|
Six Through Ten Top Canadian Prospects of the OHL |
|
|
|
|
|
The second part of this series. Next up will be the top-10 Slovaks. Just remember that this list only includes Canadian players who haven't played 50+ games in the NHL and played junior in the OHL, no 2013/2014 draft eligible players and no goalies.
6. Cody Ceci Defenseman (15th Overall 2012) 18 Years old, Ottawa 67’s OHL, Property of the Ottawa Senators
If there was a player who has flown more under the radar, show me. Ceci took hold of the number one all purpose guy for the 67’s and was a beast. Like many great two-way defensemen, he’s shown a level of offensive dominance at the junior level. He’s got an amazing mind for the game; he just seems to know where every player is and what they are doing on the ice. This has made his passing game and knowledge of when to pinch second to none. He’s got a good frame for the NHL at 6’2 though is disappointingly unphysical. What have helped him are his cognitive skills and speed. He’s very mobile and great at rushing the puck. He makes some mistakes when overly hit by physicality. He has one of the best shots in the OHL regardless of year and his commitment to bettering it has been amazing. His major weakness is his lack of physicality; he’s got NHL size, but rarely uses it. One last year in Ottawa and he should see time in Binghamton.
Potential: Top-Four Two-Way Defenseman
Comparable: Keith Yandle
7. Slater Koekkoek Defenseman (10th Overall 2012) 18 Years Old, Peterborough Petes OHL, Property of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Once again Tampa disregarded injury and Russianess in his draft pick. Koekkoek has everything you could hope for in a top defenseman package, except that he was injured too long to show it but for a small time frame. Koekkoek has the skating, shot, passing and physicality anybody would want in a defenseman. He’s probably the rawest player in the 2012 draft and many think that skill set could have found him in the top-5 had he not been injured. He’s an extremely mobile defenseman with great side to side skating and backwards movement. He has a big shot and very good passing skills. He isn’t a PP quarterback, but can play cannon to one easily. Defensively he is ok and has shown serious work ethic by putting his body on the line often. He has no fear and plays like it. Physically he hits quite a bit, but isn’t a heavy hitter. Every now and then he will have a devastating hit. He’s got a massively high ceiling and low risk, but there is a chance he can disappoint if the injury hampers him.
Potential: Top Four Two-Way Defenseman
Comparable: Alexander Edler
8. Ryan Ellis Defenseman (11th Overall 2009) 21 Years Old, Milwaukee Admirals AHL, Property of the Nashville Predators
Simply put, if he was 6’0 he would be considered the next Mike Green or Erik Karlsson. Ellis has faced issues his whole career based on his height and skill set. At a generous 5’9, Ellis would be the shortest defender in the NHL next year when he is expected to make the jump. He might also be the most skilled. Ellis is known for his insane work ethic and big mouth on lazy players. He has good speed though not great; his best skating aspect is his shiftiness. He has serious moves. In the end that defines his game. Ellis thinks the game better than those against him. He knows when to pinch, when to jump down behind the net and when to retreat on the defensive. He has amazing vision and passing abilities. On the PP he’s shown he can adapt to any situation and loves to stay mobile changing up the method of attack. He passes very well as well, product of controlling the play. Defensively he’s come a long way, he used to have major issues with one vs one situations...he still does...but he’s improved. He will never spark the world with defensive acumen, but he’s one of the hardest working players to come out of the OHL. One thing is for certain, he doesn’t lack for overconfidence.
Potential: Top-4 Offensive Defenseman
Comparable: Brian Rafalski
9. Tyler Toffoli Right Wing (47th Overall 2010) 20 Years Old, Ottawa 67’s OHL, Property of the Los Angeles Kings
With back to back most goals scored in the OHL, it’s safe to say Toffoli has proven himself to be one of the best snipers in junior. He’s been praised by his coach in his transformation of his game to becoming almost as strong a playmaker as he is a goal scorer. He goes to the net and is very sneaky, like all snipers he has that ability to disappear and find open ice. Hockey sense and natural talent are what make Toffoli a blast to watch. He already has an NHL level shot. Defensively he’s hard working and adequate. He needs the typical bulking up and fine tuning little things in that area; you’ll never see him leading a penalty kill. Toffoli’s one major weakness is his skating. For a 5’11 player he’s very average, he lacks a strong top-end speed. Next season will probably see him suit up for the Manchester Monarch’s where he’ll get acclimatized to the professional game.
Potential: Top-Six Scorer
Comparable: Henrik Zetterberg
10. Brendan Gaunce Center (26th Overall 2012) 18 Years Old, Belleville Bulls OHL, Property of the Vancouver Canucks
Gaunce is the kind of guy you draft knowing he’ll find his way to the NHL in some capacity. With all the “power forward” labels being thrown at any player over 6’3 that can protect the puck, I think Canucks fans will be happy to know Gaunce is in the mold of a more traditional power forward. At 6’2 215lbs, he’s very gritty and amazing on the cycle. He’s very hard to take off the puck down low and outmuscles his opponents. He’s fantastic defensively and has the hockey smarts to have great positioning and takeaway ability. He can and does play in all situations very well. He has good hands and is a decent playmaker and scorer, but nothing out of this world. That’s the only real issue with Gaunce. He’s got the overall game to be a great third liner, yet some wonder if his skills are strong enough to push him into a second line role. He didn’t have great things to work with last season, so maybe with more talent on his team we’ll see him shine. His skating is good, but he’s a slow accelerator.
Potential: 2nd/3rd Line Power Center
Comparable: Brooks Laich
Notables: Devante Smith-Pelly (Anaheim Ducks...played 49 games and I think he’ll be a great 2nd/3rd line grinder), Calvin De Haan (New York Islanders), Joey Hishon (Colorado Avalanche...if he recovers from his concussion), Matt Puempel (Ottawa Senators), Ryan Sproul (Detroit Red Wings), Nick Cousins (Philadelphia Flyers), Stuart Percy (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jamieson Oleksiak (Dallas Stars) and many many more.
Thanks for reading.
Follow me on Twitter @AdamFrenchReal
Join the Discussion:
»