Prospect Files Week 4: Warren Steele

This week we stray away from the sexier prospects that everyone probably already knows about and take a look at what could be this year’s poor man’s Mark Scheifele. The Kingston Frontenac’s defender played Junior A last year in the CCHL and after making the big team at the start of this season, he has had a great start and is surprising many people around the league. Let’s get to know a little bit more about one of the best young players and, maybe, the best name in the league…Warren Steele.

NHL Draft Prospect: Warren Steele – Kingston Frontenacs

The Line:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense
Draft Eligible: 2012

After only playing 7 games with the Kingston Frontenacs last season, amassing 0 points and a minus 1 rating, Warren Steele is impressing everyone, scouts included, this season. The Wallaceburg, Ontario native has put up 3 goals and 7 points in just thirteen games thus far and has played big minutes for a very young and inexperienced Frontenacs squad.

Even though the points are nice and you can have a glimpse at the stats sheet and see that he is having a great start, you have to see him play live to truly appreciate what he brings to the table. He is a stalky kid, built to handle a physical beating and he has shown that he can; oftentimes winning puck battles down low in his zone, but what separates him from many of the other draft eligible OHL defenseman is his passing ability. He makes very quick decisions as soon as he has the puck, showing off his vision and his passing ability. Short or long, the pass is always crisp and usually tape-to-tape.

He is a raw talent at this point, fresh out of the Junior A Smiths Falls Lumberjacks organisation, but you can see that the ability is there. His defensive zone coverage is adequate and with his skill-set it will only improve as he gets used to playing against larger and more talented players. His skating needs to be worked on but isn’t a hindrance to his game at this level.

This is one of those prospects where you watch play and see a very large ceiling. He is a project at this point, but one that I am sure all 30 NHL clubs would love to take on. I look forward to watching him progress as the year goes along and, if the Panthers send back Erik Gudbranson, (he is off to a terrible start) Steele could really mature quickly, learning from one of the top prospects in the game.

NHL Player Comparison: Mark Giordano

2001 OHL Priority Mock Draft - Round 2

BY: THANYE HALLYBURTON

Round 1 of the mock draft is in the books and anybody can look at other mock drafts to come up with their first round predictions. Thayne is going the extra mile when putting his predictions out there. Here is how he sees the second round of the OHL Priority Draft

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23) Belleville- Nick Moutrey- Forward
After taking Subban in the first round they will be looking for offensive help and will take Big Nick Moutrey. He has a well-rounded game and should be a prototypical power forward in the O before too long.

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24) Peterborough- Daniel Nikandrov- Forward
Nikandrov can play all three forward positions well, and although they took a forward with the 2^nd overall pick, they have to go Best player available (BPA) here with very few D in this range that are not risky American picks.

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25) Ottawa- Charlie Pelnik- Defense
Pelnik is a risky pick and if his future (OHL vs. NCAA) was certain he may have been a top 10 selection. Ottawa has the depth to take a shot here and it may pay off huge.

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26) Sarnia- Anthony Difruscia- Forward
The big Welland Tigers forward has some jam and is physically ready to step into an OHL line-up. With the rumours in Sarnia, they need to be prepared for anything, and Anthony shores up their forward core.

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27) Peterborough- Ian McCoshen- Defense
McCoshen played in the USHL this season with the Waterloo Blackhawks as an under-ager. He is a big kid who has above average skating and shooting. He is a Wisconsin kid and Wisconsin is going after him hard. He has yet to make up his mind and will probably not be asked to partake in the USNTDP, so he may come north. Peterborough can afford the chance here.

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28) Sudbury- Nicholas Halagian- Forward
Halagian was a forward on the rise earlier in the year but evened out. He goes right where he should and Sudbury gets a big, strong forward with a good shot to start filling the holes that will be left.

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29) London-Alex Smith-Defense< London may be one of the only teams that Smith may report too. He played on a very good, maybe the best minor midget team in the world this year in the Detroit Honeybaked and was their best Defenseman. London always seems to be able to persuade these kinds of players.

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30) Windsor- Michael McCarron- Forward
And team mates go back to back here. McCarron played on that same Honeybaked team as Smith and was a standout forward. Windsor saw him many times I am sure, and maybe the verbal commitment to Michigan State won’t be enough to stop him. He has not received an invite to the USNTDP.

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31) London Brody Milne- Forward
London is able to go more conventional with this pick and they will select Brody Milne from the Halton Hurricanes program. Milne is an interesting player. He has the size and the skating as well as the shot to be a top player; he just needs to think the game better. The Hunters are the best teachers around.

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32) Guelph- Jimmy Lodge- Forward
Lodge is a great pick up here. Many scouts love this kid. He played on a mediocre Toronto Titans minor midget team this year but looked very good. Guelph will love his ability and there is a lot to like. He has a few issues with turning the puck over, but when you have to do it all yourself, there’s going to be some turnovers.

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33) Plymouth- Josh Sterk- Forward
Sterk was the top forward on the Mississauga Sens minor midgets. He has an OHL-ready game. He has great speed down the wing and a quick release, although his shot needs some minor work to get it a bit harder. He has a lot of creativity but with the creativity he can turn the puck over. The Whalers need forwards and he is the BPA at that position.

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34) Erie- Spencer Martin- Goaltender
With Sadikov probably getting a pro contract, the goaltending cupboards aren‘t bare, but no one like to only eat PB&J. Martin is the best goaltender available and lead the Toronto Jr. Canadians to the GTHL finals, upsetting the powerhouse Don Mills Flyers along the way. Martin has quick feet and a very good glove hand. Erie is a good fit for him.

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35) Oshawa- Carter Verhaege- Forward
Carter was good in the neutral zone and was great at gaining the line with speed. He also accels behind the net in a puck posession game. Would be a good fit for the Generals 3rd line.

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36) Saginaw- Cole Cassels- Forward
The son of former NHLer Andrew Cassels, Cole is ready for the next level. Andrew has indicated that he would like Cole to take the OHL path and Saginaw would be a great organization to do so. Cassels is a crafty forward and impressed at the OHL cup. He can skate like the wind and should be able to go right into the Gens line-up for the memorial cup run next season.

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37) Barrie-Alex Carnevale- Forward
Carnevale had an amazing week at the OHL Cup. This kid is a banger; he chases pucks down and is usually the first fore-checked in on his own dump-ins. He hits hard and has a beautiful wrister. He is a North-South player in every sense of the word.

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38) Barrie-Jared Gilbert- Defense
The big Marlies defenseman was the anchor on that blueline and was the man in charge of covering up for the sometimes overzealous Subban’s turnovers. Gilbert is the kind of stay at home defenseman that this Colts team is in desperate need of.

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39) Sudbury-Brent Pederson-Forward
Pederson was the go to scorer for the Waterloo Wolves minor midgets in 2010/2011. He has speed to burn on the outsides and can go roof from in close. He also is very responsible defensively. He could be a late second round steal.

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40) Niagara-Hunter Smith-Forward
Smith is a huge physical specimen. At 6 foot 6 and over 200 pounds he is physically ready to play OHL hockey. His coordination needs to catch up to his body, however, and needs a very structured system to protect him until his deficiencies are fixed. Marty Williamson is the man for that task.

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41) Owen Sound-Luke Shiplo-Defense
Shiplo is a slick defender, who will impress you with his smooth skating. The Oakville Rangers minor midget product always looks in control on the ice. His smaller stature is not a lot to be worried about; he should end up in the 6 foot to 6 foot 1 area. Owen Sound went with a forward in the first round and need to fill blueline holes that Blacker and Stanisz will create when they leave after this year.

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42) Sudbury-Rory McGuire-Defense
After they just selected a highly skilled forward they will take this steady defensive prospect with the 42^nd pick. Mcguire is an interesting case. He was often overshadowed by the smooth play of fellow York-Simcoe defender Steven Varga. McGuire has a great shot and is a very smart player. He should slot right in on the Sudbury defense.

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Stay tuned for more great OHL Priority Draft coverage tomorrow and on Saturday as ITO continues to look towards the great future that is the Ontario Hockey League

2011/12 Team Needs - Central Division

As we continue the content-a-day giveaway... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not addressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Barrie Colts - The colts need a lot of help in the upcoming season. That is a fact. But when you look at what they do have in place, it is not as bad as this year could be. Their forwards are actually going to be near the top of the league. Their Goaltending duo of Charts and Windsor will benefit from the older group in front of them, so that leaves the D position... and aren't they going to be drafting that super tall 15 yr old?

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Brampton Battalion - Goalie? check. Defence? Double check. So that leaves forward. Simple enough. 

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Mississuaga St. Michael's Majors - The fact that no 94's played all season long, could be a bad move. Then again if they win the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup... who cares. The Majors lose 2 OA's at D and one 91 birthday. Since Dave Cameron is a defence first coach (providing he hasn't moved on to the NHL) then he would look for a talented D man, maybe a puck mover. It will definitely be a D before another F.

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Niagara IceDogs - This team is poised to lose some good OA's and some tough 91 birth year decisions ahead of them. Their D is young and already taking over ice time from veterans. Visentin could make the jump to the NHL next season, but my money is on a Forward who is going to be drafted by NIA.

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Sudbury Wolves - I am a little confused here. It is either a goaltender, or a forward. And with no faith in Jacob Riley (so I been told) it is more probable to trade for a goalie for the upcoming year, if they do not give the rigns to Alex Laino that is. Since their are options between the pipes, and the defence corps may not lose anyone, the smart money is on the Wolves drafting a forward.

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Another tough division as we have one to go. As per Monday's post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the East division so remember to come check that out.

2011 OHL Priority Mock Draft - Round One

BY: Thayne Hallyburton

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1) Barrie Colts- Aaron Eklblad D
The colts need a lot of help on the back end. Last season they proved they could score and with 2 of the top 15 probable scorers next season in Scheifele and Behenna this pick makes sense, even though, I personally would prefer the dynamic Ritchie here. This kid could put butts in the seats.
2) Peterborough Petes- Nicholas Ritchie F
Peterborough does need depth on the blue line, but the best player in the draft and a kid that has this kind of upside cannot be passed up. Peterborough will look to find a stud in the next few rounds on the back end, but they take Ritchie here.
3) Sault St. Marie- Darnell Nurse D
Huge, fast, offensive upside, athlete... these adjectives describe Don Mills’ Darnell Nurse. The big defenseman looks like a man amongst boys in the minor Midget AAA ranks. His skating ability alone would make teams look twice. There are some rumours of him not wanting to go to SSM, and although this may be the case, maybe new GM Kyle Dubas has a few tricks up his sleeve.
4) Sarnia Sting- Nicolas Baptiste F
Baptiste is too good not to take at this spot. Sarnia was hoping for a Nicholas Ritchie to fall to 4 so he could come play with his brother Brett but they are happy to be getting a highly skilled forward here. The unanimous #1 in September, Baptiste has taken a minor slide but still may be the best player of his draft year, in a few years. He has that kind of potential. Sarnia can’t let him pass.
5) Belleville Bulls- Jordan Subban D
Jordan Maletta is probably the BPA at this point but Subban is a top 10 pick and the bloodlines make this an obvious and expected selection. He will pull over the same jersey that his two older brothers, PK and Malcolm have. He has some of the best hands I this draft, but he takes far too many risks. He will need a lot of polishing to be affective at the next level. But I think he will figure it out. The one thing that scares me is that he doesn’t seem to have those explosive first few steps his brother had at the same age.
6) Sudbury Wolves- Jordan Maletta F
Maletta has size and a fantastic shot and may be the best 2 way player to be taken so far. He has a hockey IQ that is above average and when he is on the ice he always gets a touch of the puck. If there’s one hang up it’s that even at minor midget Maletta seems hesitant to go into the dirty spots and make things happen. Something an OHL player has to do to be successful, especially one as big as him. Sudbury is happy with this pick.
7) Brampton Battalion- Scott Teskey F
Teskey played in the GTHL for the Jr. Canadiens and was one of the top players in the league. He has average size, but his skating and offensive vision are exceptional. He needs help with his shot and a more coached offensive system would benefit him in helping him find a little more space, he is always the first man in on the fore check and this hurts his production. This may be a shocking selection but Brampton needs offense and besides Cianfrone and Max Domi (USHL bound supposedly), there isn’t a whole lot left at this spot.
8) Kingston Frontenacs – Max Domi F
Domi is the most complete player in this draft and, after having a spectacular OHL cup, he would be the odds on favourite to go first overall, but his dad, former NHLer Tie Domi, has said he will be USHL bound with his sights set on a NCAA scholarship. The only caveat being two of his buddies are now involved in Kingston in, Todd gill (HC) and Doug Gilmore (GM). They may feel like they can lure Max while offering Tie an Assistant coaches role.
9) London Knights- Bryson Cianfrone F
London is stacked up on the blue line and are almost forced into taking a forward with lots of interesting D prospects left on the board, but don’t let that fool you. Marlies captain, Bryson Cianfrone is no slouch and deserves this spot. The crafty, average sized centre had a fantastic year and has skyrocketed up the rankings. When he is on the ice, he is fun to watch, always making something happen. London fans will love watching him develop.
10) Guelph Storm- Adam Bateman D
Bateman, played second fiddle on that Don Mills D to Darnell Nurse but he has a very unique skill set. He sees the ice very well and jumps passing routes like I haven’t seen from a kid that age since Drew Doughty. He is an offensive defenseman, who needs a responsible stay at home partner. The Don Mills team was deep but he was often paired with the 4th D on that team, thus a few more of his risky plays ended up in the back of his net than would have happened had he played with nurse. This is a player to watch.
11) Plymouth Whalers- Michael Vlajkov D
Vlajkov is an interesting player. He is a big kid and the argument can be made that he has outgrown his coordination. One his body catches up to him his defensive play should improve. He has a huge shot and is the quintessential PP QB that you look for in this draft. He is a bit of a project but Plymouth can take the time to develop him.
12) Erie Otters- Steven Varga D
Varga was the captain this year of the York since express and played like it. He has a very calm and cool demeanor, has OHL speed and hands and thinks the game 1 step ahead, seemingly, of everyone else. He will be a great pickup for an Erie team that is looking to get some new blood on the back end.
13) Windsor Spitfires- Bo Horvat F
Horvat impressed with the U16’s and was often left on his own to support the Elgin-Middlesex offensive game along with Mitchell Fitzmorris. The big-bodied forward has average speed, but is very strong on his skates. The only downside to his game is consistency. If he stops taking shifts off and works on his first 3 steps, he will be a deadly power forward in the O.
14) Kitchener Rangers- Anthony De Angelo D
The first American import on the list is a very intriguing Defenseman. He made the USHL at 14, the youngest ever. The sky is the limit to his upside offensively. This kid can wheel and deal with the best of them. He is a strong skater and is able to burn forwards through the neutral zone. He is also likely to come north, making him a very intriguing prospect.
15) Saginaw Spirit- Mitchell Dempsey F
Dempsey has the raw talent you want to see in a big winger, but he lacks the compete level that is needed for the next level. Luckily you can teach a kid to compete…it’s much harder to give him the skill set Dempsey possesses. He would fit in nicely in Saginaw.
16) Oshawa Generals- Braxton Andrews D
Andrews was a steady Defenseman for the Marlies this season. He is a physical, puck moving defender who has good vision and hockey sense. He lacks in the shot department, but that is something a lot of young Defenseman struggle with during their growth spurts. He will look very good in white and red next season.
17) Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors- David Perklin F
Perklin is a hardworking, crease crashing machine. This kid has one gear...and its wide open! He should be a fun player to watch. His ceiling is just a little lower than the other kids on this list. He will be a very serviceable player. Missy fans will fall in love with him…..all 10
18) Ottawa 67’s- Hunter Garlent F
This may be a surprise pick here, but Garlent had a good OHL Cup and a great season. He is quick and has hands of gold, but don’t be fooled, he will go where he has to make a play. Ottawa would be wise to take him here.
19) Niagara Ice Dogs- Stephen Nosad F
When someone says Steven Nosad, the first thing that comes to mind is OHL skating. This kid can flat out fly and is brilliant to watch, he has footwork a lot of players in the O would love to have. Where he lacks is in the hockey IQ department, sometimes things seem to develop too fast for him and leads to turnovers. He will mature and may be a steal this late in the draft.
20) Owen Sound Attack- Mitchell Fitzmorris F
Fitzmorris is a nice player for #20 overall. He has above average hockey IQ, an above average shot and what’s most intriguing is his prowess in the faceoff dot. I project him to be a very solid second liner, who can score 60 points and be the top man on you PK.
21) Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors- Steven Bigras D
This is an interesting pick here for the Majors, after taking a Forward at 17, they will look to go with a D here, logic would say. They have gigantic holes everywhere after this memorial cup run. I like them taking Steven Bigras in this spot. The captain of the Barrie colts’ minor midgets this year shows poise on the back end and has calm to his game that is very nice to see in a young kid. He never panics. He is a good choice here…a safe choice.
22) Barrie Colts- Brandon Robinson F
Robinson is a project in every sense of the word. The skills are there for the Young Nat’s forwards. He has size at 6 foot 3 and has a shot to go with it. He is an elusive player, especially for a skater who is not fast or strong. The intangibles are there once he fills out his frame. He needs to keep going to the tough areas. That’s where he will leave his mark.

2011/12 Team Needs - Midwest Division

It is Day 3 of the 'content-a-day giveaway'... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not adressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Erie Otters -this is a team, who should have gone farther in the playoffs instead of being bounced after 7 games to Windsor. With that being said, if Sadikov does not get a pro deal, not only is it a travesty but it means that he will be back in Erie as an OA. so that eats up one spot. there are 4 91 birthdays on the blueline and there are 5 '91's as forwards and they lose 3 forwards due to graduation. To be honest the only thing that the Otters will not need is Goaltending. So here is a rare place where they will take the Best player available because they need help all over. 

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Guelph Storm - I think this is pretty simple. I do not foresee the Storm holding on to Holland, Latta and Beck for one more year. At least not all 3. Latta maybe. So you need to find another Holland or Beck and if you are not trading for one. you will have to draft it. And draft a forward the Storm will do.

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Owen Sound Attack - Their goaltending is sured up as if Stajcer does not return, they will still have Zador, or vice versa. Also Binnington has showesd that he is ready now, so definitely do not have to worry about drafting one. On the blueline, Stanisz and Blacker are most likely not on the roster next season but that won't hurt the team as much as people are willing to believe. That leaves the F position and there is a lot of quality talent and grit players who will need to be replaced. look for the Western Conference Champions to look for an impact forward, or at least a forward who they can grow around like a Robbie Mignardi. Can be an effective scorer or a defensive forward with ease.

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London Knights - There are a lot of questions about the Knights moving forward, but the forwards are not one of them. the D is young enough to grow together and be more effective than they were this season. With the 'failure' that was Bobkov this season, it is clear that they need a competent backup to assist Michael Houser. Look for the Knights to pick up a goaltender in the draft, not only to develop but to win them 5-20 games as a backup.

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Kitchener Rangers - When you look at the age of the players on the roster there is no real need to be concerned with the fact they have talented 93 birth year players. What is alarming is that 2 of them will be a top 10 selection, possibly top 5, in Landeskog and Murphy. that leaves big gaps to fill but where is the bigger hole? it could even be in goal with Maxwell possibly not coming back and Morrison becoming the defacto #1. The more pressing need I would say is at the forward level. most of the 91's will not be back, Landeskog is a huge hole, like Skinner the year before. Some of the 93's on the roster, did not get much playing time so they would still be rookies based on playing experience. At the same time, I could still see Kitchener picking a D man... how about a coin toss for this one? 

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It is very tough to decide what a team will be looking for. As per yesterdays post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the Central division so remember to come check that out.

2011/12 Team Needs - West Division

As we continue the content-a-day giveaway... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not adressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Sarnia Sting - The Sarnia Sting will basically be looking to replace offensive talent come draft day. The team loses the likes of Kale Kerbashian and Tyler Peters due to OA graduation and even though the team is still talented up front, will be looking for more. Galchenyuk, Latta, Yakupov and Ritchie to name a few, will be counted on more heavily but you can never pass up on more offensive talent. If there is a toss up where the Offensive talent is equal to another players Defensive skill, I can see where the Sting may look to rebuild their Defence and make it stronger.

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Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - After the season they had, I am assuming many people would like to see a huge overhaul and see them draft every position imaginable. The truth is, their goaltending is going to be much improved with the idea of Perugini coming back and Murray in his sophmore season. The blueline will get an upgrade with Beukeboom coming back, along with the emergence of Volpe, Sproul and Curcurrato. Their forwards will be all a year more experienced with the likes of Catenacci, Sulmonte, Omelyanko and Findlay all being counted on. This team does not need an overhaul but out of those three areas my money would be on a defenceman to ensure any short comings with the Offence, will be remedied by a strong defence for years to come.

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Windsor Spitfires - The Spitfires will lose a lot of offence and grit with the likes of Johnston, Carrick and Brown graduating from the OHL. In theory, Ellis and Kassian can anchor this team next season as they are 91 birthdays. The problem is that more than likely those two will be playing in the AHL and even though you can not replace a Ryan Ellis... Nick Ebert looks like he may be the next one. this leads me to believe that the Spits will look for a goaltender to develop. John Cullen will not be an OA with this team next year and more than likely Campbell will be back. It also appears as though Windsor is not a huge fan of Nishi, so if they can draft a possible, above average goalie who is technically sound, who will take direction and learn from a goaltender who has an impressive international resume... then that is who they will take.

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Plymouth Whalers - Here is a team that I do not see many holes in. They have Scott Wedgewood and Matt Mahalak, who will be their goaltenders without a doubt. Their offense loses with their 3 OA's graduating from the forward position. and even though they have to replace them with somebody. The team is not hurting huge without the 3. The year of development and the great playoff series against Kitchener has done wonders for them. Since the Whalers lose Livingston, Brown and Czarnik. Then they will take a forward and most likely a winger

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Saginaw Spirit - The Spirit went for broke this season, and turns out... they are broke and even thought their offence was as potent in the playoffs when compared to the regular season. The team will still be looking to add to the blueline. Dalton Prout will be a big hole to fill, as well as Walch, Chiarot or Hermenegildo as one or none of them could be back next year due to a crowded OA situation in Saginaw. The younger the D for next season the great the team can be in 2012/13 when the Goaltending and blueline is top notch. and not to mention their depth of young forwards will be ready for prime time.

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It is very tough to decide what a team will be looking for. As per yesterdays post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the Midwest division so remember to come check that out.

OHL Draft thoughts

BY: Brandon Sudeyko

Starting off the continuous daily coverage of blog a day content. lets look at some OHL draft thoughts. not specifically my draft board thoughts because well... I am not the guy to go to for this. Do I know about the players in the draft? yes. Do I have the foggiest idea of where some of these kids will be drafted? yes. But there are so many variables into what can go into drafting these kids. So I decided to look at this topic in another way. Explaining everything that needs to be considered for the OHL Priority Draft.

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NCAA Card - this is probably one of the biggest problems coming into the OHL draft. When top notch 'future star's play the 'I'm not going to play in the OHL, I will play in the States' game. I would have no problem with players doing this if they meant it. For the most part this tactic is used just as a bargaining chip or as a way to avoid going to a 'small market' or an undesirable location.

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Switcharoo - with the addition of the 'supplemental draft pick' this has become a common tactic between GM's who are friends with others. The two teams will agree to select the other teams interest, knowing the kids will not report to their teams. They then trade the players to each other and they not only get their draft choice, the teams get a supplemental draft pick because the chosen player decided not to report. It wouldn't be outrageous to eventually see a 30 pick first round with 20 teams in the league.

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Jerry McGuire - This is like the NCAA card but basically the hold out is over money. and you may be thinking... These kids are not paid. Well you are right... through their agents a deal is struck where some of these top drafted kids receive financial compensation for reporting, in upwards of 6 figures.

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Need or Want - The age old debate of how do you draft. Need or want? The team could desperately need a defenceman to anchor their blueline for the next 3 years, but how do you pass up on a kid with a high offensive ceiling relatable to Jeff Skinner, or a Matt Duchene? You want that potential 20 goal rookie scorer to be your future, but that 'can't miss' goaltender has slipped by and you can select him. What is a team to do?

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The in spite of selection - If the team selecting behind you wants this one player and you have no intention of drafting him to play for your team, but you draft him anyways. I call this the 'in spite of selection' because the main goal is to screw over the other team not only by selecting their draft pick that they wanted, but to then ransom the rights to the player for players or draft picks. It makes sense to do business this way... to a degree. As it will probably get you blackballed quickly.

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To be fair there are a lot of other types of decisions that go into drafting a player. like their skill and such. But again. I am not here to discuss that. Just to inform the general audience of what you may see next Saturday when the OHL Priority draft occurs. Remember, these drafts, whether it be the OHL, QMJHL, WHL, or even the pros are a lot like Transformers. There's more than meets the eye.