OHL: The Sweet Life of Matt and Cody

McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at a handful of prospects from the Brampton Battalion, a team that made a strong push to become contenders in the East with many trading deadline deals including landing Thomas McCollum from Guelph. Along with McCollum, players Matt Clark, Cameron Wind, Evgeny Grachev and the dynamic duo of Matt Duchene and Cody Hodgson are also featured.

Matt Clark (2009), D, Brampton

Clark provides a calming defensive influence on a backend not overly blessed with skill or size .. tallest defender on the blueline at 6-foot-3, he uses his size well and has a healthy natural aggression .. skating has improved especially his overall first step .. has become a constant on the backend and a reliable match up, shutdown player .. plays an honest game and is not a dirty player but he is physically imposing .. has been thrust into many situations and responded well thus far, however the ultimate test will be how he performs in the playoffs.

Cameron Wind (2010), D, Brampton

When one does not notice Wind it effectively means he is doing his job .. a defensive-minded defender with limited offensive ability and lack of physical assertion to his game .. quick feet, ability to read the play (defensively) and overall anticipation complement his style of play .. very raw with the puck, as he almost instinctively dumps it into the zone with little to no recourse in locating a play .. possesses a nice glide and overall mobility and athleticism help him at this level .. doubtful that he will ever become a PP option at the next level but his on ice awareness make him a serviceable player for the time being.

Matt Duchene (2009), RW, C, Brampton

Had a spectacular January where he scored 19 points in 13 games after a failed attempt to make Canada's WJC .. situated at centre, however his talents and game may be better suited for the wing .. still appeared to be a tad sluggish, as nagging injuries and excessive play may be taking their toll on him .. puts forth inconsistent efforts from shift-to-shift .. some shifts he dazzles you with Kovalchuk-like speed and the ability to operate and handle the puck at an alarming rate .. whereas other shifts, he shows limited efforts to get back and help defensively .. employed as the F1, as his hustle and quick stick readily pry the opposition off the puck .. plays with tenacity, as he streaks into the zone often catching opposing defenders flatfooted, as he attacks the offensive zone with speed and is difficult to contain .. makes quick moves in tight .. whether Duchene is being coached or taught the nuances of the game away from the puck is a question onto itself .. he has more natural and raw ability than first round NHL draft pick and linemate Cody Hodgson, however he lacks the hockey sense and understanding of how to play without the puck .. it should be very interesting to see how he finishes the season.

Evgeny Grachev (NYR), LW, Brampton

Grachev has had the luxury of playing both with Hodgson and Duchene and has developed terrific chemistry with the duo .. has not ridden on the coat tails on his linemates' success and is able to produce on his own merit .. he has acclimatized himself rather well to the North American game and is a unique blend of size and skill .. sensational skater with a third and fourth gear who can blow by forwards and looks effortless in the process .. slick hands in close who exploits his chances in close .. Grachev is a game breaker and arguably has been the most improved player in the OHL .. a case can be made that he was Russia's best forward at the WJC too .. these types of improvements speak volumes for his NHL future and the move to North America has certainly rounded out his game to become a better pro.

Cody Hodgson (Van), C, Brampton

Hodgson has carved out an identity for himself as the best two-way player in the OHL .. his performance at the WJC was also instrumental to help Canada capture gold .. he approaches the game with a mature attitude both on and off the ice .. able to manufacture offence by controlling the game with unrivalled hockey sense, a sensational release, astute positioning in all three zones and his uncanny knack to find the open man with a pass .. Hodgson is a threat to score every time he touches the ice and has already set a franchise record for most consecutive games scored, as he is riding a current 23-game-point-scoring-streak.

Thomas McCollum (Det), G, Brampton

Acquired at the trading deadline for a handful of draft picks and two prospects (Josh Shalla and Brandon Foote) .. gives the Battalion a legitimate starting goaltender, as Pittsburgh Penguins' draft pick Patrick Killeen was unable to establish himself with his inconsistent play, thus prompting a trade .. blessed with quick reflexes and a solid glove .. large body that eagerly challenges and plays his angles well .. tends to go down too early and struggles with tips and deflections in front .. confidence is a huge thing as was witnessed with his performance at the WJC where he played without any and losing to Team Slovakia .. McCollum has a good skill set but a long playoff drive will erase many doubts.