OHL: Welcome Matt

McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn looks at two of the hottest NHL-draft-eligible prospects on the Battalion in Brandon Foote and potential top-10 pick Matt Duchene. Last years first round selection at the OHL draft, Sam Carrick, who is eligible in 2010, is also featured

Matt Duchene (2009), C, Brampton

Duchene enters the year with a considerable amount of hype surrounding him .. a winner of multiple gold medals for Team Canada on various International stages, he is poised to become a top-ten NHL draft pick trailing possibly only John Tavares at this point amongst OHL-eligible prospects .. combines speed, stickhandling, and natural finishing ability all in one tight package .. his main area of strength is his speed, he is a fast and powerful skater who loves to drive to the net and shoot .. he creates many odd-man breakouts with his speed and is a constant on the PK .. when forced to play defensively, he is very mature, however his intensity tends to wane in 5-5 situations .. he has patience with the puck but never wastes an opportunity to shoot .. in close, he can beat a goalie numerous ways, being so coordinated he can take the puck on and off his forehand or backhand in an instant, very comparable to Maxim Afinogenov in that regard .. he can roof a puck in tight quarters, and also pick corners with pinpoint accuracy .. his shot is sensational and he could be one of the most gifted goal scorer's in the OHL because his goals and plays are always highlight reel, unlike Tavares who is quiet and unassuming .. he can play either centre or wing but looks more comfortable up the middle .. his passing skills are developed as well .. he can make a pass tape-to-tape in traffic and saucer one backhand if need be .. his game is mature as is his skill set, which has been recognized by coach Butler, as the offensive breakouts are designed exclusively around him, partly because of his blinding skill set but also in large part due to the Battalion's lack of mobile puck-moving defenseman capable of making a play up ice .. willing to take a hit to make a play, he has a physical dimension to his game, which was also evident in last year's playoff series, as he showed a competitive drive that was unrivalled by his teammates .. due to his skating and finishing skills, Duchene could find himself as a second-line player in the early stages of his NHL career or the ultimate shutdown player in the Kris Draper-type mold .. his role will be contingent on the organization that drafts him and how desperate they are for goal scorer's, in either case the adjustment for Duchene to pro should be a rather quick one.

Brandon Foote (2009), G, Brampton

The Battalion scouting staff has had considerable luck unearthing goalies and Foote is yet another prospect that should make them look good .. has already received Player-of-the-Week accolades from the league for his play thus far, Foote has 'stolen' the starting duties from Patrick Kileen .. still very raw in how he approaches the game, however his athleticism and reflexes are strong components to his game .. he needs to add elements to his game in particular coming out of his net more to challenge and controlling his rebounds better .. he tends to play deep in his goal when he gets in trouble .. he does not drop down unless he has to and when he does, he springs right back up .. he is able to make the first save and rarely commits to the shooter .. he moves well laterally and has strong confidence in his skating and ability to get into position .. still needs to work on his coverage down low and mental composure, however considering how he has responded early in his OHL career the future looks bright .. he did an outstanding job on an inferior OPJHL team (Durham Fury) last season and is playing with a much better supporting cast who can get him a comfortable lead leaving some error room for him.

Sam Carrick (2010), C, Brampton

The Battalion's first round selection has played with maturity and offensive poise .. situated on the fourth line, he has created his own opportunities and has proven that he is ready to play with better linemates that complement his skill set .. he is a healthy skater but not a strong one .. he creates using his shot and powering his way to the slot .. he has a quick release especially on his backhand .. he stays with plays and sees them through .. rugged even though his stature is modest by OHL standards (5-11, 175) .. his determination and physical toughness keeps him involved .. at times, he wants to do too much, especially in the defensive zone but his enthusiasm is a strong trait .. Carrick has come along nicely and managed to produce, which has helped his confidence especially in the stickhandling department, as he is not afraid to try things and be creative .. considered more of a goal scorer, he would benefit from playing with speedy talented linemates such as Dale who could find him in the open .. the future looks promising for Carrick but upgrades to his speed will be essential.