The Erie Otters once again find themselves on top of the league standings - and once again Dylan Strome is among the league point leaders.
Following a monster sophomore season in 2014-15 where he led the OHL in scoring and set franchise records for most points, Strome is on pace to challenge last season’s totals, averaging over two points per game (2.12 PPG).
Recently named team captain, Strome has embraced his new responsibilities and taken the team's five rookie forwards under his wing this season. In particular, he has helped ease the transition for his 16-year-old linemate Ivan Lodnia, Erie's first-round selection in 2015.
Besides helping others, Strome has also shown marked improvement with his own game, especially his skating which looks more polished and slightly quicker off the mark.
Strome’s prime attributes lie in his offensive abilities including a sensational touch with the puck.
He already plays a mature NHL game with the puck and can control the entire sheet of ice when in possession. His level of poise is rare for an 18-year-old - and allows him to hold onto the puck an extra half second which results in better passing options.
On the power play, he is an unstoppable force as he slows the game down to his pace and is extremely methodical; spotting passing options that even NHL scouts didn't see perched on top of the rink.
Strome will certainly button down a spot on Team Canada for the U20 World Championship in Finland - and it's not inconceivable to think he could be the team’s first line center. His international career is well decorated most recently helping Canada capture gold at the 2015 U18 World Championship; scoring at a goal-per-game pace (5-5-1-6).
He was also very good at the most recent Canada/Russia challenge notching a goal and an assist in his only game.
Strome still needs to work on his on-ice work habits however. He exudes such a laissez-faire approach to the game that at times it appears that he's not expending enough effort - giving the impression of going through the motions.
Not one to physically assert himself either, Strome mainly lets his hands and stick do the work, albeit engaging more for loose pucks would not only develop better habits but also aid his transition to the pro game.
Here are notes and observations on some other prospects on the McKeens watch list.
Max Jones (2016), LW, London
A complete throwback player who is cocky and plays with swagger. Jones comes at opponents like a freight train - electing to take the most direct route to the net while bulldozing those in his path. More a 'shooter' than playmaker as he doesn't always see the pass. His lack of vision and average hockey sense creeps into his game and makes NHL scouts question what his true value will be at the next level. Jones is effective below the dots, however his defensive game and shift management are areas that need to be addressed. At times, he can stay out too long and is lazy getting off the ice. Jones does play an 'in-your-face' game that irritates the opposition, although he doesn't always meet confrontations head on.
Jack Kopacka (2016), LW, Sault Ste. Marie
Started the season with confidence but has since lost a little of his mojo and has been shuffled to the bottom two lines. The rookie winger is still adjusting to the pace of the league after a highly successful 2014-15 campaign with the Compuware U18 program. Kopacka possesses good size at 6-f2 and 190 pounds, however needs to assert himself more physically and drive scoring lanes. He does compete but needs to sacrifice his body more in order to get the most out of his game. His skating and puck skills are both refined, yet he has been playing conservatively in recent games - trying not to make a mistake. He also needs to get stronger along the boards as he tends to lose a majority of his battles. His stock has softened a little, yet he still has excellent value as a prospect.
Adam Mascherin (2016), RW, Kitchener
The Maple, Ontario native has already matched his point totals as a rookie in 2014-15 - by the 23-game mark this season (23-12-17-29). is A stocky and well-built winger with a low center of gravity, Mascherin has an excellent set of hands for both passing and shooting - including a laser beam of a wrist shot that explodes off his stick. He also shows off his passing skills especially on the power play where he can pick apart teams. He's also not afraid to try and beat defenseman out wide and take pucks to the net. His confidence has soared since the arrival of the new Kitchener coaching staff who have promoted more of a puck-possession, creative open-ice game. His skating does come under the microscope yet he has deceptive speed in spite of somewhat bland mechanics. Weighing 205 pounds on a 5-foot-9 frame, it's likely Mascherin can get quicker if he drops some weight.
Taylor Raddysh (2016), RW, Erie
Raddysh absorbed everything he could last season, playing on a team that made it to the OHL finals and has taken the league by storm with a whopping 45 points through 31 games to find himself currently in the top ten in league scoring. A highly cerebral player, Raddysh is not flashy yet habitually makes the right decisions with the puck inside the offensive zone. Whether it is a slight hesitation or a simple touch puck, the maturity Raddysh displays with the puck has vaulted him up the draft charts as he opens up ice with his unassuming play. Not a blistering skater, but does have a long elegant stride and good reach to constantly be involved in the action.