OHL’s Fab Five

When the curtain drops on the 2010-11 NHL Season, and Gary Bettman has proudly shaken hands with all twenty-two players on the championship team, all eyes will once again focus on June 24. Nestled into the streets of St. Paul, the Xcel Energy Center will be a haven for hockey fans of all leagues. It is here where the future stars of the game will throw on their first NHL jersey.

Having produced the likes of Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Patrick Kane, and 2010’s first overall pick, Taylor Hall, the OHL once again looks to produce some of the top talent to be drafted into the NHL.

When the names have been called, which OHL stars will find their way into the top 10? Here’s a look at the top five draft-eligible OHL Players.

Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers)

After a successful rookie season with Kitchener, this Swedish forward was handed the Captaincy of the storied franchise without hesitation. Showing tremendous amounts of skill, Landeskog has deceptive speed and gets into scoring lanes with quick footwork. With a ‘never quit’ attitude, Landeskog has found an even balance between scoring and passing. He draws many comparisons to fellow countryman, Daniel Alfredsson, for his strong work ethic, and play in all zones. Look for this Swede to go in the Top 5.

Ryan Murphy (Kitchener Rangers)

Kitchener looks to produce two top 10 picks this year, with highly touted defenseman, Ryan Murphy also slated for the first round. The Aurora, ON native is currently over a PPG player for the Rangers. Murphy uses his incredibly quick skating in the straightaway to pull away from the opposing players. Known for always wanting the puck, Murphy is one of a few defensemen who join the rush with such regularity he could be confused as a fourth forward, often coming down below the hash marks. His play draws comparisons to former first round pick of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Ellis. After being predicted to go first overall by TV icon, Don Cherry, Ryan looks to improve on the advice of his coaches and critics alike. His defensive play can be considered lack luster, and his lack of size has raised concerns with scouts. Because of his small frame (5’10, 165 lbs), he was thrown around at the NHL’s Research and Development Camp this past summer by the top 2011 NHL Draft eligibles.  Some worry about whether he can make an impact at the next level. His Orr-like end-to-end rushes though, are a thing of beauty.

Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit)

With the size that most NHL Scouts drool over, Brandon Saad has made his career on using it to his advantage. Listed at 6’2, 200 lbs, Saad has the tools to be an NHL player in a multitude of roles. Saad is at his best below the goal line. When he gets into a game, he uses his frame to get a cycle game going. A relatively good skater for a big man, Saad thinks the game well, even at high speeds. His 20 goals so far this season suggest more of a goal scorer, while many consider his playmaking abilities just as good. He has a knack for reading the play as it happens, and will play all ends of the rink.

Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs)

There are some great hockey names out there, and many will concede that this young blueliner’s name is the next addition to the list. Listed at 6’4, 193 lbs, Hamilton model’s his game after current Flames Defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester. Both are tall lanky two-way defenders, with great vision and playmaking abilities. With his size though, many feel Hamilton needs to continue to work on and improve his game in his own end. While not detrimental to his team, he hasn’t shown the kind of dominance that many around him would like. While he won’t jump into the play as often as Ryan Murphy, Hamilton has the speed to do so when needed.

Ryan Strome (Niagara IceDogs)

Niagara is also producing two high picks with forward, Ryan Strome, making the cut. Sitting in the top 10 of OHL scoring, Strome began a thing of legends when his infamous goal against Plymouth hit Youtube. The 6’1, 183 lb, center is making a name for himself as one of the top players in this upcoming draft. His plays such as the above are not out of the ordinary either. Strome can deke the pants off a defender with alarming regularity. His puck control is second to none, and he does with such ease at the highest of speeds. As Strome continues to get stronger, and faster, he could become a real offensive force at the NHL level. While he lacks a mature two-way game, Strome’s offensive awareness more than makes up for his defensive deficiencies.

Having produced the number one pick four years in a row beginning with Patrick Kane in 2007, and ending with Taylor Hall this past year, the OHL is void of a top three rated talent this year with the QMJHL, Swedish Elite League and the WHL all taking the prize there. However, as the year continues on, there are some interesting story lines to watch as scouts continue to tweak their lists up until the June 24 NHL Draft.

For Open Ice Hockey, I’m Brian Huddle