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Top North American prospects

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 21, 2001

The top prospects as ranked by NHL Central Scouting:

1. Jason Spezza, Windsor (OHL), 6-2, 214, C

Spezza's stock dropped after an unimpressive playoff, but Central Scouting calls him "a potential franchise player." Has a big shot but looks to pass first. Stick-handling, vision and skating are excellent. If he falls to No. 3, Tampa Bay might take a chance.

2. Dan Hamhuis, Prince George (WHL), 6-0, 195, D

Good puck-handling skills, an adequate shot and smarts make him a natural to run the power play. Throws solid body checks along the boards and in open ice.

3. Stephen Weiss, Plymouth (OHL), 5-11, 178, C

Size is the biggest issue. His skills are unquestioned after reports had him outplaying Spezza in the playoffs. Puck-handling and a willingness to play defense make him a standout.

4. Mike Komisarek, University of Michigan, 6-4, 235, D

Tampa Bay wants a forward with its first pick, but Komisarek's size and brute strength may be too much to pass up. A devastating checker with a mean streak. Rick Dudley's heart must be pounding.

5. R.J. Umberger, Ohio State, 6-2, 200 C

The top-rated U.S.-born prospect is an excellent skater, forechecker and puck-handler. He also is good on face-offs, something that could make him attractive to the Lightning, though not in the first round.

6. Lukas Krajicek, Peterborough (OHL), 6-1, 183, D

Great offensive skills, but there are questions about his grit and willingness to mix it up in his end. He is quick to react on defense but shies away from the physical game (a Lightning no-no). A power play specialist.

7. Duncan Milroy, Swift Current (WHL), 6-0, 180, RW

High offensive skills with great vision. Detractors say he is an average skater and is soft, though he will pay the price for a scoring chance. Excels on the power play.

8. Colby Armstrong, Red Deer (WHL), 6-1, 180, RW

A fine two-way player who can flourish in front of the net or in the corners. Has a good shot and passes well. Has been known to float from shift to shift and game to game.

Goaltenders

1. Pascal LeClaire, Halifax (QMJHL), 6-1, 185

Best of both worlds. He can get down low to see through screens and is big enough to cover the top of the net when he goes down. Much has been made of his "very fast" glove.

2. Dan Blackburn, Kootenay (WHL), 6-0, 180

Only hole in his game is his average puck-handling. Everything else, including his focus, is outstanding. Central Scouting calls him a "big-game goaltender."

- Compiled by Damian Cristodero.

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