With Sportsnet’s February Rankings in the books, it’s time to look at 10 other players who didn’t quite make the list, but are on the fringes of the first round.
With plenty of time still left in the scouting season, don’t count these guys out.
1. Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk, KHL, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds: Sick hands with a lightning quick release. Has size and speed to operate well within traffic.
2. Jack McBain, C, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OJHL, 6-foot-3, 197 pounds: Wasn’t a standout in tougher competition (WJAC and CJHL Top Prospects Game) but there’s size and bloodlines to fall back on.
3. Alexander Alexeyev, D, Red Deer, WHL, 6-foot-3, 200 pounds: No one his age should ever have to experience the pain of the surprising and unfortunate passing of his mother. Hockey has the potential to be a great escape for Alexeyev moving forward.
4. Allan McShane, C, Oshawa, OHL, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds: A student of the game who is extremely coachable. He has good vision and can make plays.
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5. Jonathon Tychonick, D, Penticton, BCHL, 6-foot, 173 pounds: Feisty competitor with plenty of risk in his game. Skates well and loves being on the rush.
6. Calen Addison, D, Lethbridge, WHL, 5-foot-10, 179 pounds: This just happens to be an odd year where so many right shot defenders are available, pushing Addison down the list slightly.
7. Kevin Bahl, D, Ottawa, OHL, 6-foot-6, 231 pounds: Boots and size, worry about the rest later.
8. Alexander Khovanov, C, Moncton, QMJHL, 5-foot-11, 196 pounds: An extremely difficult illness to come back from, Khovanov now has close to 20 games under his belt. Points do matter and they’re starting to come in bunches.
9. Adam Ginning, D, Linkoping, SHL, 6-foot-2, 196 pounds: The type of player you win with. You must look deeper than the numbers.
10. Sean Durzi, D, Owen Sound, OHL, 5-foot-11, 195 pounds: Extremely motivated after not being selected last year. As a re-entry player, his ceiling is more predictable. Paces the game when he’s out there.
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