Bo Horvat left nothing to chance.
The London Knights’ all-world player not only scored the OHL championship-winning goal in the final second, but likely saw his draft stock surge towards the top of the board. Horvat was named OHL playoff MVP and showed the ability to lead his team at both ends of the ice at a young age.
Samuel Morin and Michael McCarron showed there’s more than just the impressive vitals that will be their calling cards on draft day. Nicolas Petan, meanwhile, answered questions about his vitals as one of the WHL’s most prolific scorers.
Here are the players who haves seen their NHL Draft stock rise the most.
----------------------------------
Bo Horvat (C, 2013), London
With 16 post-season goals, including three GWG -- one to clinch the OHL championship with 1 second remaining in Game 7 -- and a strong defensive conscious, Horvat’s stock has risen more than any other prospect.
Curtis Lazar (C, 2013), Edmonton
Formidable two-way threat took the Oil Kings once again to the WHL finals .. scores clutch goals and can make plays as he oozes character.
Samuel Morin (D, 2013), Rimouski
Got better with each passing game, culminating in a break-out performance at the U18 World Championships .. has the size that NHL teams salivate over at 6’8” and both his puck skills and skating improved exponentially throughout the season.
Michael McCarron (RW, 2013), USNTDP
Hulking 6’5” forward imposed his will in a semi-final game against Team Russia, showcasing an ability to take over games with his brawn .. puck skills are a work-in-progress but ceiling is high.
Tommy Vanelli (D, 2013), USNTDP
Didn’t look out of place upon his call up with the US National Team .. quarterbacked the PP at the U18 World Championships, earning a silver medal for his efforts .. poised and plays a mature, error-free game.
Marko Dano (C, 2013), Bratislava Slovan
Modest point season while playing in the KHL and on the fourth line .. however, exploded when playing against his peers as he finished 3rd in tournament scoring at the WJC and is playing in the senior men’s World Championships .. has game-breaking skill and sharp instincts.
Nicolas Petan (C, 2013), Portland
Following a break-through regular season of 120 points, an 85-point improvement from his rookie year, Petan continued to dominate in the playoffs finishing with 28 points en route to a WHL Championship for Portland .. small but sensationally-dynamic and an absolute wizard with the puck who plays without fear.
Emile Poirier (LW, 2013), Gatineau
Started the season on the fourth line before establishing himself as the go-to guy, leading the team in scoring .. was a dominating presence for Gatineau in the playoffs with his gutsy, highly-competitive nature.
Peter Cehlarik (C, 2013), Lulea
Playing in relative obscurity for the bulk of the season, Cehlarik’s coming out party at the U18 World Championships showcased his ability to take over the game when he had the puck .. skating holds him back slightly but skill level is off the charts.
Nicholas Baptiste (RW, 2013), Sudbury
Posted modest offensive numbers skating on the top two lines of the Wolves this season but shined in his U18 World Championship performance, which included two assists in the gold-medal game and timely defensive efforts to preserve leads.
Juuse Saros (G, 2013), HPK U20
Posted stellar numbers en route to a league championship with HPK .. took his game to another level at the U18 World Championships where he captured Best Goalie of the tournament honours.
Remi Elie (LW, 2013), London
Displayed some clutch scoring and was a force for the Knights in the playoffs to help the team capture their second consecutive OHL championship .. built like a mack truck and plays a rough and tumble style.
Next: 2013 NHL Draft Prospects Falling Stock