John Tavares - Oshawa Generals (C) The next Great One? That’s what everyone is saying after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s mark for most goals by a 16-year old two years ago. He finished that season with 72 goals and 134 points in just 67 games. Tavares (who is now 18) has grown into an elite superstar in the OHL, and is headed into NHL glory in June.  He’s not a flashy goal scorer but he can get the job done in critical times. He’s a team leader, and has tremendous vision through the passing lanes. No wonder why he finished last season with more assists then goals (40G, 78A, 118Pts). Teamwork is what he’s about and the thing people like about him is that he puts his teammates before him, in that he’ll play both ends of the ice in order to win. Phenomenal stick handling is one of his tricks of the trade, but without the flashiness.  So is he the next great one?  Well Gretzky wasn’t really flashy but he put up some great numbers. Time will tell, but it wouldn’t be surprising. Projection: Elite playmaking star. Style compares to: Dany Heatley Nazem Kadri - London Knights (C) A true sniper.  When you want a quick shot with great stick handling skills, you want Kadri on the ice.  As a Memorial cup finalist last season with the Kitchener Rangers, Kadri was used as a setup man where he showed his quick passes and excellent speed. Now as a London Knight, Coach Dale Hunter gave Nazem a boost of confidence in order to show his offensive talent in not only in setting up his linemates, but in shooting the puck more.  Many say he’s a complete, all –around offensive player in the league and can be put on any position on any line. Projection: Top line sniper. Style compared to:  Paul Kariya Ryan Ellis - Windsor Spitfires (D) Ellis is an offensive minded defenseman, who can quarterback the power play to setup smart goals. How offensively gifted is he?  Ellis is ranked second in the league in scoring and finished last season with 63 points in 63 games. Ellis still has a defensive side and can use his body well against the boards for a physical presence. A great mobile defenseman, who also has excellent vision. He may not have the flashy speed like a Bobby Orr, but his shooting makes up for it. Projection: #1 Power play Setup defenseman. Style compares to: Sergei Zubov/Brian Campbell Matt Duchene - Brampton (C) Duchene is the best skater in the league who is a very good defensive forward. He may not put up big numbers currently, but he has tons of potential to become a skilled power forward that protects the puck very well. Many say his 5-10 height detracts from his skill, but take a look at Martin St.Louis, who also had criticism regarding his height, but his pure goal scoring is what shuts down the critics. Duchene can be used both on the power play and penalty kill, but his propensity to pass more then to shoot is what keeps him out of spotlight. Projection: Power forward on top line. Style Compares to: Phil Kessel Taylor Doherty - Kingston (D) This 220 pound defenseman is probably the best physical defenseman out there.  He is not an offensive player, however he can very solid on the penalty kill and can take opposing forwards out of the play. Skating is also one of his many assets, but needs to be more offensive minded, especially on the power play. Doherty is quite a competitive guy on the ice and can be reliable for high pressure situations. Projection: 1-2 Defensemen. Style compares to: Zdeno Chara/Scott Hannan Hidden Gem Jessie Blacker - Windsor (D) A smart and speedy defenseman who can take away the passing and shooting lanes in the defensive zone. He’s not a flashy defenseman, nor does he touch the puck often, however he can be very effective on the penalty kill, and has great potential if he uses his physical presence more decides to shoot with more frequency. Jessie makes very few mistakes and learns very quickly when it comes to developing his game. He has the potential to play an important role in the future of any franchise. Projection: Potential 3-4 Defenseman. Style compares to:  Ed Jovanovski

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