Second chances

Every year during the NHL Entry Draft, there are always a few overage players that get their names called due to their continued overall improvement. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at a few players from the QMJHL that may just hear their names called by an NHL team at the draft in their second year of draft eligibility.

Philip-Michael Devos (2010), C, Victoriaville

Undersized forward with excellent anticipation in both the offensive and defensive zone .. makes very smart decisions with the puck .. able to spot teammates and make a pinpoint pass even when it seems impossible to do so .. keeps his stick down near the crease and is always ready to take a shot .. stickhandles the puck very well through traffic .. does well in the faceoff circles .. defends well in his own zone using his hockey IQ and positioning, but has a hard time winning battles down low due to his size.

Marek Hrivik (2010), LW, Moncton

Offensive-minded player that has improved his overall game a good deal since last season .. is moving his feet more and not waiting for scoring chances to develop .. goes to net and is adept at tipping-in shots that are a little high into the net .. great wristshot that is hard and he is able to release it without warning .. loses a bit of time to make plays due to some difficulties he has in corralling passes .. initiates contact more than last season but tends to avoid battles in the corners for the puck .. backchecks more diligently than in the past but not as aggressive to the puckcarrier as he could be .. long stick and reach gives opponents fits at times.

Michael Kirkpatrick (2010), C, St-John

Great worker who always shows up to play .. willing to battle for the puck in the corners .. often blocks shots .. has a willingness to work and sacrifice himself for the team .. decent skater, but he needs to use his lower body better .. strides seem a little long .. getting more confident with his offensive game .. better able to pass the puck instead of just dumping and chasing it .. often manages to get himself open for scoring chances in the slot .. willing to go to the front of the net for scoring chances .. good hand-eye coordination .. covers his man diligently in his own zone .. uses his body and his stick to cut-down passing option.

Tye McGinn (2010), LW, Gatineau

Played the 2007/2008 season with the Ottawa 67's .. older brother Jamie McGinn is part of the San Jose Sharks organization .. where he was mostly a playmaker last season with limited success, he is shooting the puck regularly this season with good results .. physical player who takes on a leadership role with the team .. labored skater with difficult first few steps but he does well in terms of speed once he get's going .. very soft hands when handling the puck .. keeps his head up and uses his body to get by opponents .. not in his nature to be aggressive physically but has improved in that aspect of the game .. ok velocity on his wristshot and he has a quick release .. battles hard in his own zone for the puck.

Trevor Parkes (2010), LW, Montreal

Signed by the Montreal Juniors out of Ontario where he was not drafted by any OHL team .. sniper who always seems open near the opposing net .. good shot, he has a quick release and hits his target .. smart player who handles himself well at both ends of the ice .. not very imaginative playmaker but he is effective when he keeps things simple .. angles his opponents well defensively .. not intimidated by physical play .. needs a few strides to get himself going but his skating is fine .. tends to skate with his head down a little when handling the puck .. overall, a real smart player who can contribute in many different ways.