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Dan Sallows1. C, Mikhail Grigorenko, 6-3. 192 lbs. CSKA-Krasnaja Armija Moskva MHL, 43 GP, 17 G, 18 A, 35 PTSI had the opportunity to catch the talented Grigorenko at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, and he is the real deal. He is the complete package of size, at 6-foot-3, 192-pounds, and skill, as he had 3 goals and 6 points through 4 games en route to being named player of the tournament. And, if you don’t believe me, just ask my good friend Ross MacLean at ISS who said this about the talented Russian star, “I can’t get enough of Mikhail Grigorenko. To me he is Joe Thornton’s clone. He might even be a bit better actually.” He played against men in the MHL last year, and will be joining the QMJHL’s Québec Remparts for the 2011-12 season, which should only help his stock rise. My bold prediction, he leads the Q in scoring next year.
2. RW, Nail Yakupov, 5-11, 180 lbs. Sarnia Sting OHL, 65, 49 G, 52 A, 101 PTSIf your like me, or my buddy Johnny Drummond in the UK, and just love explosive offensive players in the mold of Pavel Bure, than chances are you love Sarnia Sting winger Nail Yakupov. Let the 2012 “Mikhail vs Nail” debate begin. The dynamic winger has a plethora of offensive talent, is built from just absolute pure speed and skill, and simply can put the game on the end of his stick night in and night out. He was the OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year, after dominating the junior ranks this season, and is a guranteed future NHL star that will put fans on the edge of their seats. There are many who feel, if the 17-year-old was available this year, he would have pushed to be the first overall pick.
3. D, Ryan Murray, 6-0, 191 lbs. Everett Silvertips WHL, 70 GP, 6 G, 40 A, 46 PTSMurray kind of tailed off a little bit this year, but he has such exceptional talent that I expect him to have a tremendous season in 2011-12, and be among the top-5 picks come draft time. The smooth-skating, 6-foot, 191-pound defenseman plays with the poise and savvy of a WHL veteran. The 17-year-old already has two solid WHL campaigns under his belt, and is a plus-51 over that time frame, which may be the most important stat when drafting a rearguard of his calibre. He captained Canada’s entry to a gold medal-winning performance at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka tournament, as well as at the U18’s, and has drawn comparisons to Scott Niedermayer. I saw him in early February of this year against Kamloops, and all he did was controlled the pace of the game from the back end and potted a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win.
4. D, Griffin Reinhart, 6-4, 210 lbs. D, Edmonton Oil Kings WHL, 45 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 25 PTSI am a huge Griffin Reinhart fan, as I have followed him since his days with the Hollyburn Tier 1 Huskies. The hulking defenseman has it all, size and skill, and does so many good things on the ice. He moves incredibly well for a big guy, has a cannon-like shot, makes clean, crisp first passes, never panics with the puck, and loves getting physically engaged. He has the same make-up of Nashville’s Shea Weber, and the bloodlines as well, as his father is former NHL great Paul Reinhart. If he goes anywhere past the top-7 in next years NHL Entry Draft, I’d be shocked.
5. C, Alex Galchenyuk, 6-1, 185 lbs. Sarnia Sting OHL, 68 GP, 31 G, 52 A, 83 PTSGalchenyuk may not have the explosive offensive ability of his highlight reel teammate in Sarnia (Nail Yakupov), but his overall game is truly something to behold. He stepped in and contributed in a big way, and truly lived up to all the hype of being the first overall pic in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection. The centre has already garnered high praise from many hockey observers, including Hall of Famer Igor Larionov, who compared the youngster to Marian Hossa. He is a great skater, who is strong on the puck, has a hard, very accurate shot, isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice, is responsible in his own end, and has very good vision. I’d say a definite top-5 selection come draft time.
6. D, Mathew Dumba, 6-0, 185 lbs. Red Deer Rebels WHL, 62 GP, 15 G, 11 A, 26 PTSThe first time I seen Mathew Dumba was on a highlight package done by my long time friend Dave Benard at HD2 Sports, and I could tell he was going to be a star at the next level. It is hard not to love what the electrifying blueliner does on the ice, as he will wow you with a nice rush, stun you with a tremendous pass, hammer a shot from the point, or blow your mind by dishing out a Scott Stevens-like hit. He absolutely owned the 2011 World Under-17’s, leading the tournament in scoring with 12 assists in 6 games, en route to helping Team Pacific capture the bronze medal. He may be a wildcard to go in the top-6, but it wouldn’t shock me.
7. C, Brendan Gaunce, 6-2, 205 lbs. Belleville Bulls OHL, 65 GP, 11 G, 25 A, 36 PTSGaunce is a big centre, that plays a responsible two-way game, and still manages to get points. He may be next years Mark Scheifele of the draft. The 17-year-old has great vision and skating ability, tremendous hockey sense, a pro calibre shot, and unbelievable leadership qualities on and off the ice. The kid is mature beyond his years, and will do anything necessary to make his teammates better, and win hockey games. The playmaking centre helped Team Ontario capture gold at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, potting 3 goals and 4 points in 6 games.
8. F, Henrik Samuelsson, 6-3, 200 lbs. U.S. National U17 Team USDP, 38 GP, 12 G, 16 A, 28 PTSIn my mind, there were few better than big Henrik Samuelsson at the World U17’s this year, as he racked up 6 goals and 10 points in 5 games for the US, en route to the silver medal. He is a big, strong forward, that has an excellent shot and tremendous hands. That combined with his size, hockey IQ, and hockey bloodlines (son of former NHLer Ulf Samuelsson) should easily be enough to have scouts salivating at the possibilities of the 17-year-old talent. He gained some valuable experience playing in the USHL this season, and while representing his country at the IIHF World Under-18’s as well.
9. RW, Colton Sissons, 6-1, 180 lbs. Kelowna Rockets WHL, 63 GP, 17 G, 24 A, 41 PTSI’ve seen a ton of Colton Sissons over the past two years, with both the Kelowna Rockets and BCHL’s Westside Warriors, and I can tell you that the 17-year-old North Vancouver, BC native is getting better and better with each passing day. He is so smart, does all the little things well, and really has some untapped offensive potential that I believe will shine come 2011-12. Sissons is mature beyond his years on the ice and has excellent vision, is a nice skater, plays the game at a high tempo each and every shift, has an underrated shot, is defensively responsible and models his game after guys like Ryan Kesler and Mike Richards. He’ll be a go-to guy in Kelowna next year, so look out.
10. LW, Charles Hudon, 5-9, 170 lbs. Chicoutimi Saguenéens QMJHL, 63 GP, 23 G, 37 A, 60 PTSHis size may keep him from going in the top ten, but his skill will make him a first-round selection. The QMJHL Rookie of the Year is a good skater, with ultra-quick hands, a great wrist shot, and can score spectacular goals almost at will. Hudon is cut from the same cloth as Martin St. Louis with his scoring prowess, his ability to create openings and cash in on his opportunities, and his ability to make his teammates better. The fact that he finished the year with a plus-26, is reason alone to believe he is capable of performing at the next level. The crafty, little winger was lights out at the 2011 World Under-17’s for Team Quebec, scoring 5 goals and 11 points in 6 games.
11. D, Nick Ebert, 6-0, 195 lbs. Windsor Spitfires OHL, 64 GP, 11 G, 30 A, 41 PTS
The 17-year-old stepped in and made an impact with the Spits right away, both offensively and defensively. Ebert has very good size at 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, and is an outstanding skater that is a powerful, puck-moving defenseman, who models himself after the Los Angeles Kings Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty. He is defensively sound, with untapped offensive ability, and all-round dangerous. Two thumbs up for the Livingston, N.J native, who didn’t have a great performance in the OHL playoffs, but was playing with an injued hand.
12. C, Jarrod Maidens, 6-2, 185 lbs. Owen Sound Attack OHL, 47 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 PTS
I knew how good Maidens was, but where he really impressed me was in the games I saw play at the 2011 Memorial Cup. He just seemed in on every play, whether it was getting engaged physically, or trying to create on offense. The big centre has the potential to be an explosive offensive force in the OHL next year with his pro calibre shot, great hands and reach, and could very well be a top-10 selection when the 2012 NHL Entry Draft rolls around.
13. C, Matia Marcantuoni, 6-0, 190 lbs. Kitchener Rangers OHL, 42 GP, 11 G, 16 A, 27 PTS
Matia Marcantuoni simply oozes talent, and has all the makings of a future NHL captain. He has phenomenal speed to go along with an array of sick offensive skills that gives him the ability to take it end-to-end or make a heads up defensive play that shows you how committed he truly is to the game of hockey and his future. The 17-year-old was another solid piece of Team Ontario’s run to the 2011 World Under-17 gold medal, putting up 2 goals and 5 points in 5 games.
14. RW, Martin Frk, 6-1 203 lbs. Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL, 62 GP, 22 G, 28 A, 50 PTS
Frk more than held his own in his first year in the Q. The pure goal scorer has good size and uses it all over the ice, he is an excellent skater that has a great shot, great hockey sense and vision, and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice in order to be rewarded. The Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell compared the talented Czech power forward to a Cam Neely-type player. His all-round, natural offensive ability will likely be on numerous NHL scouts wish list for next years draft.
15. D, Jacob Trouba, 6-1, 180 lbs. U.S. National U17 Team USDP, 37 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 PTS
The offensive-minded defenseman tore up the 2011 World Under-17’s with a brilliant performance that saw him score 2 goals and 9 points in 5 games, en route to leading the US to the silver medal. Trouba is a nice skater that sees the ice extremely well, has a good shot, doesn’t shy away from the physical play, and has Phil Housley-like ability when the puck is on his stick. He is a powerplay specialist, but he can also defend well, as he plays the game smart and efficient.
16. LW, Pontus Åberg, 5-11, 190 lbs. Djurgården J20 SuperElit, 41 GP, 13 G, 17 A, 30 PTS,
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound winger was lights out at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka, racking up 5 goals and 8 points in 5 games. He is lightning quick, with great hands, a good shot, good hockey sense, great vision, and he works incredibly hard each and every shift. Picture a Swedish version of Sergei Samsonov, with more work ethic.
17. F, Zemgus Girgensons, 6-2, 200 lbs. Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL, 51 GP, 21 G, 28 A, 49 PTS
Latvian forward had an up and down season in the USHL, but still helped his Dubuque Fighting Saints to a Clark Cup Championship. His size and overall package is very intriguing, as he is a great two-way forward, that is the hardest working player on the ice most nights. He has great hockey sense and vision, good hands, decent size, is strong on the puck, a solid skater, and has unlimited potential. Girgensons has been compared to both Jonathan Toews and Mark Messier, and was selected by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2011 CHL Import Draft though he committed to the University of Vermont for 2012-13.
18. C, Mathew Campagna, 5-11, 180 lbs. Sudbury Wolves OHL, 58 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 PTS
Mathew Campagna’s penalty shot goal at the 2011 IIHF World Under-17’s was, let’s face it, slicker than grease, and it may have been just a sign of things to come for the crafty centre. He is an offensive minded player, with an abundance of individual skill. He has excellent puckhandling ability, is very creative, has tremendous vision and hockey sense, works hard on and off the ice, and continues to improve his defensive game as well. Campagna reminds me a little of a young Chris Drury with the intangibles he brings to the ice, as he has the ability to be a game breaker.
19. D, Morgan Rielly, 6-0, 190 lbs. Moose Jaw Warriors WHL, 65 GP, 6 G, 22 A, 28 PTS
A very good rushing defenseman, who picks his spots well, Rielly also is responsible in his own end. His offensive game is very similar to the Hawks Duncan Keith, as he is a tremendous skater, who can create on the fly. He was tremendous for Team Pacific at the Under-17’s, scoring 2 goals and 5 points in 6 games, and again at the U18’s for Team Canada, with a pair of goals and 3 points in 7 games.
20. D, Derrick Pouliot, 6-0, 190 lbs. Portland Winterhawks WHL, 66 GP, 5 G, 25 A, 30 PTS
The smooth-skating Pouliot can control the ice with his rushing ability, vision, and defensive play. He is very opportunistic when jumping into the play, and creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates, and he is no slouch in his own end as well. The 17-year-old rearguard was counted on in many key situations in Portland in 2010-11, and should be a integral part of the clubs success next season. He reminds me a little of the Panthers Brian Campbell.
21. F, Brian Hart, 6-1, 200 lbs. Phillips Exeter Academy USHS, 27 GP, 29 G, 27 A, 56 PTS
Hart has all the potential to do great things in his hockey career, as he is an absolute stud. He is a strong skater, has a cannon-like shot that reminds me a little of a young Brett Hull, excellent hockey awareness, decent vision, is strong along the boards and in the corners, has a high compete level, and is dependable in his own zone. The 17-year-old is simply a pure goal scorer, that has a plethora of skill and work ethic, and can play either centre or wing.
22. D, Olli Määttä, 6-2, 198 lbs. JYP U20 Jr. A SM-liiga, 19 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS
The London Knights knew what they were getting when the selected the big Finnish defenseman first overall in the 2011 CHL Import Draft. The 16-year-old has already played amongst the top U20’s in the World, and has a ton of size and skill. He is very Adam Larsson-like, as he is can absolutely dominate all over the ice physically, and has some untapped offensive potential as well. If he performs like he is capable of in the OHL next season, he could easily be a top-10 guy come the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
23. D, Jordan Schmaltz, 6-3, 175 lbs. Sioux City Musketeers USHL, 53 GP, 13 G, 31 A, 44 PTS
Schmaltz is a highly touted power-play specialist, that uses his tremendous vision and poise to create all over the ice. He skates well, has a good shot, and makes those around him instantly better. Along with his offensive prowess, he defends extremely well with his long reach, and has unbelievable hockey IQ. He was outstanding in the games I saw him play at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, B.C., helping his USA squad to the gold medal.
24. LW, Luca Ciampini, 5-11, 190 lbs, Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL, 37 GP, 8 G, 11 A, 19 PTS
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound winger has the potential to be a 50-goal guy in the Q and beyond. He uses his frame well in order to get to the net, and has an uncanny Luc Robitaille knack, in that he always finds a way to score. He is a more of a power forward, but can dangle, and is considered by several scouts to already possess an NHL calibre shot. Ciampini racked up 7 goals in 6 games for Team Quebec at the 2011 World Under-17`s.
25. D, Slater Koekkoek, 6-3, 190 lbs. Peterborough Petes OHL, 65 GP, 7 G, 16 A, 23 PTS
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Koekkoek is an offensive-minded, great skating blueliner, that can also take care of his own end as well. He played in all situations at the World Under-17’s, and potted a goal and 3 assists in 6 games for the gold medal-winning Team Ontario. Could easily sneak into the top-10 if he progresses like the scouts expect him to next season, as he has a tremendous amount of size and upside.
26. F, Stefan Matteau, 6-2, 207 lbs. U.S. National U17 Team USDP, 47 GP, 7 G, 11 A, 18 PTS
You can`t deny his impressive size at 6-foot-2, 207-pounds, as well as his hockey IQ and skill set. The son of former NHLer Stephane Matteau, so he has the bloodlines, and he has been well coached going from the Notre Dame Hounds program into the USNDT. Was impressive at the U-17`s with 2 goals and 6 points in 6 games for Team USA. The younger Matteau is your prototypical power forward, that as a high compete level, and a bit of a scoring touch as well.
27. D, Gianluca Curcuruto, 6-2, 190 lbs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL, 56 GP, 1 G, 25 A, 26 PTS
Curcuruto is a solid skater that is very mobile, moves the puck incredibly well, has a good shot, loves getting engaged physically, uses his stick well when defending, and has the ability to control games from the back-end. Just another great blueliner that is available in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the 17-year-old was instrumental in Team Ontario’s gold medal win at the 2011 U17’s with a goal and 3 assists in 5 games.
28. F, Nicolas Kerdiles, 6-2, 190 lbs. U.S. National U17 Team USDP, 40 GP, 17 G, 10 A, 27 PTS
It may just be fair to say that no other ‘94 born player had a bigger impact on the U.S. National Team Development Program than Nic Kerdiles, if not for his scoring prowess, than for his imposing size and physical play. He is a dominating force when he is playing his game, controlling pucks, banging in the corners, and making life miserable for opposing defenders with his dangles and competitiveness. He is your prototypical power forward, with excellent hands, good wheels, a better than average shot, great vision and hockey IQ, and a work ethic that will push him to succeed at the next level and beyond. Won gold at the 2011 U18’s and a silver medal at this years U17’s.
29. C, Scott Laughton, 6-1, 180 lbs. Oshawa Generals OHL, 63 GP, 12 G, 11 A, 23 PTS
He makes smart decisions with the puck, has great leadership qualities on and off the ice, and possesses little to no weaknesses at both ends of the ice. You really can’t say enough about the kid that likens his game to that of Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound centre is a throwback to the days of old time hockey, and was another integral part of Team Ontario`s gold medal-win at the 2011 U-17`s, as he put up 2 goals and 5 points in 6 games.
30. C, Eric Locke, 5-9, 171 lbs. Barrie Colts/Windsor Spitfires OHL, 65 GP, 26 G, 28 A, 54 PTS
Though he is not overly big, he is stocky and is well conditioned, and doesn’t shy away from going to the dirty areas of the ice. He has tremendous hockey IQ, very good wheels, nice puckhandling ability, makes his teammates better with his creativity and playmaking skills, and works incredibly hard each shift. Locke reminds me a little of the Ducks Jason Blake in size and with the intangibles he brings to the game. Size might be a concern, but heart and talent shouldn’t be.
31. LW, Troy Bourke, 5-11, 180 lbs. Prince George Cougars WHL, 68 GP, 19 G, 23 A, 42 PTS
One of the big reasons that the Cougars had a resurgence in
, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward has sick offensive skills, and is very crafty on the ice. He has nice hands, can elude defenders with ease, good vision and hockey sense, and is always a threat to score. Bourke put up 3 goals and 8 points in 6 games with Team Pacific at the 2011 World Under-17’s, en route to their bronze medal win. He is one of my favourites available in the 2012 NHL Draft, and could definitely move up come June.
32. G, Jared Rutledge, 6-0, 160 lbs. USNTDP Juniors USHL, 19 GP, 8 W, 9 L, 0 T, 2 SO, 2.55 GAA, 920 SV%
The talented netminder helped Team USA to a silver medal at the 2011 IIHF World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Rutledge is technically and positionally very sound, is excellent at controlling rebounds, handles the puck well, competes hard, has a good glove, doesn’t get phased on the rare occasion he does let in a bad goal, and is extremely good at anticipating the play. Once again, the US looks like they may produce the best goalie in the draft.
33. D, Adam Pelech, 6-3, 215 lbs. Erie Otters OHL, 65 GP, 1 G, 12 A, 13 PTS
He has a huge frame which makes him a very intimidating player to the opposition, he can rush the puck, makes accurate, quick, crisp passes out of the zone, has a long stick that gives him great range, and is a strong skater. There isn’t much not to like about the young thoroughbred, who’s older brother Matt Pelech was a first round pick of the Calgary Flames in 2005, and their middle brother Mike was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings. It doesn’t hurt they are nephews of Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis either, as the bloodlines run deep in the Pelech family.
34. D, Dominic Poulin, 6-1, 185 lbs. Chicoutimi Saguenéens QMJHL, 61 GP, 4 G, 13 A, 17 PTS
Poulin was absolutely brilliant at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, potting 2 goals and 6 points in 6 games for Team Quebec. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec is an excellent skater, with good size, a nice shot, great vision and hockey sense, and loves using his frame to punish opponents whenever an opportunity presents itself. He reminds me a little of a young Ray Bourque with his skill set and potential, and he will undoubtedly be on the radar for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
35. D, Connor Carrick, 5-10, 185 lbs. U.S. National U17 Team USDP, 55 GP, 4 G, 16 A, 20 PTS
Carrick put on an absolute clinic at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, finishing tied for 6th overall in scoring, with 2 goals and 7 points in 5 games, while leading the US to a silver medal. he Orland Park, IL native is a decent skater, that has tremendous puck skills, great vision and hockey sense, works hard on and off the ice, and seems to make the game look effortless at times. He is a kid that has the ability to completely take the game over from the back end, and is definitely a prospect to keep and eye on next season. He models his game after Drew Doughty, nuff said.
36. D, Dillon Fournier, 6-1, 175 lbs. Lewiston MAINEiacs QMJHL, 60 GP, 3 G, 11 A, 14 PTS,
The smooth-skating defenseman has excellent hockey sense and vision, very good mobility, defends extremely well, makes smart decisions and never panics with the puck. He simply has all the tools to become a future NHLer. Although Fournier is seen as more of a defensive minded blueliner, he does have some untapped offensive potential, and should be a bigger contributor to the defense corps next season.
37. LW, Andrew Ryan, 6-3, 194 lbs. Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL, 48 GP, 5 G, 6 A, 11 PTS
Not an overly impressive in the Q, but was lights out at the World Under-17`s scoring 2 goals and 9 points in 5 games, possibly showing a signs of things to come. Ryan has very good size, at 6-foot-3, 194-pounds, to go with an excellent all-round skill set. he drives to the nets hard, is strong along the boards, and has a very high compete level. Just another well-schooled player who attend Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask.
38. C, Brendan Leipsic, 5-9, 170 lbs. Portland Winterhawks WHL, 68 GP, 16 G, 17 A, 33 PTS
He is an excellent skater with very good offensive instincts, works extremely hard on and off the ice, has good hockey sense, is responsible at both ends of the ice, and has fastly developed into a very useful player for coach Mike Johnston. He was outstanding for Team West at the 2011 World U17’s, with 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games. Leipsic reminds me a little of former Swift Current Broncos star Tyler Wright, and looks to be a very good prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
39. D, Jérémie Fraser, 6-1, 200 lbs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan QMJHL, 31 GP, 0 G, 5 A, 5 PTS
There is a lot to like about the Cantley,
native, as he plays the game with a ton of energy. He has good size, likes to get engaged physically, skates well, and despite not putting up too many points last year, has some offensive potential with a nice shot, excellent hockey sense and vision, and a very high compete level. The 16-year-old had 20 points (6G,14A) with his midget squad, the Gatineau L’Intrépide, in 2009-10.
40. F, Zane Jones, 6-3, 210 lbs. Olds Grizzlys AJHL, 50 GP, 21 G, 19 A, 40 PTS
One of the most impressive rookies in the AJHL this year, Jones did a lot with limited ice time. He has some real raw ability, mixed in with tremendous size. If he puts in the work, he has the potential to be a real dominant power forward, as he can skate, shoot, hit, fight, and do all the things NHL scouts love. He is a dark horse for sure, but the positives right now definitely out weight any negatives in his game.
41. C, Robbie Baillargeon, 6-foot, 170 lbs. Cushing Academy USPrep, 30 GP, 30 G, 34 A, 64 PTS
The shifty forward has tremendous wheels, a great shot, excellent hockey sense, good vision, and has the ability to dazzle you on the ice. He is simply a natural goal scorer, that loves to put the puck in the net. Baillargeon should draw much attention from the scouts, especially after he has dedicated his summer to getting bigger, faster, and stronger.
42. F, Dominik Volek, 6-1, 180 lbs. HC Sparta Praha U18 Czech U18, 39 GP, 21 G, 19 A, 40 PTS
The 17-year-old competes extremely hard each and every shift, and models his game after Mike Richards. He is an energy player that has decent wheels and plays the game at top speed, has excellent hands, good vision and hockey IQ, doesn’t shy away from the physical play or going to the dirty areas of the ice, and brings an element of leadership and responsible two-way play that most kids his age don’t have. His father is former NHLer David Volek as well, so he has the bloodlines.
43. LW, Emil Lundberg, 6-3, 203 lbs. Södertälje J20 SuperElit, 40 GP, 18 G, 13 A, 31 PTS
Lundberg absolutely loves to score, has nice hands, skates well, has good vision and hockey sense, does the little things it takes to win, and doesn’t mind getting physically engaged. He is a very skilled power forward with tremendous size, in the same mold as fellow countryman Johan Franzén. Maybe a wildcard, but definitely has the tools to be an effective pro.
44. D, Pascal Zerressen, 6-5, 216 lbs. Krefelder EV 1981 U18, 31 GP, 9 G, 33 A, 42 PTS
Zerressen defends well with his long reach and big frame, makes good decisions with the puck and never seems to panic, sees the ice incredibly well, has good hockey sense, a nice shot, can quarterback the power-play, lead the rush, and skates very well for his size. The Prince George Cougars were interested in acquiring the towering blueliner, but he’s opted to spend another year playing against men in Germany, which should only help his development. He’s set out to get bigger, stronger and more physical this summer, and should attract some attention in his second time around.
45. G, Daniel Altshuller, 6-3, 195 lbs. Nepean Raiders CCHL, 43 GP, 19 W, 13 L, 10 T, 1 SO, 3.22 GAA, .906 SV%
Big goaltender, at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, with a ton of upside and potential. He backstopped Team Ontario to a gold medal win at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, going 6-0-0, with a miniscule 1.66 goals against average, a .924 save percentage, and 1 shutout. He has excellent lateral movement, a quick glove, never gives up on a puck even when he is out of position, and always seems to make the save. However, struggled a little in the second half of the season.
46. LW, Teuvo Teräväinen, 5-10, 152 lbs. Jokerit U20 Jr. A SM-liiga, 26 GP, 3 G, 17 A, 20 PTS
Speedy Finnish forward isn’t overly big at 5-foot-10, 152-pounds, but has lights out playmaking ability. He led Team Finland at the World U-17’s with 2 goals and 7 points in 5 games, and was the only 2012 draft eligible player on the Finnish squad that participated at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament.
47. F, Chandler Stephenson, 5-10, 175 lbs. Regina Pats WHL. 60 GP, 7 G, 12 A, 19 PTS
The kid is a big game player folks, and he is going to be a big part of the Pats resurgence over the next couple years. Stephenson is an elite player, that has tremendous wheels and scoring ability, to go with great hockey IQ and vision, a good, accurate shot, a high compete level, and raw offensive talent that is off the charts.
48. G, Marek Langhamer, 6-2, 165 lbs. HC Chrudim Czech 2, 2-0-0, 2.55 GAA, .917 SV%
Czech netminder was one of only a handful of positives for his club at the 2011 World Under-17’s, going 1-2-0, with a 2.80 goals against average, and save percentage of .900. He is tall, yet slender at 6-foot-2, 165-pounds, but is positionally and technically sound, as well as very athletic. Posted a 2.51 GAA, and a .924 SV% in 11 games with his HC Pardubice U18 squad this season as well.
49. C, Brandon Magee, 5-7, 161 lbs. Chilliwack Bruins WHL, 65 GP, 12 G, 17 A, 29 PTS
All the dynamic 17-year-old does is produce at every level he has ever played. He has the ability to elude defenders at top speed, is very shifty, has excellent hands, good overall hockey sense and vision, goes to the dirty areas of the ice, competes extremely hard and plays the game gritty and on edge. He reminds me a lot of a young Theo Fleury with his offensive skill-set, and the way he doesn’t shy away from the physical stuff, as he has dropped the gloves on a few occasions and accumulated 78 penalty minutes this season. Once again, a small player with a big heart.
50. D, Michael Matheson, 6-1, 175 lbs. Lac St-Louis LHMAAAQ, 35 GP, 14 G, 24 A, 38 PTS
Excellent work ethic, plays a very complete and subtle game. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound defenseman is consistent at both ends of the ice, and models his game after that of Detroit`s Nicklas Lidstrom. He took home the Quebec Midget AAA Hockey Rookie of the Year award last season, and was outstanding for Team Quebec at the U-17`s, racking up 2 goals and 8 points through 6 games.
*51. D, Brian Cooper, 5-9, 180 lbs. Fargo Force USHL, 51 GP, 11 G, 22 A, 33 PTS
Cooper has been described as a John-Michael Liles type, represented Team USA at last summers Ivan Hlinka tournament, helping them to a silver medal, and was outstanding in the games I saw him play during the 2010 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, potting a goal and an assist in 4 games en route to helping the US capture gold. He s a smooth-skater, that has tremendous vision and hockey sense, a good shot, makes smart, quick decisions with the puck, has extraordinary offensive instincts that make him very dangerous on the powerplay, and plays the game with a bit of an edge as well.
Ven 1 Juil - 13:13
