QMJHL Player Profiles

McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, has profiles of several QMJHL prospects that were ranked by McKeen's for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and featured in the McKeen's Hockey and NHL Draft Guide. In Part 1, Brandon Gormley, Stanislav Galiev (pictured), Kirill Kabanov, Petr Straka and Jakub Culek are featured.

Brandon Gormley D, Moncton (selected 13th overall), Phoenix Coyotes

The pride of Murray River, P.E.I. has been in the spotlight since he was chosen first-overall in the 2008 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft. Most recently, he was the recipient of the Mike Bossy trophy as his league's best professional prospect and is projected to be the first player chosen from the QMJHL in the NHL draft. Gormley elevated his game when it has mattered most - the playoffs. His steady and calm play was instrumental in leading Moncton to the Memorial Cup for the second time in five years as he led all defenseman in post-season scoring. Gormley is low maintenance but reliable defenseman with a solid build. His hockey sense is one of his greatest attributes, as he thinks the game very well in his own zone and displays great composure. His fluid all-around mobility and strength in his outlet passes enables him to transition from defence to offence rather seamlessly. Gormley has good vision and makes smart, efficient plays at the line. He lacks the requisite shot to become a dangerous option on the PP but he keeps his shot low to the ice. Gormley still needs to work on his foot-speed but he projects to be a consistent, versatile performer capable of logging top four minutes and playing in all situations.

Stanislav Galiev RW, Saint John (selected 86th overall), Washington Capitals

Stanislav Galiev made a strong impression in his first season in Saint John. He had the benefit of playing on what was arguably the best line in the QMJHL with league MVP Mike Hoffman and Nicholas Petersen. Galiev helped the Sea Dogs finish first-overall in regular season standings and was nominated for the best professional prospect and best rookie awards. Although a rookie in the QMJHL, Galiev was perhaps better prepared than other import rookies in that he played a season for the Indiana Ice in the USHL and acclimatized himself to the North American style last season. Galiev is a smart player whose distribution skills often surprised the opposition. He disguises his intentions well. His skating is a little choppy, but it doesn't seem to hold him back, especially once he picks up speed. Galiev isn't afraid of taking a hit to make a play and will play the body if the situation calls for it. His defensive game is underrated. While he would never be labelled a shutdown forward, he did finish the season with a plus 41. He still needs to add bulk to his frame and could stand to shoot the puck more often, but he is the type of player that could really shine alongside big, physical players.

Kirill Kabanov LW, Moncton (selected 65th overall), New York Islanders

Very few players in this year's draft class have as much pure offensive talent as the dynamic Kabanov. However, his stock sunk considerably this year as he comes with a lot of baggage and his off-ice antics have certainly scared away NHL teams. The most notable was his decision to return to Russia after walking out on the Moncton Wildcats after being named a healthy scratch in the playoffs. He returned to Russia and was subsequently removed from the U18 team before the tournament began. When he is on the ice, Kabanov brings an intriguing mix of speed, puckhandling ability, vision and physical strength. He is a very explosive skater that manages to reach his top speed effortlessly. Kabanov is as good a passer as he is a shooter, and does both without warning. He showed a mean streak at times, which gave him ample room to create. He will need to drastically improve his effort level defensively and has to learn to keep his emotions in check. Kabanov will infuriate coaches by taking too many useless penalties that are either a result of laziness or his own frustration. His skill package makes him intriguing, but considering the baggage, and a wrist injury that sidelined him for more than four months, he is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward prospect.

Petr Straka RW, Rimouski (selected 55th overall), Columbus Blue Jackets

Straka has acclimatized rather nicely to the CHL after leading all rookie scorers in the QMJHL with 64 points this season. Straka shows ability in the offensive zone, as he prefers to shoot more than he likes to pass. His game is dependant on using his speed and hockey sense to slither past defenders, beating them backdoor. He is an opportunistic scorer who finds ways to make subtle plays in the offensive zone with deft passing skills and employing a quick stick to cause turnovers. He shows occasional bursts of speed that catches defenders flat footed. Straka needs to embrace the physical game as he can be intimidated early in contests as was evidenced in the TP game as he was bullied out of the slot and made no effort to return there. Straka became more comfortable in the QMJHL, and produced over a point at over a point a game clip in the playoffs. He tried to become more viable in the defensive side of the puck, improving his positioning and anticipation without the puck. Straka needs to get involved in a game early to make an impact and has good individual skills but needs to exhibit more consistency away from the puck.

Jakub Culek LW, Rimouski (selected 76th overall), Ottawa Senators

The other Czech rookie with the Rimouski Oceanic, Culek play a similar game to that of fellow team mate Petr Straka. Like Straka, he also participated in the TP game and was even given a letter 'A' as a member of Team Cherry. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Culek is more of a finesse playmaker, as he does not use his size to lean on guys to gain scoring chances down low. Culek is swift and agile in his movements and appears to operate quicker than he really is as a result. Cerebral in his approach to the game Culek often gives off the impression that he is uninterested in a game due to his movements, however he constantly surveying his options by keeping his head up and looking for passing opportunities. At times, he exposes the puck too long and what should be a good scoring chance for him gets knocked away. His anticipation is a big part of his game but he needs to do a better job protecting the puck. Culek also tends to give up on plays when they diffuse and he does not drive the net with the type of consistency a player of his size should. Culek lacks quickness in his stride which also prohibits him from being an effective defensive player.