OHL: Tavares Time

Once projected as the consensus top prospect for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Oshawa Generals center John Tavares is in jeopardy of losing that distinction. McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn provides extensive scouting notes on Tavares, along with teammate Calvin deHann who is also making some noise for the 2009 draft.

John Tavares (2009), C, Oshawa

Four years into the league and numerous accolades later, Tavares is finally draft eligible .. has suffered from not having the type of quality linemates he has been accustomed too in the past, nonetheless he is putting up healthy offensive totals, as he is in the top three in scoring through the 20-game mark .. has cleaned up his skating and lengthened his stride .. his stride has more power behind it and he is able to converge on loose pucks faster this season .. he has done an admirable job of becoming more defensive-minded, which has become a must, otherwise his team simply will not win .. picking up his man from the neutral zone and staying with him, he has become a difference maker away from the puck but still suffers from bouts of defensive inconsistency .. however considering how aloof he was away from the puck just two short seasons ago, he has made remarkable progress in that aspect of his game .. offensively fuelled, his shot arsenal including his wristshot is unrivalled in the league .. goalies do not even have time to react, as the puck is on and off his stick in an instant .. he can score goals below the dot or just coming over the blueline, as he has that much confidence in his shot .. he is also very adept at out waiting a goalie by not releasing his shot immediately .. his game is so widely respected by the opposition that he often has that extra second to make a play and in most cases puts either himself or his teammate(s) into better scoring opportunities .. was double-shifted and shuffled with two different sets of linemates, however he appeared frustrated with them especially on the PP when they could not find him with the open pass .. Tavares is in jeopardy of losing his coveted first overall selection, a distinction that has been his since he broke Wayne Gretzky's OHL record for most goals by a 16-year old .. since then Tavares has sharpened other facets of his game and has sacrificed offence for better team play, however the result has been less favourable, as he is no longer the consensus No. 1 .. Tavares has denied trade rumours but one can't help but think a change of scenery would do wonders to his outlook this season and pad his offensive stats .. should be a valuable cog in Canada's quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal at the WJC.

Calvin deHaan (2009), D, Oshawa

No other player has benefitted more from the added responsibility thrust upon deHann, as he has not only embraced it but is the current leading rookie scorer .. had a productive season last year in Kemptville (CJHL) scoring close to a point a game (58-3-39-42) as a 16-year old .. he has grown three inches since his draft year and has gained approximately 20 pounds but still needs to add more functional strength and develop a mean streak .. does not exhibit a physical dimension to his game and it cripples him .. very methodical in his approach to the offensive side of the game .. he does not rush plays but can orchestrate them from the backend with a precise pass or an unexpected launch into the zone .. he is a sleek defender whose unassuming skill set and approach catches the opposition off guard .. however, he needs to work on his in-close finishing skills and pointshot .. he does not appear to exert himself, yet is never caught out of position .. he is well-balanced on his skates and has good strength to battle down low even if he does not physically apply himself .. slowly turning heads with his poised and mature style of play .. his point production has been a blessing for this offensively challenged team .. NHL scouts are already taking notice of his play.