Stuart Percy came into the season already known for his solid defensive game. The former 15th overall pick in the Priority Draft scored 3 goals and 15 assists in 52 games in his rookie season and needed to show his offensive upside this season. In this, his second year, he improved his totals to 4 goals and 30 assists in 64 games.
Percy is a good skater but doesn't have explosive speed. He's able to carry the puck but tends to use his vision and smarts in making very good outlet passes or the safe play. In my opinion, that is do more to Coach Dave Cameron's system than it is Percy's abilities.
He can be used in every situation imaginable: powerplay, penalty kill, up or down by a goal in the last minute, you name it, Percy does it.
Percy started the season in the top 20 prospects from the OHL in my rankings and moving just outside the top 20 or right back in throughout the season, which is a compliment to his consistency.
His Mississauga St Mikes Majors went into the playoffs on a tear, losing just once en route to the Eastern Conference Championship. It was their only loss in 20 games going back to the regular season. A heartbreaking game 7 loss to the Owen Sound Attack cost them the OHL Championship but were still heading to the Memorial Cup as the host city.
But the Majors couldn't beat the might St John Sea Dogs, losing in the final in yet another heartbreaker.
Percy remained on his regular season pace through the OHL playoffs scoring twice and adding 10 assists in 20 games.
It is my belief that Percy's stock actually increased because of the playoffs. But it wasn't for his offensive abilities but for his defence. Getting plenty of ice time against the opposition's top lines, Percy showed he can shut down the best of them at times.
I expect Percy to be a mid to late second round pick.
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