CHL Top Prospects Roster--Who Made it, And Who Did Not

The CHL top prospects game rosters were announced yesterday, and as usual several players were left off that one has to scratch their head about. Below is the list of the players selected and then those that were not, but maybe should have been. The lists are arranged by CHL league.

QMJHL:
David Gilbert, Quebec Remparts, C
Philippe Paradis, Shawinigan Cataractes, LW
Charles-Olivier Roussel, Shawinigan Cataractes, D
Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, G
Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigres, LW
Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanic, RW
Michal Hlinka, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, LW
Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs, D
Eric Gelinas, Lewiston MAINEiacs, D
Simon Despres, Saint John Seadogs, D

Missing are:
Gabriel Bourque, LW of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who as of now has 39 points in 33 games, and has consistently put up the points, while being responsible defensively. On the smaller side, Bourque makes up for it with his smart play in all situations.

Philippe Lefebvre, LW of the Drummondville Voltigeurs, who has good size, is a good two-way player and has improved remarkably since last season.

Jean-Francois Berube, G of the Montreal Juniors, who has not played much, but has quite a bit of potential and professional size.

David Savard, D of Moncton Wildcats, the player in the Q that I am most surprised was left off the list. Good size, very smart, good movement of the puck. Hmmm.


OHL:
Ryan O'Reilly, Erie Otters, C
Peter Holland, Guelph Storm, C
Michael Latta. Guelph Storm, C
Taylor Beck, Guelph Storm, LW
John Tavares, Oshawa Generals, C
Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires, D
Calvin de Haan, Oshawa Generals, D
Scott Stajcer, Owen Sound Attack, G
Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion, C
Alex Hutchings, Barrie Colts, C
Zack Kassian, Peterborough Petes, RW
Ethan Werek, Kingston Fronts, LW
Nazem Kadri, London Knights, C
Taylor Doherty, Kingston Fronts, D
Edward Pasquale, Saginaw Spirit, G

Missing:
Matt Tipoff, LW of the Belleville Bulls has made significant strides this year. One of the best NHL draft-eligibles in the OHL at this position.

Phil Varone, C of the London Knights. Although there are better centers available this year, Varone should be considered if there is an injury among those already chosen.

Casey Cizikas, C, of the St. Mikes Majors. Character issues, but quite a bit of talent. He had an awful November, but has started this month well.

Brandon Foote, G of the Brampton Battalion, is the OHLer whom I was most surprised has been left out of the game. Foote is 11-1 with 2 shutouts. He is only 5'11'', which may be the reason, as 6'0'' is the magic size lately in the NHL, but Foote should have been chosen.


WHL:
Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheaties, C
Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheaties, C
Cody Eakin, Swift Current Broncos, C
Tomas Vincour, Edmonton Oil Kings, RW
Levko Koper, Spokane Chiefs, LW
Jared Cowen, Spokane Chiefs, D
Brayden McNabb, Kootenay Ice, D
Nathan Lieuwen, Kootenay Ice, G
Tommi Kovisto, Red Deer Rebels, D
Landon Ferraro, Red Deer Rebels, C
Carter Ashton, Lethbridge Hurricanes, RW
Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants, C
Jimmy Bubnick, Kamloops Blazers, C
Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon Blades, D
Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets, D

Missing:
Byron Froese, C of the Everett Silvertips, is not on the radar but should be. He really is developing quickly and folks should take another look.

Cass Mappin, LW of the Red Deer Rebels, is an interesting omission. He has come into some disfavour of late, but still is a player to watch in this draft.

Adam Hughsman, LW of the Tri-City Americans. Excellent two-way player, with very good passing abilities.

Andrej Kudrna, LW of the Vancouver Giants is my surprise non-pick for the Top Prospects Game. Should have been chosen, very talented, good sized, goal scorer.