Brandon Gormley: 2010 NHL Draft Profile and Scouting Report

Brandom Gormley, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Position: Defenseman | Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight 175 lbs
FanHouse Ranking: No. 4 | Age: 18 | Hometown: Murray River, PE, CA

More: Top 35 Prospects | Full 2010 NHL Draft Coverage

Brandon Gormley 2009-10 Stats
	GP	Goals	Assists	Points
Regular Season	58	9	34	43
Playoffs	21	2	15	17

Safe may be death to some NHL coaches, but it's not death to the general managers responsible for making draft picks in June.

If you have a top-five or top-10 pick, and you have the choice between a greatly talented player who may be a risk due to injury, character, or developmental concerns, and that player is up against a guy who you know will turn into a solid NHL player, it can be very tough to take the "more talented" player.

When those risks are much less significant, and the "safe" pick is a guy who could play in the NHL for years to come, you can understand how the decision would be more difficult.

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.