ClashCitiRockr said:
Sharkie, after Barker and O'Neill, who are your top defensemen and what do you think about them and where do you feel they'll go in the order?
I don't know what O'Neil is going to do, Him and Stafford may both Opt out of the draft to stay in College, but your guess is good as mine. Heres some of the other defensman who I like alot and are 2004 eligible.
Kirill Lyamin from Russia is a great one, a very solid player, I like him alot. He's all ready very mature and has great upside, great size, expeacially once he really fills out, he's 6-3 202 at the moment. Just an all around great defensman, one of the players who I really like. He does it all, he's very smart, always aware, he's a "take control" Kind of player,He's such a smart player, he's a crafty one, just really knows the game, I hear he is a mature kid, he likes to battle, not afraid of physical play, but he's no Hatcher, but he definitly likes to hit, Very good skater, has solid agility and good straite away speed, not an amazing skater, but he's definitly has a smooth and powerfull stride, Has a good transition game, great at settling the puck down in his zone, and getting it out, either with a perfect pass or a nice chip up the boards, Terrific vision,on ice awareness, and lots of upside, and little downside, the total package just needs to add some muscle, and just continue to devolope his game, Reminds me of a Scott Hannan with upside to be even better. 1st round Gem. I like him alot.
Sweden has two good ones,
Johan Fransson 6-1/185? A great offensive defensman with excelent skating ability, but has to work on his defensive game. Great transition defensman. 2nd rounder. Swedens other defensman is the hulking
Richard Demen Willaume at 6-3 200 he has good size, Not as talented all around as Lyamin but he's a good one.
The most known of the Defensive crop is the Czechs best defensman in the draft and arguably the 3rd best defensman in the hole draft,
Ladislav Smid Lanky defensman at 6-3 190. He will fill out and be a horse some day but thats not his game, He is a great outlet passer, He can stickhandle as good as most forwards, he has poise with the puck, mature defensman, likes to hit, Has a h*ll of a shot! Can play in his own zone, can do the PK, then a shift later be the QB of a powerplay, Impressed me once again at the WJC. Smart player, has the size but could be more physical.
Last but not least, another one of my guys kind of player.
A.J. Thelen 6-3/ 210. He just oozes upside, Has a great offensive game, The kid is a rock, just huge, He uses his frame in all aspects of the game, Seriosly this guy is awesome, He even skates very well, definitly a top 15 pick IMO. The only knack on him is some defensive lapses. Friend said "ahh max come on ..he's the next Jilson!" as we watched the tape. I dont think so, the guy has a great attitude I hear, He really looks like a top 2 defensman in IMO. I love his game, A guy who I would like to see the Sharks take.
Here is some of the _Under the Radar_ kind of defensman.
Oscar Hedman is another good swede player that I already talked about I believe, Just an all around good defensman 6-0/205
Slovaks
Michal Sersen is a good one, actually playing in the QMJHL. Do you want a defensman who is raw, but has huge upside? A worthy risk to take in the 2nd round is on this kid,
Kyle Koziara Pretty hard not to notice him at the USHL game i've seen of him this past season, he's huge 6-5 210. Mike Rathje llike upside. Then theres the defensive shut down kind of player in
Andy Rogers good size at 6-4 210. He skates well but he's not the best offensivly. Has the tools to become a solid offensive contributor though.
Another USHL defensman who has caught my eye is
Luke Beaverson of the Gamblers, 6-4/215, nothing flashy but just big and mean, I like him quite a bit. Oops I almost forgot one of the better defensman eligible, and probally a high 2nd round late 1st rounder.
Mike Green he does it all, Physical, smart, talented, A safe pick, has good upside and i'm pretty sure he's going to be in the NHL some day. Just dont know what role he'll fill out as.