Saginaw Spirit – 2012 NHL Draft Eligible’s

Justin Kea / Centre/ 6’4″ / 211 / Feb. 7, 1994

Kea is a player who has some good tools, but struggled to find a role with the Spirit this year. He has the size and mobility to be an NHL level prospect, but has struggled with the puck all season long. Towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, the Spirit had Kea play more of an defensive checking role, and is starting to find a role that suits him. He still has to grow his offensive abilities if he hopes to have a career at the next level, but his development as a player in the second half of the season raised eyebrows. Projects out as an aggressive defensive forward at the next level, and should be a mid to late round draft pick at the NHL Draft.

Vadim Khlopotov / Left Wing / 6’1″ / 180 / Apr. 22, 1994           

Khlopotov is a player who showed flashes of skill this season, but struggled to put it all together. He had a difficult time adapting to the physical aspects of the OHL game, and just never was able to put it together in the OHL. Expect him to be back overseas next year.

Eric Locke / Centre/ 5’9″ / 182 / Nov. 21, 1993           

Locke is a forward who alot of scouts have differing opinions on. He is viewed by some as a strong offensive player who could be a top 6 forward at the next level, however in my viewings this season, I have not seen that potential in him. He shows flashes of good puck skills and mobility, but those are inconsistent at best. He has struggled to stay healthy over the past 12 months, and I don’t think his offensive skills will overcome the size and strength issues that he already seems to have in the OHL. Should be a mid round draft selection.

Terry Trafford / Centre/ 5’11″/ 188 / Feb. 14, 1994

Trafford is a strong skating forward who has struggled to develop his offensive game in the past two years. He has some good individual skills, but he has not adapted well to the OHL to this point, and has not shown anything to suggest that he will next year. Not on the NHL Draft radar at this time.

Grant Webermin / Defence / 6’1″ / 175 / Feb. 24, 1994           

Webermin is a defensive defenceman who is solid positionally. He is a player who knows his role and plays it well, but has not shown a lot of growth since he entered the league. He needs to continue to work on his strength and aggression, and make it harder to play against him. He is not on the NHL Draft radar at this time.

Jacob Ringuette / Defence / 6’1″ / 195 / Jun. 3, 1994           

Ringuette is a defenceman who came into the league with some good potential, but has struggled to see that potential through. He sees the ice well and shows some flashes off offensive abilities, but they are few and far between. He is solid positionally and shows good intelligence, but just has not shown enough to this point. Not on the NHL draft radar at this time.

Clint Windsor / Goaltender / 6’4″ / 209  / Nov. 2, 1993

Windsor is a well-sized goaltender who is solid positionally. When he plays aggressively within the crease, challenging shooters and taking away space, he shows good potential. He is effective at taking away space from opposition shooters. He needs to continue to work on his lateral movement and agility within the crease, as well as his focus and composure. Should be a mid to late draft pick, and could be a back up goaltender at the next level.

Jake Paterson / Goaltender / 6’1″ / 180 / May. 3, 1994

Paterson has really come on in the second half of the season. Once he was given the starting job in Saginaw, he was inconsistent and showed flashes of potential, but was often the victim of some inconsistent play in front of him. Towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, Paterson found his grove and the team in front of him was playing with confidence. His positional play, calmness and size are all key aspects to his success, and key reasons as to why so many are very high on him. He has the potential to be a starting goaltender at the next level, and should be a top 90 selection for the 2012 NHL Draft.