Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW.
“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:
12. Nazem Kadri – London, ONT – 6’0″ – 177 lbs – OHL – London – C
One-Timer: A fast, creative, versatile forward, Kadri is an offensive spark-plug. He displays very good vision on the ice as well and this bodes well for his puck possession style of play. He has a high compete level and is a good forechecker. He might even be better suited to playing the wing in the Big Leagues. Most rankings have him going Top 10, and they very well be the case. I simply think his “risk factor” is higher than some of the other prospects I have ranked ahead of him.
NHL Player(s) Comparison: Marc Savard, Scott Gomez
Bio/Profile/Interview Links:
http://www.andrewsstarspage.com/index.php/site/comments/nhl_draft_nazem_kadri/1637-2008-09
Scouting Combine Performance:
- TSN staff stated: “The biggest name of Saturday’s first group is that of London Knights centre Nazem Kadri (ranked #15), who measured 5-foot-11. He didn’t have a great showing on the vertical jump or the bench press; perhaps reflecting that he’s not the most explosive athlete here, but let’s not forget that on-ice production (of which Kadri has plenty) is going to count for a whole lot more come draft day.”
International Tournaments: n/a
ETA = 2 years
Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 2/5 Reward = 4.5/5
NHL Potential: #1 or #2 Playmaking center
Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8/10 Defensive = 7/10
Other Rankings:
- ISS: 8
- CSB: 15-NA
- TSN: 8
- THN: 8
Video Links:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epvdb-SVios
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Chris is THW’s senior draft/prospect analyst and a Managing Editor. Watch for “The Next Ones” Prospect Profile series, exclusive rankings, mock drafts, as well as the annual THW NHL Entry Draft Guide. Follow @ChrisRalphYQ on Twitter as he infiltrates, dissects and analyzes all happenings of hockey prospects and the NHL entry draft. Email: cralph[at]thehockeywriters[dot]com
Great comparison to Scott Gomez. From everything I’ve read they are very similar players. 5/11 playmakers, neither plays the body extremely well, both make their teammates better. I only saw the Knights play once but I like this kid at LW in the NHL.