The Second Day- Sleepers and Steals in the Later Rounds

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hfboardsuser

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Nov 18, 2004
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When most people get engaged in Entry Draft conversation, rounds 1 through 3 are the first that come to mind. While there's nothing wrong this is- any draft day talk is great- the fun doesn't stop there. With that said, here's a look at 5 of the best 2nd day prospects in the '05 class.

1. Ben Bishop- Imagine a 6'6 goalie that racked up a 1.93 GAA and .920 SV% as a rookie. Now try to imagine him ranked as a 2nd day pick. That's Ben Bishop. Why the poor standing? The North American Hockey League- NAHL- is the biggest reason. Not well-respected among NHL scouts yet, if Bishop turns out, look for the NAHL to slowly catch on. Bishop's everything you want in a goalie- great movement for a big man, great glove, great instincts. Look for a team to move him to pro right away sans Mike Brodeur, and look for him to fit right in.

By the Numbers: 45 GP, 35 W, 8 L, 5 SO, 1.93 GAA and .920 SV%
Awards: NAHL All-Star
Knocks: League quality may have inflated numbers.
Best Comparison: Sean Burke
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A


2. Jesse Uronen- Reading a typical scouting report on Jessue Uronen, you'd think Dragan Umicevic had changed his name and re-entered the draft:

"Fast skater with good scoring instincts. Consistency is in question and does not have the muscle mass needed for success at a higher level."

But have no fear. Umicevic has so far proven doubters wrong, and it's a good bet that Uronen will too. He oozes scoring ability, and is not afraid of traffic. If the lockout lasts longer than past the summer, Uronen's stock should explode once he laces up for the
Jokerit parent team.

By the Numbers: 39 GP, 36 G, 20 A, 56 Pts, +15 and 20 PIM
Awards: Finnish Junior 'A' MVP (2nd in points, 1st in goals)
Knocks: Not enough muscle to compete in the pros, scouts say.
Best Comparison: Dragan Umicevic
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A


3. Nicolas Blanchard- When you're stuck behind one of the most dominant lines in the QMJHL, your ice-time and numbers will doubtless suffer. Towering center Nicolas Blanchard was in this exact same situation the past year in Chicoutimi. Toiling behind offensive machines Stanislav Lascek, David Desharnais and Maxime Boisclair, Blanchard did not have the opportunity most nights to show how dominant his 6'3 frame could be down low. 39 points in 61 games later, Blanchard found himself ranked well into the 5th round by CSB. With most of the Sagueneens returning for next season, Blanchard may again find himself on the short end of the stick.

By the Numbers: 69 GP, 13 G, 26 A, 39 Pts, 31 PIM
Awards: None
Knocks: Talent level may be good for juniors, but can he do it in the pros?
Best Comparison: N/A
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A


4. Reto Berra- Hold the Swiss cheese jokes. Bulach, Switzerland native Reto Berra is as sound a goalie as you'll find overseas. A monster of a netminder at 6'3 and 183 lbs, Berra also has a monster mental game. When you combine that with his ability to take advanatge of his size, Berra is everything you'd want in a goalie prospect. While NHL GMs have shown a reluctance to take players from Switzerland due to the level of play, Berra is simply too good to ignore.

By the Numbers: N/A
Awards: None
Knocks: Swiss league success hard to project into pros.
Best Comparison: N/A
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A


5. Mads Bodker- With Rodney Dangerfield passed on, Mads Bodker could easily be the "I ain't get no respect" poster boy for his generation. Occupying the 141st and last spot in the CSB's International rankings, Bodker has barely registered on scout's radars. This is despite seeing regular ice-time with Rodovre of the Danish pro league, being a key member of both the Danish U20 and U18 teams, and earning praise from CSB for both his skating and skill level. Why the disrespect? Size. At 5'8 and 161 pounds, Bodker is nowhere near the frame scouts look for in their defenseman- his willingness to get involved and get physical
notwithstanding. However, the U18 tournament was perhaps his finest of the year, causing him to surge on draft lists the past month. And as the saying goes, there's nowhere to go but up when you're at the bottom.

By the Numbers: 29 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 Pts, 10 PIM
Awards: Danish league Rookie of the Year
Knocks: Despite great passing and cool, his size drops him substantially.
Best Comparison: MA Bergeron
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A
 
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rt

The Kinder, Gentler Version
May 13, 2004
96,890
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A Rockwellian Pleasantville
Mr Bugg said:
When most people get engaged in Entry Draft conversation, rounds 1 through 3 are the first that come to mind. While there's nothing wrong this is- any draft day talk is great- the fun doesn't stop there. With that said, here's a look at 5 of the best 2nd day prospects in the '05 class.

1. Ben Bishop- Imagine a 6'6 goalie that racked up a 1.93 GAA and .920 SV% as a rookie. Now try to imagine him ranked as a 2nd day pick. That's Ben Bishop. Why the poor standing? The North American Hockey League- NAHL- is the biggest reason. Not well-respected among NHL scouts yet, if Bishop turns out, look for the NAHL to slowly catch on. Bishop's everything you want in a goalie- great movement for a big man, great glove, great instincts. Look for a team to move him to pro right away sans Mike Brodeur, and look for him to fit right in.

By the Numbers: 45 GP, 35 W, 8 L, 5 SO, 1.93 GAA and .920 SV%
Awards: NAHL All-Star
Knocks: League quality may have inflated numbers.
Best Comparison: Sean Burke
Last Rank: N/A
Movement: N/A

I bet the Coyotes will draft him 5th overall.
 
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