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Top 10 Prospects: New Jersey Devils |
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1. Jon Merrill, Defenseman,
University of Michigan, NCAA,
38th overall, 2010
6’3, 201
If it weren't for all the time he's missed, there would be way more talk about Merrill as one of the elite prospects out there. An effortless player, he makes plays that make him look care-free. He runs a powerplay real well and has the big shot to compliment as a shooter. His passes are crisp and on the mark, and is just as good defensively, closing gaps quick and knocking pucks out of harms way.
Upside: Top Pairing Two-Way Defender - though there are question marks
NHL Comparable: Ryan Whitney
2. Eric Gelinas, Defenseman,
Albany Devils, AHL,
54thrd overall, 2009,
6’4, 205
Gelinas has many tools to admire including being a mobile skater for a big man, having slick hands, and the ability to bring a physical game. He's in need of some strength, but has shown a mean streak at times to suggest it could continue on an upward trajectory. He's a speedy defender who can lug the puck and join rushes as another option.
Upside: 2nd Pairing Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Brayden Cobourn
3. Stefan Matteau, Left Wing
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
29th Overall, 2012
6’2, 210
Matteau has a bit of a dirty side to his game, taking liberties and letting his emotion flow. He's strong skater, hard to knock off the puck, but also with a good top gear and acceleration. He shows good hands in tight and some creativity from the outside. Some question his true upside as he goes through ebbs and flows in his offensive game.
Upside: Middle Line Power Forward
NHL Comparable: Alex Burrows
4. Alexander Urbom, Defenseman,
Albany Devils, AHL,
73rd overall, 2009, 20 years old,
6’5, 216
A typical shutdown defender, who can skate fairly well for a sizeable defenseman. He's shown an increasing confidence in his physical game, wrecking some opposing players with regularity. He has a good panic threshhold, making plays under pressure to get the puck up the ice.
Upside: 2nd Pairing Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Brayden Cobourn
5. Scott Wedgewood, Goalie
Trenton Titans, ECHL
84th Overall, 2010
6’1, 190 lbs
Wedgewood has been known as Moneywood by some OHL media for his ability to play big when the game counts. A flexible goalie, Wedgey moves well crease to crease and can make scramble saves with his limbs. He has been known for playing the puck well, like his idol, Marty Brodeur.
Upside: Potential Starting Goalie
NHL Comparable: Curtis Joseph
6. Reid Boucher, Left Wing,
Sarnia Sting, OHL
99th overall, 2011
5’10, 196
Despite being both small and having some skating issues for a tiny player, Reid shoots the puck like the best. It's too much to overlook, in his ability to score goals and score them well. He's got a bomb of a slapper, and a wrist that that comes off his stick like a bullet.
Upside: Top Six Sniper or Bust
NHL Comparable: Brett Hull uber-lite?
7. Daman Severson, Defense
Kelowna Rockets, WHL
60th Overall, 2012
6'2, 195
Damon plays a pretty well rounded game, be it skating, shooting or passing. He's a calm defender who adds a good dose of puck possession type hockey to the back end as he's able to shake defenders and move the puck. He has the odd defensive lapse, though shows some physical abilities and at times, a real edge.
Upside: Top Four Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Kevin Bieksa
8. Arthur Gavrus, Left Wing
Owen Sound Attach, OHL
180th Overall, 2012
5'10, 168
Gavrus doesn't quit. He skates with a high end speed and acceleration, bringing soft hands to the game as well. Despite all of this, he hasn't shown much creativity and vision witht he ouck, and can have 'tunnel vision' at times.
Upside: Middle Line Two-Way Forward
NHL Comparable: Matthew Lombardi
9. Reese Scarlett, Defense
Swift Current, WHL
159th Overall, 2011
6'1, 178
Reese is a gifted skater with good speed. He's also a player who can move the puck well with some creativity from the back end. His wirey frame will need some bulking up, and it's questioned how his skating will end up once he does pack on some pounds. He's got some upside, but he's still raw and will need some development time.
Upside: Project Top Four Defender
NHL Comparable:
10. Ben Johnson, Center
Windsor Spitfires, OHL
90th Overall, 2012
6'0, 185
A very mopbile skater, Ben has the ability to go wide on players with some regularity. He's not a strong shooter, but makes up for it with good decisions with the puck on his stick, and smart play. He's got a high work ethic, and at times pays with a real edge to his game, taking the puck to the net.
Upside: Middle Line Two-Way Center
NHL Comparable: Adam Henrique
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