Toronto Maple Leafs: 2009 Draft Analysis

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Nazem Kadri

Center

Born Oct. 6, 1990—London, ONT

Height 6'0"—Weight 167 lbs.—Shoots L

Selected by Toronto Maple Leafs First Round No. 7 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Positive: Kadri has been described as a fast, offensively creative, and versatile player. He possesses very good hockey sense and vision on the ice. Nazem is also a tenacious forechecker and is excellent at getting away from players who want to pin him against the boards. Overall, he's an offensive spark plug who’s also responsible on the defensive side.

Negative: Often criticized for hanging onto the puck too long and not using his teammates effectively. He didn’t perform very well on the vertical jump and bench press at the NHL Combine. This demonstrates, to many scouts, that he’s not a fiery or athletic player, but his results on the ice are contrary to this belief.

Player Comparison: Scott Gomez, Marc Savard

NHL Potential: Number one or two playmaking center

Tommy G’s Rating: 8/10

Kenny Ryan

Right Wing

Born July 10, 1991—Franklin Village, MI

Height 6'0"—Weight 204 lbs.—Shoots R

Selected by Toronto Maple Leafs Second Round No. 50 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Positive: Ryan’s best attribute is his excellent two-way game. He plays with grit and determination, which makes him strong in the corners and defensively. Kenny also has great upper and lower body strength, which makes him a great skater who is hard to knock off the puck. He has good anticipation and senses how plays will develop. Ryan is also a good shooter and has potential to be a goal scorer.

Negative: Kenny has to improve his playmaking skills if he wants to become a complete player.    

Player Comparison: Jere Lehtinen, Ryan Kesler, Mike Richards

NHL Potential: Second or third line two-way player

Tommy G’s Rating: 7.5/10

Jesse Blacker

Defense

Born April 19, 1991—Toronto, ONT

Height 6'1"—Weight 190 lbs.—Shoots R

Selected by Toronto Maple Leafs Second Round No. 58 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft

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