2010 Draft prospects (cont.) |
![]() ![]() ![]() 21. Teemu Pulkkinen, 5-10, 175, forward, Jokerit (Finland) The youngest player in the SM-Liiga last season, he relies on guile around the net to create offense but he's yet to show a willingness to work hard without the puck. Some scouts have him rated as a top-10 talent, but a wrist injury that will sideline him for three months -- and cost him spotlight time at the World Juniors -- may allow other players to move past him. 22. Jeff Skinner, 5-10, 197, center, Kitchener Rangers One of the top scorers in the OHL, herearns raves as much for his consistently high energy level as his elite one-on-one skills. His size might scare off some teams, but given the success of other smaller players, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go much earlier. Scout's Take: "He's like a wind-up toy. Turn his crank, send him over the boards and watch him go." Second Take: "He's an exciting player to watch. You'll be looking at another guy and he finds a way to grab your attention." 23. Tyler Toffoli, 6-0, 181, right wing, Ottawa 67s Scouts are divided on his early season struggles. "He misses [graduates Logan] Couture and [Corey] Cowick," says one birddog. "I expected him to step up, not fade into the woodwork. Maybe he's just a complementary player." Scout's Take: "I think it's just a matter of making an adjustment. He's being thrust into [the role of offensive leadership] on a team that's not very good. There's still a lot to like about his game. He has a great release and competes really hard. Give him some time and let's see what he does with it." 24. Brock Beukeboom, 6-2, 195, defense, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Despite the build, the position and the bloodlines, Brock is a very different player than his father, Jeff. In just his second season playing defense, he is helping his stock with some offensive touch, averaging close to a point per game in the early going. Scout's Take: "He takes care of his own zone, but he's not the big hitter like his dad." Second Take: "He's a better skater and probably smarter about his positioning. He keeps it simple. Clears out the man, makes a good first pass." 25. Evgeny Kuznetsov, 6-0, 174, forward, Chelyabinsk (Russia) He's not particularly strong and he needs to pay attention to his play away from the puck. The next Alexander Semin? Scout's Take: "That's the easy comparison because he's so dynamic. He's the classic Russian player. Great skater, tremendous vision and capable of breaking open a game all by himself. You can bulk him up and teach him how to play some defense. But you can't teach hands like these." 26. Mark Pysyk, 6-1, 175, defense, Edmonton Oil Kings Teams looking for a classic, shutdown defender can't go wrong. Scout's Take: "He has his limitations so he keeps it simple. He's best when you don't notice him. He's not going to make the flashy pass. He's a chip it in, chip it out guy. He's really effective at angling off an attacker and clearing the front of the net." 27. Jack Campbell, 6-2, 185, goaltender, US-NTDP After starring at the Under-18 tournament, his stock has risen to the point that he's likely to be the first goalie taken. Scouts love his size and rebound control, but it's his leadership that sets him apart. Scout's Take: "He's like Ryan Miller in that sense. He takes charge of the room, fires up the guys and gives them reason to believe." 28. Victor Ohman, 6-1, 203, left wing, Malmo, Sweden The latest Swedish power forward brings the physical style and playmaking skills of Johan Franzen, but might be a better skater. Already a wide body, he's expected to grow considerably before he comes over. Scout's Take: "He makes more happen off the rush. He might not have the finish of Franzen, but he's [equally] fearless. He goes hard to the net." 29. Louis Domingue, 6-3, 183, goaltender, Moncton Wildcats That he's been able to replace MVP Nicola Riopel so seamlessly speaks to the potential of the big stopper. Scout's Take: "You see some Steve Mason in him. He's got that big, limber body and he's so strong positionally. He's aggressive and doesn't give the shooter a lot of room. Does a nice job controlling his rebounds, too." 30. Jarred Tinordi, 6-5, 205, defense, US-NTDP Further proof the apple doesn't fall far. Tinordi is an aggressive, defensive-minded defender. That said, he's bigger than his dad, Mark, and a better skater as well. Scout's Take: "He still has some growing to do, but he's a what you see is what you get type. He keeps the other team honest with his physical play, and his positioning makes him pretty reliable in his own end. Kind of reminds me of Mark Stuart."
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