Looking at his stats line, it’s easy to see why Tyler Toffoli is such a highly regarded prospect.  37 goals and 79 points in 65 games are numbers that get the attention of scouts.  McKeen’s also notes that Toffoli’s numbers might have been better had he not spent the first month of the season at centre, where he struggled.

This is the second season where Toffoli has put up good numbers in the OHL; last season he put up just under a point-per-game.  He’s a pure goal-scorer, with a heavy and accurate shot, but he’s worked to diversify his approach, becoming a good passer as well.  His defensive game also improved this year.

The concerns with Toffoli revolve around his skating and his consistency.  He isn’t a bad skater but he simply isn’t in the same range as the best players in the draft, either.  He’s also more of a low-energy player who doesn’t always push himself and he’ll disappear at points.

Few wingers at the draft have Toffoli’s offensive potential, which is what puts him this high on my list.  He’s also on the young side of his draft class and he was a difference maker for his team at even-strength.  Once again, for me the results trump the areas of concern.

McKeen’s Rank: #27 - “His hands and shot are NHL elite already.”

THN Rank: #40 – [Quoting a scout] “He reminds me of Brad Boyes.”