Jun 18 10 potential late-round steals for 2011 NHL Draft As per Rick Springhetti

Mckeen’s Hockey scout/reporter Rick Springhetti continues his series of articles focusing on the NHL entry draft being held on June 24^th and 25^th 2011. In this article, he focuses on the 10 players that have the potential to be late-round steals.

Sahir Gill (Boston University) Centre

An overage player, Gill was passed over at last years NHL entry draft having only played 26 games for the Chicago Steel USHL. A smaller forward, Gill is a quick skater who can pass the puck well and is effective in special teams assignments. One area of his game that could use some improvement is his shot that lacks velocity.

William Karlsson (Vasteras Jr ) Centre

A real smart forward with quick hands, Karlsson is a fairly quick skater who gives a good effort at both ends of the ice. Whoever drafts him will need to be patient though as he needs time to grow into his 6’0”, 165 lbs frame.

Alexei Marchenko (CSKA) Defense

I had Marchenko ranked at #60 last year but to my surprise, an NHL team did not draft him so I’m including him. He’s a smooth skater and a good passer who quickly gets the puck out of his zone. His ability to see the ice and read the play well affords him the opportunity to quickly get into position at both ends of the ice.

Andrey Makarov (Lewiston) Goaltender

A goaltender with very little technique, Makarov relies on his mobility and ability to track the puck to make saves. He especially shines when facing a lot of shots, kind of like a recent Stanly Cup winning goaltender.

Andrei Pedan (Guelph) Defense

A big, tough, defenseman, Pedan adjusted well to the North American game. While not a very good mobile or fluid skater, he’s very good positionally, wins physical battles, can drop the gloves and he has a strong shot on net. Exploded offensively in the playoffs where he got a little bolder in his decisions with the puck with some success.

Maxim Shalunov (Chelyabinsk 2) RW

Shalunov was very impressive at the World Junior A challenge back in November but fizzled out a little once he returned to his junior team in Russia. When he’s on his game, he’s moves his feet, handles the puck well, shoots the puck with authority and is very difficult for opponents to stop once he’s near the opponents net. His play is individualistic though and he doesn’t play attention to the defensive aspect of the game.

Destry Straight (Coquitlam) Centre

A lanky centre, Straight has impressive passing ability; he can distribute the puck on either side using his forehand or backhand, is imaginative and his passes are usually right on a teammates stick. He makes an effort to come back and support his defensemen but his skating is labored and he is too much of perimeter player.

Steven Trojanovic (Peterborough) Defense

A mobile skater, Trojanovich can move the puck well, he gives a good effort along the boards and is not afraid to pay the price to help his team. He’s not a dynamic player but he understands his limits and plays accordingly.

Dylan Willick (Kamloops) RW

An undersized winger at 5’10”, Willick is a good skater who seems to be all over the ice, strong on the forecheck and wins most battles for the puck. He may not a big point producer at the next level but he can be a good energy player.

Albert Yarullin (Kazan 2) Defense

A complete defenseman, Yarullin is not known for his physical play but he moves quickly in all directions, is responsible in his own end and can rush the puck up the ice quickly although his vision for the offensive play is somewhat limited.

 Rick Springhetti has been QJMHL scout for Mckeen’s hockey for the last 3 seasons and has also contributed scouting reports for prospects all over the world. For more information on Mckeen’s hockey visit http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/. Rick can be reached at rick1042@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter : @rick1042