1984 Draft Final Rankings
 
 
 
*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.
Final Mid-Season Player
1 1 Kirk Muller - Peterborough Petes
No change at the top of the rankings.  Muller is the complete package.  While he may not have the offensive skills of Mario Lemieux, who probably would have been #1 if not for missing 1/3 of the season, but he brings more.  Need a goal?  He scored 34 of them, 3rd in the draft class, including 15 on the power play.  Need a stop defensively?  Muller led everyone with 5 shorthanded goals.  How about some toughness and agressiveness?  Muller banged out 121 hits and 150 PIMs.  We don't project him to be an elite scorer, but make no mistake, this is a top line centre and future captain for any team that drafts him. 
 
2 2 Mario Lemieux - Shawinigan Cataractes
  Sublime offensive talent, but the injuries are a concern.  Do you use a top draft pick on a player who will score you 2 points a game, but you may only have in your line up for 50 games a season?  Or do you take the safe pick, someone who will play and contribute in all 84 games?  The talent is probably too much to pass up on and Lemieux will likely go #1.  And you can't blame any team for doing so.  Lemieux finished with 30 goals in 40 games.  He scored 13 on the power play and 3 more short handed.  He has a deadly shot, but you would like to see him use it more.  I mean, when you score on more than 1/4 of your shots, you should shoot as often as possible.  He is big enough that he won't get pushed off the puck, but will also use his size in the corners to usually come out with it.  Just too much talent there.    
 
3 7 Brett Hull - Saskatoon Blades
The best pure sniper in the draft, Hull moves up 4 spots in the rankings after finishing the season with 40 goals, 3rd most in NJFHL history.  He was very consistent this season, scoring 19 goals in the second half, but what really changed was his play on the power play.  Hull sniped 8 of his 13 goals in the second half.  He continues to need work on his skating and his play away from the puck, but you don't draft Hull for his defensive play.  You draft him to score goals and do what it takes to do just that.  And that is what he does.  He hits to shoot the puck, he skates well enough to get into position to shoot the puck, he just shoots the puck.  Hull won't create much offense on his own, so team's may need to know they have a set up man to feed him the puck before drafting him, but for any team with that player, Hull could be the perfect complement.
 
4 12 Tony Hrkac - Edmonton Oil Kings
  Hrkac found his shot in the second half of the season, scoring 16 of them to finish just shy of 30 on the season.  18 of those goals were on the power play.  He continued to shoot from anywhere and everywhere, finishing as one of just two plays with 200+ shots on the season.  Hrkac also continued to play with an edge, finishing 3rd in hits among forwards.  Despite that, he only took 38 minutes in penalties, so he certainly didn't cost his team much.   The Oil Kings were an offensive juggernaut in the regular season, so some may think his numbers were inflated, but he did put up 15 points in 13 playoff games as well.    There are certainly doubters, but Hrkac has steadily climbed up the rankings from #26 to #12, and now to #4.  He may just be a slow developer.
 
5 8 Shayne Corson - London Knights
Corson rises into the top five, but does so with a word of caution.  He continues to provide physical play and a good scoring touch.  He also developed into more of of a playmaker in the second half of the season, registering 23 assists, along with 13 goals, to finish with 73 points, tied for 3rd in the league among draft eligible players.  He plants himself in front of the net on the power play and is able to cash in on greasy rebounds.   He also finished with 153 hits.  The caution, though, comes with his undisciplined play.  His 345 PIMs was far and away the most among forwards and tied for most of any player.  If he can harness that aggression, cut down on his penalties, Corson will be a great first line power forward.  Even a little improvement in that area will ensure he has a future in the NFHL, even as a very good 3rd liner.
 
6 5 Jeff Brown - Edmonton Oil Kings
  Brown is one of the best puck moving defenseman to emerge from the NJFHL in a while.  He doesn't have a booming shot, but it is hard and accurate, though he only managed 4 goals in the second half of the season.  But that isn't his forte.  He will make his way into the NFHL based on how well he moves the puck.  His 49 assists was more  than all but 2 other blue liners had points and was more than any other player, forward or blue liner.  Defensively, Brown holds his own.  He plays a solid positional game and isn't afraid to use his body.   He doesn't overpower opposing forwards, but he uses his stick well and is able to use his speed and puck moving ability to get out of trouble.
 
7 6 David Mackey - Peterborough Petes
Playing on the worst defensive team in the league, Mackey still managed an impressive +13 rating.  Which just helps justify Mackey's top ten status when you also consider the bull dog's offensive numbers.  Mackey finished just 1 goal back of Brett Hull for the league lead with 39 goals, but did so in 3 fewer games.  Mackey is also a terror on the ice, hitting everything that moves, leading forwards with 158 hits, and getting in the face of anyone.  His style of play tends to get himself in trouble, he spent over 325 minutes in the penalty box, second only to Shayne Corson, but it also draws penalties.  And Mackey proved to be deadly on the power play.  No player came close to his 23 power play markers.  That being said, there is some thought that he puts up big numbers in bunches and when the game isn't on the line.  Noticeably, despite the 39 goals, only 3 were scored when the game was close, 1 game winning goal, 1 game tying goal.  If you don't hear his name in the first ten names called, he may be a big slider down the draft.
 
8 4 Patrick Roy - Ottawa 67's
  Judging by the teams that will likely be drafting near the top and their needs, we expect Roy to go much earlier than #8.  However, based on his play in 1983, there are some chinks showing in what was once thought to be iimpregnable armour.  How could the 2-time defending NJFHL Goalie of the Year not be thought of as the best goalie to come around in years, if not ever?  And really, he is still far and away the best goalie available in this draft.  But 1983 was a tough year for Roy.  Not only did he not win Goalie of the Year, rumours are swirling that he wasn't even top three.  Though his save percentage and GAA were still among the leaders, and he led all goalies with 4 shut outs, his aura of invicincibility has vanished.  He barely managed a .500 record and his 67's finished just 2 games over. 500 and were booted out of the playoffs in the first round in 6 games.  Based on need, though, look for Roy to go in the top 3.
 
9 13 Luc Robitaille - Hull Olympiques
Robitaille moves back into the top ten despite not being even close to a top ten scorer.  However, playing on a weak offensive team, his Olympiques scored the fewest goals in the league, certainly didn't help that.  And when you consider Robitaille scored over 16% of his team's goals by himself and was in on almost 30% of them, you know you have a player.  Skating is still an issue, but he has a knack for getting into shooting positions and when that puck is on his stick, it is immediately off it.  It is simply amazing how fast he can get his shot off.  It is hard and accurate, too.  He doesn't have the power of a Brett Hull, but he equals him in terms of accuracy.  Robitaille doesn't get overly physical, but he doesn't back away from the tough areas either.  The biggest area of concern is his skating and, as such, his play making ability.  He is bound to be more of a shooter, not a creator, and, like Hull, he will need a set up man.
 
10 19 Paul Cavallini - Medicine Hat Tigers
  Concerns about Cavallini having a poor second half to the season turned out to be completely unfounded.  Cavallini actually improved significantly in the second half and  has put himself into a position where going in the top ten seems likely, especially for any team needing an offensive kick from the blue line.  Cavallini averaged a point per game, but he proved to be the ultimate threat with the man advantage.  His 14 power play goals were more than any other blue liner, but one, had in total goals.  His 21 goals overall were tops among defensemen and his 173 shots was second, just one behind the leader, Gary Suter.   Cavallini's Tigers were the best team in the regular season, but their offense was only ranked 5th and the power play was 6th.  So Cavallini was earning his points.  His play at even strength wasn't great, but it also improved in the second half, as he finished +5 and even had 86 hits.  But you won't draft Cavallini for even strength play, you will draft him to head up your power play.  For that, his draft position may fall as some teams opt for a more well-rounded blue liner.  But if he drops far enough, some team is going to come away with a steal.  
 
11 9 Gary Suter - Kamloops Blazers
Could easily find himself well in the top ten based on his physical play and ability to lead an offense.  Doesn't have a big shot, is more of a play-maker, finishing second with 46 assists.  Penalty concerns and suspect defensive play are all that keep him from the top ten.  But a top pairing blue liner in the making if paired with a big shot.
12 14 Marc Fortier - Chicoutimi Saguineens
Despite finishing 3rd in points per game, doubts still there that Fortier is a player to build a team around.  Doesn't play physical enough, hard time protecting the puck, and is a little sketchy away from the puck.  That being said, his 33 goals was tied for 3rd, and has shown to be as good of a passer as shooter.  
13 11 David Volek - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The puck seems to find Volek as he seems to be involved in the play everywhere.  A terrific passer, Volek has shown he can be dangerous in all areas of the ice, scoring well on the power play, while short handed, and in close games.  He is adequate defensively, though if he got more physically involved in the game, he may be even more valuable.
14 40 Paul Broten - Chicoutimi Saguineens
Huge jump by Broten thanks to a big second half of the season.  Huge question marks in his game that still may see him drafted lower in the round or even the second, but lots to like as well.  His 33 goals is tied for 3rd most, while he was also tied for 5th in points.  He proved especially deadly with the man advantage, scoring 19 goals, second best, there.  But -17 rating is a huge red flag, as are just 47 hits.
15 15 Al Iafrate - London Knights
Staying steady at #15, Iafrate and his big shot are in a similar position as Cavallini, that being a good weapon with the man advantage, Iafrate scored 11 of his 18 goals on the power play, but suspect in other areas.  Produced very similar stats to Cavallini, but may havemore of a physical edge, while not quite as good at moving the puck up the ice.
16 28 Mikhail Tatarinov - Edmonton Oil Kings
Quietly had a very solid year.  Solid offensive numbers with very good defensive play should result in the Russian being taken later in the first round.  He doesn't have any one aspect that sticks out other than just being good in all situations.  Good shot, distributes the puck well.  Would like to see penalties reduced since he doesn't play an overly physical game.
17 17 Sylvan Cote - Sudbury Wolves
A strong year for blue liners, though not really any that 'wow' you.  But Cote is another solid second pairing guy teams need.  He doesn't score a tonne, but is a capable 2nd unit power play guy that you can also trust on the penalty killing unit.  Some concern with his -8 rating considering he was on the top team in the East.
18 52 Brian Wilkes - Chicoutimi Saguineens
Warts and all, at some point you simply can't ignore a player who scored 30 goals, with 18 of them on the power play.  He is the type of player every team needs, but few are willing to use a high draft pick on out of fear of the other aspects of his game they will get.  in Wilkes' case, the fear is his lack of play making ability and a poor defensive game.  But he plays the body enough and is a one-shot threat.  Is it enough to make him a first rounder, though?
19 37 Petr Svoboda - Ottawa 67's
A yo-yo season for Svoboda in the rankings, starting at #17, falling to #37, and now back up to #19.  There are certainly better options offensively than Svoboda, many of whom are ranked behind him.  However, Svoboda is one of the better defensive options in this draft.  He plays a strong, yet clean, defensive game and is always in the right position to break up a play.  Has enough offense to head man the rush or start a break out with a quick first pass.  Solid, but unspectacular is Svoboda's MO.
20 26 Brad Jones - London Knights
Jones moves into first round pick territory, proving to be one of the best passers in the league.  In fact, his 44 assists was tied for tops among forwards and 3rd overall among draft eligible players.  Not a great shot, but shoots a lot, resulting in 21 goals.  Works hard in all situations.
21 47 Mikael Andersson - London Knights
66 points in 57 games shows that Andersson has some offensive talent.  Of his 28 goals, 11 came with the man advantage, 1 came while short handed, and 5 of them were game winners.  Proves he can play in any situation.  That being said, he needs to learn his defensive positioning better and find a way to battle through tougher checking he will see at the next level.
22 29 Doug Bodger - Saskatoon Blades
Right where he was in the pre-season rankings, Bodger doesn't have the offensive chops to really be a top pairing defenseman.  But he will be a terrific 5/6 defenseman on a good team.  Plays a very physical game, but plays it clean.  Unlike many defensemen in this class, he barely hit 100 PIMs despite almost 100 hits and an overall physical style of play.  Can contribute offensively, but not his forte.  Points produced will be the cherry on top.
23 3 Ed Olczyk - Edmonton Oil Kings
24 35 Stephane Richer - Chicoutimi Saguineens
25 21 Gary Roberts - Ottawa 67's
26 64 Cliff Ronning - Medicine Hat Tigers
27 30 Alan Stewart - Shawinigan Cataractes
28 16 Ray Sheppard - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
29 79 Kevin Hatcher - Medicine Hat Tigers
30 38 J.J. Daigneault - Kamloops Blazers
31 36 Craig Redmond - Sudbury Wolves
32 10 Bob Joyce - Edmonton Oil Kings
33 45 Al Conroy - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
34 22 Kevin Miller - Edmonton Oil Kings
35 25 Peter Douris - Hull Olympiques
36 23 Trent Yawney - Saskatoon Blades
37 18 Paul Ranheim - Kamloops Blazers
38 53 Kris King - Chicoutimi Saguineens
39 55 Ken Quinney - Hull Olympiques
40 34 Michal Pivonka - Sudbury Wolves
41 32 Jeff Norton - Peterborough Petes
42 78 Don Sweeney - Shawinigan Cataractes
43 39 Jeff Jackson - Hull Olympiques
44 43 Scott Mellanby - Kamloops Blazers
45 20 Todd Elik - Saskatoon Blades
46 41 Dave Pasin - Sudbury Wolves
47 27 Luciano Borsato - Chicoutimi Saguineens
48 51 Todd Ewen - Edmonton Oil Kings
49 61 David Jensen - Sudbury Wolves
50 58 Greg Smyth - London Knights
51 71 Brent Severyn - Medicine Hat Tigers
52 42 Robert Dirk - Kamloops Blazers
53 33 Terry Carkner - Edmonton Oil Kings
54 24 Shawn Burr - Ottawa 67's
55 44 Kirk McLean - Shawinigan Cataractes
56 60 Ari Haanpaa - Peterborough Petes
57 54 Steve Leach - Saskatoon Blads
58 56 Phillipe Bozon - London Knights
59 31 Craig Billington - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
60 63 Nick Kypreos - Medicine Hat Tigers
61 65 Paul Ysebaert - Medicine Hat Tigers
62 57 Brian Dobbin - Hull Olympiques
63 72 Brian Benning - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
64 46 John Morris - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
65 73 Marc Bureau - Edmonton Oil Kings
66 62 Tim Bergland - Ottawa 67's
67 66 David Bruce - Peterborough Petes
68 81 Derek Laxdal - Ottawa 67's
69 74 Steve Tuttle - Saskatoon Blades
70 75 Brent Hughes - Kamloops Blazers
71 77 Mike Peluso - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
72 88 Bob Halkidis - Edmonton Oil Kings
73 67 Tom Tilley - Shawinigan Cataractes
74 87 Alan May - Shawinigan Cataractes
75 76 Mike Tomlak - Kamloops Blazers
76 83 Mick Vukota - Shawinigan Cataractes
77 68 Dave Saunders - Sudbury Wolves
78 48 Doug Houda - Peterborough Petes
79 70 Mike Stapleton - Sudbury Wolves
80 50 Jeff Chychrun - Saskatoon Blades
81 80 Mark Tinordi - Shawinigan Cataractes
82 NR Darcy Wakaluk - Medicine Hat Tigers
83 69 Larry DePalma - Hull Olympiques
84 59 Emauel Viveiros - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
85 49 Todd Gill - Hull Olympiques
86 86 Ken Hodge - Edmonton Oil Kings
87 82 Mark Kachowski - Edmonton Oil Kings
88 NR Steve Finn - London Knights