|
*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. |
|
Mid-Season |
Pre-Season |
Trend |
Player |
|
1 |
2 |
|
Brent Gilchrist - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
 |
 |
Gilchrist moves up a spot to #1 in the mid-season
rankings despite missing four games for the Blazers. If he had played
in those games, he may be leading the class in scoring. Gilchrist has
shown to be consistent, though. He is talented at distributing the puck
but needs to work on his shot to make him that much more effective. His
13.8% effective rate was 3rd lowest among any forward with at least 10
goals and simply isn't good enough if he is to develop into a top line
player. He did hit 30 goals last year, though, so you know the ability
is there. Scouts will just need to see it in his draft year to warrant
a top pick on him. |
| |
|
|
2 |
3 |
|
Craig Simpson - Forward - Ottawa 67's |
 |
|
While his assist and points totals may not warrant his
mid-season draft ranking, there is simply no purer of a scorer in this
draft than Simpson. In 31 games, Simpson already has 23 goals. That is
a pace that would be second best in NJFHL history. What is most
impressive is that only 6 of the goals have come on the power play,
meaning he is a terror at even strength, something that most teams would
love to have. It is something that he has worked on, too, as most of
his goals as a 16-year old came on the power play. Simpson still loves
to shoot and isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas. He won't initiate,
but he certainly isn't afraid to receive. If you are going to draft
him, you need to have a play maker to get him the puck. If not, Simpson
won't be nearly as effective. With one, though, Simpson has 40-goal
NFHL potential. |
| |
|
|
3 |
39 |
|
Brad Dalgarno - Forward - Saskatoon Blades |
 |
|
Dalgarno has exploded out of basically no where to lead
the draft class in scoring by a significant amount, scoring almost a
point and a half per game through the first half of the season. He
leads the class with 29 assists and his 14 goals is 5th and he sits 6th
in league scoring overall. Dalgarno plays a perimeter game and doesn't
get involved in any battles, which concerns some scouts, as does his
abnormally high shooting percentage. There is no denying his skills
with the puck, though. |
| |
|
|
4 |
6 |
|
Mike Richter - Goalie - Sudbury Wolves |
 |
|
Richter leads the army of goalies ranked in the first
round thanks to a stellar first half of the season. He is second with
his 3.26 GAA and 18 wins, but leads with 2 shut outs and a .890 save
percentage. And no goalie has played more minutes than Richter. He has
improved in every area from last season and really what more can you ask
of a player? It is almost impossible for a goalie to jump from junior
to the pro ranks, so no team should expect that of Richter. However,
whoever does draft him does so with the knowledge that he will be their
#1 sooner rather than later. |
| |
|
|
5 |
5 |
|
Curtis Joseph - Goalie - Kamloops Blazers |
 |
 |
There is very little to choose from between Richter,
Burke, and Joseph, so whoever misses out on Richter will be more than
satisfied with Joseph or Burke. Central Scouting has Joseph ranked at
#5, but any of the trio could be rated higher than the other without
batting an eye. Joseph had the same number of wins, but doesn't have
the shut outs and his save percentage is just .002 lower in only 11
fewer minutes of action, while his GAA is just .08 higher. Joseph
continues to use his agility and quickness around the net, though some
wonder if he would be better served with a little more training on his
fundamentals. The raw talent is there, though. |
| |
|
|
6 |
4 |
|
Sean Burke - Goalie - Medicine Hat Tigers |
 |
 |
He was the top ranked goalie in the pre-season rankings
and, really, there is still little to choose from between the top four
goalies. Burke certainly has the size advantage over the others and can
dominate a game. He is prone to lapses in attention, though, but that
will change once he becomes a pro. His two shut outs are tied for with
Richter and Bill Ranford and his .888 save percentage is second. While
he has a couple fewer wins and a slightly higher GAA than the two
goalies ranked ahead of him, that is more of a function of the team than
his play. Burke can easily be the first goalie taken in the draft and
no one would be surprised and one team will still go home very happy. |
| |
|
|
7 |
27 |
|
Derek King - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers |
 |
|
Only Criag Simpson has more goals than King in the draft
class so far this season. They are the only two with 20+ goals.
However, King has, so far, proven to be bit more rounded as a player,
even if he isn't as naturally gifted a goal scorer. King is comfortable
mucking it up in the corners and while Simpson is willing to take
punishment, King initiates the contact more. Like Simpson, he has great
hands in front of the net, making him a force with the man advantage.
King leads all forwards with 106 shots so far, the only player to
eclipse the century mark. Scouts, however, are divided on his high-end
potential, hence his rating in the lower half of the top ten. But a
solid second half of the season will make it hard for anyone not to want
to draft him in the top 5...if they don't want a goalie, of course. |
| |
|
|
8 |
28 |
|
Daniel Berthiaume - Goalie - Saskatoon Blades |
 |
|
It isn't a surprise to see yet another goalie in the top
ten, but having it be Daniel Berthiaume did catch many off guard. He
was projected as a mid-second round pick in the preseason rankings, but
after leading all goalies with 21 wins against just 9 losses, while
posting a .888 save percentage certainly gives rise to a player's
ranking. Some skeptics will put this on a strong team, but others will
say that the team is strong because of the goalie. His GAA is higher
than most of the others, but that second highest save percentage can't
be ignored. The second half will be the real test, though. Berthiaume
will once again have to post these kinds of numbers to get scouts to
think he should be a top ten selection. |
| |
|
|
9 |
12 |
|
Sylvain Lefebvre - Defense - Sudbury Wolves |
 |
|
Lefebvre walks into the top ten and takes over as the top
ranked defenseman in the draft after a terrific first half of the
season. Lefebvre led this class' blue liners in points with 34 in 32
games, the only one to average better than a point per game. Lefebvre
proved himself at every aspect of the game, playing on both special
teams, out late in close games, playing against top opponents. He isn't
big, but is able to position himself well and certainly doesn't hesitate
to use it when called upon. He is very smart. Offensively, he seems to
have a knack for knowing how the play will develop and is able to move
the puck efficiently. He doesn't have a cannon, but has a hard shot
that he can place and likes to use as often as many forwards.
Lefebvre's talent may not translate into a star blue liner at the next
level, but he is a safe pick. One that will play on a team's second
pairing for a decade. Depending on team's goaltending needs, he should
go in the top ten, but he is a sure-fire first rounder in the worst case
scenario. |
| |
|
|
10 |
14 |
|
Robert Kron - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
 |
|
Kron cracks the top ten after starting the year at #14.
He was the 3rd highest point getter in the draft class last season,
leading many to question why he didn't get into the top 10 in the
preseason rankings. Well he did even better in the first half,
currently sitting 2nd in scoring behind Brad Dalgarno, forcing himself
into the top ten. There are still questions remaining about his compete
level, and he has been known to take the easy way to the net, but when
he has a few moments in the offensive zone, he can make things happen.
He shoots more than anyone not named King and has shown the ability to
play short handed, giving his coach an offensive weapon while killing
penalties. He has shown a little more willingness to battle for the
puck, but he will never be mistaken for a power forward. But if he can
continue to put up better than a point per game, no team will be upset
with his selection. |
| |
|
|
11 |
15 |
|
Mike Keane - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
Well over a point per game and stilll responsible
defensively. Still doubt as to if his offensive game translates well to
the professional level, but no doubt he will be a valuable player in the
big leagues once he completes his growth and maturity. |
|
12 |
9 |
|
Calle Johansson - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes |
|
Johansson's drop from the top ten has more to do with the
quality of the goaltending available in the draft than his play. Has
really worked on the defensive aspect of his game and leads draft class
with +18 rating. Yet still remains an offensive catalyst. |
|
13 |
7 |
|
Frederick Olausson - Defense - Ottawa 67's |
|
Similar to Johansson, his drop has more to do with the
play of others than his own play. Continues to play a strong game at
both ends of the ice and most scouts feel he has a higher upside than
Johansson. Strong passer, but needs to get bigger and stronger. A
little meanness wouldn't hurt, either. |
|
14 |
88 |
|
Bruce Racine - Goalie - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
Fifth goalie in the top 15 and the most unlikely. Ranked
dead last in the preseason, Racine has taken the starting roll in the
Soo and run with it. Leads all goalies in GAA and is the only goalie to
allow fewer than 100 goals thus far. Stats say he should be ranked
higher, but for coming out of nowhere, scouts are still leery and he
will need an equally stellar second half to secure a ranking in the
first round. |
|
15 |
8 |
|
Randy Burridge - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
Still doubters as to his compete level, but Burridge has
shown the ability to pot the puck, especially on the power play where he
has 9 of his 16 goals. Last year, he showed he can be a top set up man,
now the goal scoring ability. If he could ever put the two together, he
would be a top ten pick. |
|
16 |
67 |
|
Gord Hynes - Defense - Hull Olympiques |
|
Hynes rockets up the standings thanks to his development
as an offensive force on the blue line. With 12 goals, he is far and
away the leader among blue liners and seems to be a lock to score 20.
Has the ability to lead the power play, but is also defensively
responsible enough to man the PK unit, where he also provides some
offense. Not a true quarterback, more of a shooter, but has quite the
cannon. |
|
17 |
17 |
|
Max Middendorf - Forward - Shawinigan Cataractes |
|
No movement in the rankings for Middendorff, which is a
good thing. Has managed to stay healthy though he scaled back his
physical play, perhaps to save himself from injury. Though it has also
reduced, if slightly, his penalty total. But continues to put up a
point per game and is a beast with the man advantage. |
|
18 |
10 |
|
Bill Ranford - Goalie - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
Ranford's stats, and as a result, his rankings, take a
hit playing behind a poor Oil Kings team, but scouts have seen enough of
his play last year to still give him a first round ranking. His 2
shutouts prove he has the ability to win a game on his own, but his
unsightly save percentage shows his inconsistency. While the likes of
Richter, Burke, and Joseph seem to be sure-fire starters, Ranford's
ultimate level may not be quite as high without some serious work by
whatever team nabs him. |
|
19 |
40 |
|
Tom Chorske - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
Putting up a point per game, but doesn't project to be a
top six forward. Plays a strong game along the boards and is tough on
the forecheck. Most of his offensive chances are a result of a solid
forecheck causing turnovers. However, given the opportunity on the Oil
Kings, he has shown to possess some quick hands and his physical
presence in front of the net is helpful with the man advantage. |
|
20 |
11 |
|
Joe Nieuwendyk - Forward - London Knights |
|
A disappointing first half for the lanky teen who many
scouts feel should be a top five pick. Has overcome injury concerns,
but may have lost some confidence in trying to make sure he doesn't get
re-injured. His 11 goals, 2 on the power play, are especially low for
someone that big with such good hands. That he is trusted in all
aspects of the game speaks volumes, but his numbers are still
concerning, even on a bad London team. |
|
21 |
25 |
|
Kelly Buchberger - Forward - Ottawa 67's |
|
A fantastic first half of the season derailed by injury.
Buchberger's 1.30 points per game is 3rd best among forwards in this
draft class, despite playing on a team not known for its offensive
prowess. Works extremely hard for his points, but has a tendency to
cross the line and spends too much time in the penalty box, or worse, as
his current suspension can attest. Needs to focus more on the scoring
and skating if he wants to remain in the first round. |
|
22 |
20 |
|
Nelson Emerson - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
Emerson has noticeably worked on his physical game and
doesn't play as much on the periphery. Yet, it hasn't changed his game
a lot. He is still an adept distributer of the puck and uses his speed
to back off defenders and create open space. Will be hard pressed to
score 20 goals, but he could lead the draft class in assists. |
|
23 |
NR |
|
Brent Fedyk - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
24 |
19 |
|
Craig Wolanin - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
25 |
1 |
|
Wendel Clark - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
26 |
16 |
|
Ulf Dahlen - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
|
27 |
44 |
|
Eric Weinrich - Defense - Hull Olympiques |
|
28 |
64 |
|
Tim Sweeney - Forward - Saskatoon Blades |
|
29 |
33 |
|
Steve Chiasson - Defense - Ottawa 67's |
|
30 |
65 |
|
Roger Johansson - Defense - Sudbury Wolves |
|
31 |
13 |
|
Benoit Hogue - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
|
32 |
56 |
|
Ken Priestlay - Forward - Saskatoon Blades |
|
33 |
57 |
|
Lee Griffin - Forward - Ottawa 67's |
|
34 |
37 |
|
Dave Manson - Defense - Hull Olympiques |
|
35 |
22 |
|
Craig Duncanson - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
36 |
26 |
|
Danton Cole - Forward - London Knights |
|
37 |
47 |
|
Shane Churla - Forward - Shawinigan Cataractes |
|
38 |
31 |
|
Randy McKay - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
39 |
60 |
|
Herb Raglan - Forward - London Knights |
|
40 |
79 |
|
Todd Richards - Defense - Kamloops Blazers |
|
41 |
30 |
|
Rudy Poeschek - Defense - Chicoutimi Saguineens |
|
42 |
35 |
|
Bill Houlder - Defense - Kamloops Blazers |
|
43 |
87 |
|
Tony Horacek - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
44 |
52 |
|
Kelly Chase - Forward - Sudbury Wolves |
|
45 |
51 |
|
Jiri Latal - Defense - Sautl Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
46 |
73 |
|
Scott Metcalfe - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
47 |
77 |
|
Steve Gottaas - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
48 |
72 |
|
John Bryce - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens |
|
49 |
34 |
|
Jeff Sharples - Defense - Saskatoon Blades |
|
50 |
21 |
|
Dana Murzyn - Defense - Ottawa 67's |
|
51 |
50 |
|
Yvon Corriveau - Forward - London Knights |
|
52 |
32 |
|
Tommy Sjodin - Defense - London Knights |
|
53 |
29 |
|
Gord Murphy - Defense - Kamloops Blazers |
|
54 |
18 |
|
Kay Whitmore - Goalie - London Knights |
|
55 |
78 |
|
Jose Charbonneau - Forward - Saskatoon Blades |
|
56 |
38 |
|
Petr Praisler - Defense - Chicoutmi Saguineens |
|
57 |
63 |
|
Dan Vincelette - Forward - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
58 |
74 |
|
Robert Burakovsky - Forward - Chicoutmi Saguineens |
|
59 |
55 |
|
Jamie Huscroft - Defense - Peterborough Petes |
|
60 |
66 |
|
Bob Beers - Defense - Hull Olympiques |
|
61 |
86 |
|
Pat Jablonski - Goalie - Ottawa 67's |
|
62 |
70 |
|
Hank Lammens - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
63 |
46 |
|
Jason Lafreniere - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
|
64 |
53 |
|
Brad Lauer - Forward - London Knights |
|
65 |
85 |
|
Alain Cote - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes |
|
66 |
71 |
|
Donald Dufresne - Defense - Ottawa 67's |
|
67 |
59 |
|
John Druce - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
68 |
61 |
|
Ken Baumgartner - Forward - Kamloops Blazers |
|
69 |
54 |
|
Jim Paek - Defense - Hull Olympiques |
|
70 |
69 |
|
Chris Luongo - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes |
|
71 |
23 |
|
Jim Sandlak - Forward - Saskatoon Blades |
|
72 |
75 |
|
Guy Larose - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
73 |
45 |
|
Paul Stanton - Defense - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
74 |
43 |
|
Mike Berger - Defense - Sudbury Wolves |
|
75 |
81 |
|
David Latta - Forward - London Knights |
|
76 |
43 |
|
Bobby Reynolds - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens |
|
77 |
76 |
|
Myles O'Connor - Defense - Ottawa 67's |
|
78 |
24 |
|
Jeff Finley - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
79 |
49 |
|
Rob Murray - Forward - London Knights |
|
80 |
58 |
|
Warren Rychel - Forward - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
|
81 |
48 |
|
Glen Seabrooke - Forward - Chicoutimi Saguineens |
|
82 |
36 |
|
Dave Williams - Defense - Peterborough Petes |
|
83 |
68 |
|
Dallas Eakins - Defense - Peterborough Petes |
|
84 |
80 |
|
Anssi Melametsa - Forward - Hull Olympiques |
|
85 |
84 |
|
Troy Gamble - Goalie - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
86 |
NR |
|
Mario Brunetta - Goalie - Medicine Hat Tigers |
|
87 |
41 |
|
Dave Thomlinson - Forward - Edmonton Oil Kings |
|
88 |
83 |
|
Tom Draper - Goalie - Saskatoon Blades |
