Future Considerations’ Ontario Hockey League scout Scott Palmer gives his thoughts on who from the 2014 NHL Draft class left him impressed, who disappointed and who his sleeper is on draft day.
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!
Who Impressed?
Narrowing down who was the most impressive out of the Ontario Hockey League’s draft eligibles is a task proving to be very difficult. A number of highly touted prospects had great seasons, and really opened the eyes of scouts and General Managers across the NHL.
From Brendan Perlini in Niagara, to Sam Bennett in Kingston, the OHL has an abundance of talent that is sure to make an impact at the next level.
With that being said, in my opinion, the most impressive player in the OHL this season was Guelph Storm center Robby Fabbri. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Fabbri finished the season in the 15th spot in our rankings, but after an outstanding playoffs with the Storm, where he finished with 28 points in 16 games, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Fabbri make his way into the top-10.
Fabbri is an incredibly gifted player that excels at all aspects of the game. Not only can Fabbri be relied upon to provide the Storm with offense, he can play a shutdown roll against the oppositions best. His playmaking skills, paired with a great sense of anticipation and positioning, make Fabbri appear to be a veteran on the ice and make him a threat every time he touches the puck.
Fabbri has the ability to make incredible tape-to-tape passes, and the polish to put the puck in the net. He doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas of the ice, and isn’t afraid to mix things up and play physical. He has the ability to use his quick feet to beat defenders, or his slick set of hands to open up ice for he and his teammates.
Who Disappointed?
One player in particular that disappointed me this season was highly touted prospect Blake Clarke (Saginaw via North Bay).
After an outstanding rookie season with the then Brampton Battalion, Clarke was on the fast track to being a potential first round NHL pick. Saying that Clarke had a slow start to the season would be an understatement. He scored his first goal of the season on September 29th — then with North Bay — and did not produce a goal again until January 31st with the Saginaw Spirit.
Clarke finished the season with only 12 points in 54 games played, a fraction of his rookie season output of 51 points over a full season of 68 games. At times over the course of the year, Clarke looked disinterested and didn’t have the drive and determination to get the puck and make plays.
He still has the fundamentals to be a solid player, but seems to lack the will to put them together to make himself a better hockey player. Many thought the change of scenery Clarke got when traded to Saginaw would be beneficial, but he was limited to fourth line minutes and very few opportunities on the power play.
A mental adjustment and an injury free season could see Clarke flourish in Saginaw, but the jury is still out on his pro aspirations.
Who Surprised?
I cannot say enough good things about Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Michael Bunting.
Bunting, who was previously passed over in two OHL drafts, was taken by the Greyhounds in the ninth round of the 2013 OHL priority selection. As a 1995 birth year rookie, Bunting played his way to an invite to the Greyhounds main camp in August of last year and never looked back.
He finished the season with 42 points in 48 games for the Hounds and, after a late season injury, was one of the Greyhounds’ best player during their playoff run, recording five goals and six points in nine games.
Bunting combines a feisty style of play with solid fundamentals, a scoring touch, playmaking ability and an eager will to learn and develop. He is the definition of a sleeper pick, a kid that when given the chance, proved to not only the GM’s of the OHL and his peers, but to himself that he can compete at a high level, and produce.
The sky is the limit for Bunting, and with the quick development, a team is going to be very lucky to draft him this summer.
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!
