Star Studded Take Over 2

25) D Cody Ceci : Acquired via Draft 19th Overall

Breakdown: Born and raised in Ottawa, Ceci also played his junior hockey for the Ottawa 67's, and will now embark his NHL career as a member of the Ottawa Senators. There are many MP's in Parliament in Ottawa that have less political credentials than that. All of that aside, Ceci may not be as wide as one would want from a defence man, but what he lacks in stockiness he aptly makes up for it with his quick stick and above average hockey IQ. Can sometimes put himself out of position by trying to do too much, but will learn to keep pace and pick his chances as he starts his pro career and is surrounded by seasoned veterans.

Future Impact: Will be given every chance to be a top pairing defence, will likely suceed

Best Career Season: 2011-2012 OHL - Ottawa 67's - 64GP-17G-43A-60PTS-16PIM- +21

24) RW Christian Thomas - Acquired from New York 12/16/2011

Breakdown: Another NHL bloodline, Christian Thomas is son of former NHLer Steve Thomas. Many Leaf fans will remember the elder Thomas from his many years of playoff overtime heroics, something that may one day reflect on to his son Christian. The young Thomas has a knack for the net, and has also proved that he can also dish the puck as well as he can shoot it. Christian didn't explode last season in the OHL as he was expected to, but many of the leagues best scouts agree that it was due to boredom, no longer being challenged at the OHL level. A fresh start in the AHL will be just what he needs, and if not, coaching staffs will begin to question his work ethic and dedication which would likely slow down his pro career.

Future Impact: Should secure a top six role in the NHL after some minor league seasoning.

Best Career Season: 2010-2011 OHL - Oshawa Generals - 66GP-54G-45A-99PTS-38PIM- +20

23) C / RW Louis Leblanc : Acquired from Phoenix 11/05/2010

Breakdown: With very little left to prove at every level of hockey outside the NHL, Leblanc still remains somewhat of a mystery. Perhaps he deserves to be higher on this list, but only time can tell. The only thing that is certain right now is that Leblanc is ready to begin his NHL career. He has shown glimpses of being an efficient top six forward, or a prolific bottom six. Can contribute on all special teams, Leblanc will spend the next few years finding his footing in the NHL. Leblanc has a surprisingly efficient reach for a player his size, however can sometimes be lacking that extra gear required to get around better defenders. Improving on that will be crucial to his pro success.

Future Impact: As stated above, a moderate mystery. Will find himself a role in the NHL, but will be given a top six chance.

Best Career Season: 2010-2011 QMJHL - Montreal Juniors - 51GP-26G-32A-58PTS-100PIM- +20

22) G John Gibson : Acquired via Draft 12th Overall 2011

Breakdown: Gibson was the best of the goaltending class in the 2011 draft, which did not feature a deep class in the position. However Gibson has managed to hold true to a high pick prospect (39th Overall by Anaheim in 2011) and has managed to give his team a fighting chance in games they have no business having that chance. Gibson has proved his worth on many stages, including representing team USA in many international events. Gibson rely's on quick reflex's and a sound butterfly to make his saves, but can sometimes be found a little too deep and hunched over, leading to bad goals on high shots. Can also be found getting in and out of butterfly on one knee (a goalie no-no), but that is something that can surely be worked on with a professional goalie coach.

Future Impact: Will be given a shot to be a starter, but will need to prove his worth on the AHL stage first. 

Best Career Season - 2010-2011 USDP - USNT - 40GP-2.55GAA-0.921SPC

21) D Duncan Siemens : Acquired via Draft 17th Overall 2011

Breakdown:  Unfortunate injury setbacks have delayed Siemens development, a few times unfortunately. Siemens should be right up there with junior teammate Stefan Elliot on Colorado's depth chart, but a few nagging injuries have held him back. Long, hard skating strides powered by a tall frame creates himself space on the ice and allows him to get off an accurate break out pass, springing many offensive opportunities for his teammates. Like many young defensemen of his age and skill, Siemens can sometimes be seen trying to do too much. He can throw a crusher of a hit, but can also be found looking in his feet for the puck when battling down low. 

Future Impact: Once back on track physically, Siemens should settle in to a top four defender role in the pro's.

Best Career Season: 2010-2011 WHL - Saskatoon Blades - 72GP-5G-38A-43PTS-121PIM

Thanks again for reading! Stay tuned for Part 3!

- Lone Star Press