Russian_fanatic
Registered User
- Jan 19, 2004
- 7,718
- 1,813
Well here it is. I haven't done alot of mocks, but I'm open to ANY criticism. I'm taking EVERYTHING into account into this mock. Team needs, potential, position, everything. So if someone who was rated highly is lower on the list don't be surprised. It's a draft, in the real thing there is always a top rated prospect that falls. Past 2 years Kopitar, Tukonen, and Schremp all where regarded as top 5 prospect but fell. It's a draft people fall. Please note these comparisions are how there games are played, not what there numbers will look like. I'm comparing these guys to players I think they play like. I don't watch many of their games(5-8 games?) So I didn't watch them over a long period of time to make a consistent comparision.
1. St. Louis
Pick: Erik Johnson
The blues are in need of a defensive stopper who can replace the departed Chris Pronger. Erik Johnson is a defenseman who is the total package. A franchise defenseman who you can build your team around.
Comparision: Chris Pronger
2. Pittsburgh
Pick: Jonathan Toews
The Pens are already loaded offensively with prospect, and in my honest opinion what they need now is a a guy who is good at all faces of the game. Toews is as good all around that you will find in this draft, and will compliment either Crosby, or Malkin nicely. A type of player than wins you championships. Should be an all around player who averaged a PPG
Comparisionrime Trevor Linden with better offense.
3. Chicago
Pick: Phil Kessell
When you're like the Chicago Blackhawks you have no choice, but to draft BPA. Kessell can be the guy that can lead the BlackHawks to many post season runs. Probably the best offensively gifted player in the draft, and Chicago can sure use one. Chicago will have to be patient with him, but they have time, they're not going anywhere for a while. Has potential to put up Paul Kariya type numbers
Comparision: Paul Kariya
4. Washington
Pick: Nicklas Backstrom
Caps go for BPA, and are surprised Backstrom is still here(I have him higher rated than Kessell). Backstrom is probably the most NHL ready prospect in the draft. If Backstrom lives up to potential they can have a deadly duo of Ovechkin, and Backstrom. Should put up Alfredsson type number while playing a complete game.
Comparision: Daniel Alfredsson at center.
5. Boston
Pick: Jordan Staal
Bruins find it amazing that Jordan Staal falls as much as he does. Bruins get yet another franchise center to build their franchise around. Bruins fans, and managment rejoice because of the falling Staal, landing on their lap. He has potential to put up a 90+ points in the NHL
Comparision: Joe Thornton
6. Columbus
Pick: Derick Brassard
I like the pick of Brassard here, because he's a very good offensive player, and when he's on his game, he can get very hyper, and be EVERYWHERE! He can be the leader of the second line if the Jackets look to have Brule as the first line center. If the Jackets get him a goal scorer to play next to him, Brassard can be scary. Brassard has terrific vision. Good combination of playmaking, and goal scoring. Brassard passing to Nash is a very scary sight for the future. If he gest goal scorers around him, he should become a PPG type player.
Comparision: Brad Richards
7. New York Islanders
Pick: Peter Mueller
NYI where hoping that Brassard would fall to them, but he gets picked before they pick. They pick gifted Peter Mueller here, and hope he can be the first line center they've been looking for so long. His attitude is the one that a future captain would hold. IMO he can become a 70-82 type player, but his most valuable asset will be his ability to play in every situation.
Comparision: Brian Rolston
8. Phoenix
Pick: Jiri Tlusty
Phoenix gets the highly touted Euro in this years draft. Tlusty plays a two way game, and in my opinion he's very similiar to Marian Hossa. Phoenix comes out happy as they pick Tlusty at number 8. Should be a PPG type player if he pans out correctly
Comparision: Marian Hossa
9. Minnesota
Pick: Kyle Okposo
Minnesota picks the fan favourite in Kyle Okposo. Okposo might not be the most talented pick available here, but is the most logical. Minny already has many perimeter oriented players, and a rugged power forward like Okposo would compliment them very nicely, creating room for Sullivan, Bouchard, and Gaborik.
Comparision: A better scoring verson of Brendan Morrow/Shane Doan
10. Florida Panthers
Pick:Bobby Sanguinetti
Florida desperetly needs a defensive prospect, and they get one in Bobby Sanguinetti. Bobby plays a offensive game, and at times his defensive game can be very average. He owns a very good offensive game for a defenseman.
Comparision: Brian Rafalski
11. Los Angeles Kings
Pick: Michael Frolik
L.A. has shown in the past they are not scared to take a chance. Frolik has the biggest potential in the draft, and if he works out he can possibly become the best player taken from the draft. L.A. sticks with their method and continues to take the best player available. Should become a PPG type player if he lives up to his vast potential.
Comparision: Martin Havlat
12. Atlanta
Pick: Nigel Williams
Atlanta needs defensive help with their prospect, because after Coburn their really isn't anything after that. Nigel Williams has all the tools to be a top pairing defenseman, but he can also become a bust. He's a very good skater, loves to hit, and plays a very gritty, and good defensive game. He's my riser for the draft.
Comparision: Kyle McLaren
13. Toronto
Pick: Brian Little
Toronto takes the man that most Toronto fans want. Little is a center who has a very good shot, and very good playmaking abilities. He has good wheels, and very good vision. He has all the potential to become a top 10 centerman in the NHL. Little becoming a PPG type player in the NHL should be no surprise.
Comparision: Daniel Briere
14. Vancouver
Pick: James Sheppard
Sheppard falls, and the Canucks pick him up. Sheppard is a nice playmaking power forward who has tons of talent, but lacks that dynamite first step. He has a very good work ethic, and always look to improve his game. Sheppard becoming a PPG type player in the NHL is not out of question
Comparision: Harder working Jason Arnott
15. Tampa Bay
Pick: Jonathan Bernier
A weak year for goalies, but Tampa REALLY needs one. They take the best one available which is Bernier. Bernier is a very good positional goaltender, and owns an above average glove hand.
Comparision:Chris Osgood
16. Montreal
Pick: Ty Wishart
Montreal is in GREAT need of a defensive prospect. They have no defensive prospect on their list that really stands out. They need to take the best defensive prospect they can find. Ty Wishart is that guy. He comes from a system that has a history of producing good defensemen. Ty Wishart has a huge frame, and he has potential to top out as a #2/#3 defenseman.
Comparision: Eric Brewer
17. Minnesota
Pick: Chris Stewart
Remember how Minny has no PF prospect at all? Well now they grab the falling Chris Stewart out of the first round with the Oilers pick. Chris Stewart ends up as the steal of the draft for falling as much as he did. Stewart is a 6'2 PF who weighs in at 230 pounds, with good speed for his size.
Comparision: Bill Guerin
18. Colorado
Pick: Michael Grabner
Colorado grabs a dynamic goal scorer who has all around abilities. He has fairly decent speed, and a very good scoring touch. He has a decent defensive game also. He showes flashes of brilliance in many games, and is a great pick up for the Avs.
Comparision: Faster Jonathan Cheechoo
19. Anaheim
Pick: Ben Shutron
A good all around defenseman who owns good offensive skills. Ducks need a defenseman in their system, and in my honest opinion Shutron is the best one available here. Shutron owns very good passing skills.
Comparision: Poor Man Brian Rafalski
20. San Jose
Pick: Ivan Vishnevski
Sharks also need a defenseman in their system, and IMO Ivan will be a steal here. Owns top notch passing skills, and I can seriously see him one day leading NHL defensemen in points one day
Comparision: Tomas Kaberle
21. New York Rangers
Pick: Nick Foligno
Rangers need a character guy and Nick is just that. He can play on any line from 1-3. Nick owns a very good wrist shot, and will get physical when he is needed to.
Comparision: His father Mike Foligno(not as good offensively)
22. Philadelphia
Pick: Mike Forney
A steal. Mike Forney was suppose to be a top 15 pick, but injuries ruined his year. Has PF potential, but needs to fill out his frame. Owns a solid two way game, and is always willing to get dirty. He can play in every single situation needed. Can be a top flight winger in the NHL.
Comparision: Adam Deadmarsh
23. Washington
Pick: David Fischer
Does NOTHING wrong, but NOTHING great. He is a sleeper IMO. He should be alot higher, but if you aren't flashy you're not getting much publicity.
Comparision: Marc Staal(How he didn't get any recognition for not doing anything OUTSTANDING)
24. Buffalo
Pick: Cory Emmerton
Buffalo finds Emmerton falling, and they take a chance on him. Emmerton should go higher, but a lack of size makes him fall. Emmerton can become a good second line center if he pans out correctly. Should be a nice 60-65 point threat in the NHL
Comparision: Brendan Morrison(Before his off year this year)
25. New Jersey
Pick: Chris Summers
Basically an unknown prospect, but IMO hes the second best overall defenseman behind Johnson. He really broke out this year, and for the NJ Devils this yet another steal for them. Chalk another one up for Lou.
Comparision: None found
26. Calgary
Pick: Jesse Joenssu
Calgary takes a chance on Jesse in the lower part of the first round. They have nothing to lose here so they take a chance.
Comparision: Mike Knuble
27. St. Louis
Pick: Ondrej Fiala
A two way forward who owns goal scoring instincts. Can play on the second line if he pans out
Comparision: David Vyborny
28. Dallas
Pick: Brian Strait
A punishing defenseman who has fallen off some peoples list. Should make a very good pick up later in the round. Makes clean, solid hits, and should help any team out that needs a defenseman.
Comparision: Brendan Witt
29. Ottawa
Pick: Patrick Berglund
Ottawa gets a steal. Berglund really has no weakness, but again he doesn't do anything that really stands out. If he fills out, he could become a second line center that could serve as a number 1 center if the team doesn't have a suitable number 1 centerman. He uses his body very effectively. One of the most talented Swedish prospects born in 1988. IMO he is a sleeper. He also owns a very good hard shot that has a quick release. One of my fav. prospect in this draft. IMO he has potential to be a 60-70 point player
Comparision: Robert Lang
30. Detroit
Pick: Thomas Marcinko
Detroit has been one of those franchises that will always take time to develope it's prospect. They wont need to rush Thomas, because of their prospect depth. Detroit IMO gets a great pick for where they're picking. Should be good for around 50-60 points a year
Comparision: Radek Bonk
1. St. Louis
Pick: Erik Johnson
The blues are in need of a defensive stopper who can replace the departed Chris Pronger. Erik Johnson is a defenseman who is the total package. A franchise defenseman who you can build your team around.
Comparision: Chris Pronger
2. Pittsburgh
Pick: Jonathan Toews
The Pens are already loaded offensively with prospect, and in my honest opinion what they need now is a a guy who is good at all faces of the game. Toews is as good all around that you will find in this draft, and will compliment either Crosby, or Malkin nicely. A type of player than wins you championships. Should be an all around player who averaged a PPG
Comparisionrime Trevor Linden with better offense.
3. Chicago
Pick: Phil Kessell
When you're like the Chicago Blackhawks you have no choice, but to draft BPA. Kessell can be the guy that can lead the BlackHawks to many post season runs. Probably the best offensively gifted player in the draft, and Chicago can sure use one. Chicago will have to be patient with him, but they have time, they're not going anywhere for a while. Has potential to put up Paul Kariya type numbers
Comparision: Paul Kariya
4. Washington
Pick: Nicklas Backstrom
Caps go for BPA, and are surprised Backstrom is still here(I have him higher rated than Kessell). Backstrom is probably the most NHL ready prospect in the draft. If Backstrom lives up to potential they can have a deadly duo of Ovechkin, and Backstrom. Should put up Alfredsson type number while playing a complete game.
Comparision: Daniel Alfredsson at center.
5. Boston
Pick: Jordan Staal
Bruins find it amazing that Jordan Staal falls as much as he does. Bruins get yet another franchise center to build their franchise around. Bruins fans, and managment rejoice because of the falling Staal, landing on their lap. He has potential to put up a 90+ points in the NHL
Comparision: Joe Thornton
6. Columbus
Pick: Derick Brassard
I like the pick of Brassard here, because he's a very good offensive player, and when he's on his game, he can get very hyper, and be EVERYWHERE! He can be the leader of the second line if the Jackets look to have Brule as the first line center. If the Jackets get him a goal scorer to play next to him, Brassard can be scary. Brassard has terrific vision. Good combination of playmaking, and goal scoring. Brassard passing to Nash is a very scary sight for the future. If he gest goal scorers around him, he should become a PPG type player.
Comparision: Brad Richards
7. New York Islanders
Pick: Peter Mueller
NYI where hoping that Brassard would fall to them, but he gets picked before they pick. They pick gifted Peter Mueller here, and hope he can be the first line center they've been looking for so long. His attitude is the one that a future captain would hold. IMO he can become a 70-82 type player, but his most valuable asset will be his ability to play in every situation.
Comparision: Brian Rolston
8. Phoenix
Pick: Jiri Tlusty
Phoenix gets the highly touted Euro in this years draft. Tlusty plays a two way game, and in my opinion he's very similiar to Marian Hossa. Phoenix comes out happy as they pick Tlusty at number 8. Should be a PPG type player if he pans out correctly
Comparision: Marian Hossa
9. Minnesota
Pick: Kyle Okposo
Minnesota picks the fan favourite in Kyle Okposo. Okposo might not be the most talented pick available here, but is the most logical. Minny already has many perimeter oriented players, and a rugged power forward like Okposo would compliment them very nicely, creating room for Sullivan, Bouchard, and Gaborik.
Comparision: A better scoring verson of Brendan Morrow/Shane Doan
10. Florida Panthers
Pick:Bobby Sanguinetti
Florida desperetly needs a defensive prospect, and they get one in Bobby Sanguinetti. Bobby plays a offensive game, and at times his defensive game can be very average. He owns a very good offensive game for a defenseman.
Comparision: Brian Rafalski
11. Los Angeles Kings
Pick: Michael Frolik
L.A. has shown in the past they are not scared to take a chance. Frolik has the biggest potential in the draft, and if he works out he can possibly become the best player taken from the draft. L.A. sticks with their method and continues to take the best player available. Should become a PPG type player if he lives up to his vast potential.
Comparision: Martin Havlat
12. Atlanta
Pick: Nigel Williams
Atlanta needs defensive help with their prospect, because after Coburn their really isn't anything after that. Nigel Williams has all the tools to be a top pairing defenseman, but he can also become a bust. He's a very good skater, loves to hit, and plays a very gritty, and good defensive game. He's my riser for the draft.
Comparision: Kyle McLaren
13. Toronto
Pick: Brian Little
Toronto takes the man that most Toronto fans want. Little is a center who has a very good shot, and very good playmaking abilities. He has good wheels, and very good vision. He has all the potential to become a top 10 centerman in the NHL. Little becoming a PPG type player in the NHL should be no surprise.
Comparision: Daniel Briere
14. Vancouver
Pick: James Sheppard
Sheppard falls, and the Canucks pick him up. Sheppard is a nice playmaking power forward who has tons of talent, but lacks that dynamite first step. He has a very good work ethic, and always look to improve his game. Sheppard becoming a PPG type player in the NHL is not out of question
Comparision: Harder working Jason Arnott
15. Tampa Bay
Pick: Jonathan Bernier
A weak year for goalies, but Tampa REALLY needs one. They take the best one available which is Bernier. Bernier is a very good positional goaltender, and owns an above average glove hand.
Comparision:Chris Osgood
16. Montreal
Pick: Ty Wishart
Montreal is in GREAT need of a defensive prospect. They have no defensive prospect on their list that really stands out. They need to take the best defensive prospect they can find. Ty Wishart is that guy. He comes from a system that has a history of producing good defensemen. Ty Wishart has a huge frame, and he has potential to top out as a #2/#3 defenseman.
Comparision: Eric Brewer
17. Minnesota
Pick: Chris Stewart
Remember how Minny has no PF prospect at all? Well now they grab the falling Chris Stewart out of the first round with the Oilers pick. Chris Stewart ends up as the steal of the draft for falling as much as he did. Stewart is a 6'2 PF who weighs in at 230 pounds, with good speed for his size.
Comparision: Bill Guerin
18. Colorado
Pick: Michael Grabner
Colorado grabs a dynamic goal scorer who has all around abilities. He has fairly decent speed, and a very good scoring touch. He has a decent defensive game also. He showes flashes of brilliance in many games, and is a great pick up for the Avs.
Comparision: Faster Jonathan Cheechoo
19. Anaheim
Pick: Ben Shutron
A good all around defenseman who owns good offensive skills. Ducks need a defenseman in their system, and in my honest opinion Shutron is the best one available here. Shutron owns very good passing skills.
Comparision: Poor Man Brian Rafalski
20. San Jose
Pick: Ivan Vishnevski
Sharks also need a defenseman in their system, and IMO Ivan will be a steal here. Owns top notch passing skills, and I can seriously see him one day leading NHL defensemen in points one day
Comparision: Tomas Kaberle
21. New York Rangers
Pick: Nick Foligno
Rangers need a character guy and Nick is just that. He can play on any line from 1-3. Nick owns a very good wrist shot, and will get physical when he is needed to.
Comparision: His father Mike Foligno(not as good offensively)
22. Philadelphia
Pick: Mike Forney
A steal. Mike Forney was suppose to be a top 15 pick, but injuries ruined his year. Has PF potential, but needs to fill out his frame. Owns a solid two way game, and is always willing to get dirty. He can play in every single situation needed. Can be a top flight winger in the NHL.
Comparision: Adam Deadmarsh
23. Washington
Pick: David Fischer
Does NOTHING wrong, but NOTHING great. He is a sleeper IMO. He should be alot higher, but if you aren't flashy you're not getting much publicity.
Comparision: Marc Staal(How he didn't get any recognition for not doing anything OUTSTANDING)
24. Buffalo
Pick: Cory Emmerton
Buffalo finds Emmerton falling, and they take a chance on him. Emmerton should go higher, but a lack of size makes him fall. Emmerton can become a good second line center if he pans out correctly. Should be a nice 60-65 point threat in the NHL
Comparision: Brendan Morrison(Before his off year this year)
25. New Jersey
Pick: Chris Summers
Basically an unknown prospect, but IMO hes the second best overall defenseman behind Johnson. He really broke out this year, and for the NJ Devils this yet another steal for them. Chalk another one up for Lou.
Comparision: None found
26. Calgary
Pick: Jesse Joenssu
Calgary takes a chance on Jesse in the lower part of the first round. They have nothing to lose here so they take a chance.
Comparision: Mike Knuble
27. St. Louis
Pick: Ondrej Fiala
A two way forward who owns goal scoring instincts. Can play on the second line if he pans out
Comparision: David Vyborny
28. Dallas
Pick: Brian Strait
A punishing defenseman who has fallen off some peoples list. Should make a very good pick up later in the round. Makes clean, solid hits, and should help any team out that needs a defenseman.
Comparision: Brendan Witt
29. Ottawa
Pick: Patrick Berglund
Ottawa gets a steal. Berglund really has no weakness, but again he doesn't do anything that really stands out. If he fills out, he could become a second line center that could serve as a number 1 center if the team doesn't have a suitable number 1 centerman. He uses his body very effectively. One of the most talented Swedish prospects born in 1988. IMO he is a sleeper. He also owns a very good hard shot that has a quick release. One of my fav. prospect in this draft. IMO he has potential to be a 60-70 point player
Comparision: Robert Lang
30. Detroit
Pick: Thomas Marcinko
Detroit has been one of those franchises that will always take time to develope it's prospect. They wont need to rush Thomas, because of their prospect depth. Detroit IMO gets a great pick for where they're picking. Should be good for around 50-60 points a year
Comparision: Radek Bonk
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