Top Dmen for 06 draft?

[cagney]

I have a feeling David Ruzicka will be the best defensmen, usually people in this site are in the "what are you doing now" mind set and Johnson is getting loads of hype as the next Pronger. People seem to forget that Ruzicka was probably the best overall defensmen in the under 18 lst year, the only line of defense for the Czechs really. He was a beast on the ice.

I trust McKeens the most on Czech prospects as they have a really good scout located there (Robert Neuhauser) and the fact that they have Ruzicka in the third round says a lot to me. They had this to say about him... "Not what he's cracked up to be. Big, lean, but skating is a major concern with him, as is his vision." That quote is from a free article BTW, located here. As far as him being the best d-man at the U18 World Cup, here's what McKeens said... "got his share of points but in general didn't impress"

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

I trust McKeens the most on Czech prospects as they have a really good scout located there (Robert Neuhauser) and the fact that they have Ruzicka in the third round says a lot to me. They had this to say about him... "Not what he's cracked up to be. Big, lean, but skating is a major concern with him, as is his vision." That quote is from a free article BTW, located here. As far as him being the best d-man at the U18 World Cup, here's what McKeens said... "got his share of points but in general didn't impress"

I guess I along with McGuire disagree with them. Davis is big, physical and has good offensive instincts.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I guess I along with McGuire disagree with them. Davis is big, physical and has good offensive instincts.

Right, but so does Erik Johnson who is even bigger and is a great skater and has excellent vision to boot.

 

[quebec]

top d-men 2006

I dont hear much about Joey Ryan when everyone is talking about the 2006 draft. He is definitly one of the top U.S.A. born d-men for the 2006 draft.He is a good skater & agreat passer he is tough.He can also be offensive but he is more a stay at home d-man.He is good in the community. I read he gave season tickets to a childrens charity.I think he could be a surprise mid to late first rounder should definitly be early second round .

 

[Transported Upstater]

Right, but so does Erik Johnson who is even bigger and is a great skater and has excellent vision to boot.

Very good skater for his size.



But the best post ever regarding Erik Johnson was this classic, courtesy of Jacobv2:

"I wouldn't draft anyone who uses the word 'crib.' "

 

[LoonieToon]

Erik Johnson will probably be the first defenseman taken.

What are the scouting reports on Johnson? I've heard of him, but haven't seen him play. Size, style, etc.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

What are the scouting reports on Johnson? I've heard of him, but haven't seen him play. Size, style, etc.

He's been compared to Chris Pronger. Not as much snarl, but the build, skating, vision, and skill is there. Obviously he has a long way to go to being in Pronger's league, but think about Pronger the player when he was drafted.

 

[X-SHARKIE]

What are the scouting reports on Johnson? I've heard of him, but haven't seen him play. Size, style, etc.

I'll get a better look at him this December when the Badgers host the USNTDP.

But from what I've seen, very similar to Ryan Whitney but his defensive sense and positioning is much stronger.

 

[Crosby=Gretzky]

What about Alex Lamontagne?

 

[Dream Big]

Top WHL defensemen

http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php..._id=225&lastActive=&singleSeason=&leagueId=26

My cut and paste skills aren't the best so hope this works.

Logan Pyett has the best D stats for 2006 draft eligible. Could be why he was invited to Russia Canada series. He's on the smaller side but is good with the puck.

 

[czechhockeyfan]

I guess I along with McGuire disagree with them. Davis is big, physical and has good offensive instincts.

You should believe them. Yes he is big and physical but is bad skater with limited offensive potencial.
Could be solid defensive D if he improves skating.
His development absolutely stalled.

 

[B Boarding]

Niclas Andersén of Leksand in Sweden should be drafted pretty high. He's been compared to Ulfie Samuelsson and is a very physical defenseman, but have like Ulfie little offensive potential.