Seems like the Toronto Top 10 went over... well. Up next is Colorado. They've made strides in recent years, and really snagged some good value in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the past 2-3 Drafts. As always, comments and discussion welcome.
1.
Gabriel Landeskog, Left Wing
Kitchener Rangers, OHL
2nd Overall, 2011, 18 years old
6’1, 205 lbs
Not overly menacing in height, Gabe is a strong hulking forward who will make you pay the price physically. One of the better goal scorers of the 2011 class, this Swede can beat you in a variety of ways; a beautifully accurate and quick shot that he can get off from the wing, or taking it to the net hard and overpowering everyone in his path. He’s a character kid and future Captain, and anyone around him will rave about him for days. He finishes every check laid out before him, as well as having the ability to make crisp passes. He’s diligent defensively and along the boards; paying attention to every little detail to his game.
Upside: First Line Power Forward
NHL Comparable? Brendan Morrow
2.
Joey Hishon, Center
Owen Sound Attack, OHL
17th Overall, 2010, 19 years old
5’10, 175 lbs
While being small, Hishon is all heart, and that should overcome any issues with his slight frame. A speedy forward, who is difficult to contain, Hishon has explosiveness and agility with top end speed. He dishes the puck better than most, and has a quick shot in his arsenal of offensive weapons. Hishon has shown some soft hands around the net, and competes to find any loose puck he can see. Defensively, he pays attention and closes off lanes, and uses his speed on the PK to be an asset. There’s very few things to not like about this kid and his compete level.
Upside: 1B/2 Playmaking Center
NHL Comparable? Bryan Little
3.
Duncan Siemens, Defense
Saskatoon Blades, WHL
11th Overall, 2011, 17 years old
6’3, 200 lbs
A smooth skating defender with enough mobility to play at both ends of the ice, Siemens isn’t a guy you want to run into on the ice. Or have him run into you. He’ll open a can of worms with an open ice hit, and play an aggressive physical game every shift. He has an intense look and is always trying to impact the game. Plays a sound positional game, and will pin guys to the board, and clear out the net with his size and reach. He understands the fundamentals and blocks shots and lanes with his body. Offensively shows some upside with a good outlet pass, and vision; will join the rush at times.
Upside: 2-3 Physical Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Brent Seabrook
4.
Stefan Elliott, Defense
Saskatoon Blades, WHL
49th Overall, 2009
6’1, 192 lbs
A capable two-way defender, Elliot has a head for the game. While he doesn’t show any flashy “tools”, he always seems to be in the right spots and get the job done. He knows how to put the puck on net and is seems to light it up from the backend. He shows good positioning defensively and enough of an outlet pass to move the puck well in the transition game.
Upside: 2-3 Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Mike Green
5.
Tyson Barrie, Defense
Kelowna Rockets, AHL
64th Overall, 2009, 20 years old
5’10, 191 lbs
A puck mover by definition, this diminutive defender shows a lot of flash and dash in his game. A quick skater who moves the puck well from his feet or stick, Barrie shows a lot of composure on the ice offensively as he QBs the Power Play. He’s not a beastly shooter, but gets his shots through and on net well. For all the flash, Barrie needs to adjust his head to minimize mistakes on the ice.
Upside: 3-4 Offensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Kris Russell
6.
Calvin Pickard, Goaltender,
Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL,
49th overall 2010, 19 years old,
6’1, 198.
A solid butterfly goalie with extremely quick reflexes Pickard commands the lower portion of the net with authority. He has tremendous balance and recovery skills, allowing him to move very quickly without getting out of position. Pickard has good size for his style and makes the most of his lateral movement. He handles the puck well though can be slow in skating back to his net. He is a sound goalie with calmness and a quiet demeanor. He boasts to be one of the few WHL goalies to play back to back 60+ games (And a 47 campaign before), this is becoming rare in today’s league but is excellent for his development.
Upside: 1A Goaltender
NHL Comparable: Jonas Hiller
7.
Joel Chouinard, Defenseman,
Lake Erie Monsters, AHL,
167th overall, 2008, 21 years old,
6’1, 187.
Chouinard is an offensive defenseman with a great shot and solid passing skills. He plays very well on the man advantage though can struggle at times in his own end. His vision is great and his speed is very good. His display in the American League was great and he showed his confidence in shooting the puck which he developed in his final year in the Q. While he struggles with man to man coverage he is fearless in blocking shots. He could stand to bulk up some more to handle the rigors of the NHL but the skill is there.
Upside: 4-6 PP Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Alex Goligoski
8.
Ryan Stoa, Center/Left Wing,
Lake Eerie Monsters, AHL,
34th overall, 2005, 24 years old,
6’3, 217.
Stoa is a hard hitting player with good speed. He is strong on the forecheck and likes to hit with authority. He has a decent shot but mediocre hands and thrives off playing in front of the net. His play lends him more to a defensive role in which he has succeeded though he has shown prowess in scoring. He is a safe bet to be an NHLer at this point and easily one that would be welcome in most bottom-6’s. Despite being a scoring champion in the NCAA his creativity is still in question for the big leagues.
Upside: 3rd Line Contributor
NHL Comparable: Brian Boyle
9.
Cameron Gaunce, Defenseman,
Lake Eerie Monsters, AHL,
50th overall, 2008, 21 years old,
6’1, 203.
Gaunce is an interesting player. He has an amazing shot that is very hard and accurate but has seemed to lose confidence in firing these past 2 years. He has a solid head for the game and is strong on the boards. While he does not hit much he likes to engage physically on the boards. He has some problems with skating and can be caught off guard at times without the needed recovery time. He is strong positionally and uses his smarts to avoid being outmaneuvered. He will need to regain his confidence with his excellent shot if he wants to get into the NHL.
Upside: 4-6 PP Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Brett Clark
10.
Kent Patterson, Goaltender,
University of Minnesota, NCAA,
113th overall, 2007, 21 years old,
6’1, 179.
An extremely intelligent goalie Patterson thinks the game very well. He plays a standard butterfly though does not use it very properly and can flop around. He has good athleticism and moves around the net very quickly. Patterson is very humble and has strong mental toughness to go with the fact that he is oddly calm at all times. In his first starting job in the NCAA he dominated but has not played enough yet to show he has the endurance to handle a long schedule, he is still a long term prospect.
Upside: 35 Game Starter
NHL Comparable: Jose Theodore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow me on Twitter: @BrianHuddle.
Like Me on Facebook: Brian Huddle.
Email: [email protected]
LeafsProspects.Com 
Join the Discussion:
»