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Six Through Ten Top American Prospects in the CHL |
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Part Two of this never ending prospect fest. Just remember that this list only includes Americans, no 2013/2014 eligible players, no goalies and no players with 50+ games in the NHL. Next up I'll probably do the Czech's...I like their beer...ya lets do a top-10 Czech beer list, screw prospects.
6. Stefan Noesen Right Wing (21st Overall 2011) 19 Years Old, Plymouth Whalers OHL, Property of the Ottawa Senators
Noesen isn’t the most naturally gifted player in the CHL, yet makes up for it with one of the best work ethics around. He’s the kind of player that never takes a shift off. He’s a strong skater and can bull through people when he needs to. He’s got a good shot and hounds the puck around the tough areas. He’s great on the forecheck and a tireless worker. Defensively he’s considered one of the best penalty killers in the OHL and has great instincts to cause turnovers. He’s fairly physical when he plays, but his impact is usually felt in how he can back off defenders and make room for his teammates. In the playoffs he showed he’s a big game player and can be played on any line and in any situation. He’s got another year in the OHL ahead of him unless he finds his way on the Sens (Unlikely) and should continue to hone his offensive game.
Potential: 2nd Line Two-Way Winger
Comparable: Chris Kunitz
7. Shane Prince Left Wing (61st Overall 2011) 19 Years Old, Ottawa 67’s OHL, Property of the Ottawa Senators
Prince surprisingly fell far in the draft in 2011 when he was considered an easy late first choice. His size was the main issue and at 5’10 he will have some hills to climb. He’s a gifted speedster with slick moves and very quick feet. This past season he really poured on the offense. He’s got very good moves and creativity in the offensive zone. He’s more of a playmaker than a shooter, but does like to go around the net a pot some. He had some benefit by playing often with Toffoli and Monahan, but playing with skilled players only made him standout more. Defensively he’s still a work in progress, the speed and willingness are there, he’s just tiny. Since he completed his four years in the OHL, he’ll make the move to Binghamton to begin his professional career. He’ll need a couple of years.
Potential: Top-Six Playmaker
Comparable: Ville Leino
8. J.T. Miller Center (15th Overall 2011) 19 Years Old, Plymouth Whalers OHL, Property of the New York Rangers
Miller is a very interesting player. He has elite tools and natural skill up the wazoo, but has never seemed to produce up to his level. He has the ability to take over a game by himself and dominate, then disappear. He’s got a very powerful skating stride and is very hard to get off the puck. He’s a hard worker on the boards and at getting back defensively. He’s got a good shot and solid playmaking skills, yet doesn’t have the offensive creativity to be consistent. Miller has a physical side to his game which is good and uses his 6’1 frame well. He’s got the two-way ability and overall tools to be a great player; he just needs to put it together. A lot of scouts seem to think he just doesn’t think the game well, when he’s told to shoot that’s all he does; when he’s told to pass it’s passing all the way. Another year in Plymouth should really help him.
Potential: Top-Six Two Way Center
Comparable: Ryan Kesler
9. Henrik Samuelsson Right Wing (27th Overall 2012) 18 Years Old, Edmonton Oil Kings WHL, Property of the Phoenix Coyotes
Samuelsson has truly become a world traveller. He began in the American system, got moved to Sweden, then to the WHL all in the span of one and a half years. Playing through so many differing leagues has helped round out his game to be very versatile. He’s a big and strong power forward that plays with a serious edge. He’s a physical player who plays with tenacity and can cross the line when frustrated with dumb suspension worthy incidents. He’s strong on the boards and loves to battle. Offensively he can be inconsistent and shows dynamism at times. He has an amazing one time slapshot on the PP. He has good vision and has a scorer’s knack. He’s not the fastest skater around and has to make up for it by constantly keeping his feet moving and thinking the play through. Defensively he’s strong and works hard. He still needs some improvement in that side of his game, but it isn’t a weakness. Moving around from league to league has meant he’s never had a chance to acclimatize his game before he’s moved to a complete new style. I think with another year in the WHL only, he’ll find his grove and really show his high potential.
Potential: 2nd Line Power Forward
Comparable: Chris Stewart
10. Austin Watson Left Wing (18th Overall 2010) 20 Years Old, London Knights OHL, Property of the Nashville Predators
Watson is another hard working all purpose winger. He’s got the size and strength to make room for linemates. He’s fantastic on the forecheck and good on the boards. Watson is adept around the net and has good hand-eye and is an absolute pain to get away from the front of the net. Defensively is where he shines. He’s also one of the best penalty killers in the OHL and shows great attention to detail. His offense never really took off like many hoped, yet his style of play should find him competitive at the next level. He could be more physical with his 6’3 frame. It is important to note how good he looked with the move to London, including winning the OHL MVP of the Playoffs. Next season he’ll find himself in Milwaukee.
Potential: 2nd Line/3rd Line Two-Way Winger
Comparable: Mike Fisher
Notables: Jared Tinordi (Montreal Canadiens), Vincent Trocheck (Florida Panthers), Andrew Yogan (New York Rangers), Jared Knight (Boston Bruins), Reid Boucher (New Jersey Devils) and Nick Ebert (Los Angeles Kings).
Thanks for reading.
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