The OHL and the NHL Draft: Round 2
The examination of the 2012 NHL Draft continues as I take a look at the OHL skaters who were selected in the second round of the NHL Draft. This week’s edition will focus on players like Matt Finn, Mitchell Heard, Devin Shore among others.
FINAL – Top 50 Ontario Player Rankings For The NHL Draft
Today I annonuce my final Ontario Hockey League Rankings for the 2012 NHL Draft. These rankings are based on over 120 in person viewings in rinks throughout Ontario. I have tracked the development and progression of these players over 6-8 live viewings stretched out over the course of the season. I do not take in other companies rankings or video to help with the rankings.
April 2012 NHL Draft Rankings for the Ontario Region
Final 2012 NHL Draft Rankings for players based out of the Ontario region this season.
These rankings are based on 5-10 in person viewings of every team this season, as well as the progression of these prospects over a three to four year period.
Guelph Storm – 2012 NHL Draft Eligible’s
Patrick Watling / Centre / 5’11″ / 183 / Sep. 26, 1993
Watling is a hard working two-way centre who shows some good offensive upside. He brings a good complete level to the ice every time he hits the ice, and is the type of player who is willing to do what it takes to win. He shows improving puck skills, and could be a late round NHL draft selection if a team sees long term potential in him.
Spencer Turcotte / Right Wing / 6’2″ / 203 / Feb. 17, 1994
Turcotte is a hard working, north to south winger who brings a bit of jam to the ice. He is willing to drop the gloves when need be, and is aggressive on the forecheck. He struggles with the offensive side of his game, and needs significant time and space to create offense. Not on the NHL Draft radar at this time.
Justin Auger / Right Wing / 6’7″ / 217 / May. 14, 1994
Auger is a personal favorite of mine. It’s not often that you see players with his combination of size, mobility and puck skills. He is a good skater who shows above average acceleration and mobility for his size. When he is confident and assertive, he has the ability to generate offense off of the rush. His progression throughout the year has been interesting, and he should be a mid to late round NLH Draft selection.
Brock McGinn / Left Wing / 5’11″ / 172 / Feb. 2, 1994
McGinn has had an interesting season. Missing a significant period of hockey with an injury, but when he was healthy he showed good progression in the offensive side of his game. He brought a good compete level to the ice every time I saw him, and was a good skater. Areas to work on include his three-zone play, as well as his core strength. He should be a mid round draft selection for the NHL Draft.
Scott Kosmachuk / Right Wing / 5’11″ / 182 / Jan. 24, 1994
Click here to read his full profile.
Kosmachuk has shown good growth this year. He continued to play his strong, aggressive style, but this year he showed good puck skills and offensive abilities. He was good down low and along the boards, and effective at generating offense off of the cycle. He always seems to find open space in the offensive zone. He has some room to grow with his discipline level and his intelligence. He projects out as a 2nd round draft selection in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Matt Finn / Defence / 6’0″ / 197/ Feb. 24, 1994
The progress that Matt Finn has shown this year has been quite impressive. He has always been a smart defesive defenceman who showed some good offensive upside, but this year he really took some steps offensively. He has shown growth in his offensive abilities as well as his decision-making abilities, and most importantly his confidence. He has some room to grow with his mobility and footwork, but he gets the job done. Projects out as a 1st round NHL Draft selection.
Click Here to read his full profile.
Zack Leslie / Defence / 6’1″ / 171/ Jan. 31, 1994
Leslie has been flying under the radar all year. In his first season in the OHL, Leslie has shown enough ability and projectable skills that make him one of my dark horses for the NHL Draft. His mobility, vision with the puck and his ability to generate offense are impressive. He is a strong skater who shows good footwork. He has room to grow with his upper body strength, as well as his three zone positional play. He should be a mid round selection for the NHL Draft.
