Previewing the 2010 NHL Draft: Brandon Gormley

Name: Brandon Gormley

Position: Defense

Height: 6-2

Weight: 187 lbs

Age: 18

Home Country: Canada

Playing In: Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (Juniors)

Scouting Reports after the jump....

My Take: Brandon Gormley may not be flashy or excitable like Cam Fowler and Erik Gudbranson, but he is a steady defenseman that does not make many mistakes in his own zone. He is your steady blue-liner that you can always rely on to shutdown the opposition's top offensive threats. He is that player that when you put him on the ice, you know what you are getting and you do not have to worry about him out there. Because of this, I compare him to no other but the Rangers' Marc Staal.

They are both quietly effective and know how to play the position very well. You really cannot go wrong in picking Gormley for your team, unless you are looking for a tremendous impact immediately.

Hockey's Future: Played in 58 games for the Wildcats, scoring 9 goals and adding 34 assists for 43 points. Registered a +31 rating while compiling 54 penalty minutes. Played in 21 playoff games for the Wildcats, scoring 2 goals and adding 15 assists for 17 points to help the Wildcats win the QMJHL championship. Played for Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, but missed the cut for the WJC Under-20 squad. Played for Team Orr at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game. Read More...

NHL Fanhouse: Gormley lacks flair and flash, but he does all the important stuff well. He can skate, he's physical, he moves the puck extremely well, and he can play in any situation without hesitation.

Unquestionably, Gormley is a safer pick than Fowler. He isn't as advanced offensively, however, and there's a little less upside with his game.

For those who think Gormley is just another stay-at-home defenseman, watch him intercept this pass and score while his Wildcats were down two men earlier this season. Read More...

The Hockey News: There are some scouts who wouldn't be shocked if Brandon Gormley was selected third overall ahead of Fowler and Gudbranson. Certainly a team looking for a safe pick who will be a steady defenseman for years should consider Gormley. He was Canada's best player at the Ivan Hlinka tournament last summer, but there isn't a "wow" factor.

Gormley has above-average mobility, can move the puck well and play on the power play. He's not overly physical, but is a smart player. (Read more in THN Draft Preview 2010 edition)

Projected to be Drafted: 5th or 6th overall