TOP 30

1. Nail Yakupov - RW - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2. Mikhail Grigorenko - LC - Quebec Rempart (QMJHL)
3. Ryan Murray - LD - Everett Silvertips (WHL)
4. Alex Galchenyuk - LC - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
5. Filip Forsberg - LW - Leksand (SWE)
6. Brendan Gaunce - LC - Belleville Bulls (OHL)
7. Jacob Trouba - RD - USNTDP (USHL)
8. Zemgus Girgensons - RC - Dubuque (USHL)
9. Olli Maatta - LD - London Knights (OHL)
10. Mathew Dumba - RD - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
11. Morgan Rielly - LD - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

After a very solid rookie season, Dominic Poulin enters his draft season clearly on NHL scouts radar. The former 3rd overall QMJHL draft pick of the Sags is a solid all around defender. Poulin also had a strong showing as a member of team Quebec last year in the World Under 17. Poulin recently spoke to our Chicoutimi based scout, Simon Larouche, and talked about his game with his NHL draft season still in it's early stages.

October 15th Top 15

1. Nail Yakupov - RW - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2. Zemgus Girgensons - RC - Dubuque (USHL)
3. Ryan Murray - LD - Everett Silvertips (WHL)
4. Mikhail Grigorenko - LC - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
5. Alex Galchenyuk - LC - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
6. Filip Forsberg - LW - Leksand (SWE)
7. Brendan Gaunce - LC - Belleville Bulls (OHL)
8. Cody Ceci - RD - Ottawa 67s (OHL)
9. Morgan Rielly - LD - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
10. Jacob Trouba - RD - USNTDP (USHL)
11. Mathew Dumba - RD - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
12. Jordan Schmaltz - RD - Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
13. Pontus Aberg - RW - Djurgarden (SWE)
14. Griffin Reinhart - LD - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
15. Nick Ebert - RD - Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

November 15th Top 15

1 Nail Yakupov - RW - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2 Zemgus Girgensons - RC - Dubuque (USHL)
3 Ryan Murray - LD - Everett Silvertips (WHL)
4 Mathew Dumba - RD - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
5 Filip Forsberg - LW - Leksand (SWE)
6 Alex Galchenyuk - LC - Sarnia Sting (OHL)*
7 Mikhail Grigorenko - LC - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
8 Brendan Gaunce - LC - Belleville Bulls (OHL)
9 Morgan Rielly - LD - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
10 Cody Ceci - RD - Ottawa 67s (OHL)
11 Pontus Aberg - RW - Djurgarden (SWE)
12 Jordan Schmaltz - RD - Green Bay (USHL)
13 Jacob Trouba RD - USNTDP (USHL)
14 Slater Koekkoek - LD - Peterborough Petes (OHL)
15 Phillip Di Giuseppe - LW - U. of Michigan (CCHA)

In what could be one of the strongest draft years for defensemen in recent memory, every prospect is hoping to stand out.
Jordan Schmaltz, 18, of the Green Bay Gamblers knows that his meal ticket is as a premier offensive defenseman.

“I'm more of a puck-mover,” Schmaltz says.  “I make a good first pass out of the zone and I jump up into the play.  I just try to make reads and distribute the puck.  I describe myself as more of a quarterback than a guy with a heavy shot.  That's not saying I don't think I have a good shot, I think I have a pretty good shot, but I'm more of a guy that likes to distribute the puck.”

The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Schmaltz led all USHL blueliners in scoring as a rookie last season with 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 53 games.  He's off to another strong start this year with five goals and six assists in 19 games.

“Jordan's biggest attribute is his transition play,” Gamblers coach Derek Lalonde says.  “His poise, his ability to move the puck and manage and control the game from a transition standpoint.  His offensive instincts are unbelievable.  He knows when to jump in, his feel is great.  That's why he's produced so much offensively over the last couple years.  His instincts are remarkable.”

Schmaltz's offensive ability is a known commodity around the USHL and it was why Lalonde was willing to ship the hefty package of forward David Goodwin, defensemen Andy Ryan and Dan Molenaar and affiliate list forward Jacob Montgomery to Sioux City for Schmaltz in an early November blockbuster trade.

“It just really solidified our top-four,” Lalonde says.  “It gave us four very good puck-moving defensemen.  The puck spends very little time in our zone now, when you can roll those types of D-men out as often as we do.  Since the trade we are 12-0-1.  I understand you have to give up a lot to get a lot, but he's been kind of a missing piece of the puzzle for us.”

Schmaltz has fit like a glove for the Gamblers on the ice, but he's also assimilated quickly with his new teammates.

“It's been great so far,” Schmaltz says.  “Both teams benefitted from the trade; you always like to see that.  Sioux City was a great organization and I loved all the guys there, but I think they understood.  Once I got to Green Bay I was excited and it's been nothing but an unbelievable experience so far.  I've really enjoyed my time here.”

“He's been great as a teammate and a great fit in the locker room,” Lalonde says.  “It really helps that we have three Chicago-area kids that he played Mission hockey with.  So the transition has been very easy.  He's fit in and I think he appreciates that we have a good culture here, we expect to win.  He's just come in and done his part, played his role, and we've been very successful since we acquired him.”

The trade could have been an unwelcome disruption during what can be a stressful year for draft-eligible players, but Schmaltz has performed admirably since coming over from the Musketeers and thinks the best is yet to come.

“You have to get used to how guys play, especially on the power play, what guys like to do and their habits,” he says.  “It's always tough coming to a new team, but the last few games here I think I've been playing really well and it's starting to click a little bit.  I think it's only going to get better from here.”

HP's Mark Edwards says that Schmaltz skating is what makes him special. He is able to create time and space for himself because of those feet. I hate making comparisons, but skating wise, he reminded me a little of Scott Niedermayer. Jordan says he models his game after two other emerging stars.

“Drew Doughty and John Carlson are guys I look up to,” Schmaltz says.  “Not only do they take care of their own end, they chip in on the offensive zone and they bring great power play qualities to their teams as well.”

The slick-skating Schmaltz has been a ballyhooed prospect for some time - he first made a non-binding commitment to the University of Wisconsin when he was just 14-years-old.  But his plans changed when coach Mark Osiecki moved to Ohio State.

Schmaltz is set on honoring his new commitment to the University of North Dakota, which has produced NHL stars Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews in recent years, despite being at the center of a tug-of-war between the Canadian junior leagues and collegiate hockey.

In October the Windsor Spitfires went public with their recruitment of the heralded prospect. Schmaltz can't help being in high demand, but all he's worried about is fulfilling a life-long dream of attending college and following his family's legacy.

“I've always wanted to go to college,” he says.  “My Dad went to North Dakota, my two uncles, they all played football there.  They're actually all from there too.  I think it's a no-brainer to go to North Dakota.  I still want to go the college route and I think ultimately it will make me the best player I can be.”

Like many offensive-minded defensemen, Schmaltz played much of his young life as a forward.  His experience on the attack is what makes him a lethal weapon from the blueline now, but Schmaltz recognizes that his defensive game has room for improvement.

“[I need to work on] continually getting stronger,” Schmaltz says.  “Improving physically, especially in front of the net and things like that.  Just trying to solidify that part of my game is what's going to help me at the next level and hopefully eventually as a pro.”

Schmaltz believes he's made big strides in his own end over the course of the last year and has full confidence that Lalonde and the staff at North Dakota will help him continue to grow as a defensive player.

“Last year with coach Luke Strand at Sioux City I think I got a lot better defensively and I think I'm continually getting better at that,” Schmaltz says.  “Little things like net positioning and boxing guys out in front of the net, I think I'm just getting a lot better at.”

Schmaltz's play in his own zone may be a work in progress, but his offensive ability might be enough to secure him a place high in the first round of June's entry draft.  But for now, Schmaltz is focused on improving on a daily basis and he isn't worried about what the future holds.

“I try not to get caught up in all the draft talk and where you're going to be selected,” he says.  “I just try to continually get better and play my game and show people what I've got.  I think that will take care of itself.

“I'm a pretty easygoing guy.  I don't really think about it.  I don't get too rattled, if I have a bad game I just try to regroup and do what I do best.”

December Top 15

1. Nail Yakupov - RW - Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2. Ryan Murray - LD - Everett Silvertips (WHL)*
3. Mathew Dumba - RD - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
4. Zemgus Girgensons - RC - Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
5. Filip Forsberg LW - Leksand (SWE)
6. Alex Galchenyuk - LC - Sarnia Sting (OHL)*
7. Mikhail Grigorenko - LC - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
8. Brendan Gaunce - LC - Belleville Bulls (OHL)
9. Morgan Rielly - LD - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)*
10. Cody Ceci - RD - Ottawa 67s (OHL)
11. Pontus Aberg - RW - Djurgarden (SWE)
12. Slater Koekkoek - LD - Peterborough Petes (OHL)*
13. Phillip Di Giuseppe - LW - U. of Michigan (CCHA)
14. Jacob Trouba - RD - USNTDP (USHL)
15. Jordan Schmaltz - RD - Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

Bignell is a slightly undersized defenceman from the Kitchener-Waterloo area. He was selected out of Culver Academy in his OHL Draft year, and was taken in the 5th round of the OHL Draft. Bignell quickly turned out to be a huge steal for the Belleville Bulls. He contributed right away showing his maturity and hockey sense, particularly in the defensive zone. Bignell has great awareness of the play going on around him. He’s a smooth skater technically speaking, and was one of the better 16 year olds last year.

One of the biggest question mark’s for Bignell is his size considering his style of play. He is only listed at 5’11” 162lb. There are other listings that place him bigger than that, and it is still possible for him to grow. Regardless he was very effective in 1 on 1 situations, and surprised us with his ability to protect his own net. He has a good understanding of when to pinch and when to get back into defensive positioning, holding the line at appropriate times, but he didn’t come off as a player with a ton of offensive upside. However with an increased role, that could change. He has the skating ability, body positioning and core strength to handle bigger stronger forwards. There will be plenty of question marks out there for the young Bignell. Will he grow? If so how much? How much ice will he receive in Belleville? Belleville had a number of solid defencemen, and will again this year, not to mention the newest Subban, Jordan. Bignell appeared to grab top 4 minutes at times during his stronger games, but will need to fight for those minutes again.

Belleville in itself is a tough situation to predict. Although their defense is stacked up fairly well, they appear to require more firepower up front. The Bulls already moved defenceman Alex Basso, but brought in another in Brady Austin. The transactions may not stop for Belleville, and we may see them move out another defenceman before their season starts on September 23rd. Although ice time will be an important factor, Adam impressed us every time we saw him this season, and remain confident that he will establish himself as an attractive prospect for teams in the middle rounds of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Matt Murray of the Soo Greyhounds is a 2012 NHL Draft prospect, and the starting goaltender for the Hounds. Murray is a Thunder Bay, Ontario, native and the former Thunder Bay King is in his second season with the Greyhounds. Murray is a tall slender goalie who plays big in his net. He is very solid technically and is one of HockeyProspect.com's top rated goaltenders as we get the 2012 NHL draft season underway. Melissa Perri spoke to Matt about his game, and if he feels any pressure entering his draft season.

The 2012 NHL Draft is just a five months away and our book featuring 2012 NHL Draft prospect, Brendan Gaunce is getting closer to it's release date in May. With the release date getting closer each day, we give you some excerpts from the upcoming book which is being written by John Matisz.

By now, it’s general knowledge in the junior hockey realm that Brendan Gaunce offers a three-zone game. He’s an offensive force, yet far from a liability when travelling through the neutral zone and while protecting his own end.

When it comes to elite forwards, however, even players with rounded skill sets rank scoring goals as one of their chief responsibilities.

The variety in which the Markham, Ont., native can put the puck in the net is above average. A top-corner shootout goal, wrister off the sideboards, backhand rebound – you name it, he has the ability to do it, and has probably done it over the course of the 2011-12 season thus far.

A goal’s a goal, yes, but scoring through a choice move is something different. Which begs the question: What’s his goal of choice, his utopian tally?

“There’s a couple of moves I have come to like over the years, but they all have to do with wrap-arounds. I like wrapping it quick when I’m going full speed. Or, when I’m behind the net going one way on the defender, I try to wrap it around quick there, too.

“Wrap-arounds are probably my favourite play to do. I’ve noticed my strength is definitely not toe-dragging at the blueline.”

Clearly honest with himself and comfortable with speaking his mind, the Belleville Bull chimed in on the ongoing debate of fighting's place in the game:

“I don’t have a problem with fighting at all. I think it shows unity within the team and how guys are able to stick up for each other. Without fighting I don’t think games would be as intense, and I don’t think teams would be as close.

“You wouldn’t think guys had your back, so I really don’t mind it. After a big hit, if there’s a fight, it’s about sticking up for your team.”

Oscar Dansk is a name you may or may not be familiar with. Playing the last two seasons with Brynas Junior team in Sweden, Dansk is a name that’s slated to be called out in the first round of this year’s NHL entry draft being held in Pittsburgh, at the end of June. An unforgettable experience for many a player, the draft is an important day in any hockey career.

“I’m really excited, I want to go there and go as high as possible,” commented Dansk. “I don’t know what to expect, but ultimately I want to go there and enjoy it.”

The 18 year old Swedish goaltender stands at 6’2” between the pipes, posting a J18 Elit (west) best goals against average for the 2010-11 season, Dansk also earned a silver medal with Team Sweden in the 2011 U-18 Junior World Cup. Instead of looking to past accomplishments for his most memorable, Dansk looks to the future.

“Hopefully it will be winning the world championships,” he said.

Currently competing in the IIHF u-18 World Championships being held in Czech, Dansk and his teammates have already had positive showings in games against United States (pre-tourney), Germany and most recently a win against Russia; securing Sweden a spot in the semifinals and Dansk one stride further to potentially winning worlds.

Dansk seems to be in the mindset of always being better and working hard to achieve his accomplishments. Playing the past two seasons with Brynas Junior in Sweden, allowed an opportunity, albeit short, to act as a backup goalie with the big club Brynas. Just one opportunity among many that helped in developing his play.

“Backing up at 16 was pretty cool,” said Dansk. “It was all about learning to be better at my game from them.”

Playing in his home country of Sweden has the benefit of familiarity.

“It’s nice to be home again, playing close to my family.” That being said, Dansk continued,

“But I really enjoyed playing in North America. I like that style of hockey, my goal is still to get over there and play when I get the chance. I feel like it suits me better as a person and a goalie.”

Dansk spent three years as a product of the notable Shattuck St. Mary’s system; a system which has produced the likes of Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. The time spent at Shattuck, wasn’t only about on ice development, but the often overlooked personal off ice growth that creates a certain kind player; Dansk credits his time at Shattuck for both.

“It helped me develop as a person, and allowed me to learn maturity, which helped me in my game,” said Dansk. “In a hockey sense, it taught me to play overseas (North America), and play the puck more.”

Scouting reports aside, watching highlight reels of Dansk between the pipes is a must for any fan of the game. It’s clear to see that his extreme athleticism allows for quickness and the ever important consistency factor that a goaltender needs. For a goalie, consistency isn’t the only “it” factor that leads to success. It’s important to be able to handle the puck, and positioning can’t be overlooked either. Many goalies look to the successful playing styles of their peers.

“I look at every goalie, everyone has their own good qualities,” continued Dansk. “I try to have my own kind of style and not model it after anyone. I just want to try to be good at everything.”

The ability to “be good at everything” isn’t learned overnight. It has been years of hard work, learning and determination, approximately sixteen years in fact. Dansk started his hockey quest at the mere age of two, when his parents strapped him into a pair of skates. Claiming to be a good forward when he was younger it wasn’t until his older brother began pursuing the goaltending position that Dansk thought about the same thing.

“My older brother started going to goalie schools,” said Dansk. “I wanted to be like him.”

Wanting to be like his brother wasn’t the only family memory that Dansk shared;

“I remember when I first started going to skating school, we played a game in one of the practices and I was really thirsty at the time I guess,” commented Dansk with a laugh. “With my parents being in the stands, I waved at them to get me water. My dad is who he is, so he just ignored me completely, because I was in the middle of practice. I got really mad and took the puck and scored.”

With an open personality that already makes Dansk a likeable player amongst the fans, it’s inevitable that his fan base will increase come June. Come draft time, there is a possibility of 30 NHL teams potentially looking to add Dansk to its roster. Any team would be a dream and a welcomed opportunity for the goalie.

“I’d love to play for any team,” said Dansk. “Since I’ve played and lived in Minnesota, I’d like to play there for the Wild. New York wouldn’t be too bad either.”

While the majority of players won’t see the NHL their draft year, it’s not an impossibility. Keeping up development is a key component for the NHL future of any player, Dansk is no different.

“You never know with your development how you’re going to be next year,” said Dansk. “So, we’ll see what happens.”

While his on ice talent has earned him a place in the draft, it’s his off ice demeanor that will lend a stick in making him a worthwhile personality in the NHL someday.