Last year featured the likes of Evander Kane, Zack Kassian, Jordan Caron, Philippe Paradis, Carter Ashton,Carl Klingberg, and Zach Budish among the top power forwards prospects now I'm waiting to hear about the top ones for 2010. I just wanted to know who the top power forwards for this draft are. I know there are some big bodies but I havn't got a chance to see some of these players play and I havn't heard of too many playing this style. So please help me out.
I just wanted to know who the top power forwards for this draft are. I know there are some big bodies but I havn't got a chance to see some of these players play and I havn't heard of too many playing this style. So please help me out.
One guy who hasn't gotten a ton of attention is Dalton Smith from Ottawa.
One guy who hasn't gotten a ton of attention is Dalton Smith from Ottawa.
Yeah he was pretty unheralded to begin the year and no one really knew about him accept for maybe Brock who labelled him as a sleeper after seeing some of the few games he played in 08-09. Pretty rapid development for him to say the least since in 07-08 he only scored just over half a point per game. But, power forwards usually take longer to develop anyways. I can see him going 2nd-3rd round.
We have guys that fit the power forward mould, guys like Steven Shipley, Ryan Martindale, and Austin Watson. I'd say Andrew Yogan has the size and the make-up to be a potential power forward, Devante Smith-Pelly plays a power forwards game right down to the last detail.. except for his size. But in the O you're likely looking at Andrew Yogan or Devante Smith-Pelly as the closest thing to a power forward, unless Martindale, Watson or Shipley become excessively physical compared to the style of play we've seen from them so far.
We have guys that fit the power forward mould, guys like Steven Shipley, Ryan Martindale, and Austin Watson. I'd say Andrew Yogan has the size and the make-up to be a potential power forward, Devante Smith-Pelly plays a power forwards game right down to the last detail.. except for his size. But in the O you're likely looking at Andrew Yogan or Devante Smith-Pelly as the closest thing to a power forward, unless Martindale, Watson or Shipley become excessively physical compared to the style of play we've seen from them so far.
Shipley has the size to be a power forward, but definitely not the physicality, not even close. If he did, and played with more of an edge, I'm sure he'd be a clear cut Top 30 prospect at this point. Alas, he's not.
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw
Nino Niederreiter, Portland Brad Ross, Portland
Ryan Johansen, Portland Kevin Sundher, Chilliwack
I disagree with these guys, in the preliminary rankings Brad Ross was listed at 5'11.25 and Sundher 5'11.75. far from power forward size and both are lacking the weight as well. From this list only Ross has the grit and PIMS to match to be called anything close to a power forward, the rest exluding Sundher are more skilled big guys. Maybe later down the road though once they realize what they have to do to be succesful.
Johansen plays well along the boards and can keep possession by using his size to protect the puck but he's still not a "power forward"
If you want a winterhawk who's draft eligible and a power forward, its Riley Boychuck. Strength, hands and improving skating (he had two hips shaved). Best asset is his heavy shot....when he shoots it just carries. Hits well, fights well. Was passed over in last years draft because he had a terrible year and really wasn't 100% I don't think.
Yeah he was pretty unheralded to begin the year and no one really knew about him accept for maybe Brock who labelled him as a sleeper after seeing some of the few games he played in 08-09. Pretty rapid development for him to say the least since in 07-08 he only scored just over half a point per game. But, power forwards usually take longer to develop anyways. I can see him going 2nd-3rd round.
I like Dalton Smith a lot (as you pointed out wings), however I'm not sure if I see him going THAT high, especially considering how full of talent this draft year is. I liken Smith to a guy like Garrett Wilson from Owen Sound in his draft year. Good hands, does a little bit of everything, but skating currently holds him back from being more than a secondary offensive player. Wilson went in the 4th round, that's where I'd expect Smith to go at this point, somewhere in that 3-5 range. That being said, Wilson has made tremendous strides with his skating this season and he's been a much more dynamic offensive presence because of it.
For my money the best power forward available for the draft (from the OHL) is Barrie's Darren Archibald. Yeah he's a 1990 born on his last shot to be drafted, but this kid is one heck of a player. How he went undrafted last year, I'll never know. But he's got 8 goals and 12 assists in his last 11 games and is really looking unstoppable right now. I think he may even be the best power forward in the OHL right now.
I like Dalton Smith a lot (as you pointed out wings), however I'm not sure if I see him going THAT high, especially considering how full of talent this draft year is. I liken Smith to a guy like Garrett Wilson from Owen Sound in his draft year. Good hands, does a little bit of everything, but skating currently holds him back from being more than a secondary offensive player. Wilson went in the 4th round, that's where I'd expect Smith to go at this point, somewhere in that 3-5 range. That being said, Wilson has made tremendous strides with his skating this season and he's been a much more dynamic offensive presence because of it.
For my money the best power forward available for the draft (from the OHL) is Barrie's Darren Archibald. Yeah he's a 1990 born on his last shot to be drafted, but this kid is one heck of a player. How he went undrafted last year, I'll never know. But he's got 8 goals and 12 assists in his last 11 games and is really looking unstoppable right now. I think he may even be the best power forward in the OHL right now.
I'd say Smith isn't just a power forward but a great 2-way player...he leads the 67's in plus/minus...I saw him play JR A last year and was very impressed, his skating does need some work but I could see him in the 3rd round....He's got some good hockey genes as his dad was an NHL'er as well....This kid has really been under the radar since being in Minor Midget and in junior...In his draft year his team won only one game and in junior A last season his team was mediocre at best
Johansen plays well along the boards and can keep possession by using his size to protect the puck but he's still not a "power forward"
If you want a winterhawk who's draft eligible and a power forward, its Riley Boychuck. Strength, hands and improving skating (he had two hips shaved). Best asset is his heavy shot....when he shoots it just carries. Hits well, fights well. Was passed over in last years draft because he had a terrible year and really wasn't 100% I don't think.
Shipley has the size to be a power forward, but definitely not the physicality, not even close. If he did, and played with more of an edge, I'm sure he'd be a clear cut Top 30 prospect at this point. Alas, he's not.
Which is too bad becasue I liked Shipley when I saw him play last year.
I like Ontario's power forward prospects the most out of the CHL leagues. Out of Sweden there are two I have heard of, Zebastian Possler, Oskar Larsson and Johan Larsson. Not to mention Casper Carning undrafted from 2009.
