Analysis: Voted the best
playmaker and stickhandler by the OHL's Eastern Conference
coaches, Duchene has the skills and drive to dominate a game. In
addition to soft hands and a good shot, he's boasts good
all-around skating ability and speed. Scouts say the center's
quickness is his biggest asset. Duchene agrees: "Things seem to
go better if I'm moving my feet than when I'm not."
Marcus Johansson
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Farjestad (Sweden)
5-11
189
45
5
5
10
10
Analysis: Johansson is a
versatile forward who can play center or on the wing. Scouts say
he boasts a wide selection of shots, including a quick, accurate
wrist shot. Johansson's offensive hockey sense is strong, but he
does not neglect his own end. At 18, he has logged playoff
experience during Farjestad's championship victory in 2009 and
the junior squad's U18 championship run in 2007.
Jacob Josefson
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Djurgarden (Sweden)
6-0
187
50
5
11
16
14
Analysis: One of just three
18-year-olds playing in the Swedish Elitserien, Josefson is a
mature player who is responsible at both ends of the ice. He has
the ability to create scoring chances because of his soft hands
and ability to read plays well. Scouts note he is an excellent
stickhandler who can move through traffic easily.
Evander Kane
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Vancouver (WHL)
6-1
176
61
48
48
96
89
Analysis: A last-minute
addition to Canada's 2009 gold medal-winning junior team, Kane
has the qualities of a power forward. He plays bigger than his
actual size. Kane calls himself a "goal scorer" who likes "to
bring a physical element" to his game. Scouts expect the center
will add about 25 pounds to his frame by the time he reaches the
NHL.
Louis Leblanc
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Omaha (USHL)
6-0
178
60
28
31
59
78
Analysis: The USHL Rookie of
the Year, Leblanc is a tenacious player who is evasive when he
has the puck. Scouts note he has outstanding vision and
competitive. "His work ethic is unmatched and he truly
understands the meaning of the word 'team'," Lancers coach Bliss
Littler says of the center. Leblanc has committed to play at
Harvard University in the fall of 2009.
Joonas Nattinen
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Blues Jr. (Finland Jr.)
6-2
183
30
9
29
38
6
Analysis: The top-ranked
Finnish prospect in this year's draft, Nattinen is strong at
both ends of the ice. He is reliable on special teams and
physical on the boards. Scouts say he boasts a solid backhand
pass and is a tough player to knock down. Nattinen earned time
with the Blues' SM-Liiga club, posting no points and four
penalty minutes in 14 games.
Brayden Schenn
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Brandon (WHL)
6-0
198
70
32
56
88
82
Analysis: The younger brother
of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn, Brayden is a
power forward who is a constant scoring threat. Scouts liken him
to a combination of Jonathan Cheechoo for his ability to crash
the net and Joe Thornton for his playmaking skills. Brayden says
he likes playing a two-way game and "throwing my weight
around."
Jordan Schroeder
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Minnesota (WCHA)
5-8
175
32
13
27
40
23
Analysis: Schroeder is a
two-way player who is equally dangerous in each end. He
possesses a good wrist shot and the creativity to set up scoring
chances for himself and teammates. He registered a point in all
six games during the 2009 World Junior tournament and became
Team USA's all-time assists leader with 15. Scouts compare
Schroeder's size to that of Brian Gionta and Patrick Kane, but
say the prospect is more sturdy.
Tomas Tatar
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Zvolen (Slovakia)
5-11
176
41
4
7
11
12
Analysis: Tatar gained
attention with a strong performance at the 2009 World Junior
Championship, where he was named Slovakia's top forward after
finishing fourth overall in scoring with 11 points. The pivot
says he patterns his game after Martin St. Louis because he is
"strong with the puck" and "has a great hockey sense and scoring
ability."
John Tavares
Team (League)
Height
Weight
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
Oshawa/London (OHL)
6-0
195
56
58
46
104
54
Analysis: Scouts have drooled
over Tavares since he recorded 72 goals and 134 points as a
16-year-old with the Oshawa Generals. His numbers have dipped
since that breakout year, but the pivot is still the best
offensive player available in this year's draft. Although he has
not been called upon to pay more attention to his defensive
game, Tavares has shown the ability to be responsible in his own
end.
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