PhoenixGM
Registered User
- Jun 17, 2006
- 2
- 0
1.F Phil Kessel 1st round, 5th overall
The Coyotes were thrilled to see the player they had ranked as the best available, even ahead of Erik Johnson, still available at five. There's a lot of debate on where in ranked among the top five players available, but most would agree that he has the highest upside of anybody available. If he reaches his potential, he could be an MVP candidate for years to come. Imagine a combination of Pat LaFontaine and Brett Hull.
2.D Ivan Vishnevski 2nd round, 35th overall
This is practically a second 1st round pick for the rebuilding Coyotes. Vishnevski is loaded with offensive potential, but he is still very raw. He needs to get stronger and learn how to play defense. But in the "new" HFNHL, offensive defensemen like Vishnevski seem to have a better chance at succeeding than under the old rules. Vishnevski could be another Sergei Gonchar, a guy that leads the league in points by a defenseman, or he could be another Lars Jonsson and never play a game in the HFNHL.
3.D Jamie McBain 3rd round, 65th overall
A similiar player to Vishnevski, McBain is a boom or bust offensive defenseman. He differs from Vishnevski in that he already has the size to play at the highest level, and he doesn't shy away from contact. He's raw, but he has the potential to be a solid top 4 defenseman.
4.G Reto Berra 4th round, 95th overall
The Coyotes think Berra has the potential to be another David Aebischer or Martin Gerberg. A Swiss goalie taken later in the draft that develops into a very good backup or average starter. If he does develop into a starting goalie, he'll probably become a trade piece for the Coyotes, who already have elite prospect Al Montoya in the fold.
5.D Theo Peckham 5th round, 125th overall
Peckham is on the other end of the spectrum from Vishnevki and McBain. He could play 10 years in the league and never score a goal, but still be a solid contributor. His defense is solid, if not a bit raw, but his physical play is what the Coyotes love. He loves to hit and he loves to fight, and he usually wins. He's also a great character guy with leadership skills, if his defense develops enough he could become a fan favorite in Phoenix. Compared to Luke Richardson.
6.F Joonas Kemppainen 7th round, 186th overal
A typical 7th round flyer. Extremely raw and a very long term project. He has the work ethic to succeed, and he has decent size and strength, but not much else. Skating and offensive talent are questionable. The effort is there on defense, but decision making needs work.
Overall: A decent first outing for the new GM. No real questionable picks, Lafleur says he firmly believes in always taking the best play available and it showed. There's still a long way to go on the road back to respectability.
The Coyotes were thrilled to see the player they had ranked as the best available, even ahead of Erik Johnson, still available at five. There's a lot of debate on where in ranked among the top five players available, but most would agree that he has the highest upside of anybody available. If he reaches his potential, he could be an MVP candidate for years to come. Imagine a combination of Pat LaFontaine and Brett Hull.
2.D Ivan Vishnevski 2nd round, 35th overall
This is practically a second 1st round pick for the rebuilding Coyotes. Vishnevski is loaded with offensive potential, but he is still very raw. He needs to get stronger and learn how to play defense. But in the "new" HFNHL, offensive defensemen like Vishnevski seem to have a better chance at succeeding than under the old rules. Vishnevski could be another Sergei Gonchar, a guy that leads the league in points by a defenseman, or he could be another Lars Jonsson and never play a game in the HFNHL.
3.D Jamie McBain 3rd round, 65th overall
A similiar player to Vishnevski, McBain is a boom or bust offensive defenseman. He differs from Vishnevski in that he already has the size to play at the highest level, and he doesn't shy away from contact. He's raw, but he has the potential to be a solid top 4 defenseman.
4.G Reto Berra 4th round, 95th overall
The Coyotes think Berra has the potential to be another David Aebischer or Martin Gerberg. A Swiss goalie taken later in the draft that develops into a very good backup or average starter. If he does develop into a starting goalie, he'll probably become a trade piece for the Coyotes, who already have elite prospect Al Montoya in the fold.
5.D Theo Peckham 5th round, 125th overall
Peckham is on the other end of the spectrum from Vishnevki and McBain. He could play 10 years in the league and never score a goal, but still be a solid contributor. His defense is solid, if not a bit raw, but his physical play is what the Coyotes love. He loves to hit and he loves to fight, and he usually wins. He's also a great character guy with leadership skills, if his defense develops enough he could become a fan favorite in Phoenix. Compared to Luke Richardson.
6.F Joonas Kemppainen 7th round, 186th overal
A typical 7th round flyer. Extremely raw and a very long term project. He has the work ethic to succeed, and he has decent size and strength, but not much else. Skating and offensive talent are questionable. The effort is there on defense, but decision making needs work.
Overall: A decent first outing for the new GM. No real questionable picks, Lafleur says he firmly believes in always taking the best play available and it showed. There's still a long way to go on the road back to respectability.
