OHL: The Dynamic Duo: Kane and Gagner

The only question being asked in London is who will be drafted higher Gagner or Kane, as the two first year OHL players have been tearing it up. The dynamic duo are regulars on the score sheet as it seems no team has a defence against them. The Knights are top- loaded on the first line, but have also been getting decent production out of their role players and currently sit on top of the Mid-West division.

McKeen's was on hand and takes another look at the two hottest OHL prospects.

Patrick Kane (2007), C, W, London

The late '88 has done everything and anything in his first year as he looks to establish new season highs for most points scored by an American in his first OHL season .. leading the league in PPG, his absence due to the WJC is the only reason he is not leading the league in points .. stand out performance at the WJC helped to vault his draft status as he currently is No.1 in McKeen's rankings .. an electrifying scorer with game breaking abilities .. he has gotten better since joining the league which bodes well for his pro game in his ability to adapt .. defenseman respect him so much in this league he forces them to back up surrendering prime real estate and his uncanny skill to hold onto the puck until the last second usually leads into a high scoring opportunity .. makes plays in tight quarters, can dangle and dance in the offensive zone as he is so slippery and hard to contain .. puck is always on a string or so it appears as he can stickhandle in a phone booth .. great foot work and agility, he skates around defenders like they were pylons in an obstacle course .. capable of scoring highlight reel goals .. should be able to continue his scoring exploits for years to come however his mental toughness and ability to lead in the playoffs will be a determining factor regarding his draft position.

Sam Gagner (2007), C, London

After failing to make Canada's Under 18 team last season he was the youngest member for the gold medal winning 2007 WJC squad .. played sparingly in the tournament, the larger ice surface exposed some holes in Gagner's game, mainly his skating .. has been a constant in the top ten OHL scoring race since the start of the season .. exhibits a good snap shot and shows sense in when to use it .. shifty player draws defenders to him only to burn them with a quick saucer pass however the gifted play maker is guilty at times of making things look too pretty .. he stays with plays and can finish as his concentration down low is impressive .. too often he turns his body on the play and he needs to be mindful of this .. needs to make quicker decisions with the puck as his time and space will be drastically reduced at the pro level .. no doubt he should be considered a top-15 selection as it all depends on individual NHL team needs, he will however need much grooming to make the NHL jump.

Justin Taylor (2007), C, London

Former London Jr. Knight (minor midget) captain returns home after being acquired in a deal involving the Frontenacs .. was putting up good numbers in the OPJHL for Wellington .. slightly awkward skater, with limited speed .. managed to play on the PP with Kane and Gagner largely due to his intelligence and puck distribution skills .. anticipates well and has ok puck handling skills.

Kevin Montgomery (Col), D, London

Another player who has opted to join the Knights after a one year stint with the USNP .. a Rochester native he is a former team mate of Kane's .. struggled on the back end, his defensive abilities are not what the Knights are looking for out of him .. possesses good puck handling skills but still getting used to the pace of the league as on many occasions he coughed up the puck .. lack of confrontation in the corners was troublesome .. needs to learn how to play under pressure as at times he seemed over whelmed .. should be able to develop once he understands the league better and can only help the Knights back end on the PP.

Steve Mason (CBJ), G, London

Was invited to the WJC training camp and even though he didn't make the team the fact that he got an invitation speaks volumes as to how far his game has come .. good overall fundamentals however he still suffers from wanting to play the puck too often .. he needs to be aware of his five-hole coverage when sliding across the crease .. he likes to challenge players and while it helps him at times he is lured out of position .. as mentioned before his play will determine how far the Knights go in the playoffs.