Five OHL stars to watch in the NHL Draft

By Aaron Bell

The Ontario Hockey League has been on a tremendous run with four straight first overall picks in the NHL Entry Draft.

Patrick Kane of the London Knights was the first overall pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007 followed by Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting (Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008), John Tavares of the Knights (New York Islanders in 2009) and Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires (Edmonton Oilers in 2010).

The Oilers have the first overall pick again this year when the NHL Entry Draft is held in Minneapolis, MN on June 24-25.

Here are five OHL players that are expected to be selected early.

Vladislav Namestnikov – Centre – London Knights
Namestnikov was one of the Knights’ offensive leaders with 30 goals and 68 points this season and emerged as one of the top Russian prospects for this year’s draft. He is a terrific skater that will only get better as he adds muscle to his lanky frame. He is difficult for defencemen to handle in one-on-one situations and has the rare ability to make creative plays while at full speed.

Daniel Catenacci – Centre – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The former first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection is a speedy centre that makes plays at full speed. He blossomed in his second season with the Greyhounds, scoring 25 goals and 71 points and with his speed and skill is a likely candidate to lead the OHL’s scoring race next season. He also plays a gritty game and is responsible in his own end.

Lucas Lessio – Left Wing – Oshawa Generals
Lessio played on the same Toronto Marlies minor midget team as fellow top prospects Brett Ritchie, Stuart Percy and Ryan Strome and like his former teammates, he also looks like a legitimate NHL prospect. Lessio joined the Generals this season after a season of Tier II and put up 27 goals and 54 points in Oshawa. He always works hard and has the speed to get him to the next level.

Nick Cousins – Centre – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Cousins has quickly worked his way up from project to prospect with his hard working and fearless style of play. He is dependable in all situations and has good vision of the ice. Cousins has a good mix of offensive skills – he is a quality playmaker that uses his linemates well but has also show the ability to finish off chances himself.

Jordan Binnington – Goalie – Owen Sound Attack
Binnington was projected as an interesting prospect throughout the season but emerged as a potential star during the Attack’s OHL championship and MasterCard Memorial Cup run this spring. He was the youngest netminder in the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament but hardly looked out of place. Binnington is a tall, lanky netminder that is very quick and does a good job of anticipating the play.