May 1, 2008 – Final rankings
Axelsen – The big 18-year-old Tappara skater has scouts torn on his potential. Half of the scouts we polled say he has top line potential, while the other half see him as no better than a 3rd liner. All scouts agree, however, that he oozes class, is a superb passer, and is a consummate professional.
42GP: 12G, 15A, +15, 12PiM, 84 Shots, ATOI 13:11
Azzaroni – Ranked 106th for next month’s NHL draft, he is a highly professional player with good patience with the puck. Scouts say the 6’ Ottawa 67s skater might have a future as a 4th liner, in the mold of Michael Ryder.
41GP: 11G, 3A, 57PiM, 104 Shots, ATOI 2421
Bettman – Whether or not he makes it as an NHL starter, scouts say he reminds them of a smaller but better Ben Bishop. He is very ambitious, has outstanding endurance, and has very quick hands. He does, however, need to improve his consistency.
40GP: 29-1-10, 2.09 GAA, .913sv%, 2SO
Cann – 100% of the scouts we talked to said that Mexi is a future first liner, like a slower Patrick Berglund. The 6’3†California native is noted for his classiness on and off the ice. He is known as a faceoff specialist and a solid all-around offensive player.
61GP: 30G, 33A, +2, 56PiM, 200 Shots, ATOI 26:07
Donahue – Most scouts see him as having 3rd line potential, like a poor man’s James Neal. He is strong-willed and has a knack for pulling unexpected moves. He is very good at finding open ice and has impressive physical strength. The 6’6†Halifax Mooseheads winger could make a push for a roster spot in Colorado next season.
70GP: 27G, 33A, +19, 56PiM, 164 Shots, ATOI 25:13
Dover – At best a future 3rd liner, Ben has been compared to a slower Bobby Butler. He is a very strong player, a high-energy hustler, and has a big shot. He is unranked for the draft, however.
65GP: 25G, 14A, +3, 74PiM, 158 Shots, ATOI 24:11
Duddy – He should play in a top 9 forward role at the NHL level, though most scouts see him as a depth scorer in the mold of Milan Hejduk. He has excellent speed, hits well, and has a dangerous wrist shot. The 6’3†Las Vegas native will do anything to win.
70GP: 31G, 32A, +29, 184 Shots, ATOI 25:24
Pole – Dick Pole positively exploded this season. Ranked 27th, he gushes physical strength and is good at finding openings. He is a complete team player and a fantastic two-way talent. On a similar note, he will do whatever it takes to score. Is that enough euphemisms for now?
70GP: 37G, 25A, +25, 36PiM, 205 Shots, ATOI 19:24
Rose – If his skating speed were better, he’d be a shoe-in for a top line playmaker role in the NHL. As it stands now, scouts are torn if he can pull that off, or if he is better suited in a 3rd line shutdown role. He is a punishing hitter, incredibly strong, and will take a hit for the benefit of the team. Scouts compare him to Brian Boyle.
45GP: 29G, 24A, +25, 24PiM, 139 Shots, ATOI 24:52
Stig – Possessing top 2 potential, he has been described as a bigger, better version of Dion Phaneuf. It is confusing, therefore, to see him ranked 26th for the upcoming draft. He played 5 games for Great Britain internationally, notching an assist.
66GP: 14G, 40A, +29, 68PiM, 147 Shots, ATOI 21:20
Von Hinten – Another player compared to Milan Hejduk, scouts say that he has top six goal scoring potential. He has good physical strength, superb vision, and is an excellent passer. The 6’4†German is a very offensive-minded skater.
64GP: 28G, 29A, +28, 197 Shots, ATOI 25:15