The Scouting Report
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1. LC | Taylor Hall | 91L | Windsor Spitfires | 6.00 | 198 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 38G | 52A | 90P | +29 | 60PIM |
08/09 PO: 8GP | 8G | 8A | 16P | +3 | 8 PIM |
Taylor Hall has had the definition of an up and down season this year. After a tremendous start to the year where he really elevated his game from his rookie season, Hall completely fell off the map after being cut from the Team Canada U20 team. Hall is a very explosive skater who has good offensive skill and really has the ability to use his speed to change the complexion of a game. However Hall really needs to work on some of the finer points of the game. I think his hockey sense isn’t overly strong and his defensive play leaves a lot to be desired. While his +/- my indicate otherwise, Hall is very prone to turning the puck over at highly inopportune times and he has been really sheltered by playing for a very strong Windsor team in this regard.
2010 Outlook: Right now Hall is definitely one of a couple players who is going to be contending for the top pick in the draft. Hall needs to understand that nothing is guaranteed for him, and that he really needs to work on some of the finer points in his game as well as his consistency if he wants to be selected first overall in 2010.
2. RD | Eric Gudbranson | 92 | Kingston Frontenacs | 6.03 | 195 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 3G | 19A | 22P | -16 | 69PIM |
This is going to be one of the players to keep an eye on next season as Gudbranson could be a player who has a shot to rise all the way up to the top of the NHL draft board. An extremely mature kid, Gudbranson has all of the tools that should make him a very good NHL defenseman. He is a terrific skater for his size and plays a very smart game. In the defensive zone he is not afraid to use his body and utilizes his pokecheck well. Meanwhile, despite the fact that his numbers could be better, Gudbranson has a very good shot and definitely has the tools to run a powerplay at the NHL level.
2010 Outlook: Gudbranson really needs to work on filling out his frame over the summer and just improving some of the finer points in his game. Next year, if he is able to play with some increased confidence he could even get some major consideration for the U20 team. Gudbranson is a player that has tremendous potential, and he could really be a guy that puts himself in that category of being a Top pick in the draft.
3. RC | Tyler Seguin | 92 | Plymouth Whalers | 6.00 | 170 |
08/09 RS: 61GP | 21G | 46A | 67P | +14 | 28PIM |
08/09 PO: 9GP | 5G | 11A | 16P | +4 | 6 PIM |
Seguin is a player who was a bit of a wildcard this season. There are a few rumours that he was only willing to report to a couple teams, but there is no doubt that his season in Plymouth has been a successful one. A highly skilled player, Seguin’s biggest strength is his hockey sense and patience with the puck to wait for plays to develop. While he isn’t the flashiest player, he makes things happen when he’s in the offensive zone. I was a little hesitant to have him this high as I really felt he was the product of playing with one of the top players in the league in Chris Terry, but his play in the playoffs has really made me feel more comfortable slotting him in here. He has arguably been Plymouth’s top player in the playoffs and has been tremendous in their series with Windsor thus far.
2010 Outlook: Next year there will be a lot of pressure on Seguin to improve his numbers without the help of players like Chris Terry and Matt Caria. If he can put together another productive season and work on building up strength and improving his skating, he will definitely be a player that should attract a lot of Top 10/15 interest.
4. RC | John McFarland | 92 | Sudbury Wolves | 6.00 | 192 |
08/09 RS: 58GP | 21G | 31A | 52P | -30 | 36PIM |
08/09 PO: 6GP | 1G | 3A | 4P | -1 | 2PIM |
I will be quick to point out that I am far from a McFarland believer, but despite my skepticism, he does have a considerable amount of pro potential. McFarland is likely one of the top skaters in the entire CHL right now as he can flat out fly. In addition to his speed, he also has an extremely lethal shot with a tremendous release that is already NHL caliber. While this may sound tantalizing, the concerns start coming in now. McFarland’s hockey sense is average at best as he often looks lost on the ice, especially in his own end. Furthermore, he really doesn’t see plays well in the offensive zone and a lot of potential opportunities are missed out as a result of this. His hands are not really in sync with his speed and shot and will definitely be a concern moving forward.
2010 Outlook: McFarland can really make or break his draft stock next season. NHL teams will see him as a player who they can make into something with great NHL coaching, so if he can improve on his numbers, he could definitely be a high pick. Personally, he needs to show me a lot more before I’m taking him in the Top 15.
5. LC | Steve Shipley | 92 | Owen Sound Attack | 6.02 | 200 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 16G | 23A | 39P | -22 | 19PIM |
08/09 PO: 4GP | 0G | 0A | 0P | -5 | 0PIM |
Shipley is a player who is flying under the radar a bit right now as a result of playing in a small market in Owen Sound. However be sure to keep this name in mind next season as he could definitely be a player that really makes a name for himself in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He’s a big guy who is just a very solid all around player that competes hard on the ice. While he looked a little bit raw this year and might have been a little uncomfortable with the increased size and speed of the OHL, I think his adjustment period is over now and he should show why he has a lot of pro potential next year.
2010 Outlook: Shipley will need to continue to work on his skating over the summer and just adding on muscle to his frame. If he can come out and continue to play a physical style in addition to his offensive game, he will catch the eye of scouts quickly.
6. LC | Joey Hishon | 91L | Owen Sound Attack | 5.10 | 166 |
08/09 RS: 65GP | 37G | 44A | 81P | +5 | 34 PIM|
08/09 PO: 4GP | 4G | 3A | 7P | -5 | 6PIM |
I really like Hishon as a player, and he’s taken some significant steps in his game this season but the question will be how well is his game going to adapt to professional hockey. He is a very crafty player who really has some tremendous skill. He sees the ice well and is a pretty potent sniper in his own right. He plays his own end fairly well and at this point there really isn’t that much not to like about his game. The real problem is how his size will hold up at the next level. He’s extremely slight and he can really be negated if a team focuses on hitting him and thus it’s hard to question if he can be a successful Top 6 forward at the NHL level.
2010 Outlook: With Hishon’s size already being a major concern, it is very important for Hishon not to regress or stagnate next year. He needs to take the next step and work his way up as one of the league scoring leaders to show the scouts that he is a legitimate first round pick.
7. RC | Jared Knight | 92 | London Knights | 5.11 | 180 |
08/09 RS: 67GP | 15G | 15A | 30P | +13 | 60 PIM |
08/09 PO: 9GP | 3G | 0A | 3P | +5 | 2PIM |
This year has been a very successful one for Jared Knight despite the fact that he has seen very little ice time. A little bit undersized, Knight is a player that has very good speed and great offensive instincts to accompany that speed. One of the things to really like about Knight is that he certainly doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff and is not afraid to lay the body in any situation. The only real question about Knight is, how good is he?
2010 Outlook: Answering that question will be up to Knight next season. With the graduation of John Tavares and Justin Taylor, he will be given an opportunity to play on the top two lines next year. Knight needs to show that he has elite skill when that opportunity is bestowed upon him.
8. RW | Tyler Toffoli | 92 | Ottawa 67’s | 6.00 | 181 |
08/09 RS: 54GP | 17G | 29A | 46P | E | 16PIM |
08/09 PO: 7GP | 2G | 6A | 8P | +3 | 4PIM |
Toffoli is a very unassuming player that has been flying under the radar a bit. He’s extremely smart and is always in good position on the ice in any of the three zones. While he isn’t the most physical player, he does compete for loose pucks and works hard on the boards. His offensive skill is very good and he has a great touch around the net. In the playoffs he really turned up his game and was one of Ottawa’s best players which was a very pleasant surprise.
2010 Outlook: With the loss of players like Logan Couture, Toffoli is going to be given a shot to carry a lot more weight for the 67’s next year. He definitely has the ability to be a big time point producer in the OHL and much like Knight, if he can show that he will be given a lot of attention by NHL scouts.
9. RW | Austin Watson | 92 | Windsor Spitfires | 6.03 | 171 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 10G | 19A | 29P | +15 | 41PIM |
08/09 PO: 8GP | 0G | 2A | 2P | +2 | 6PIM |
I’ve seen Watson a few times this season and while I realize that he hasn’t seen very much ice time in Windsor, I would not be surprised if he doesn’t turn out as well as some are expecting him to. He’s a very raw kid both physically and skill wise. He does have some flashes of brilliance and a lot of people see some major upside in his size, but he will need to put it together in the near future to show that that potential is legitimate. I’m not really comfortable saying he’ll be a bust, but I will definitely be keeping my eye on Watson from the get go next year.
2010 Outlook: He could be a player that might go in the Top 10 or the mid second round. A lot of his draft stock will be hinging on really elevating his game next season, so Watson will really need to work on bulking up this summer so that he can bring his play to the next level.
10. LC | Andrew Yogan | 91L | Erie Otters | 6.03 | 202 |
08/09 RS: 51GP | 22G | 20A | 42P | +15 | 56PIM |
After being dealt from Windsor to Erie, Yogan really thrived with the increased ice time and role within the team. He’s a big body and he competes hard which are two very attractive things from the outset. Yogan has some pretty good offensive instincts as well. He drives the net and is willing to pay the price and it was very nice to see him really thrive in Erie prior to suffering a season ending injury. One of the concerns I have for Yogan is that his hockey sense is not spectacular and I really question how well he can play within a professional system.
2010 Outlook: Yogan needs to show that there are no lingering effects from his concussion that ended his season early. He will be given a very significant role in Erie’s offense next season and he really needs to take that opportunity and run with it.
Honourable Mentions:
Two players who I feel are definitely going to be guys to watch out for next year are Freddie Hamilton of the Niagara Ice Dogs and Gregg McKegg of the Erie Otters. Hamilton is a player who I’ve been very high on since his draft year, and he really elevated his game towards the end of the season. He works hard and has a lot of talent and could definitely be a major riser next year.
McKegg was the 2nd overall pick last year, and he really struggled with the physicality of the OHL game. However don’t forget about this kid, after really coming on late in the year and in the playoffs, McKegg is a player with high end skill and could very well be a player that breaks out big time in 09/10.
08/09 RS: 63GP | 38G | 52A | 90P | +29 | 60PIM |
08/09 PO: 8GP | 8G | 8A | 16P | +3 | 8 PIM |
Taylor Hall has had the definition of an up and down season this year. After a tremendous start to the year where he really elevated his game from his rookie season, Hall completely fell off the map after being cut from the Team Canada U20 team. Hall is a very explosive skater who has good offensive skill and really has the ability to use his speed to change the complexion of a game. However Hall really needs to work on some of the finer points of the game. I think his hockey sense isn’t overly strong and his defensive play leaves a lot to be desired. While his +/- my indicate otherwise, Hall is very prone to turning the puck over at highly inopportune times and he has been really sheltered by playing for a very strong Windsor team in this regard.
2010 Outlook: Right now Hall is definitely one of a couple players who is going to be contending for the top pick in the draft. Hall needs to understand that nothing is guaranteed for him, and that he really needs to work on some of the finer points in his game as well as his consistency if he wants to be selected first overall in 2010.
2. RD | Eric Gudbranson | 92 | Kingston Frontenacs | 6.03 | 195 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 3G | 19A | 22P | -16 | 69PIM |
This is going to be one of the players to keep an eye on next season as Gudbranson could be a player who has a shot to rise all the way up to the top of the NHL draft board. An extremely mature kid, Gudbranson has all of the tools that should make him a very good NHL defenseman. He is a terrific skater for his size and plays a very smart game. In the defensive zone he is not afraid to use his body and utilizes his pokecheck well. Meanwhile, despite the fact that his numbers could be better, Gudbranson has a very good shot and definitely has the tools to run a powerplay at the NHL level.
2010 Outlook: Gudbranson really needs to work on filling out his frame over the summer and just improving some of the finer points in his game. Next year, if he is able to play with some increased confidence he could even get some major consideration for the U20 team. Gudbranson is a player that has tremendous potential, and he could really be a guy that puts himself in that category of being a Top pick in the draft.
3. RC | Tyler Seguin | 92 | Plymouth Whalers | 6.00 | 170 |
08/09 RS: 61GP | 21G | 46A | 67P | +14 | 28PIM |
08/09 PO: 9GP | 5G | 11A | 16P | +4 | 6 PIM |
Seguin is a player who was a bit of a wildcard this season. There are a few rumours that he was only willing to report to a couple teams, but there is no doubt that his season in Plymouth has been a successful one. A highly skilled player, Seguin’s biggest strength is his hockey sense and patience with the puck to wait for plays to develop. While he isn’t the flashiest player, he makes things happen when he’s in the offensive zone. I was a little hesitant to have him this high as I really felt he was the product of playing with one of the top players in the league in Chris Terry, but his play in the playoffs has really made me feel more comfortable slotting him in here. He has arguably been Plymouth’s top player in the playoffs and has been tremendous in their series with Windsor thus far.
2010 Outlook: Next year there will be a lot of pressure on Seguin to improve his numbers without the help of players like Chris Terry and Matt Caria. If he can put together another productive season and work on building up strength and improving his skating, he will definitely be a player that should attract a lot of Top 10/15 interest.
4. RC | John McFarland | 92 | Sudbury Wolves | 6.00 | 192 |
08/09 RS: 58GP | 21G | 31A | 52P | -30 | 36PIM |
08/09 PO: 6GP | 1G | 3A | 4P | -1 | 2PIM |
I will be quick to point out that I am far from a McFarland believer, but despite my skepticism, he does have a considerable amount of pro potential. McFarland is likely one of the top skaters in the entire CHL right now as he can flat out fly. In addition to his speed, he also has an extremely lethal shot with a tremendous release that is already NHL caliber. While this may sound tantalizing, the concerns start coming in now. McFarland’s hockey sense is average at best as he often looks lost on the ice, especially in his own end. Furthermore, he really doesn’t see plays well in the offensive zone and a lot of potential opportunities are missed out as a result of this. His hands are not really in sync with his speed and shot and will definitely be a concern moving forward.
2010 Outlook: McFarland can really make or break his draft stock next season. NHL teams will see him as a player who they can make into something with great NHL coaching, so if he can improve on his numbers, he could definitely be a high pick. Personally, he needs to show me a lot more before I’m taking him in the Top 15.
5. LC | Steve Shipley | 92 | Owen Sound Attack | 6.02 | 200 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 16G | 23A | 39P | -22 | 19PIM |
08/09 PO: 4GP | 0G | 0A | 0P | -5 | 0PIM |
Shipley is a player who is flying under the radar a bit right now as a result of playing in a small market in Owen Sound. However be sure to keep this name in mind next season as he could definitely be a player that really makes a name for himself in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He’s a big guy who is just a very solid all around player that competes hard on the ice. While he looked a little bit raw this year and might have been a little uncomfortable with the increased size and speed of the OHL, I think his adjustment period is over now and he should show why he has a lot of pro potential next year.
2010 Outlook: Shipley will need to continue to work on his skating over the summer and just adding on muscle to his frame. If he can come out and continue to play a physical style in addition to his offensive game, he will catch the eye of scouts quickly.
6. LC | Joey Hishon | 91L | Owen Sound Attack | 5.10 | 166 |
08/09 RS: 65GP | 37G | 44A | 81P | +5 | 34 PIM|
08/09 PO: 4GP | 4G | 3A | 7P | -5 | 6PIM |
I really like Hishon as a player, and he’s taken some significant steps in his game this season but the question will be how well is his game going to adapt to professional hockey. He is a very crafty player who really has some tremendous skill. He sees the ice well and is a pretty potent sniper in his own right. He plays his own end fairly well and at this point there really isn’t that much not to like about his game. The real problem is how his size will hold up at the next level. He’s extremely slight and he can really be negated if a team focuses on hitting him and thus it’s hard to question if he can be a successful Top 6 forward at the NHL level.
2010 Outlook: With Hishon’s size already being a major concern, it is very important for Hishon not to regress or stagnate next year. He needs to take the next step and work his way up as one of the league scoring leaders to show the scouts that he is a legitimate first round pick.
7. RC | Jared Knight | 92 | London Knights | 5.11 | 180 |
08/09 RS: 67GP | 15G | 15A | 30P | +13 | 60 PIM |
08/09 PO: 9GP | 3G | 0A | 3P | +5 | 2PIM |
This year has been a very successful one for Jared Knight despite the fact that he has seen very little ice time. A little bit undersized, Knight is a player that has very good speed and great offensive instincts to accompany that speed. One of the things to really like about Knight is that he certainly doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff and is not afraid to lay the body in any situation. The only real question about Knight is, how good is he?
2010 Outlook: Answering that question will be up to Knight next season. With the graduation of John Tavares and Justin Taylor, he will be given an opportunity to play on the top two lines next year. Knight needs to show that he has elite skill when that opportunity is bestowed upon him.
8. RW | Tyler Toffoli | 92 | Ottawa 67’s | 6.00 | 181 |
08/09 RS: 54GP | 17G | 29A | 46P | E | 16PIM |
08/09 PO: 7GP | 2G | 6A | 8P | +3 | 4PIM |
Toffoli is a very unassuming player that has been flying under the radar a bit. He’s extremely smart and is always in good position on the ice in any of the three zones. While he isn’t the most physical player, he does compete for loose pucks and works hard on the boards. His offensive skill is very good and he has a great touch around the net. In the playoffs he really turned up his game and was one of Ottawa’s best players which was a very pleasant surprise.
2010 Outlook: With the loss of players like Logan Couture, Toffoli is going to be given a shot to carry a lot more weight for the 67’s next year. He definitely has the ability to be a big time point producer in the OHL and much like Knight, if he can show that he will be given a lot of attention by NHL scouts.
9. RW | Austin Watson | 92 | Windsor Spitfires | 6.03 | 171 |
08/09 RS: 63GP | 10G | 19A | 29P | +15 | 41PIM |
08/09 PO: 8GP | 0G | 2A | 2P | +2 | 6PIM |
I’ve seen Watson a few times this season and while I realize that he hasn’t seen very much ice time in Windsor, I would not be surprised if he doesn’t turn out as well as some are expecting him to. He’s a very raw kid both physically and skill wise. He does have some flashes of brilliance and a lot of people see some major upside in his size, but he will need to put it together in the near future to show that that potential is legitimate. I’m not really comfortable saying he’ll be a bust, but I will definitely be keeping my eye on Watson from the get go next year.
2010 Outlook: He could be a player that might go in the Top 10 or the mid second round. A lot of his draft stock will be hinging on really elevating his game next season, so Watson will really need to work on bulking up this summer so that he can bring his play to the next level.
10. LC | Andrew Yogan | 91L | Erie Otters | 6.03 | 202 |
08/09 RS: 51GP | 22G | 20A | 42P | +15 | 56PIM |
After being dealt from Windsor to Erie, Yogan really thrived with the increased ice time and role within the team. He’s a big body and he competes hard which are two very attractive things from the outset. Yogan has some pretty good offensive instincts as well. He drives the net and is willing to pay the price and it was very nice to see him really thrive in Erie prior to suffering a season ending injury. One of the concerns I have for Yogan is that his hockey sense is not spectacular and I really question how well he can play within a professional system.
2010 Outlook: Yogan needs to show that there are no lingering effects from his concussion that ended his season early. He will be given a very significant role in Erie’s offense next season and he really needs to take that opportunity and run with it.
Honourable Mentions:
Two players who I feel are definitely going to be guys to watch out for next year are Freddie Hamilton of the Niagara Ice Dogs and Gregg McKegg of the Erie Otters. Hamilton is a player who I’ve been very high on since his draft year, and he really elevated his game towards the end of the season. He works hard and has a lot of talent and could definitely be a major riser next year.
McKegg was the 2nd overall pick last year, and he really struggled with the physicality of the OHL game. However don’t forget about this kid, after really coming on late in the year and in the playoffs, McKegg is a player with high end skill and could very well be a player that breaks out big time in 09/10.
