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I know it isn't Tuesday but the Central Scouting Services just came out with their preliminary list so I thought I would hold out for a day or two.
Their rankings can be found here
Looked over some of the names and there are some interesting stories stemming from Central Scouting Services' opinion on some of the players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
1. Injured Alex Galchenyuk at #2 in the OHL
Galchenyuk suffered an ACL injury that has put him out for the season. For many prospects, that would bump him down the rankings but CSS seems to like him enough to keep him at #2.
Future Considerations Magazine noted this in October:
Galchenyuk has shown elite puck skills, amazing vision and the drive to succeed as he strives to make his own lasting impression on the scouts in the stands this season. It is very possible that some NHL teams might like the size and skill mix that Galchenyuk brings to the table over the more explosive and dynamic sniper like Yakupov by next June.
I guess it hasn't been long enough since his injury to drop him, but he'll have to look out for prospects that are on the rise.
2. Brady Skjei over Jordan Schmatlz
I don't really have much experience watching the USHL, but noticing from the comments of my fellow scouts/writers Andrew Weiss and Jeff McCarthy, Skjei over Schmatlz is questionable.
Schmatlz, rated #15 by Future Considerations is noted to be an offensive defenseman that can control the game and quaterback the offense
WeissFC - @JMcCarthyFC Schmaltz, I believe, is the best power play quarterback in this year's draft class and that's saying a lot, obviously.
Danccchan - @WeissFC @JMcCarthyFC hows his speed and mobility...?
WeissFC - @Danccchan @jmccarthyfc Schmaltz's? Certainly not a liability, but not a strength. He has good vision which makes his mobility appear better
3. Morgan Reilly over Matt Dumba
Like Alex Galchenyuk, Reilly suffered a season-ending injury that would warrant a quick drop from his rankings, but finds himself ranked at #2. And with all the hype Dumba is getting, one would expect him to find a surefire top two decision, apparently not.
But according to Cody Nickolet, it isn't a surprise
Not shocked to see Rielly ranked ahead of Dumba. I've seen Rielly dominate a game from the blueline. He's an amazing skater that has really taken big stride this year in his defensive game as well. However I expect to see Rielly slide a few spots because of his recent knee injury that will sideline him all season.
4. Where is Nick Ebert?
Talked about as a potential top 3 pick at the beginning of the season, Ebert doesn't even find himself in the OHL rankings. There are 28 names present, none that ends with Ebert. So whats the deal?
Ebert is having a rough start to his season, putting up only 10 points in 24 games. While that point total doesn't seem to bad, its a disappointment considering that Ebert who was suppose to take control of the Windsor Spitfire's blueline.
Brock Otten from OHLProspects mentioned so:
Another great two way defenseman you can throw right in there with the above guys. Defensively he's become a rock and he's definitely not afraid to throw his weight around. I've been a little disappointed with his offensive play so far this season, as he does not have his first goal of the season yet (after 11 last year). He's got a lot of pressure on him right now, trying to replace Ryan Ellis on the Windsor powerplay (which has been off to a slow start). But he's a great prospect and someone I expect will get better as the season goes along, and he becomes more comfortable being that go to guy.
5. Radek Faksa's Rise
While OHL Nick Ebert finds his stock free-falling, Radek Faksa finds himself skyrocketing up.
Out of nowhere, Faksa is ranked #4 in the OHL over potential first round picks Jarrod Maidens, Brendan Gaunce, Slater Koekkoek and Cody Ceci.
I guess it doesn't hurt that Faksa is leading all rookies in goals scored and possess solid size at 6'1" 183lbs.
Brock Otten
Faksa is off to a solid start in the OHL and there is a lot to like about him. He's quite big (6'3, 200lbs) and he uses every inch of that size. He takes the puck hard to the net, he's a good forechecker and he works the boards well. And he's actually a pretty good skater for a big man, which makes him hard to contain in the offensive zone. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
Keep An Eye On
To finish off, I just wanted to list a few guys the Wild have a good chance of drafting, and personally think would be a good fit. Just keep an eye out for them if you get the chance
Michael Matheson D, 6-1 170lbs Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Derek Pouliot D, 6-0 180lbs Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Gianluca Curcuruto D, 6-1 200lbs Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Brendan Gaunce C, 6-2 210lbs Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Pontus Aberg RW, 5-11 185lbs Djurgarden (Elitserien)