Progress Reports: A Side of Schremp

Rob Schremp was a late cut in the Edmonton Oilers camp, an offensive weapon the team probably wishes it had right now. Ineligible for AHL duty for age reasons, Schremp was sent back down to junior into an open embrace of the defending OHL champions the London Knights.

Evidently Schremp is much too good for the OHL and is probably the best player in the league - David Bolland and Bobby Ryan would have something to say about that however. Schremp's shooting skills are already elite - for any level. He executes effortlessly in the opposing end with effortless cuts in speed. A patented move for Schremp is to gain the line with a quick hesitation move to keep the defenders off balance with his shifty frame. Rearguards in junior give this guy enough time and space to operate simply out of fear of looking stupid when trying to lay the body on him.

There are still some weaknesses to Schremp's game, particularly on defence. He is prone to some bad passes up the middle when pressured. While he comes back to support his man he is not overly physical and seems unwilling to eliminate his from the play. Schremp often lacks the patience to follow through on the backcheck.

Expect nothing less than a league scoring crown this season.

THE O'REILLY FACTOR

The Nashville Predators were eyeing Cal O'Reilly's quickness and skill when they drafted him this summer. The smallish O'Reilly is a strong playmaking forward who seemed to stay under the media's radar for much of last season.

If there is a beef with O'Reilly it is that he almost excessively unselfish, piling up more than an assist a game, but measly two goals through 21 games leaves something to be desired. The passes, however, are beauties; great saucer feeds across the entire sheet of the ice again and again. Soft hands, exceptional stickhandling skills stand out and he has a knack for moving into areas where he can set up players and score.

O'Reilly plays in all team situations, but is a team-worst -13, a deceptive number considering his solid defensive approach. He is an effective communicator (wears an A) and uses his quick feet effectively in penalty kill situations to keep opposing defenders on their heels. His top speed isn't outstanding but a deceptive first step and hockey sense really stand out, reminiscent of a young Craig Janney.

HASKINS LEADS MAJORS

Back for his fourth OHL season, Detroit property Tyler Haskins has taken on captain's duties with St. Mike's as well as a bulk of the team's scoring. Tireless hard work and leadership vocally and by example have been praiseworthy for the chippy pivot.

What most impresses about Haskins is that he never stops moving his feet. He does not stand out with his hands - it rather his intensity and commitment to the forecheck that lend his name to the scoreboard. He is aggressive with his body and now that he makes contact he makes it hurt thanks to added bulk. His ability to win battles and pounce on loose pucks reflects well on his potential to be a solid pro.

This season Haskins has developed good chemistry with rookie Adam Zamec - they work the give-and-go very well. Haskins is often on the finishing end of things and has a quick shot to get things done in that respect. His faceoff skills, however, still have to improve and more upper body strength could do the trick in the coming years.

Expect Haskins to flourish in tighter games down the stretch and into the playoffs - he comes through in the clutch. He will have a strong enough resume to make the AHL next season.