You know how I've went on about how deep 2012 is with defensemen throughout the projected first round? This blog is some proof of the talent you'll be hearing in ten months time. My first blog focused on some bigger names who will likely go a bit higher, but here are some excellent options at the moment without as much recognition.
Enjoy.
Morgan Reilly - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
A future NHL Leader, Reilly is a swift skating offensive blueliner with the ability to play a respectable defensive game. A tremendous amount of vision highlight his overall package as a strong blueline prospect. He can act as a fourth forward when he jumps into the ice, but ore than often carries the puck himself. He shows good compete, with excellent passing skills and the ability to be a two-way defender one day.
Derrick Pouliot - Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Another in a list of skill-based defenseman, Pouliot is an average sized defender who makes the offensive side of the game look effortless. His skating is magnificent and very elegant, with four-direction mobility. He's as creative as they come and processes the game on an entirely different level from most on the ice. He'll need to round out his play in his own end, however.
Slater Koekoek - Peterborough Petes (OHL)
At six-foot-two Koekoek has good size, but skates like he's much smaller with a smooth stride and mobility. An athletic player, Koekoek uses his size int he corners and angles out opposing forwards well. He rushes the puck and is an option on the PP as a shooter with a heavy accurate shot.
Jesse Graham - Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
Another offensively minded Defenseman, Graham is an excellent skater who sees the ice well. He makes crisp tape-to-tape passes look rather easy, but loves to play with the puck on his stick. His game is rather raw and in need of further tapping, but the tools are there in his offensive game. He'll need to add strength to his small frame, and continue to use his stick defensively to break up plays.
Gianluca Curcuruto - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
A balanced skater, Curcuruto skates well and mobile with his two-way game. He keeps his feet moving but plays a rather simple game from the back end. Offensively he shows poise and can open the lanes when walking the line, displaying a good accurate shot. He's not overly creative but does well enough in that regards. Defensively he understands his role, keeping it simple and tracking his man, rather than running around.
Olli Maatta - London Knights (OHL)
The newest addition to the Knights via the Import Draft, Maatta is a shutdown type defender with a good physical game. He understands the game and plays to his strength. He's not a great skater as he lacks the ability to really take off from stand still, but he's mobile enough to not be a liability. He makes smart plays and is great at transitioning the play. Plays very poised, but it's hard to gauge his true upside at this point.
Adam Pelech - Erie Otters (OHL)
Another big stay-at-home defender in the making. A mobile skater who needs to keep his feet moving because of heavy feet, Pelech reads the play well. He angles players out well and uses his reach to get pucks. Forwards think twice about going on-on-one with him because of his size. He makes a strong outlet pass, though. Limited offensive upside found in Pelech, but he has his strengths.
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