TCB2004 said:
OHL Forwards
Anyone want to give a quick scouting report on any of the following? Styles of play, comparisons to similarly talented players from last year’s draft, projected round in which they’ll be drafted – any info would be appreciated:
Bobby Ryan
Chris Lawrence
Dan Collins
Ryan O’Marra
James Neal
Patrick Davis
Michael Blunden
Cody Bass
Dan Ryder
Evan Brophey
Matt D’Agostini
Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn
Tony Rizzi
Tom Mannino
Radek Smolenak
Steve Downie
I've seen most of these guys play but only once or twice, I'll give a report on the guys I remember well only.
Bobby Ryan should be the top OHL pick, he's big, strong, has a wicked shot and can score. Looks like a top 8 pick in the draft at this point.
Chris Lawrence is very tall and lanky that is a good playmaker. He lacks good finishing skills and probably won't go in the first round IMO. I'm thinking somewhere in the third round, I haven't seen him play too too often though.
I haven't seen O' Marra play more than once or twice but I remember him being good defensively and as mentioned before, he has a good shot. A definite first rounder IMO.
Patrick Davis is a fast skater, he's a pretty big guy but has had injury problems in the past. I'm thinking late first round, early second round.
Michael Blunden is a very underrated player. Even though I've only seen him twice I have been very impressed. He's huge, hits, scores goals, and has improved his skating considerably. I'd say somewhere in the late first round.
Cody Bass can hit, he can skate and has really improved his play this year. His main drawback is his size, which is why he'll probably fall to the second round.
Daniel Ryder is a pretty good all around player but doesn't really stand out. He's small but seems to have good instincts and can put points on the board. Somewhere in the early third round I'd say.
Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn is a solid forward. He is small, but plays bigger than his size. He can fight, and has appeared on the scoresheet occasionally this season as well. Until he can score consistently, he won't go on the first day of the draft IMO.
Tony Rizzi has really underachieved after being picked 3rd overall in the bantam draft. He's lanky and seems to have good offensive tools. If he can put it all together, he could be a good NHL player. He will be hardpressed to go on the first day of the draft, depends on his second half of the OHL season.
Steve Downie is small in size, but plays bigger than he looks. He gets under peoples skin and can also put the puck in the net and fight. He reminds me of another former Spitfire, Steve Ott. Downie should go on the first day of the draft.
