WHL: Setoguchis Malaise

The Saskatoon Blades have a couple of potential World Junior rivals on the team in Devin Setoguchi and Anton Khudobin and we have reviews on both. Also find out why Justin McCrae is a name to know for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Devin Setoguchi (SJ), RW

Bad habits have plagued his game throughout this season .. on the top line with Bahensky and Rabbit and in all situations .. very good offensive vision and mobility .. excellent hand-eye coordination and ability to make plays at full speed .. hard shot and ability to read the game at a high level makes him useful on the point on the PP .. has an innate feel with the puck on his stick, often faking slapshots to create time and space for teammates .. hustle and determination unfortunately have been lacking .. does not move his feet very well and can be deked around rather easily as he just stands still .. speed is good when he hustles .. has taken some undisciplined penalties as well .. must make adjustments to have a shot at a roster spot on Team Canada at the World Juniors.

Justin McCrae (2007), C

Absolute workhorse with grit and determination on every play .. part of the energy line with Aaron Bader and Blair Macaulay .. wearing an A in only his second full season in the league .. conscious defensive player with his head constantly on a swivel when backchecking .. determined forechecker always moves his feet .. works hard in all three zones and does not take shifts off .. took several big hits when he had his head down mucking for the puck, but jumped right back up .. low shot far-side created a rebound resulting in a goal .. scored a great marker by pouncing on a loose puck at the blueline, using the defender as a screen and unleashing a wicked wrister top corner .. very strong at faceoffs .. creates chances with relentless pressure .. battles through checks to get in front of the net .. name to watch for the 2007 draft.

Wacey Rabbit (Bos), C

Tiny captain centers Setoguchi and Bahensky .. leader by example with outstanding work ethic .. always applies pressure to the puckcarrier and is defensively responsible .. a relentless forechecker and plays in all situations .. soft hands, strong on the puck .. nifty moves at full speed; often kicks the puck from his feet to his stick .. one of the faster guys in the league and knows how to use it .. good vision of the offensive end .. knows how to find open areas and is strong at cycling the puck .. could be a gem, especially with the new rules.

Anton Khudobin (Min), G

Rocky start to North American trial .. very aggressive at challenging shooters, sometimes coming out a bit too far on the white ice .. will stop it when he has his stance firmly down, but is susceptible to bad goals when he has to move laterally .. few rebounds on high shots as he effectively swallows up pucks into his chest .. quick reflexes but skating is a concern .. doesn't always move as fast as the shooter .. plays the puck often, almost like a third defender, although often tries to do too much and gets his passes intercepted .. sometimes loses concentration .. doesn't instill confidence in teammates.