WHL: Ladd-er 19

Andrew Ladd came out nowhere at the start of the last season to get drafted fourth overall by Carolina in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. This season he failed for the most part to live up to increased expectations and other than a terrific performance at the World Juniors, the season would have to be labeled a disappointment. That doesn't mean that the Hurricanes made a mistake in selecting him though, as he clearly has all the tools to be an All-Star at the next level. We have scouting notes from a recent playoff game featuring Ladd and some of his Calgary Hitmen teammates.

Brett Carson (Car), D

Two-way defender partnered with Dylan Yeo .. uses his defensive partner to help relieve pressure .. jumped on a face-off win and fired it home from the point .. very effective at moving the pocket from where he will set up to take the shot from .. above average mobility/acceleration and surprisingly good speed, although he rarely uses the latter to back off the opposition checkers or go end to end .. did a solid job keeping the puck carrier to the outside .. moves the puck fairly quickly, sometimes too much so .. plays on the powerplay and penalty-kill .. he's progressing, but will likely need a few seasons of maturing in the minors after his junior career is over.

Keegan Dansereau (2006), RW

Speedy youngster whose just learning to use that speed to his benefit .. played on a line with Riley Merkley and Darryl Moscaluk .. took the breakout pass and then made a play to get the puck in to the offensive zone .. worked hard along the wall and used his feet to move the puck to a teammate .. covered for a pinching defender .. must bare down more in the dirty areas and be willing to take abuse, especially in front of the net.

Steve Covington (Det), RW

Defensively conscientious .. played on a line with Brodie Dupont and Ryan White .. played on the PK .. has enough speed to close the gap on the point man .. feebly moved the puck over to the open man on the odd man rush .. dished out a solid hit along the wall .. keeps his feet moving and is very mobile .. will have trouble producing offensively at the next level as he doesn't generate much at the junior level.

Shaun Landolt (Tor), C

Dependable two-way center .. wears an A .. strong on the face-off .. conscientious defensively and closes the gaps quickly on the back check .. isn't an offensive force, but has good vision and poise which allow him to look comfortable holding on to the puck even under pressure .. displays offensive imagination on occasion and doesn't look out of place on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Ladd when required to do so .. wins his fair share of battles along the boards .. out worked Eric Fehr and was able to get to the slot where he deflected a shot past the goaltender .. has the ability to beat a goalie with his slap shot, however should work on getting his shots away quicker .. played on the PP and PK.

Alex Plante (2007), D

Fresh out of Midget and the brother of Brandon Wheat King goaltender Tyler, Alex didn't look out of place physically in the playoffs .. misfired on a point shot, but still got it through and on net .. eluded the forecheck and was able to clear the zone .. supports his defensive partner, Karl Alzner, by helping to slow up the forecheck .. if pressured can show his age as he starts to run around a bit and watch the puck .. was beaten on the outside when he failed to read the rush .. delivered a crisp breakout pass right on to the tape of his teammate .. lost a fight with 17-year old Ryan Reaves, although he displayed strength and never backed down .. future leader.

Andrew Ladd (Car), LW

Terrific skater with excellent overall speed, mobility and acceleration .. is likely pro-ready physically, however needs to bring it every shift .. wears an A .. played on a line with Shaun Landolt and Ryan Getzlaf .. few players are able to close the gaps as quickly as he does on the forecheck .. got himself open in the slot and drilled a one-timer past the goalie .. strong on his skates and protects the puck exceptionally well .. devastating slap shot .. displays great anticipation around loose pucks .. will take a hit to make a play .. plays on the powerplay and penalty-kill.