2006 Draft

[CapitalPunishment]

Say the Caps get a top 3 or top 5 pick...

Is there a good chance most of the high end draft picks this year can make the jump straight to the NHL and begin to make contributions?


I cant wait to see who the Caps draft. If we do get that top 3/5 pick, I think we desperately need a potential #1 play making center. But then again we need help between the pipes if Max O cant make a comeback

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[scoutman1]

straight to NHL IMO:

Kessel, Frolik, Toews, Johnson, Little, Jouensuu (I think his game is more fit for NA style).

Guys who will be just as good but will need another year are:

Staal, Sheppard, Backman, Maxwell, Brassard.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

IMO I don't think any of the top players in this draft, including Kessel will be able to step in to the NHL right away. That doesn't mean I wouldn't draft Kessel, Frolik, Toews, Johnson, Mueller etc, but if I didn't have a chance at those guys, and I was a team like the Caps I might trade-down and go after a guy like Billy Sauer to address those long-term goaltending concerns.

 

[ndhockey21]

Toews needs another year to gain some muscle but after that he may be ready to make the jump.

 

[scoutman1]

IMO I don't think any of the top players in this draft, including Kessel will be able to step in to the NHL right away. That doesn't mean I wouldn't draft Kessel, Frolik, Toews, Johnson, Mueller etc, but if I didn't have a chance at those guys, and I was a team like the Caps I might trade-down and go after a guy like Billy Sauer to address those long-term goaltending concerns.

I don't know...I really think Frolik and Jouensuu are NHL ready come draft time...Kessel might need some time to bulk up but I think Frolik and Jouensuu have the ability to go straight to.

 

[Transported Upstater]

Re: Erik Johnson: You won't see a guy from the US U-18's jump straight from the NTDP to pro hockey.

There is no player, IMO, available in the '06 draft who wouldn't benefit from at least another year playing in their present league.

 

[X-SHARKIE]

You want a playmaking #1 center? There is no better then Johnathan Toews, he's a solid skater but not the best, but he's big and rangey, and can slow the game down and his playmaking is superb.

Reminds me a bit of Eric Staal really. If he bulks up and adds strength, he could be more explosive.

He's a young pup though and isn't NHL ready for next year by any means IMO.

 

[VanW27]

Frolik and Joensu come to mind Joensu simply b/c of his size and strength and Frolik b/c of his speed as well both have been playing against men already. Kessel may not be ready but probably will make the jump simply b/c of the hype around a 1st overall pick (it depends a lot on the team who picks him).

 

[crosby_87]

You want a playmaking #1 center? There is no better then Johnathan Toews, he's a solid skater but not the best, but he's big and rangey, and can slow the game down and his playmaking is superb.

Reminds me a bit of Eric Staal really. If he bulks up and adds strength, he could be more explosive.

He's a young pup though and isn't NHL ready for next year by any means IMO.

I have watched all of his games this year....and you hit that on the money. He will be something special in a few years.

 

[AgentNaslund*]

Jordon Staal.

6"4 210 pounds as a 17 year old and still growing

Eric was 6'1 190 at draft day, and he was almost one year older then the average prospect.

 

[PRB]

Anyone able to shed some light on Mueller & Frolik and tell me a little about what kinda players they are?

 

[Legionnaire]

You want a playmaking #1 center? There is no better then Johnathan Toews, he's a solid skater but not the best, but he's big and rangey, and can slow the game down and his playmaking is superb.

Reminds me a bit of Eric Staal really. If he bulks up and adds strength, he could be more explosive.

He's a young pup though and isn't NHL ready for next year by any means IMO.

Not any slight to Towes at all, but if I were the Caps, I'd take Little before him.

 

[Doomsday Device]

Jordon Staal.

6"4 210 pounds as a 17 year old and still growing

Eric was 6'1 190 at draft day, and he was almost one year older then the average prospect.

No, Eric was 6'3" when he was drafted.

 

[superjonathan]

Not any slight to Towes at all, but if I were the Caps, I'd take Little before him.

i was thinking the same thing but i've seen a lot of little and very little of toews.

 

[AgentNaslund*]

Anyone able to shed some light on Mueller & Frolik and tell me a little about what kinda players they are?

I dont know about Frolik, But Mueller according to what the "Province" our local news paper said about him after a giants game, hes basically a gifted play maker beyond his years and great vision beyond his years, but without the dyanmics, great scoring abilities and toughness compared to Brule. Why they use Gilbert Brule as a comparison I have no idea.

 

[Transported Upstater]

I dont know about Frolik, But Mueller according to what the "Province" our local news paper said about him after a giants game, hes basically a gifted play maker beyond his years and great vision beyond his years, but without the dyanmics, great scoring abilities and toughness compared to Brule. Why they use Gilbert Brule as a comparison I have no idea.

Yeah, I agree, I don't see the relevance of Brule in that situation...