I agree with the fact he has the potential to slide into the end of the first round, if someone likes him, but not until the last three or four picks.
He skates very well, is decent in his own zone and plays with an edge. I think he has some offensive potential, once he gains confidence with the puck. There were a number of times when he was on the Remparts 2nd unit PP where he seemed to rush himself with the puck on the point and I think that all has to do with confidence.
Overall, I think a lot of the flaws in Ryan's game are mental, decision making, picking his spots better, hockey sense etc. He didn't strike me as being anywhere close to being mentally mature or prepared enough to live up to his potential anytime soon. I think he has a lot of growing up to do, both on and off the ice.
He was an interesting interview, as can be seen in the Q&A (
http://hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=8777&mode=threaded&order=0). Really focused on being drafted. When I talked to him after the final game, that was one of the first things he brought up. Maybe not the correct focus, but whatever.
To close, I think he has the tools to be a solid and effective top four defenceman in the NHL. A lot of his development from here on out should be more his mental makeup then anything else. He's a good kid, but he's still a kid. Just needs to continue to grow up and mature.