I'll admit to barely having seen any of the 2007 eligibles play this year. But Pat Kane of London has astronomical points this year. It's easy to refute that as a function of playing on a line with Sam Gagner, who is leading the OHL in points. But to my knowledge, he lead the U-18 World's last year in Points as well as breaking Phil Kessel's points record on the USNDP team.
What's the deal with Pat Kane?
The rankings that were just added to Hockey's Future website were released Oct. 4. They are the same rankings that a poster put on the message board from the TSN website.
There is no denying Pat Kane's skill with the puck.
I'll sum up our profile on him in our October report.
On the positive side: Excellent offensive skills, soft quick hands and dangerous around the net.
On the down side: Size is an issue. Our scouting databank has him at 5-foot-9 1/2 and 162 pounds. He needs to show he is willing and can play in high traffic areas. While his skating is not a weakness, he is not a speedster. Also, he needs to show a better commitment to defence.
His ranking of 35th Oct. 4 was done after London's first three games of the season. He's played a lot of hockey since then for the Knights and our scouts have had a better chance to look at him in the OHL. He was ranked 27th in our July report.
I share this information, not to knock Pat Kane, but to explain why, despite his impressive point totals, he was not ranked higher in October. I do not participate in making our rankings, but I'm guessing that his performance since our last rankings will help him move up. How far? We'll see on Nov. 4th.
I should add, our OHL correspondent, not a scout, but a writer who did a profile on Kane and Gagner for our Future NHL Stars report, was very impressed with Kane. He lives in London and has watched him several times this season. He agrees Kane is skilled, and is a legitimate first-rounder, but not yet deserving of being ranked in the top 10.
