The OHL and the NHL Draft: Round 3
My look at the OHL players selected in the 2012 NHL Draft continues with the 3rd round as we take a look at the New York Islanders selecting Adam Pelech, the Winnipeg Jets selecting Scott Kosmachuk and the Oshawa Generals selecting goaltender Daniel Altshuller, 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.
Oshawa Generals – 2012 NHL Draft Eligible’s
Scott Laughton / Centre / 6’1″ / 178 / May. 30, 1994
Click here to read his complete profile.
Laughton is a forward who does everything that it takes to win. He is a high character centre who plays smart at both end of the ice, and can beat you with a skilled play, fighting or by blocking a shot. He may be the smartest player in the draft. He has shown good offensive growth and developed some good vision and more confidence with the puck in the offensive zone. Only area of concern is a potential lack of high-end offensive upside, but you have to like everything else he brings to the ice. Projects out as a strong two way centre at the next level, and should be a late 1st to early 2nd round draft selection.
Josh Brown / Defene / 6’5″ / 204 / Jan. 21, 1994
Brown is a well-sized defenceman who struggled at times this season. He skates well for a player of his size, and does show some interesting potential, but struggles to keep up with the pace of play at times this season. He struggled with his decision-making, and did not show good offensive upside. Not on the NHL Draft radar at this time.
Daniel Altshuller / Goaltender / 6’3″ / 190 / Jul. 24, 1994
Altshuller has been a favorite of mine for a while. Ever since his days in the OEMHL, Altshuller has widely been considered to be the best goaltender at the age group, and although he has had some hiccups, he did show why so many have him as a top goaltender for the 2012 NHL Draft. His size, combined with his athleticism and confidence/poise are areas of his game that excite. His play internationally at the U17 tournament and Ivan Hlinka tournaments show his ability to step up when it matters most. He did struggle with consistency at times this year, but that’s to be expected from any 17-year-old goaltender in the OHL. Projects out as a starting goaltender at the NHL level, and should be a top 60 selection at the NHL Draft.
NHL Central Scouting releases its 2012 Watch List
Days after the 2011 NHL Draft, NHL Central Scouting has released its list of players to watch for the 2012 NHL draft.
Although its always interesting to see how players from other leagues rate out against their peers from other regions, for the purpose of this blog I am going to keep it focused to Ontario and select U.S. based players. It would be unfair for me to comment on players from other regions, as I really haven’t had the chance to see them play.
Read more 
