A Toronto newspaper once referred to Stephen Weiss as "Steve Weiss-erman" in reference to Detroit captain Steve Yzerman. While comparisons to a sure-fire Hall of Famer aren't necessarily fair, Weiss is a slightly undersized center with incredible vision and an unusual feel for the game -- just like Yzerman.
Last season, Weiss led the Plymouth Whalers to the Ontario Hockey League finals, which they lost to Ottawa in six games. In 18 postseason games, Weiss scored seven goals and amassed 23 points. During the regular season, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound center was ninth in the OHL in scoring with a well balanced 40 goals and 47 assists in 62 games.
The Yzerman comparisons begin with the balance of Weiss' game. He can score and pass the puck with equal ease. In addition, Weiss is a great skater and, despite his size, performs extremely well in one-on-one situations.
Weiss is the second-ranked North American forward behind Jason Spezza, whose Windsor Spitfires were swept by Plymouth in the OHL conference semifinals. though some observers felt Weiss played better than Spezza, Spezza still is expected to be selected before Weiss in the draft.
Whereas Spezza hopes to make a run at an NHL roster spot, Weiss likely will return to junior hockey and play for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships. Weiss was cut by the team for last year's tournament.
Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.
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