Fan In Van

Draft Countdown: Cody Hodgson

A player that oozes both exceptional two-way play and leadership, Cody Hodgson should be a coveted option by any of the teams drafting from seven to twelve. Although he is not physically imposing by any means, Hodgson represents a blend of skill, determination and character. To Vancouver Canuck fans, he can be seen as a player similar to Trevor Linden.

The Skinny: Hodgson captained the Canadian World Under-18 team to a gold medal finish this past year and had a very good year with his OHL Brampton Battalions. He has an incredible work ethic which allows him to play in all situations and that makes him capable of being a very good second line player or even a first line centre. There are a handful of teams drafting in the top ten who don’t want to take a chance on risky picks and would like the “safe pick” and go with Hodgson.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Ranked in the top 20 in OHL scoring with 40 goals and 85 points, leading the Battalion in goals with 40 in 68 contests. Also scored five goals in five playoff games before Brampton was eliminated in the first round.

Led all players at the IIHF U-18 World Championships with two goals and ten assists, helping Team Canada win the Gold.

Was voted as the OHL Eastern Conference’s smartest player in 2008 according to the OHL Head Coach’s Poll.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Strengths: “Cody is a treat to watch. He is a very skilled centerman who’s hockey sense has him quarterbacking the power-play from down at the half boards. He knows when to shoot and when to pass – his point total reflects that. He’s also a good face-off guy; he can take face-offs with the best of them and win them at the OHL level. Quite an all-around asset to any team that draft’s him.”

Areas to improve: “With a little bit of continued maturity he will add a bit of size and strength to his frame and he won’t lose any of that hockey acumen or any of that ability to see the ice.”

Outlook: “In the NHL he is going to be a skilled centerman and he’s going to be on one of your top two lines. If you’re a really good team you are fortunate to have him as your second centerman because he is capable of being your first centerman.” — E.J. McGuire, NHL Central Scouting

“Cody’s a great two-way player for our team. He’s kind of one of those guys who goes under the radar. But when you see what he does for our hockey team as a 17-year-old, you gain a greater appreciation for him … he’s a game breaker. He’s made a difference everywhere he’s played, and those types of players are hard to get.” — Stan Butler, Brampton Battalion Head Coach

The Knock: Since Hodgson plays a mature game which involves strong two-way play, a lot of scouts wonder whether or not he can develop into a scoring forward or if he has reached the potential of his game. Hodgson can also take physical hits, but many believe if he could get a little meaner and aggressive he would become a more complete player. Hodgson also isn’t overly big compared to some of the other players available.

The Video: A look at one of Hodgson’s best plays from this past season.

The Verdict: To me, I don’t see a whole lot of difference between Hodgson’s game and Colin Wilson’s. Both are very good forwards who have promising two-way skills that could put them anywhere between second and third line duty for their future NHL teams. In the case of Hodgson, he has better leadership but is smaller than Wilson. However, there is still time for him to fill out into an NHL body.