(picture courtesy of thehockeynews.com)
Statistics (2010-2011): Barrie Colts (OHL): 66GP 22G 53A 75P -22 35PIM
The 6'3" 182lbs Centre from the Barrie Colts could very well find himself in an Edmonton Oilers uniform next year. Although he he is going to have to hit the gym hard, he has the frame that many NHL teams look for. Mark was planning on going to Cornell until the Colts really start showing faith in the kid. When the colts traded for him, they knew took a risk on him. Luckily for them, he was convinced that the OHL was the best route for his development.
It's hard to argue that he made the right choice as Scheifele finished second on his team in scoring despite playing against other teams top checkers in his rookie season. I like what this kid brings to the table, but his goal production worries me. Of his 22 goals, 13 of them were scored on the powerplay. Does someone that scores 9 even strength goals in the offensive OHL worth a first round pick? This remains to be seen. Another point that might keep him out is his plus minus. Mind you his -22 isn't nearly as bad as teammates Colin Behenna (-42), Steven Beyers (-50), and John Padulo (-49).
Still Scheifele finished fourth in rookie scoring (ahead of fellow 2011 draftees Nicklas Jensen, Rickard Rakell and one points behind Alexander Khokhlachev) despite being on the worst team in the leauge. I would welcome Sceifele with the 31st overall pick but would be hesistant selecting him with LA's pick unless they do some very serious damage in the playoffs.
Here are a couple interesting articles on Scheifele from the The Hockey News and NHL.com. I also put up a video of him at the top prospects game that shows off his skill for the big man.
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