Scouting the 2010 draft

[Flame4Ever]

I'm hoping to keep this thread going through out the season. The idea is to write game reports of any notable prospects that are draft eligible for the 2010 draft. I'm actually graduating to the real world, but since Ièll be in Kitchener most likely I'll get to see the Rangers play the Knights and the Spits a lot.
I would appreciate WHL season ticket holders to come on here and post their thoughts, as I don't get out that way anymore.

My first update is about Jeff Skinner.

Skinner is the type of player people pay to watch. While he is somewhat undersized, his good lower body strength allows him to protect the puck extremely well. An explosive, elusive forward, he's got a motor that never quits and uses his speed to equally create offence and be a pest to the opposition. An offensively gifted player, Skinner has been a beast during the pre-season and looks poised for a major break out. I could easily see him breaking a point per game this year. In a draft class that boasts Cam Fowler, Taylor Hall and Erid Gudbranson also coming from the OHL with a lot mor hype, Skinner is a player to keep you eye on.

[Canada 02]

27 goals as a rookie was impressive

[kekkone]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

27 goals as a rookie was impressive

As well as leading Ivan Hlinka Tournament in goal scoring with 6 and scoring 9 goals in 5 preseason games.

[icarus]

The Flames don't have a 1st or 2nd next year at the moment, do they? Where does Skinner project to be taken, mid-late first?

[Flame4Ever]

Skinner could be anywhere from a late first rounder to a top 10 pick if carries over his great preaseason into the regular season and Kitchener goes deep into the POs this year.

[kekkone]

I didn't know Taylor Hall was born and raised in Calgary .

Andrew: Yup. Let's get to know you a little better; tell us about where you grew up and a little about your early life.
Taylor Hall: I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and I moved to Kingston when I was thirteen and lived there ever since. Whenever I go back to Kingston it means a lot to me because that's where all my friends are.
Mel: Okay, so everyone has role models growing up; who was your favourite team or even player?
Taylor Hall: Well, growing up it was the flames; I always loved watching them play. Right now it's probably Sydney Crosby, because he's one of the best players in the NHL and he's a good role model.
Mel: Do you still follow Calgary games?
Taylor Hall: Not really, it's pretty hard. I have a very busy schedule, I just watch hockey whenever I can, I don't really follow the flames anymore, they were my childhood favourite team.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...issa-hashemian

[sevenarms]

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=291546

TSN has an early top ten rankings for the 2010 draft. Windsor Spitfires Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler top the list.

[Flame4Ever]

Jeff Skinner with a monster 2 goal game to start the season. Lots of hustle and great 2 way play, should have had a hat trick but was hauled down before putting the puck in the empty net at the end of the game. Took hits to clear the zone at the end of the game. I'm starting to think a better skating Langkow may not be a bad comparable.
Gudbranson is starting to develop a big mean streak and growing into his size laying out some big hits. His offensive skills are coming along nicely as he is moving the puck well and manning the PP well. I think he could use some work on his back wards speed as he does get beat sometimes by the sppedier forwards. However, his positioning makes it very difficult to get around him and he moves well laterally.
Another player that was notable was Jason Akeson who had a hat trick and showed a lot of good offensive skills. He's already been passed over twice, I think due to size, but Akeson has all the tools to be an offensive contributor at the next level.
Also Alex Aleardi looks like he could be an interesting prospect. Tons of speed (Glencross/Lombardi fast) to burn with decent hands. His size and strength will need to improve though.

another Windsor boy who I`ll try to get a look at is Austin Watson. big guy developping into his power forward frame.