Chief said:
In our list we compiled in early March we had Pokulok as the 19th overall ranked D-man and at #56 overall. If you get to see any of the Cornell NCAA tournament games, remember, this was his first game action after a 6 week layoff. Although he can be physical, he's not as consistently physical as you would expect with his big frame. Although a smooth skater, he's not a fast puck-rusher (like Johnson) but he is a very smart passer and has run one of the Cornell PP points since he arrived there. He's definitely a player I don't think people have paid enough attention to.
To think he could have been picked up last draft with a 9th round pick. Cornell has shown they have a great defensive system as they excell on the forecheck and have some very big defensemen as I'm sure your aware of. I was impressed with his offensive skills for a freshman. Guess a guy that size I would think would be more physical, and imo he could use some work on his mobility/footwork. But with his size I can see him going that high, but perhaps his injury drops him a bit?
I am actually surprised the Habs didn't take a shot on him late as they have picked 2 defensemen from Cornell in the last 2 drafts and with being 6'5 and from Quebec, I thought they might select him at some point late in the draft.
I actually like what I saw from the older freshman Doug Krantz, who has a booming shot and seems to play a little more physical then Pokulok, but I would expect Pokulok to have a big year next season as the big red have lost Cook and Downs on defense, so he should see a lot of ice time and I assume run the PP.
I don't expect Topher Scott to get drafted, but I like the way he plays the game, too bad he's so small cause I don't think anyones told him yet. He gets involved in the play physically, has good wheels and some decent offensive skills. But at 5'6 or so I'm assuming he won't get drafted eventhough he had a solid freshman year.
