showed remarkable consistency in the playoffs and although he did not have the best Memorial Cup, registering a lone assist in the tournament it clearly did not hurt his draft stock. It is most likely that Staal will return to junior and continue to fine tune his game as the Penguins are in no need to rush him. His dominance next year could lead to a spot on the World Junior Team, a feat Eric never managed to accomplish.

Bryan Little (Atl) – C, 12th overall

Little took advantage of his late birth date to make a healthy impression on NHL scouts in his third OHL season. Little showed improvement each season statistically and exploded in his draft year by finishing 7th overall in league scoring with 109 points and even managed to register 99 PIM showing his aggressive side as well. Little needed to prove he could succeed in the playoffs after a disappointing 2005 campaign in which he sustained a concussion that limited him to three games. He showed NHL scouts that when games got tighter and more physical his size would not be a detriment as he returned to the post season in 2006 leading the Colts to the Eastern Final and the Colts in scoring with 23 points in 14 games thus improving his draft stock considerably. His solid play away from the puck coupled with his shot and quick feet make him a strong candidate to succeed in the NHL and land a roster spot in the Thrashers organization within a few short seasons.

Chris Stewart (Col) – RW, 17th overall

The new NHL should be able to help a player like Stewart thrive as he has size, competitiveness and skill set to make him an intriguing prospect. Stewart will need to show a little more dedication to strength and conditioning in order to make him a legitimate prospect. He has good bloodlines, as his brother Anthony is a former 1st rounder. Stewart started hockey late but has shown vast improvement in a short period of time however he will need time to develop. His point improvement from 30 to 87 in only his second OHL season is a healthy sign. Stewart had a disappointing playoff and will look to redeem himself next year with a strong Kingston team that looks to have their core group of players returning.

Bob Sanguinetti (NYR) – D, 21st overall

It may have been a bit of surprise that he was still available at the 21st spot. His offensive upside is as good as any defender in the draft however it was his lack of toughness and defensive acumen that may have prohibited him from going higher in the draft. He thrived in the playoffs as he had missed the post season the year before with an injury. He was relied upon heavily on the PP where his puck handling skills and decision making with additional space complimented his game. Saguinetti was not even considered for the US World Junior Team but may get an invitation this season as a return to junior seems inevitable.

Nick Foligno (Ott) – LW, C, 28th overall

The apple may not have fallen too far from the tree as Nick plays a similar style to his father and coach Mike Foligno, a sixteen year NHL veteran. The younger Foligno plays with a chip on his shoulder, is not afraid of working down low to create chances and willingly takes a hit to make a play. He is not considered a goal scorer but more of an energy type player however more was expected of him as he struggled mightily in the playoffs notching a mere one goal in ten contests. Foligino should continue to make strides in his game next season as the go-to-guy for the Sudbury Wolves. He did not make a healthy impression with USA Hockey and like many Americans playing in the OHL will have a difficult time playing at the international level such as the World Junior Tournament.

Matthew Corrente (NJ) – D, 30th overall

Originally considered a 2nd round pick the Devils wasted no time in plucking the tough, offensively talented, hard shooting blue liner. It is hard to question the track record of Head Scout David Conte as he has made many successful picks and Corrente should be no exception. He developed very quickly and in only his second season he is considered to be in the upper echelon of defenders in the OHL. His improved play lead the Saginaw Spirit to their first ever playoff appearance and even though they were eliminated in the opening round he played in many key situations that helped him mature as a player. Corrente should return for another season of junior and should be a dominate player on an ever improving team thus helping his confidence and overall game.