WHL/BCHL Player Profiles Part 2

McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, has profiles of several WHL and BCHL 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 2 of a 3-part series, Calvin Pickard, Emerson Etem, Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter (pictured), and Brad Ross are featured.

Calvin Pickard G, Seattle (selected 49th overall) Colorado Avalanche

The brother of Chet Pickard (Nashville first rounder, 18th overall in 2008), Pickard played the most games for a starter in the WHL (62). Statistically, he had an underwhelming season, however, when one factors the sub-par defence in front of him and the fact that he saw an average of over 500 more shots than the next WHL goaltender one can easily overlook it. Not as big as his brother, he does an adequate job of filling the nets as he is thick. He employs both the butterfly and paddle down technique. Pickard has great mechanics yet is not overly athletic and only an average skater. His mental composure is what separates him from other goaltending prospects as he did not get discouraged and competed hard by playing on a team that offered him little to no support. Rebound control is a cause for concern as is closing his five-hole quicker. Pickard needs to play against better competition and have a defence in front of him so his workload would not be so overwhelming. Pickard did not impress scouts with his lacklustre U18 performance as he failed to come up big when needed.

Emerson Etem RW, Medicine Hat (selected 29th overall) Anaheim Ducks

Etem exploded onto the scene, leading the WHL in rookie goal scoring with 31 through 50 games, but only managed nine goals in the entire second half. Etem has played for three different teams in three consecutive seasons and has adjusted nicely. Born and raised in California, Etem joined Shattuck St. Mary's at 14, followed by a season with the USNTDP, finally joining the WHL for his NHL draft season. Etem's game is based around his speed and his finishing skills. He is a shoot first, look later type of player who never hesitates to take a shot. Etem is an accomplished scorer due to his ability to disguise his shot with the angle of his blade. For as much as his speed helps his game, he does not fully take advantage of it by driving to the net and has developed a reputation of being more of a perimeter player. At times Etem will surprise with a hard play through the middle but he does not do it with enough consistency. Etem needs to work on his attention to detail in the defensive zone as he is simply is not aware and is too undersized to dislodge players off the puck.

Ryan Johansen C, Portland (selected fourth overall) Columbus Blue Jackets

Scouts will instantly gravitate toward the progression that Johansen has made in a short period of time. The former 8th round selection was a fourth line player last year as a member of the Penticton Vee's before graduating to the top two lines by the playoffs. After spending a summer training with NHLers, Johansen not only made the Winterhawks, but was skating on their top line. Johansen has yet to reach his physical potential, but at 6-foot-3, he has NHL size and should be 215 pounds by the time he reaches pro. Johansen can play both ends of the rink and was trusted by coach Mike Johnston to defend leads in the dying stages of a game. He had an outstanding playoff and was a fixture on both special teams. What sets him apart is his vision and puck skills down low. He finds openings in seems and is very strong on the puck. He uses his reach well not only in offensive situations, but also to strip players off it thus creating a healthy transition game. His skating is good but will improve once he gets more power and matures physically. Johansen has the disposition of a young Eric Staal and approaches the game in a similar manner.

Nino Niederreiter RW/LW, Portland (selected fifth overall) New York Islanders

Niederreiter had a sensational U20 WJC leading the Swiss in points with 10 and finishing in the top ten in tournament scoring. His two goal effort, including one in overtime against the Russians, vaulted the Swiss into the semi-finals. Niederreiter is a big time player and performs at his best when games matter the most. He wants the puck in all situations and is a difference-maker. Niederreiter is one of the most physically developed players available for the draft. He uses his body well when checking but needs to learn to protect the puck better. He is equipped with good speed as there is quickness in his stride and he eagerly tries to beat defenseman wide. At times, he can try to over beat a defender and would benefit from simplifying his game. Niederreiter is a character player who embraced and wanted to join the WHL as he believed it was the toughest of the CHL ranks. He had a tutor to start the season, but adjusted quickly to the language and surroundings to the point where he was taking University classes. Leading all Winterhawks in playoff goals helped to reassure NHL scouts of his pedigree.

Brad Ross LW, Portland (selected 43rd overall) Toronto Maple Leafs

On a line with Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, Ross had an opportunity to showcase his game to NHL scouts. The younger brother of 2007 Phoenix first-rounder Nick Ross, Brad was relied on heavily for his tenacity and willingness to compete for loose pucks down low. He was the agitator of the line and his hard nosed approach to the game often opened up room for him to execute a pass to either of his talented line-mates. He did an admirable job in improving his overall puck and stick skills and showed that he could contribute with two high-profile players on his line. He worked on his shot in the off-season which resulted in him tripling his goal total from his rookie season. Ross was most effective when he engaged in games but at times he could be guilty of not moving his feet. His game stems from being aggressive as he led the WHL in PIM's but also took far too many unnecessary penalties after the whistle and was assessed with far too many minors. He did have 11 fighting majors to back up his abrasive play. Ross is a healthy skater and does bring a dynamic to the table, but needs to be more selective in terms of his decision-making on the ice.