1)
ERIK JOHNSON
Although the Blues are in need of scoring talnet, Johnson is too good to pass on. He is what you could call a perfect defenseman, with size, strength, speed, and skill. Look for him to be battling Phaneuf for Norris for years to come.
2)
JONATHAN TOEWS
The fact is, Pittsburgh would be dumb to pick up another franchise dynamic centre by going with Kessel. They salivated over the chance to get Johnson, but didn't happen. Toews is an extremely reliable two-way forward who could play wing with Crosby or Malkin, or even adapt to a third line centre role if need be.
3)
NICKLAS BACKSTROM
The Hawks jump all over this kid while they have the chance. He truly has it all when it comes to a scoring centre. He has passion, speed, and creaivity to be a franchise centre. He will toughen up as he adapts to the North American game.
4)
JORDAN STAAL
The Caps are excited to have the newest Staal aboard. Staal is an exceptional two-way player who is handy in all situations, and has a great attitude. He would thrive being a set-up man for Ovechkin.
5)
PHIL KESSEL
Arguably the most dynamic player in the draft, and arguably the most skilled. He falls a bit to to his so-called "attitude" and non-physical play. But the Bruins are extremely happy to have a new franchise centre on board. Imagine a one-two punch of Bergeron and Kessel in a few years. That's scary.
6)
PETER MUELLER
This kid is probably the most underrated player in the draft. He has great hockey sense and scoring ability, but didn't get much chance to show it playing for a defensive minded Everett squad. He thrives in the defensive zone as well. With Mueller added to the lineup, Columbus might have the best group of forwards in the league a few years from now.
7)
JIRI TLUSTY
A great player who is a wildcard Euro. Could end up being a #1 centre, could end up a #3 centre. But he is a true sniper, who unlike other snipers, can boast an excellent defensive game.
8)
CHRIS SUMMERS
The first shocker of the draft, Summers has the most versatility of anyone in the draft. He is an extremely quick skater, and can be played reliably on defense and on forward.
Although the Blues are in need of scoring talnet, Johnson is too good to pass on. He is what you could call a perfect defenseman, with size, strength, speed, and skill. Look for him to be battling Phaneuf for Norris for years to come.
2)
The fact is, Pittsburgh would be dumb to pick up another franchise dynamic centre by going with Kessel. They salivated over the chance to get Johnson, but didn't happen. Toews is an extremely reliable two-way forward who could play wing with Crosby or Malkin, or even adapt to a third line centre role if need be.
3)
The Hawks jump all over this kid while they have the chance. He truly has it all when it comes to a scoring centre. He has passion, speed, and creaivity to be a franchise centre. He will toughen up as he adapts to the North American game.
4)
The Caps are excited to have the newest Staal aboard. Staal is an exceptional two-way player who is handy in all situations, and has a great attitude. He would thrive being a set-up man for Ovechkin.
5)
Arguably the most dynamic player in the draft, and arguably the most skilled. He falls a bit to to his so-called "attitude" and non-physical play. But the Bruins are extremely happy to have a new franchise centre on board. Imagine a one-two punch of Bergeron and Kessel in a few years. That's scary.
6)
This kid is probably the most underrated player in the draft. He has great hockey sense and scoring ability, but didn't get much chance to show it playing for a defensive minded Everett squad. He thrives in the defensive zone as well. With Mueller added to the lineup, Columbus might have the best group of forwards in the league a few years from now.
7)
A great player who is a wildcard Euro. Could end up being a #1 centre, could end up a #3 centre. But he is a true sniper, who unlike other snipers, can boast an excellent defensive game.
8)
The first shocker of the draft, Summers has the most versatility of anyone in the draft. He is an extremely quick skater, and can be played reliably on defense and on forward.