Nick Ebert – McKeen's Hockey

Ottawa Senators 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 12:41:50 +0000

The overdue rebuild that was stunted when the Senators traded away a future first round pick along with a few other quality assets for around 18 months of Matt Duchene, finally reached the bottom last season. We think. As bad as the post-Duchene Senators were in 2017-18, finishing as one of the worst teams in the league, with Duchene, Mark Stone, and of course Erik Karlsson, they were even worse last year, trading all three of those men, and a few other strong performers besides, before the trade deadline.

It isn’t that the Senators couldn’t be worse than last season, but the rebuild has (must have) hit its nadir as the team no longer has valuable assets that could be dealt for meaningful returns, unless they start trading entry-level and second contract players, like budding stars Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk, or Colin White, or find a way to unload an anchor contract or two, such as those of Bobby Ryan or Craig Anderson.

The official rumor that kicked off the sell-off was that Eugene Melnyk’s Senators had offered Erik Karlsson a large contract extension last offseason, which he turned down. Whether it was due to friction in the dressing room (see the Mike Hoffman incident) or distaste with the direction of the franchise, stuck in a suburban arena that rarely fills up and with a team owner who is in the news for the wrong reasons all too often, Karlsson was ready to go. So before the season started, he was traded to San Jose, along with AHLer Francis Perron for a package that included Josh Norris, Chris Tierney, Rudolfs Balcers, Dylan DeMelo and up to four draft picks, three of which had conditions attached. (We now know that those picks will be the Sharks’ second rounders in 2019 and 2021 and their first rounder in 2020. The fourth pick’s condition was not met.) So that is three NHLers, one of whom would have made the below list near the middle had he played in two fewer NHL games last year. They also got their current number two prospect in Norris, and used their 2019 second rounder (along with an additional later pick) to trade up to select Mads Sogaard (#10 below) and will see two more high picks in the next two seasons.

As the season proceeded and the Senators couldn’t stay out of the negative headlines for both on and off-ice reasons, the cleaned house in the week leading up to the trade deadline. In the space of 24 hours, they sent both Duchene and Ryan Dzingel to Columbus, picking up three high picks, including the 19^th pick this June (Lassi Thomson, #7 below), as well as Vitali Abramov (#9) and Jonathan Davidsson (#15).

Finally, on deadline day, they sent Mark Stone and his expiring contract to Vegas (they had also apparently tried to re-sign him first) for a package headlined by the new Ottawa number one prospect, Erik Brannstrom. While it is far too early to know whether the rebuild was a success, the results are all over their top 20 list, with six players, including the top two coming directly or indirectly from the tear down. I suppose it could always have been worse.

-Ryan Wagman

Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Brannstrom (26) . (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)

1 Erik Brannstrom, D (15^th overall, 2017 [Vegas]. Last Year: 3 [Vegas]) As of this writing, we have yet to decide if Brannstrom is the best defenseman prospect in hockey. If he is not, he’s really close though. We are talking about a player with all of the traits we usually look for when describing the epitome of the modern blueliner. He doesn’t skate as much as he flies. He has sublime puck skills. He is a consummate playmaker from the blueline and his lack of great size is not an impediment when he is trying to protect the puck from opposing defenders. His vision is elite and he has the defensive acumen to play in defensive situations and get the puck where it needs to go. It would be nice if he had a bigger bomb from the point, but he has a knack for getting himself into good shooting positions and hitting the mark anyway. Ottawa is in a bad way as an organization, but between Brannstrom and young Thomas Chabot, they have the makings of a top first defensive pairing for many years to come. - RW

2 Josh Norris, C (19^thoverall, 2017 [San Jose]. Last Year: 1[San Jose]) We don’t yet know what will come of the picks the Senators acquired from San Jose in the Erik Karlsson, but as far as flesh and blood players are concerned, they have to be pleased with Josh Norris and the steps he took before he hurt his shoulder late in the WJC and had to sit out the rest of the season. A high IQ center with a standout two-way game, the former USNTDP standout is a strong play driver, with a fantastic shot and strong playmaking abilities. Norris signed an ELC with Ottawa shortly after Michigan’s season ended and he will have a good chance of making the NHL roster right off the hop next season. He was the hockey wherewithal to play a bottom six role right away, but he projects as a clear top six center at his best, presuming full health in the shoulder. - RW

3 Alex Formenton, LW (47^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 5) The foundation of Formenton’s game is his elite skating ability. He has an effortless, yet powerful stride that allows him to be such an effective high-energy winger. Additionally, Formenton is a physical player who is aggressive on the forecheck, making him a terrific penalty killer. As an offensive player, his best asset is a quick release. His offensive potential may be limited due to only average puck skill and vision. In particular, his decision making with the puck will need to improve should he want to be more than a 3rd line winger. Short term, he should be able to jump right into Ottawa’s lineup next year as a 4th liner and penalty killer, especially after a cup of coffee last season. Long term, he profiles as a middle six goal scoring winger. - BO

4 Jacob Bernard-Docker, D (26^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 8) There is always some element of doubt when a player makes the jump from Junior A hockey to a big-time NCAA program. For as highly touted as Bernard-Docker was for Okotoks, he managed the transition to the collegiate game at North Dakota with aplomb. His tools all grade out as average to good, but his heightened hockey sense helps everything to play up. In short order, he was playing in all situations at UND. He is a strong transitional defender, excelling at retrieving the puck in his own zone and making the right play to move it out sustainably. He is built strong and he makes it very difficult to get past him in one-on-one situations. He has also proven to be proficient in the offensive end, although he projects as more of a steady two-way type at the highest level instead of a first power play unit type of player. He should spend another year on campus before considering the start of a professional career. - RW

5 Logan Brown, C (11^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 2) Brown saw only two games up with the Sens this season. That said, he had a successful inaugural professional season with 42 points in 56 games with Belleville of the AHL. Using his physical stature and size to his advantage he managed to keep his penalty minutes on the low and his offensive play on a high. Brown matured a lot over the course of the season as he became more comfortable with the speed of the game. His defensive game improved and with his on-ice intelligence and skillset he should only become harder to stop as he plays more pro games. A forward of Brown’s size may not have the jump in their stride that smaller and more agile players do, but that being said, he would do well to find a faster gear. With all else rounded out, he should see much more time up with the Ottawa Senators this coming season. - SC

6 Drake Batherson, C (121^st overall, 2017. Last Year: 6) As a fourth rounder, Drake Batherson may have seemed like an unlikely prospect but ever since his energetic 2018 World Junior performance Batherson has been on fire. He is an elusive player that slips under the radar and is quiet on the ice until the puck is found in the net as a result of his strong playmaking ability. In the 20 games spent up with the Ottawa Senators this season he only managed 9 points, however he certainly made up for it in his AHL debut as he led Belleville with 62 points in 59 games and earned a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team. He is a highly adaptable and entertaining player to watch in both even strength and special team situations, his adjustment to the AHL level has been tremendous and a player with his hockey IQ and natural skill set should definitely see a more promising NHL performance this season. - SC

7 Lassi Thomson, D (19^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) In his first campaign North America, Thomson put up an impressive 17 goals and 41 points in 63 games for the Rockets. The smooth skating defender carries a big shot, is very mobile, and brings a nice physical element to his game. He has adapted very nicely to the North American style game, and should only improve on his play and his numbers. Thomson has openly come out and said that he would like to return to Finland to play next season, but would have a more dominant role sticking it out with the Rockets, especially with Kelowna hosting the Memorial Cup, in which he will be able to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. Thomson projects to be a top four defender who will play lots of minutes, anchor the power play, and can be utilized everywhere. He has good offensive instincts, plays a nice two way game, but could further work at honing his skills on the defensive side of the puck. - KO

8 Joey Daccord, G (199^th overall, 2015. Last Year: Not ranked) Goalies mature later than most players and now at the age of 22, late bloomer Joey Daccord is turning into a top-flight goalie prospect. In 2017-18 there were murmurs that he was getting better, as his Arizona State squad was improving as well. His .926 save percentage last season was excellent. So good, that he was a finalist for the Mike Richter Award. He was also on the second all-American team in the West and he had a nice run in the NCAA playoffs. Senators GM Pierre Dorian scouted him personally with members of his staff and signed him soon after his run ended. His athleticism, rebound control, and stickwork are his strengths along with his goalie I.Q., thanks to his father Brian, who is a goalie consultant for Toronto. While he still needs work on tracking the puck, especially from distance, he has a chance to be a starter in Ottawa someday, but must first battle Filip Gustavsson for the starters' job in Belleville this season. - RC

9 Vitaly Abramov, RW (65^th overall, 2016 [Columbus]. Last Year: 2 [Columbus]) With massive numbers in the QMJHL, expectations would have it that Abramov would have a good start as a pro, however that was not exactly the case as he had an average start in the AHL with Cleveland before being traded from Columbus to Ottawa in the Matt Duchene deal, where he finished the season with seven points in 18 games with Belleville. Hope would be that Abramov continues to get stronger and learns to play better at a pro pace. At this point a full season spent in the Ottawa Senators organization would be beneficial for his confidence to grow along with the chance of getting more than a one game callup to the NHL. Abramov keeps his feet moving at all times and is a good two-way player, who has the potential for a longer call up next season as he continues to stand out for his work ethic. - SC

10 Mads Sogaard, G (37^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Sogaard is a very intriguing combination of size and athleticism. At 6-7” he fills the net in the typical large goalie frame but there are many other things to like about his game as well. He moves well laterally and tracks the puck very well. He can shake off a bad goal, period, or game and come back ready for the next one. After the World Junior’s, where he was under siege the entire tournament on an outmanned Denmark squad, he posted back to back solid outings in Medicine Hat. In the playoffs against Edmonton he was main reason the series was close. His mental make-up includes a great blend of relaxed, take it as it comes, with a fiery competitiveness bubbling just under the surface. His rebound control needs to keep on improving as he tends to leave pucks around the net that he can’t always cover up. He has a ways to go, but his upside is immense. Like him. - VG

11 Shane Pinto, C (32^nd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Although I was underwhelmed seeing Pinto’s name called out first on Day Two of the 2019 draft, that doesn’t mean that I don’t think he is a viable NHL prospect. Pinto is a late bloomer, who was not considered a real prospect in any sense until he was almost 17. He moved from local midget hockey to the USHL to play for Lincoln. The Stars were no good, but Pinto stood out an Tri-City, the top team in the league, traded for him. As a USHL rookie, his numbers were outstanding, topping the point-per-game mark. But while he has the overall game to contribute, none of his tools stands out as better than pretty solid, making me question his ability to keep it up at the higher levels. He also doesn’t do too much when he isn’t scoring. If he learns to play at both ends, he could work his way to a middle six role down the line. - RW

12 Michael Carcone, LW (Undrafted free agent, signed Jul. 15, 2016 [Vancouver]. Last Year: Not ranked [Vancouver]) Having played last season strictly with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, Carcone is a new addition to Ottawa’s system. It will be interesting to see where he fits in his new organization as he moved many times up and down the lineup with the Marlies. However, if there is one thing to be said about Carcone it is his ability to score overtime and even strength goals despite his overall stats this season sitting around average. His stamina on the ice is an asset and his aggressiveness and ability to win puck battles make up for his small size. His passing needs to become more dependable if he is to nab a spot on Belleville’s middle six. That being said, Carcone may find more opportunity for a call up with Ottawa than with Toronto. - SC

13 Andreas Englund, D (40^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 12) For a player who was drafted from one of the top clubs in the SHL, Djurgardens IF, Englund's development has been a slow process. In his first two North American professional seasons he has seen a few highlight reel goals and many fights. His big frame and tough style of play are key assets that highlight his game but the question remains, does Ottawa need a physical stay at home defenceman in their lineup or a smooth skating, offensive defenseman in the likes of Erik Brannstrom? Englund needs to raise his ceiling more and develop a more three dimensional style of play before being called up to Ottawa for more than the nine games he has already clocked in the NHL. If he can incorporate a better offensive side to his game, with his size and hockey sense he may see a potential second pairing spot with Belleville and more games spent with Ottawa. - SC

14 Max Veronneau, RW (Undrafted free agent, signed Mar. 12, 2019. Last Year: IE) Max Veronneau had been getting better every season for Princeton. For the past two seasons, he had been heavily scouted and even turned down contract offers after his junior campaign to keep the band together. He finally signed with Ottawa, giving his hometown team a pro-caliber winger who is fast, smart, and shoots the puck from anywhere on the ice. He is defensively responsible and even though Princeton had an off-year, he didn’t, with 37 points in 31 collegiate games, was an early Hobey nominee and finished out the season playing 12 NHL games getting an even two goals and two assists. At 23, with a lot of opportunity with the Senators, he can play a third-line role and could also be used on the penalty kill as he gains more confidence. He needs to get stronger so he can have more push back at the next level. - RC

15 Jonathan Davidsson, RW (170^th overall, 2017 [Columbus]. Last Year: 10 [Columbus]) A 22-year-old winger who has a couple of seasons of pro hockey under his belt, Davidsson has put up good numbers in the SHL without being a topline player. He had 31 points in a full 2017-18 season and an additional 21 points last season before his campaign was cut short in February due to a concussion. Davidsson is an offensive player with nice puck skills, a quick shot release and good vision. He is an agile, quick skater who accelerates well. His best asset is his ability to read the game fast. He isn’t physically strong and struggles with consistency. His chances to reach the NHL as a top six forward are limited. He will need to show progress in the AHL for a season or two before reachig the NHL for good. That said, with the team Ottawa has right now, he might get to see some NHL games the upcoming season regardless of his readiness. - JH

16 Jonny Tychonik, D (48^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 7) We were not alone last year in rating Tychonik ahead of fellow Canadian Jr A standout and North Dakota recruit Jacob Bernard-Docker. If one year is anything to go by, the Senators were wise to see JBD as the better prospect. While their first round pick stepped right into a top pairing role as a freshman, Tychonik really struggled to make an impact. Struggled to the tune of four assists in 28 games. To his credit, he is an above average skater. He also flashes puck skills when carrying, but the things that worked in the BCHL did not work in the NCHC. He needs to show better ability to process the game quickly to have a more positive impact. His pedigree ensures that we won’t give up on him yet, but to reach even a third pairing upside, he needs to take a step or two forward. - RW

17 Nick Ebert, D (211^th overall, 2012 [Los Angeles]. Last Year: Not Ranked [unaffiliated]) A 7th round pick of the LA Kings in 2012 with 157 career AHL games under his belt was one of the best defensemen in the SHL last season. Ebert has puck skills and can dominate in the offensive zone, joining the rush and using his dangerous shot. He played on a weak team in Sweden but scored an impressive 11 goals and 33 points from the blueline and was the top point getter on his team. He had strong possession numbers and was by far the best player for Orebro. As for his NHL potential he needs to play in the top four although he lacks some agility in his skating and his hockey sense is not elite. At 25 years of age, his room for improvement is limited as well. He will probably start in the AHL and if he can dominate there as well as he did in the SHL, chances are that he will get a shot in big league also. - JH

18 Jonathan Gruden, LW (95^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 9) College isn’t for everyone. Nor is college hockey. Gruden did not struggle with a poor Miami program as badly as Jonny Tychonik did with North Dakota, but 15 points in 38 games did not make the impact either he or the Senators had hoped. While it was good enough to play on a second line for the RedHawks, the former USNTDP stud left the program after his freshman year, signing an ELC with Ottawa and moving to London of the OHL for the next stage of his development. The Knights have had a good run of refining the games of former collegians in a pro-like atmosphere and Gruden could easily jump up this list next year with a smooth transition. He thinks the game very well and has a solid enough tool collection to not laugh at a middle six projection. But he has a ways to go to get there. - RW

19 Christian Wolanin, D (107^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 10) Wolanin sits at an undeserving 19th spot in Ottawa’s prospects rankings but his skills and maturity when playing the game put him amongst some of Ottawa’s top prospects. The way Wolanin plays the game with poise and the way he shoots the puck can be attributed to defensemen like Ottawa’s newly acquired Nikita Zaitsev. Wolanin is an excellent shot and a mature passer which makes him a highly dependable defenseman with a moderate ceiling. Having already played 40 games in the NHL throughout two seasons, his most recent stint included 12 points as a third pairing defenseman. Wolanin’s development seems to be heading in the right direction with him starting in the NHL next season, nevertheless look for him to spend more time at the back of Ottawa's roster. - SC

20 Filip Chlapik, C (48^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 17) Despite having 25 NHL appearances under his belt, Chlapik continues to play a young game and finds more success at the AHL level with Belleville than with the NHL. Playing 57 games this season and coming out with 34 points is not too bad for a forward in his second professional season. However many aspects of Chlapik’s game need to be tightened up if he expects to be given any further chances. He wins his draws, plays a good defensive game but occasionally gets lost in the neutral zone. There are certainly positives to his style of play but Chlapik still needs to develop more fluidity to his game and better his play with the puck. Expect Chlapik to start the season in Belleville’s top six and work for a call up to Ottawa during the season as he aims to prove he belong on a NHL bottom six. - SC

Youngblood: 2014 Memorial Cup – Prospects to Watch

Brendan Ross — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:58:07 +0000

We are mere hours away from the puck dropping on the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup and the City of London is gearing up to welcome one of the most competitive fields in recent years.

Returning for their third straight Memorial Cup appearance are the tournament hosts, London Knights, after the injury-riddled squad was bounced in the second round of the OHL playoffs by the eventual OHL Champions, Guelph Storm. Joining the Guelph Storm and London Knights are the Champs of the WHL in the Edmonton Oil Kings, and QMJHL victors, Val d’Or Foreurs, both freshly off game seven wins that punched their ticket to the illustrious major junior competition.

The past three Memorial Cups have been hoisted by the QMJHL representatives after Saint John Sea Dogs (2011), Shawinigan Cataractes (2012) and Halifax Mooseheads (2013) each tasted victory.

The Edmonton Oil Kings are looking for their first Memorial Cup Championship since 1966 when they captured it as members of the Central Alberta Hockey League.

Quebec’s Val d’Or Foreurs have participated in the Memorial Cup twice (1998 and 2001) but have yet to walk away victors, coming close in 2001 when the Foreurs lost to the Red Deer Rebels in the finals.

The Knights will be participating in their fourth Memorial Cup event and the team is hoping for similar results as when they last hosted in 2005, the year the Knights skated away as Memorial Cup Champions.

With four previous attempts at winning the Memorial Cup, the Guelph Storm are rolling into their fifth tournament red hot looking to take home the 95-year-old hardware.

Regardless of which team skates off Budweiser Gardens’ ice as Champions, the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup is loaded with talented major junior players looking to take the next step in their development. As the electric atmosphere takes over London, Ontario, here are several players to watch throughout the tournament.

Edmonton Oil Kings

Curtis Lazar (Senators – 2013, 17^th overall) Arguably the best leader in major junior, Lazar will eat up a ton of minutes, taking important faceoffs and seeing top line offensive minutes along the way.

Tristan Jarry (Penguins – 2013, 44^th overall) Jarry’s 2.19 GAA and .925 save percentage are impressive stat lines but his ability to make the clutch save behind a strong defense core allows the Oil Kings the opportunity to play a stifling defensive game.

Griffin Reinhart (NY Islanders – 2012, 4^th overall) He’s got great draft pedigree and has slowly progressed with each passing game to become a suffocating shutdown defenseman, utilizing his large wingspan and strength against top WHLers.

Henrik Samuelsson(Coyotes – 2012, 27^th overall) Playing a gritty-in-your-face style of puck that would make his father Ulf proud, Henrik has balanced his aggressive attack and skilled offensive bursts well. Led the Oil Kings in playoff scoring with 23 points over 21 games.

Mitch Moroz (Oilers – 2012, 32^nd overall) Not the prettiest skater or the most refined skilled player, Mitch Moroz’ offers a nice blend of size and soft touch around the net to create room and offensive chances. His size could prove to be an asset against some larger Guelph Storm players when the two teams face off Saturday afternoon.

Brett Pollock(2014 NHL Draft) Industrious and versatile, Brett Pollock forced his way up a veteran laden Oil Kings’ depth chart to find a home in the top six, posting near point-per-game numbers during Edmonton’s WHL Championship run.

Dysin Mayo (2014 NHL Draft) An emerging offensive defenseman, Dysin Mayo has earned the trust of Head Coach Derek Laxdal and his game-changing rushes are only improving his draft stock.

Aaron Irving (2014 NHL Draft) Edmonton’s 9^th overall 2011 selection, Aaron Irving is one of the defensive pillars on the Oil Kings’ blue line who has made life hell for intruding forwards with his physicality and nastiness.

Cody Corbett (Signed by Avalanche, 2014) The third year defenseman played his way to a contract with Colorado after posting 61 points in 65 games from the blueline.

Mads Eller and Ashton Sautner (Re-entries for 2014 NHL Draft) – Two mobile skaters, forward Mads Eller (younger brother of Canadiens’ Lars Eller) and defenseman Ashton Sautner use their speed and edge work to force opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Val d’Or Foreurs

Anthony Mantha (Red Wings – 2013, 20^th overall) Big time sniper brings his 81 combined regular season and playoff goals, the most by any CHLer, to Bud Gardens for all to witness. He will be the focus of defences as the tournament’s most natural goal scorer. It is hard to believe that Detroit traded down to acquire this stud prospect.

Ryan Graves (NY Rangers – 2013, 110^thoverall) Brought over from Charlottetown in trade to boost their blue line, Graves has provided a stabilizing presence using his size and strength to contain opposing team’s top forwards.

Antoine Bibeau (Maple Leafs – 2013, 172^nd overall) Selected in his second attempt at the NHL Draft, it appears the selection of Antoine Bibeau has been a shrewd move after the big goaltender earned QMJHL Playoff MVP honours.

Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (2014 NHL Draft) Taken 7^th overall by Val d’Or in 2012, Aubé-Kubel’s offensive emergence has provided the team with secondary scoring and this skilled responsible forward looks to use the Memorial Cup as one final showing before heading to Philadelphia for the draft.

Louick Marcotte(Re-entry for 2014 NHL Draft) Fourth year forward, Marcotte, nearly doubled his production playing on the Foreurs’ top line and his 42 goals and 100 points may be enough to draw interest at the draft.

Guillaume Gélinas (Undrafted) Undersized overager who dominated every offensive category by a defenseman in both regular season (67GP-23G-92P) and playoffs (24GP-11G-34P) is also playing for a professional contract.

Anthony Richard (2015 NHL Draft) Diminutive speedy centerman with a case of danglitis experienced a breakout sophomore campaign after being selected 16^th overall at the 2012 QMJHL Draft.

Julien Gauthier (2016 NHL Draft) Selected 6^th overall, rookie Julien Gauthier is a budding power forward to watch heading towards the 2016 NHL Draft as he learns how to use his size and strong shot to take over the offensive zone.

Guelph Storm

Kerby Rychel (Blue Jackets – 2013, 19^th overall) Windsor GM Warren Rychel traded his own son, along with LA Kings’ prospect Nick Ebert, at the deadline to Guelph. The Storm may be forever in debt with Windsor after Kerby buried the tying goal and game winner to clinch the OHL Championship.

Zack Mitchell (Signed by Wild, 2014) The Guelph Storm journeyman has bled maroon and grey in his five years of service and after being rewarded with an NHL contract back in March, Mitchell is keen on capping off his OHL career with a Memorial Cup Championship.

Scott Kosmachuk(Jets – 2012, 70^th overall) Among the OHL playoff scoring leaders, Kosmachuk was one of only three players to clear the century mark in points during the regular season and is called upon when the team needs a goal or a big hit.

Brock McGinn (Hurricanes – 2012, 47^th overall) After returning from an eight game suspension, Brock McGinn scored points in all but two playoff games while playing his usual irritating brand of hockey.

Jason Dickinson (Stars – 2013, 29^th overall) Drafted in the opening round in 2013 as a unfinished lanky prospect, the third year Dickinson has really came into his own learning how to use his size as a skilled power forward. Dickinson is one of five Storm players who recorded over a point-per-game in the post-season.

Matt Finn (Maple Leafs – 2012, 35^th overall) Awarded the Mickey Renaud Trophy as the league’s most dedicated and passionate captain on and off the ice, Matt Finn is a true leader and a stabilizing presence on the blue line.

Tyler Bertuzzi (Red Wings – 2013, 58^th overall) Ironically, the Red Wings traded down at the 2013 draft to select Anthony Mantha and received the 58^th pick as a result. That pick was used to select agitating forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Now, Foreurs’ Mantha and Storm’s Bertuzzi will be competing, at all costs, to take home the Memorial Cup. Mark it, Bertuzzi will be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses.

Nick Ebert (Kings – 2012, 211^th overall) Nick Ebert wasn’t the centrepiece of the trade that brought Kerby Rychel to Guelph but he’s been, arguably, the most crucial piece. Leading the team in playoff scoring from the backend, Ebert elevated his game as a member of the Storm.

Zac Leslie (Kings – 2013, 178^th overall) Drafted into the Ontario league in the middle rounds from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s, Leslie has improved on his production with each passing season giving the Storm depth on the blueline and a dangerous powerplay option.

Ben Harpur (Senators – 2013, 108^th overall) The towering 6-foot-6 blue liner will wreak havoc on attacking forwards as he wields his active stick and staples trespassers to the boards.

Robby Fabbri (2014 NHL Draft) No player has experienced a larger potential draft rise than Robby Fabbri, who is coming off OHL Playoff MVP Honours. The undersized yet competitive and skilled forward refuses to lose and his draft rise is reminiscent of former Kitchener Rangers’ forward Jeff Skinner after his 2010 standout playoff performance.

Phil Baltisberger (2014 NHL Draft) Another player exceeding expectations in his draft year, Swiss import Phil Baltisberger displays a strong two-way game with an ability to push the pace with his smooth skating stride. Eats up big minutes on the blue line.

Justin Nichols (Undrafted)and Matt Mancini (2014 NHL Draft) Acquired from Sault Ste Marie prior to the season, Justin Nichols’ game hasn’t been perfect every night but this undersized goaltender has had some of the most electrifying performances in the league. He’s getting noticed just as his understudy, Matt Mancini, is. Mancini is a highly touted young goaltender who continues to learn the intricacies of the game

London Knights

Max Domi (Coyotes – 2013, 12^th overall) Coming off a disappointing post-draft season, albeit by Domi’s standards, the Knights’ leading scorer was medically cleared to play after injuring his shoulder in the post-season. Look for the refreshed Domi to put on an offensive clinic as London attempts to prove their team is deserving of the Memorial Cup host spot.

Bo Horvat (Canucks – 2013, 9^th overall) The astute two-way forward with underrated offensive skills may be playing in his final OHL season and would love to add the elusive Memorial Cup title to his resume. With a history of scoring big goals, Horvat will be leaned upon in every possible situation.

Chris Tierney(Sharks – 2012, 55^th overall) Living up to his 2^nd round NHL Draft status after many questioned San Jose’s thought process, Chris Tierney went on an absolute tear during the playoffs ringing off 17 points in just nine games attempting to single-handedly advance the Knights.

Josh Anderson (Blue Jackets – 2012, 95^th overall) Anderson is a big bodied winger who won’t always fill up the game sheet but his heavy, physical approach and strong cycle game could tire out opposing defenses in a long intense tournament.

Ryan Rupert (Maple Leafs – 2012, 157^th overall) A skilled agitator in every sense of the word, Ryan Rupert, along with twin brother Matt (Undrafted), provide the Knights with outstanding depth as they make an impact by crawling under opponents’ skin or by crashing the net for a goal. The home fans will enjoy them but the road teams certainly will not.

Gemel Smith (Stars – 2012, 104^th overall) A true sniper who relies on his shot and blazing speed, Gemel Smith has had an okay transition to the Knights after coming aboard mid-season but he’s eager to pick up where he left off after a better OHL playoffs (12 points in nine games).

Michael McCarron (Canadiens – 2013, 25^th overall) The big power forward experienced a rather slow transition to OHL life but Michael McCarron has stepped up his game over the final few months showing the skill set that gave Montreal reason to draft him in the first round.

Mitch Marner (2015 NHL Draft) In a similar mold as Guelph’s Robby Fabbri, Marner is a sneaky player who makes an impact on every shift. No player does more with limited playing minutes as Marner and his ability to dance around defenders and find open teammates is only one reason he’s considered a top 2015 NHL Draft prospect. He’s been London’s best player, as a rookie, on most nights.

Christian Dvorak(2014 NHL Draft) One of several Knights returning from the infirmary, Dvorak is hoping to suit up for the first time since December 14^th when he injured his knee. His draft season viewings were limited but positive before being sidelined.

Nikita Zadorov (Sabres – 2013, 16^th overall) The only NHL drafted player on the Knights with NHL experience (seven games), Nikita Zadorov is undoubtedly the most crucial defender on their blueline. His offensive game has progressed to new heights and he’s still capable of intimidating with his bone-crushing open-ice hits.

Brady Austin (Sabres – 2012, 193^rd overall) Cleared to play after battling mononucleosis, overage defenseman Brady Austin is a huge returnee to what was a spotty blue line. After dealing with his illness and the passing of his father, Austin and his teammates will be playing inspired hockey.

Zach Bell (Undrafted) Bell is a bruising defenseman that has his own feel-good story after quickly recovering from a broken leg and his presence will be felt defensively.

Brett Welychka (Undrafted) It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider Welychka one of the most versatile players in the league, after the forward logged big minutes on the blue line when injury struck the Knights’ backend. Look for Welychka to return to the front lines adding to London’s incredible offensive depth.

Anthony Stolarz (Flyers – 2012, 45^th overall) Flying under the radar somewhat is the fact that Anthony Stolarz’ eight-game suspension for his slashing incident was reduced to six, after the Knights were knocked out of the playoffs early. Whether right or wrong, London’s biggest returnee for the Memorial Cup is between the pipes in Stolarz because he is capable of stealing games.

The 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup action begins Friday evening with the London Knights taking on Val d’Or Foreurs.

Follow @RossyYoungblood for all the #MemorialCup action.