A Look At Some Of The Injuries In The OHL

Selecting players for any draft for any sport is a crap shoot at the best of times. But when most of the top players that are available have missed significant time, what do you do?

This isn't just an OHL problem, but has been almost a plague of sorts throughout the CHL this season. With players like Alex Galchenyuk, Ryan Murray, and Martin Frk, we at least have last year to look at, the latter two already making their return. Galchenyuk is rumored to be coming back as early as March. but does he really need to to solidify himself as a top 10 or top 5 pick? I suppose one would like to see how his knee responds.

Nail Yakupov has missed time at different points in the season but that hasn't stopped him from topping just about every ranking from NHL Central Scouting to the blogger in his mother's basement. This guy is just pure gold and if he didn't play another game this season, would probably still be tops on most lists.

Malcolm Subban seems to be another that hasn't had his rankings hurt with the time he's missed. In fact, I would say its been even more solidified with the fact the Belleville Bulls just can't seem to buy a win when he's not playing, proving even more so, how valuable he truly is.

Where it does get tricky is further down the list. What do you do with a Matia Marcantuoni who's been plagued with injuries this season and is now out for the year? Ditto with Slater Koekkoek. What about Jarrod Maidens who's missed the last two months with a concussion? How much does that influence your decision not to select him?

I really liked Adam Pelech's chances this year of showing what he can do, but he to missed the first two months of the season, and although he's played extremely well for Erie since his return, how many people are going to notice when he's playing in Erie? Granted, with Dane Fox and others there, scouts will get a look at him but did his stock drop before the puck did on the season?

This has to be one of the worst draft classes for injuries to the top players in recent memory. One things for certain: NHL teams will get their money's worth from their scouts in June. Question is: will they make the right choices? It's almost a guessing game right now.

Here's a look at some of the injuries to players that were projected in the first round or just looking in. I've shown my rankings of the players back in October and January for comparison. It should be noted that in the case of Nail Yakupov and Olli Maatta and their injuries in December, that part of that time was at the World Junior Championships and where the injuries occurred.

Galchenyuk confirms he could return in March

A story last week in the London Free Press last week suggested that Sarnia Sting forward Alex Galchenyuk could return to action as early as March.

Yesterday, in a tweet to the Knights Andreas Athanasiou, Galchenyuk confirmed he could be back for March or the playoffs

AGally94 Alex galchenyuk 

@ 

@AndreasA86 hopefully march bro ... Or playoffs .

London Free Press : "Galchenyuk Could Return March 1"

An article in the London Free Press discussing the "teeter totter" season of the Sarnia Sting suggests that star forward Alex Galchenyuk could possibly return to the Sting Lineup as early as March 1.

Galchenyuk has said in his draft blog that he has skated a couple of times since Christmas and was hoping to get medical clearance "officially" to start skating this month. Some had suggested in the past that he could return in time for the playoffs but the story in the Free Press puts him ahead of schedule.

It would be a boon for the Sting who have had an up and down year do to injuries, but more importantly for Galchenyuk, help establish himself as a true top 5 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

You can read the full story here

Could Galchenyuk Return For The Playoffs ?

There has been some chatter, although limited, on Twitter that there is a possibility that Galchenyuk could return for the OHL Playoffs which would be a huge lift for both the Sarnia Sting and himself.

Galchenyuk said on his draft blog yesterday that he skated for the first time since his surgery on December 19th and again on December 31st, the second time even taking some shots.

He's been working out on his upper body strength and continuing his therapy. His Doctor says that hipefully, by the end of the month, he can officially begin to skate.

If you'd like to read the full context, you'll find Galchenyuk's Blog under my favorite sites on the left side of this page.

My OHL Player Rankings For December

When you look at rankings of players for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, you'll pretty much see the same players on every list, just not in the same order. And of course, my list is no different. Sure there will be the odd player that someone has on their list that no one else has on theirs. Again, no different here. It's not an exact science and never will be.

This year, with the number of injuries to key players, is more difficult to set in stone than any other year. About the only injuries that haven't affected a players ranking so far are Nail Yakupov, who remains at the top of just about every list you come across and Malcolm Subban who remains at the top of the goaltending ranks on those same lists.

Then of course there is Alex Galchenyuk's injury. He may make a comeback come playoff time but that remains to be seen. He had such a terrific rookie season that it's hard to drop him, yet on some lists he has and others he remains just behind Yakupov. Slater Koekkoek has dropped a spot or two to the benefit of the Matt Finn's and Olli Maatta's of the hockey world. Adam Pelech was on almost everyone's list at the beginning of the season and only just returning a couple of weeks ago since going down in the first week has dropped off most lists.

Matia Marcantuoni was projected by many to be a top 10 pick and has just returned from his second injury. Artur Gavrus was making a name for himself and attracting attention until he was sidelined with an injury. Daniil Zharkov came from Russia with loads of talent but didn't play until November. He has 15 goals in 19 games just 6 behind Yakupov and 5 behind Brendan Gaunce who have played 7 and 17 more games respectively.

Then you have players that have talent and have shown it in the past that are having bad seasons in terms of what was expected or what they should be capable of. Nick Ebert and Andreas Athanasiou come to mind right away. Add in the players that you knew had some talent and ability but have taken it even one step further like the above mentioned Matt Finn, Dylan Blujus or Gemel Smith.

So how do you take this all into consideration? Hard to do but that's why personally I try to rank them monthly on what has happened in that month. Some players move up at the expense of those that have missed time. But you can't just brush a player aside because he's injured or at the World Junior Championships. A lot of lists will change between now and June, and this one is no different.

Here's a look at the top 5 players in my rankings :

Nail Yakupov : Quite simply the most talented player available in this draft.

Cody Ceci : Has taken his offense to a higher level than expected while still improving his defensive game. In 5 years we could look at him and say he was the best two way defenseman available in the draft.

Olli Maatta : Keeps on getting better as he gains more experience in North America. Good at both ends but won't put up the offensive numbers as some of the others.

Alex Galchenyuk : If not for the injury that knocked him out for the season, he'd probably be right behind Yakupov. Based on last year, hard to drop him any lower.

Brendan Gaunce : Gaunce may come as a surprise to some here. Already possesses an NHL caliber shot and his defensive game is as close to NHL ready as it can come. Has very good size brings a physical aspect to his game. He has all the attributes scouts salivate over.

For the complete list of my top 20 skaters and top 5 goaltenders, click the "My Rankings" tab at the top of this page.

Bolts' Connolly proving pre-draft injury not deterrent

TAMPA BAY -- When two potential 2012 draft picks go down with season-ending injuries within weeks of each other, that's news. When those picks are projected to be top-five selections on virtually everyone's draft list, that's even bigger news. That unfortunate fate is exactly what befell center Alex Galchenyuk and defenseman Morgan Rielly, both hobbled with torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

Galchenyuk, with the Sarnia Sting (OHL) went down first, suffering his injury in a preseason game on Sept. 16. Reilly, a member of the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL), tore his ACL on Nov. 6. Both injuries are likely to be season-ending.


So where does that leave these two highly-touted prospects in terms of their future draft value? Will missing the entire season just prior to becoming draft eligible send their stock plummeting?


Read the full story here

Seven to watch: Top OHL prospects for 2012 Draft

The top Ontario Hockey League prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft is an offensive dynamo from the Sarnia Sting, with a string of solid defensemen next on the list.

It's a story reminiscent of the 2008 Draft, when Sarnia center Steven Stamkos was the league's best prospect, ahead of a list of blueliners that included Guelph's Drew Doughty, Peterborough's Zach Bogosian and Niagara's Alex Pietrangelo.

This year, the top player available is Nail Yakupov, who spent last season breaking Stamkos' Sarnia records.

In his first season in the OHL, the 5-foot-10 1/2, 189-pound right wing led all first-year players with 49 goals and 101 points, topping Stamkos' franchise rookie record of 92 points, set in 2006-07.


Full list and story on nhl.com
:

International Scouting Services: Players to watch at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial

Alexander Galchenyuk, USA

He had the option to play for Russia, but decided to represent the U.S. in this event. A potential top five - and even top three - pick in the 2012 NHL draft, Galchenyuk is an intense player with great hands and excellent instincts around the puck. He is an exciting offensive player who is always a threat to score and can also pummel opponents with his passionate and feisty physicality. Also, keep a close eye on Americans Cristoval Nieves and Jaccob Slavin

Read the full article here

Players confirmed for 2011 NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp

Press Release 

NEW YORK/TORONTO – Thirty-six of the top-rated players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft have accepted invitations to participate in the 2011 NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp, August 17 and 18, the National Hockey League announced today.

Participating players were selected by NHL Central Scouting and rank high on the 2012 Futures Lists. The talented group of skaters and goaltenders from the Canadian Hockey League, USHL, United States colleges and Canadian Provincial League will show off their playing skills to general managers and talent evaluators from around the League in a unique best-on-best setting that commences their Draft-eligible seasons.

Dan Byslma, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Dave Tippett head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, along with NHL Hockey Operations staff will lead the players over the course of two days as they test a number of proposed rules changes, rink markings and strategies.

The following players have confirmed their participation:

Name Pos. Club (League) Height, Weight
ALTSHULLER, DANIEL G NEPEAN (CCHL) 6' 2', 194 lbs
ATHANASIOU, ANDREAS C LONDON (OHL) 5' 11', 157 lbs
BEAUVILLIER, FRANCIS LW RIMOUSKI (QMJHL) 6' 1', 170 lbs
BUSSIERES, RAPHAEL LW BAIE-COMEAU (QMJHL) 6' 1', 183 lbs
CAMPAGNA, MATTHEW C SUDBURY (OHL) 5' 10', 170 lbs
CECI, CODY D OTTAWA (OHL) 6' 2', 203 lbs
CURCURUTO, GIANLUCA D SAULT STE. MARIE (OHL) 6' 1', 191 lbs
DARCY, CAMERON C U.S. UNDER-18 (USHL) 6' 0', 185 lbs
DI GIUSEPPE, PHILLIP LW U OF MICHIGAN (CCHA) 6' 0', 185 lbs
DRIEDGER, CHRIS G CALGARY (WHL) 6' 2', 172 lbs
DUMBA, MATHEW D RED DEER (WHL) 5' 11', 171 lbs
EBERT, NICK D WINDSOR (OHL) 6' 0', 195 lbs
FRASER, JEREMIE D ACADIE-BATHURST (QMJHL) 6' 1', 200 lbs
FRK, MARTIN RW HALIFAX (QMJHL) 6' 0', 192 lbs
GALCHENYUK, ALEX C/LW SARNIA (OHL) 6' 0', 185 lbs
GAUNCE, BRENDAN C BELLEVILLE (OHL) 6' 2', 205 lbs
GIRGENSONS, ZEMGUS C DUBUQUE (USHL) 6' 1', 182 lbs
GUDBRANSON, ALEX D KINGSTON (OHL) 6' 1', 200 lbs
KERDILES, NICOLAS LW U.S. UNDER-18 (USHL) 6' 1', 183 lbs
KOSMACHUK, SCOTT RW GUELPH (OHL) 6' 0', 182 lbs
LAUGHTON, SCOTT C OSHAWA (OHL) 6' 0', 174 lbs
MAIDENS, JARROD C OWEN SOUND (OHL) 6' 1', 169 lbs
MATHESON, MICHAEL D DUBUQUE (USHL) 6' 0', 170 lbs
MARCANTUONI, MATIA C KITCHENER (OHL) 5' 11', 185 lbs
MURRAY, RYAN D EVERETT (WHL) 6' 0', 182 lbs
OLSON, COLLIN G U.S. UNDER-18 (USHL) 6' 3', 189 lbs
POULIOT, DERRICK D PORTLAND (WHL) 5' 11', 185 lbs
RIELLY, MORGAN D MOOSE JAW (WHL) 5' 11', 189 lbs
RYAN, ANDREW LW HALIFAX (QMJHL) 6' 3', 193 lbs
SCHMALTZ, JORDAN D SIOUX CITY (USHL) 6' 2', 175 lbs
SISSONS, COLTON RW KELOWNA (WHL) 6' 1', 182 lbs
SIWAK, DAULTON C RED DEER (WHL) 5' 11', 190 lbs
SUBBAN, MALCOLM G BELLEVILLE (OHL) 6' 1', 178 lbs
TIERNEY, CHRIS LW LONDON (OHL) 6' 0', 170 lbs
TROUBA, JACOB D U.S. UNDER-18 (USHL) 6' 1', 175 lbs
YAKUPOV, NAIL RW SARNIA (OHL) 5' 11', 180 lbs

Galchenyuk, Payne Named to Team USA For Ivan Hlinka Tournament

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that three CHL players will compete for Team USA at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament August 8-13, 2010, in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia. 

Forwards Alex Galchenyuk of the Sarnia Sting and Cody Payne of the Oshawa Generals will be joined by defenceman Josh Hanson of the Portland Winterhawks. 

 A total of 22 players were named to the team following participation at USA Hockey’s Boys’ Select 17 Player Development Camp held July 7-13 at the Sports Centre at MCC in Rochester, New York.   

 Galchenyuk finished second in OHL rookie scoring with 83 points in 68 games after being selected first overall in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.  Payne, a native of Weston, Florida, recorded 13 points in 50 games for the Generals while Hanson, an Eagle River, Alaska, native produced three points in 43 games on the blueline for the Winterhawks.   

 Team USA will compete in Group B with games against Finland, Russia, and Slovakia.  Group A consists of Canada, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Switzerland. 

 Team USA has finished in the top three of the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament 10 times since the tournament’s inception in 1991, and won the gold medal at the tournament in 2003, and finished as silver medalists seven times, most recently in last year’s event with a 1-0 loss to Canada in the gold medal final. 

 The tournament honors the late Ivan Hlinka, a former Czechoslovakian national team player and coach.

For the complete roster, click on the Ivan Hlinka tab at the top of the page.

WHL defensemen among draft prospects to watch

Among the top players from the OHL are two players with the Sarnia Sting -- center Alex Galchenyuk (6-0, 185) and right wing Nail Yakupov (6-0, 190).

Yakupov, born in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, led the team with 101 points, including 49 goals (16 power-play goals) and 52 assists in 2010-11. Galchenyuk meanwhile had 31 goals, including 10 with the man advantage, and 83 points in 68 games.
 
Central Scouting's Chris Edwards also likes what he sees in Windsor Spitfires defenseman Nick Ebert (5-11, 195), a native of Livingston, N.J. In 64 games, Ebert had 11 goals and 41 points. Ottawa 67's defenseman Cody Ceci (6-1, 203), also an 'A List' player, was the only other 2012 draft-eligible player besides Murray to receive an invite to Team Canada's summer WJC evaluation camp.
 
Kitchener Rangers center Matia Marcantuoni (5-11, 185) also will command plenty of attention next season.


For the full story click here

For list of North American players click here

For list of European players click here

Alexander Galchenyuk

Alexander Galchenyuk - Sarnia Sting

6'1" - 185 lbs
D.O.B. : February 12, 1994

Selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Galchenyuk is the second of the Stings Russian Dynamic Duo. Or is he? Galchenyuk actually has duo citizenship, Russian and American and both countries hockey governing bodies waited with anticipation on which nation he would choose. And Galchenyuk chose to play for the USA internationally.
Galchenyuk was just the fourth ever American to be selected number one in the Priority Draft. This coming off of a 44 goal 43 assists season in just 38 games for the Chicago Young Americans in a US Tier 1 Midget League, enough two finish 33 points ahead of the runner up.

He finished his rookie OHL season second only to Yakupov in rookie scoring when he scored 31 goals and 52 assists along with 52 penalty minutes while playing all 68 games for the Sting. His 83 points were more than any other two 94 birthdate players combined. He was third in rookie goals behind Yakupov and Alex Khokhlachev and tied for first in assists with Yakupov.

Long time family friend and agent, and an advisor to Galchenyuk, described Galchenyuk as Marian Hossa like.

Sting Head Scout Jim Debenham is impressed by Galchenyuk, saying, "The first time I saw Alexander play I knew he was a special player. He is one of the most dominating players I have seen in this age group. He has great hands and is a natural goal scorer. He's a player that tries to make something happen on every shift. He makes the players around him better. Alexander has the best point per game average of all players in this year's draft at 2.28 with the next closest being 1.91. He is 1 of 3 players in the entire draft that averaged more than 1 goal per game at 1.16."

Director of Central Scouting and Player Development for the OHL, Robert Kitamura added, "Alex Galchenyuk has to be considered one of the most gifted, creative and skilled offensive players available in this years draft (2010). He was a dominate force in the U16 level in USA Hockey's Tier 1 Midget League, and he has the potential to be just as exciting and productive in the Ontario Hockey League. Fans of the Sarnia Sting and the OHL will benefit as Alex continues his development over the next few years."

It's still early, but Galchenyuk has made a strong case to be a top 5 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft already.

Galchenyuk was named to the OHL's First All Rookie Team.