|
*Note: The
Central Scouting Rankings are based purely on the interpretation of
statistics in the NJFHL, interpretation of real life history, and
personal opinion. In no way has the writer seen the ratings of the
players or should the comments be interpreted to necessarily be accurate
interpretations of the ratings the junior players have or will have. |
|
Rank |
Previous |
Player |
|
1 |
1 |
Adam Oates - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
 |
The pre-season #1 pick has done
nothing to prove he shouldn't be the top pick in the 1981 draft. If
anything, he has separated himself from everyone else. Through 31 games,
Oates leads the NJFHL with 51 points on 13 goals and 38 assists, a
monstrous 15 point separation from the next closest eligible draftee. In
fact, he has a 10 point lead over the next best player. His 38 assists
alone would put him tied for 3rd in league scoring. Oates may have the
best passing ability to have ever come out of the NJFHL. If there is one
thing you could critique him about, it is his need to work on his shot.
He loves to shoot, he has an underrated shot, he just isn't doing much
with it. He is 2nd in the league in shots, but has just 13 goals. While
he is a year older than most of the players he is playing against, the
way he is dominating is certainly reminiscent of previous #1s like
Gretzky and Kurri. |
| |
|
2 |
37 |
Kjell Dahlin - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
 |
Bursting out of nowhere, Dahlin
leads the offensively powerful Greyhounds, who dominate the top of the
Central Scouting lists. The line of Dahlin, Mike Ridley, and Doug Smith,
all of whom rank in the top ten, has simply been as close to unstoppable
as there is. Dahlin is fast and has really developed a sniper's touch
around the net. He has been deadly with the man advantage, scoring 8 of
his 17 goals so far on the power play. Overall, his 36 points in 32
games puts him in the top ten in league scoring and tied for 2nd in
scoring by draft eligible players. As we noted in the pre season
rankings, Dahlin loves to shoot, 100 of them so far, and he has greatly
improved his play away from the puck. Part of that is that he is
spending so much time in the offensive zone, of course. He will also
need to get a little stronger so he can withstand the tough play in the
NFHL. However, if he can keep up this pace in the second season, Dahlin
should see himself go in the top five at year end. |
| |
|
3 |
2 |
Mike Ridley - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
 |
Dahlin's centre, Ridley has so
far put up identical numbers with 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points
in 32 games. Last year, Ridley notched 32 goals and he is right on pace
for that total again. He is clearly putting to rest any talk that he
rode last year's #1 pick, Jari Kurri. Like Dahlin, he has 100 shots so
far, but he has shown a slight more willingness to make physical
contact. Not much more, but more nonetheless. Ridley has underrated
speed which coaches will need to help him develop into better defensive
awareness. His -3 rating on the year is a bit concerning considering he
is in the top ten in scoring, but the talent to become a competent
defensive player is certainly there. And it is clear the offensive
talent is there. It would be hard to imagine Ridley not going in the
first few picks. |
| |
|
4 |
6 |
Grant Fuhr - Ottawa 67's |
 |
Fuhr has played every game for
the 67's this season. And that is the biggest reason why they are
leading their conference by a healthy margin. He already has 20 wins,
only 8 away from his total of a year ago and they are only half way done
the season. He leads all starters with a 2.95 GAA, the only starter with
a sub-3.00 average. His save percentage, 0.879, at first looks alarming,
but for the run and gun NJFHL, it is actually 5th best and 3rd best
among starters. Fuhr has established himself as the top goalie available
in the draft. Ranked #4 here, he could go as high as #2 depending on the
needs of the team picking. |
| |
|
5 |
13 |
Ron Francis - Kamloops Blazers |
 |
Francis is Adam Oates-lite.
That may not be entirely fair, but they do play a very similar game.
They are both top notch playmakers, but Francis has better success
shooting. However, he also shoots half as much. While Oates is a more
dominant offensive force, Francis is dominant defensively. He is tied
for the league lead with a +17 rating through half a season, though he
has yet to register a short handed goal. He had 2 last year. Francis has
deceptive speed and uses his body well. It is unlikely Francis would
unseat Oates, but any team missing out on Oates will be happy to have
Francis. |
| |
|
6 |
30 |
Doug Smith - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyounds |
 |
The 3rd member of the 'Hounds
in the top ten, Smith represents the defensive awareness, but also the
sniper, for the line. He has just one more goal than Dahlin or Ridley,
18 so far, but he is much more selective with his shot, registering a
goal on almost 25% of his shots, the 2nd highest shooting percentage of
any player with at least 10 goals. Like the rest of the line, it seems,
Smith is proving that they can produce without Kurri. He needs just 2
more goals to tie last year's total. Smith is the only one of the trio
with a rating on the positive side, sporting a terrific +12, while also
playing in all situation and registering a short handed goal. Smith
doesn't have the pure skill as his line mates and that may drive some
managers away. Smith's stock could drop, but if his performance
continues in the second half, look for him to go in the top ten. |
| |
|
7 |
83 |
Valeri Shiryaev - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
 |
Yet another Greyhound makes the
list, and to say his name in the top ten is unexpected. Barely ranked in
the pre-season, all Shiryaev has done is upstage the likes of pre-season
favourite, and teammate, Chris Chelios, and lead all defensement with 38
points after 32 games. To put it into even more perspective, Shiryaev
has 32 assists, the same number of points as the next highest scoring
defenseman and enough to put him 6th in overall scoring by draft
eligible players. His 38 points is 2nd best among draftees and 4th in
the entire league. He will have detractors pointing out that it is easy
to pile on points when you have the top forward line in the league. Yet,
he is outscoring them all. He also boasts an impressive +16 rating and,
while not overly aggressive, he certainly doesn't shy away from contact.
But the question will remain, is Shiryaev the player who barely rated a
second look last season, or a superstar in the making after the first
half of the season? |
| |
|
8 |
5 |
Gerard Gallant - Kamloops
Blazers |
 |
Who wants a beast on your top
line who can score and hit and fight with equal ability and desire? Then
Gallant is your man. He continues to put up impressive numbers dating
back to last season. He is well on pace to be among the top hitters in
the league once more and is on pace for another 25 goal season. Throw in
200+ penalty minutes, a heavy shot used often, and a wonderful +15
rating, and Gallant is a coach's dream. When you can put a guy who can
intimidate a team, but then score the game winning goal, which he has
already done 5 times, you are in a good situation. Some GMs will be put
off by his penalty total, which could push his stock down. He is only
down in the ratings on our list because of some exceptional
performances. Gallant is a rock and rock steady. Easy top ten pick that
will make one team very happy. |
| |
|
9 |
58 |
Corrado Micalef - Medicine Hat
Tigers |
 |
Micalef has faced 160 shots
more than Fuhr while also appearing in every game for his team. Only two
goalies have faced more shots, though neither more than 31. Yet his .886
save percentage is 3rd best in the league and tops among starters. The
sheer number of shots means he will allow more goals, hence his GAA is
almost half a goal higher than Fuhr. But make no mistake, Micalef
appears to be the real deal. His Tigers are firmly entrenched in a
playoff spot and they have allowed just 103 goals, 3rd best in the
league. (Fuhr's 67's have allowed 94 for 2nd best). Micalef is as fast
as Fuhr but seems to have a little trouble getting around the net as
easily. While he is performing better than Glenn Healy, ranked #10,
there are some technical issues to his game that may see him drop below
Healy and out of the top ten. In which case, some luck team with a low
draft pick may see him fall into their lap. |
| |
|
10 |
10 |
Glenn Healy - Saskatoon Blades |
 |
Healy is in the top ten,
despite the performance of his team. Saskatoon is 2 games under .500 and
attribute that mostly to a poor offense. Healy hasn't been the reason,
despite playing in every game so far. Healy has a respectable .873 save
percentage and is 3rd among starting draft eligible goalies with a 3.58
GAA and it is 6th overall. Most impressively, he leads the league with 3
shut outs already. However, Healy still lacks the ability to take a team
on his back. He is doing his best to keep them in games, but he is not
winning them enough games. This is what may keep him from being a star
in the NFHL. He should be a starter, though. He could be a great pick
for a team that can allow him to mentor for a few years with an
established starter. He is a top ten pick, though. |
| |
|
11 |
18 |
Geoff Courtnall - Ottawa 67's |
|
Sataying healthy and proving
that he is a 1st round pick. With 33 points in 31 games, Courtnall has
established himself as a bonafide top 6 winger in the making. Throw in
his excellent defensive play, a +17 rating so far, and very good speed,
and Courtnall could actually slip into the top ten by year end. |
|
12 |
49 |
Larry Trader - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
|
Getting to be a bit dull
putting another Greyhound near the top of the rankings, and yet another
surprise. Trader is 2nd in scoring among defensemen and leads all with 8
goals. Great with the man advantage, but shies away from contact. |
|
13 |
9 |
Gates Orlando - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
Orlando is following up a
successful season with another solid campaign. He is once again solid
with the man advantage, scoring 5 of his 13 goals on the power play.
Improving his defensive play and getting a little more physical, though
he remains disciplined. Solid finish to the season could see him back in
the top ten. |
|
14 |
33 |
Bruce Driver - Ottawa 67's |
|
Driver has stayed healthy and,
as predicted, he has jumped in the rankings. Third in defenseman scoring
and mans the power play as well as anyone. Has scored more game winning
goals than any other defenseman and still throws out at least a hit a
game. Not great, but something to work on for your offensive defenseman. |
|
15 |
11 |
Steve Thomas - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
Using his shot more, but needs
to find a little more on it to be successful. That said, he is averaging
more than a point per game, has a terrific +15 rating and plays with a
little grit. He has 2nd line winger written all over him. GMs can't
ignore that with a mid to late 1st round pick. |
|
16 |
15 |
Al MacInnis - Kamloops Blazers |
|
Still shooting a lot and still
finding little success for his efforts. He does have 5 goals, but that
only means his shooting percentage is a measly 6.7%, one of the lowest
among defensemen. Only one of those a power play goal, too, a little
surprising considering what he puts on his shot. However, a little work
won't hurt and he is solid enough defensively (+10 and 60 hits) to
ensure he is a 1st round pick. |
|
17 |
8 |
Normand Leveille - Kamloops
Blazers |
|
Remains devastating on the
power play, again notching half of his 12 goals with the man advantage.
Has missed time due to injury, though, so his shot totals have suffered.
Prorated, he would still be among the top shooters and his points per
game average is second only to Oates. However, he drops in the rankings
as his defensive play has suffered, even though he is playing on the top
team in the league. |
|
18 |
28 |
Jeff Larmer - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
Larmer has elevated his
offensive game to the point that he should be a sure-fire first rounder.
His 14 goals are 3rd best amongst draft eligible players and he ranks in
the top ten in shots. He has all his goals at even strength, too, which
will certainly help his stock rise. |
|
19 |
7 |
Gaetan Duchesne - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
Injuries have played a part in
Duchesne's drop in the rankings. He has missed 5 games, but has still
recorded better than a point per game average. Still loves to shoot, but
has been eclipsed on the Greyhounds' depth chart and doesn't get as many
offensive opportunities as he once did. Still solid defensively and that
is where he may make his living in the NFHL. |
|
20 |
NR |
Mark Kumpel - Kamloops Blazers |
|
Literally not even ranked in
the pre season, Kumpel has burst on the scene with 12 goals and 29
points in Kamloops' first 31 games. He has emerged as a clutch player,
scoring 4 game winning goals already and is approaching 100 shots.
|
|
21 |
4 |
Dale Hawerchuk - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
Taking a back seat to the other
high-powered Greyhounds, Hawerchuk is becoming a huge power play threat,
yet still plays respectable defense. Hasn't notched a shorthanded goal
after scoring 4 last year, but his +10 rating 3rd best on team, 2nd best
among forwards. |
|
22 |
42 |
Paul Boutilier - London Knights |
|
Has cut down on penalties and
becoming much more effective. 25 points in 31 games, a plus player, and
among the leaders in hits. He is quickly becoming a very valuable
contributor in all areas of the game. Not going to be a superstar, but a
solid, in the middle of the lineup blue liner. |
|
23 |
3 |
Chris Chelios - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
Few have fallen further than
Chelios. Still tough as nails, but the penalties are piling up and can't
always be overlooked. Though he is amongst the leaders in hits, the rest
of his production has tailed off slight and, combined with others really
stepping it up, has raised concerns about whether he is that franchise
defenseman we predicted earlier. A sure-fire first rounder, but the 2nd
half of the season will determine where he goes in the 1st round. |
|
24 |
60 |
Greg Adams - Hull Olympiques |
|
A potential top pick of the 2nd
round, Adams has had a terrific first half and is on pace to score
almost 30 goals. Loves to shoot and is showing to be especially
effective on the power play. Not very aggressive, but at least stays
disciplined. |
|
25 |
14 |
Len Hachborn - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
Has added a little grit to his
game and has actually improved his scoring to a point a game pace. Is
playing in all situations. Drop in rankings more a sign that others have
improved drastically more than him. Another solid half season could see
him become a first round pick. |
|
26 |
57 |
Mike Vernon - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
|
No one has benefitted as much
as Vernon to the Greyhounds' veteran laden lineup. A 19-12 record with a
3.66 GAA would normally have a goalie ranked as a first round pick.
However, Vernon's shocking .866 save percentage as many scouts a little
wary. However, part of hte problem could be overuse as he has played
more than any other draft eligible goalie. |
|
27 |
54 |
Randy Wood - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
Ninth in overall scoring by
draft eligible players, Wood has managed to scare off many observers due
to a terrible shot. He is great with the puck, 3rd in assists to Oates
and Shiryaev, but has just 7 goals. His shooting percentage of 9% is the
lowest of any forward with at least 3 goals. Has still managed to score
3 of them with the man advantage, though. |
|
28 |
23 |
Gilbert Delorme - Chicoutimi
Saguineens |
|
Delorme isn't putting up the
numbers he did, but he is still an intriguing prospect. He has a good
shot that he uses especially well on the power play. Combined with a bit
of an edge, an edge he often crosses as his 83 PIMs can attest, Delorme
offers a lot of potential. A borderline 1st round pick in the preseason,
Delorme looks to be a top 2nd round pick. |
|
29 |
70 |
Peter Sidorkiewicz -
Peterborough Petes |
|
The Petes aren't having a great
season, but it is hard to imagine what their season would have been like
if they didn't have Sidorkiewicz. While he isn't carrying them as a
truly elite goalie would, Sidorkiewicz has one of the top save
percentages for starters, higher than all but 1 of the goalies ranked
higher than him, and is keeping his GAA well under 4.00. |
|
30 |
74 |
Mitch Lamoureux - London
Knights |
|
Missed almost a quarter of the
season, but when he plays, he makes himself noticed, positively and
negatively. Offensively, he is producing a greater than a point per game
and 4 of his 13 goals were with the man advantage. Prorated over a full
season and Lamoureux would score more goals than all but one other draft
eligible player. However, penalty troubles keep him from really jumping
in the rankings and being a force. It could be an easy fix in the pros,
if he actually wants to work on it. |
|
31 |
31 |
Ilya Byakin - Sudbury Wolves |
|
Has almost already reached his
goal total this year and is proving to be a very good offensive weapon.
Five of his 7 goals were on the power play and he is really throwing his
body around, but in a disciplined way. However, his defensive zone
coverage remains a big question mark as only 3 other defensemen had
plus/minus ratings worse than Byakin. |
|
32 |
44 |
Igor Stelnov - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
Keeps moving up the rankings
thanks to his tough defensive play. He is 2nd in hits with 66 and sports
a good +9 rating on an Oil Kings team out of the playoff picture. Won't
be counted on to score goals, but can move the puck well enough with 17
assists in 27 games. |
|
33 |
25 |
Ron Meighan - Peterborough
Petes |
|
Almost as opposite a defenseman
from Stelnov as you can get, their draft positions will be determined by
team needs. Meighan's strength lays in his shot, where he fired
successfully at a greater than 10% clip, one of the higher rates among
blue liners. Not physicaly, though, only 16 hits, though his -5 rating
is more a reflection of his team than him. |
|
34 |
27 |
Tony Tanti - Kamloops Blazers |
|
Finally, healthy, Tanti has
almost reached last year's totals in goals and points. He has a good
shot, uses it well, and is one of the fastest guys on the ice. He has a
stellar +14 rating, but still doesn't initiate the play much. With his
skill-set, he could become a top 6 forward. |
|
35 |
86 |
Evgeny Shtepa - Kamloops
Blazers |
|
From barely ranked to a
mid-second rounder, Shtepa has been a revelation this season for the
Blazers. With 12 goals and 11 assists in 31 games, there are others who
are more prolific scorers behind him. However, Shtepa is a competitor.
Of his 12 goals, 4 have been game winners, 2nd most in this class. Also
has 3 power play goals. |
|
36 |
21 |
Dave Donnelly - Medicine Hat
Tigers |
|
A bit of a one-trick pony,
Donnelly has 14 goals on just 45 shots for a remarkable 31.1% shooting
accuracy. He doesn't shoot a lot, but he's darn good at it. If he is
going to make it in the NFHL, though, he has to develop in other areas.
He has just 9 assists and well over 100 PIMs already. If he can develop
some toughness without building up his penalty minutes, he could be
pretty valuable. If not, he may fall into the 3rd round. |
|
37 |
80 |
Hannu Virta - Medicine Hat
Tigers |
|
Injuries have hampered Virta's
season, but he may be one of the top five defensemen in the draft.
Despite missing 7 games already, Virta is tied for 3rd in goals with 6,
half of them with the man advantage, and is one of only 4 defensemen in
the class with a shorthanded goal as well. A full season would have him
among the points leaders for defensemen. |
|
38 |
NR |
Paul MacKinnon - London Knights |
|
Another player bursting on the
scene out of nowhere, MacKinnon was given a chance and he has grabbed it
and isn't looking back. 4 goals and 17 assists for 21 points in 28 games
is good production. Has a little bit of sandpaper, but plays it clean.
However, some deficiencies in his defensive zone play as indicated by
his -10 rating. Needs to shore up that part of his game if he doesn't
want to find himself falling out of the picture again. |
|
39 |
72 |
Joe Cirella - Sudbury Wolves |
|
The last of the purely
offensive blue liners in the draft, Cirella has 7 goals already, with 3
of them coming on the power play. That is only -1 on a bad Sudbury team
is a bonus. He also has laid out his share of hits and likes to shoot.
Not great with the puck, but he can launch them. |
|
40 |
75 |
Scott Bjugstad - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
Having a solid year with 11
goals and 12 assists, but has played in just 25 games. Bjugstad has been
a beast on the power play, notching 4 goals there and is one of the
leaders in shots per game. Unfortunately, his injury will keep him out a
lot longer, so his ranking will drop further. Decent talent, but
durability will be questioned. |
|
41 |
45 |
Gord Shervin - Hull Olympiques |
|
27 points in 31 games should
have a player rated higher, but there are some major questions about
Shervin's commitment and drive to be a pro. His ability to handle the
puck isn't one of the questions as he has 20 assists. However, he has
just 7 goals, despite 60+ shots. More startlingly is that he barely has
that many hits! He has 8 hits in 31 games. It is hard to ignore the
points he is putting up, but if he doesn't show a little more drive to
his game, he may drop well into the 3rd round. The 2nd half of the
season will tell the story. |
|
42 |
24 |
Bobby Carpenter - Kamloops
Blazers |
|
A little buzz saw, Carpenter
flies around the ice seemingly shooting whenever he can. He is in the
top ten in shots with 80, but certainly could use some work on his
selection as he shoots with less than a 14% efficiency. His tremendous
speed, though, keeps him a threat while killing penalties as he leads
the way with 2 goals while down a man and also boasts a +8 rating. A
little bit more offense than his 19 points and Carpenter would find
himself in the upper reaches of the 2nd round. |
|
43 |
22 |
Jamie Macoun - Saskatoon Blades |
|
His 22 assists ranks him 3rd
among blue liners and shows he can do things with the puck. However, his
stock plummets because he has no goals, zero. He never had a good shot,
but now isn't even trying it seems. Blades aren't lighting the world on
fire but his -8 rating is certainly hurting his stock as well. |
|
44 |
41 |
Jim Benning - Hull Olympiques |
|
Continues to develop
offensively. After 6 goals and 19 assists last year, he already has 5
goals and 15 assists midway through this year and that is with him
missing 6 games. However, it is those missing games and a dreadful -15
rating that have scouts concerned. The second lowest plus/minus rating
doesn't lend much confidence to GMs that you can be more than a
specialist to waste a 2nd round pick on. If he can work on that in the
2nd half of the season, he should remain a solid 2nd rounder. |
|
45 |
50 |
Greg Stefan - London Knights |
|
46 |
56 |
Rick Zombo - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
47 |
29 |
James Patrick - Ottawa 67's |
|
48 |
NR |
Pat Graham - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
49 |
71 |
Marty McSorley - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
50 |
51 |
Chris Valentine - Chicoutimi
Saguineens |
|
51 |
NR |
Perry Anderson - Peterborough
Petes |
|
52 |
NR |
Jay Miller - London Knights |
|
53 |
40 |
Jan Erixon - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
|
54 |
NR |
Randy Boyd - London Knights |
|
55 |
79 |
Mats Thelin - Peterborough
Petes |
|
56 |
17 |
John Vanbiesbrouck - Sudbury
Wolves |
|
57 |
73 |
Steve D. Smith - Ottawa 67's |
|
58 |
NR |
Jean-Marc Lanthier - London
Knights |
|
59 |
32 |
Rich Chernomaz - Sudbury Wolves |
|
60 |
52 |
Mark Hunter - Kamloops Blazers |
|
61 |
34 |
Kevin Griffin - London Knights |
|
62 |
43 |
Luc Dufour - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
63 |
NR |
Darrell May - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
64 |
47 |
Marc Habscheid - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
65 |
19 |
Grant Ledyard - Saskatoon
Blades |
|
66 |
NR |
Mike Blaisdell - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
67 |
NR |
John Newberry - Medicine Hat
Tigers |
|
68 |
65 |
Jiri Dudacek - Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds |
|
69 |
38 |
Jan Ingman - London Knights |
|
70 |
67 |
Steve S. Smith - Sudbury Wolves |
|
71 |
20 |
Clint Malarchuk - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
72 |
NR |
Rick Laferriere - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
73 |
16 |
Norm Schmidt - Kamloops Blazers |
|
74 |
63 |
Richard Zemlak - Sudbury Wolves |
|
75 |
48 |
Miroslav Horava - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
76 |
12 |
Tom Kurvers - Kamloops Blazers |
|
77 |
NR |
Mickey Volcan - Edmonton Oil
Kings |
|
78 |
NR |
Darren Eliot - Sudbury Wolves |
|
79 |
NR |
Dan Bourbonnais - Shawinigan
Cataractes |
|
80 |
64 |
Moe Lemay - Chicoutimi
Saguineens |
|
81 |
NR |
Peter Sundstrom - Kamloops
Blazers |
|
82 |
53 |
Dave Hannan - Kamloops Blazers |
|
83 |
82 |
Claude Loiselle - Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds |
|
84 |
NR |
Paul Guay - Chicoutimi
Saguineens |
|
85 |
84 |
Robert Nordmark - Hull
Olympiques |
|
86 |
35 |
Tom Hirsch - Peterborough Petes |
|
87 |
NR |
Dave Richter - Peterborough
Petes |
|
88 |
69 |
Dean Kennedy - Medicine Hat
Tigers |
