Under the Radar

Jason Bailey - RW (USNTDP)

The Nepean, Ontario native with dual citizenship has made the jump from the hometown Raiders to the U.S. national program this season, and is slowly adjusting to the new environment. An attractive combination of size and speed, Bailey, at his best, drives the net and makes things happen, but the consistency just isn’t there yet. “He’s an interesting package,” says our scout. “He has many elements pro team’s are looking for - he’s big, strong, fast, hard-working, and has an excellent shot. At times, he thinks the game well and shows good hockey sense, but I have also seen him look completely lost some nights and unsure of where to go without the puck. And I’m not entirely sold on his offensive upside either - in particular his finishing kick. His shooting accuracy and passing game need work. With the proper seasoning though, he could turn out to be a real prize.” Bailey is slatted to join the Michigan Wolverines next fall.

Jaroslav Barton - D (Trinec)

Injury-plagued Trinec defenseman has showcased some impressive tools lately to emerge as an NHL draft wildcard. Barton was promoted to the junior team as an underager last season before eventually returning to midget. However, this season he has been a pleasant surprise, looking far more composed on the ice. He possesses adequate mobility and balance, but isn’t a top-notch skater by any means, as he needs to develop a crisper and smoother stride/take-off. What he does excel at is defending. His positional game and man-on-man coverage receive top marks from our scout. “He stays with his man and works hard down low, and doesn’t head south when physically challenged. His slapshot is solid, stickhandling decent, and he moves the puck safely. His hands need some polishing though, and he would benefit from hitting more often. He’s not a significant two-force way either, as his offensive vision is somewhat limited.”

Steve Downie - RW (Windsor)

“Reminds me a lot of Mike Keane’” proclaims one of our scouts. “He’s not overly tall or talented, and doesn’t overwhelm you with his skills, but he does all the little things well and always displays a ton of heart. Plays a tough, in-your-face style, defensively conscious, and can put up some points. He crashes the net and works hard to get open, and can create off the rush as he has a good release and a quick change of pace. His energy and battling spirit are exceptional - he agitates, frustrates and will drop the gloves. There isn’t a single NHL team that couldn’t use a guy like this. But, that said, his scoring instincts are questionable. Gets a ton of scoring chances because of his hardworking style, but can’t seem to get it right. He’s an exiting kid though. ” Downie has already matched his rookie totals from `03-4, currently sitting fourth on the Spitfires with 16 points (13-3-13-16).

Nathan Gerbe - C (USNTDP)

It’s impossible not to befriend this fiery, pint-sized ball of energy. “What impresses you is the effort he gives on every single shift and how well he competes physically in spite of the huge size disadvantage,” says our scout. “And this ultra-aggressive style allows him to show off his considerable skill-set. He is an outstanding skater and puckhandler, and also has a terrific shot. He would be a sure-fire first-rounder if he was a half-a-foot taller. His durability is also a concern as his fearless, wrecking-ball style can’t help but to lead to injuries. He will have to tone it down a bit at the pro level and learn to pick his spots more judiciously.” Though the odds are definitely stacked against him, we haven’t counted this guy out yet. His delicious mix of skill and passion might just be enough.

Adam Hobson - C (Spokane)

Our scouts have been reaping praise on the former twelfth-overall pick from the 2002 WHL Bantam Draft. A character player with excellent vision and leadership qualities, Hobson has steadily inched his way into the draft mix. “He is one of the smarter players I have seen in the league this season,” raves one scout. “He may not possess elite skills, specifically his skating, however, he is deceptively effective. He plays a chippy and competitive game and I like the way he drives to the net in search of the dirty goals. Not big, but solidly built - and very good at creating space for his linemates. The one area that is lacking is explosive speed. Don’t get me wrong, he is a good skater and gets from point to point relying on his superb anticipation. But his mind works faster than his feet at this stage. He just isn’t a breakaway skater.”

Jonathan Matsumoto - C (Bowling Green)

CJHL Rookie of the Year made an impressive collegiate debut, in spite of a Bowling Green lineup decimated by a previous hazing scandal that has seen seven players suspended indefinitely, including captain Alex Rogosheske. A native of Orleans, Ontario, Matsumoto grabbed the CCHA weekly rookie honors with four points in a 2-game weekend sweep over Union, and scored the Falcon’s only goal in a 5-1 loss to LSU. The speedy, offensively-tuned pivot has caught the eye of our college watchers. “He’s quick and strong on his skates, and knows what to do when he gets possession. He shields the puck really well and can make plays look quite effortless at top speed - very imaginative and quick to recognize passing options. He also shows good determination, though his defense and physical game still need improving. There’s a nice upside here once he fills out and physically matures.”

Vladimir Mihalik - D (Presov)

This year’s Zdeno Chara wannabe will most certainly be filled by the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Mihalik monster. A classic darkhorse, the Presov defender has turned heads with his play so far this season after an awkward showing at the U-18 Junior World Cup. “He looked completely out of place at the U-18 tournie, but is coming along better in the Slovak junior Extraleague,” according to our scout. “He recently earned a promotion to the Presov senior team and is definitely improving. He’s not a great skater and that really holds him back, though this is partially due to his lack of conditioning and getting comfortable with his special-sized body. He’s an intriguing prospect due to his size and nice, long reach that he uses extensively. But he is limited skill-wise and needs to learn how to make greater physical contributions.”

Matt Niskanen - D (Virginia-Mt. Iron-Buhl)

Our Minnesota scout has directed our attention to the three-sport star of Mt Iron-Buhl High School in Virginia. Voted ‘best defensive defenseman’ by coaches as a junior last season, Niskanen also found time to rack up 24 goals and 60 points. “There’s nothing this kid can’t do,” says our scout. “He’s a leader, gifted on his skates, and always works his tail off. His puckmoving skills really stand out - he can dangle, pass or shoot at top speed, and never panics under pressure. He sees the ice exceptionally well, and plays a smart physical game. To top it off, he also owns a sizzling shot with a great release.” Niskanen also shines off the ice as he’s an accomplished pitcher and hitter in baseball, as well as the star football QB thanks to ‘excellent quickness and a great passing arm’. Will join the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs next fall.

Matt Pelech - D (Sarnia)

One player who we anticipate possibly shooting up the rankings is this hulking Toronto native, taken in the second round of the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. Pelech has played just one game this season due to a broken jaw, however, our scouts had a chance to see him in preseason action. “He was really coming into his own at both ends of the ice before the injury. He can move the puck, takes the body, and he’s a rock defensively - very sound positionally. His skating stride is solid and smooth, however, his first step needs to get quicker. He must also work on his shooting skills. His release and accuracy are both pretty raw at this stage. Aside from the acceleration issue, I was impressed by the way he moves and I can see him challenging for a second-round spot if he shows the necessary improvement over the next six months.”

Yakov Rylov - D (Dynamo Moscow)

The 19-year old virtual unknown burst onto the scene this fall for Dynamo of the Russian Super League, so far skating in all of the club’s games this season. The youngster was first noticed playing for Olympia (in Krivo-Chepetsk) of the High League (Russia 2). Technically sound and mature beyond his years, Rylov possesses impressive top-end speed and sees the ice exceptionally well. He may not look that imposing at just 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, however, he is a fearless and hard-working defender who clears the crease effectively. Rylov also moves the puck crisply on the power play and knows when to make the simple play. He will likely continue to be a mainstay with the club as Dynamo helmsman Vladimir Krikunov has long been a proponent and supporter of younger players.

Alexander Sundstrom - C (Bjorkloven)

The son of of former NHLer Patrik Sundstrom has suffered from a case of over-hype in previous seasons, some scouts earmaking him as a sure-fire first-rounder. Our Swedish scout begs to disagree. “His stock took a hit last season due to injuries, but he seems to be heading in the right direction, handling himself well as a fourth-line center in the second league. He’s a gifted, hard-working playmaker with a good head for the game, however, he’s not the best skater around, his first step lacking any real explosiveness. He definitely has some interesting skills, but, the way I see it, there are about seven or eight Swedes ahead of him in this draft class.”

Kirill Starkov - C (Frolunda)

Half-baked yet immensely-skilled pivot who plays like he’s in a bubble. The Russian-born Starkov is gifted but very selfish - a high-risk pick with grand slam potential. He’s a nifty, see-saw skater and is blessed with soft hands, smooth puck skills, and good lower-body strength, which he can use effectively in puck battles. “I’ve seen this guy undress players with the puck - he’s that good,” says our scout. “But he keeps his head down and just motors. He refuses to pass the puck and often finds himself in very dangerous situations. If he keeps it up, he’ll get his bell rung soon enough. I also have issues with his intensity level, which can waver a lot. I just don’t see a guy who would give his heart to win a game. But, that said, his skills are undeniable.”