Ohio Jones
Game on...
Our last update to Columbus' Top 20 list seems to have been way back in April of '07, so between two drafts, signings and trades there have been a lot of changes. Time to catch up!
Organizational strengths
Goaltending
Two-way forwards
Organizational weaknesses
Defensive depth
Top-line forwards
Top 20 at a glance (previous ranking or method of acquisition)
1 LW Nikolai Kulemin (4)
2 C Zach Boychuk (new)
3 LD Ryan McDonagh (new)
4 LW Max Pacioretty (new)
5 G Simeon Varlamov (new)
6 G Leland Irving (1)
7 C/D Brian Boyle (new)
8 RD Michael Sauer (8)
9 C Trevor Lewis (new)
10 C/LW Logan MacMillan (new)
11 RW Robin Figren (HM)
12 LD Brendan Smith (new)
13 C Maxime Sauve (new)
14 C Nate Davis (10)
15 LD Alexei Emelin (5)
16 C Morten Madsen (11)
17 RW Sergei Korostin (new)
18 C/LW Patrice Cormier (new)
19 RD Justin Schultz (new)
20 RD Cory Fienhage (new)
[Honourable Mentions follow the main profiles]
Columbus Top 20 Profiles – June 2008
1. LW Nikolai Kulemin (4)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2006 (55th overall)
Kulemin continued his strong play for Magnitogorsk in the RSL, with 21 goals and 33 points, a slight decline from the previous season. Those numbers still put him among the league's top scorers, however. He is a 99% lock to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 08/09, so is expected in the HFNHL Blue Jackets' lineup in 2009/10. Kulemin has the hands and skating of classic Russian wingers, but combines it with a solid body, relentless work ethic, banging style and a commitment to playing in all zones that makes him very well suited to the North American game.
Style comparison: Daniel Alfredsson
Projects as: Top-line, two-way scoring winger
Grade: 8.0B
2. C Zach Boychuk (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2008 (13th overall)
Boychuk plays an all-out style of hockey that reminds of Derek Roy. Scored 33/39/72/+26/80 in 61 regular season games for Lethbridge (WHL), then added another 13 goals and 21 points in their long playoff run. One of the best skaters in the 2008 Entry Draft, Boychuk uses his wheels and agility to make room on the ice. Blessed with good hands, tons of grit, a non-stop motor, to go with unquestioned character and leadership potential, he gives his all on every shift, in every game situation. His size is a bit of a concern in terms of NHL projection, but if any player can overcome that limitation, it's Boychuk. In a great situation with the Carolina Hurricanes, but will almost certainly be back in Lethbridge to prove that he can elevate his offensive production.
Style comparison: Derek Roy
Projects as: Two-way banger on a scoring line
Grade: 7.5B
3. LD Ryan McDonagh (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (13th overall)
US high school product Ryan McDonagh had a decent freshman season with budding NCAA powerhouse Wisconsin, posting 5 goals and 12 points in 40 games. The Badgers will be challenging for the National Championship in the next two years, so McDonagh will gain lots of experience in important games. Although no a giant by NHL standards (6-1/200), he has a powerful physical presence with terrific all-points skating and acceleration. He played an important shutdown role this season, maintaining tight gap control and using positioning to angle opponents out of the play. He has a booming point shot but needs the next few years to refine his offensive decision making and puck control.
Style comparison: Ed Jovanovski
Projects as: Two-way #2-3 defenceman
Grade: 7.5B
4. Max Pacioretty (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (28th overall)
MaxPac was among the NCAA's top-scoring freshmen, with 15g/24a/39p in 34 games, along with a gaudy +31 and 59 pims for Michigan. Some of that is attributable to getting top-line minutes with Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik, but Pacioretty proved he's not far away from the NHL. His strength, grit and determination combine with soft ands to make him a force from the hash-marks on in.
Style comparison: Erik Cole
Projects as: Scoring line power forward
Grade: 7.5B
5. G Simeon Varlamov (new)
Acquired: Trade, 2008
Acquired from Nashville as part of the package for star centerman Henrik Sedin, Varlamov is an intriguing goaltending project. He played well again for Yaroslavl with 27 wins in 44 starts, but struggled in two losses at the U20 WJCs. A big butterfly goalie, Varlamov needs to be more aggressive, improve his puck handling and communicate better with his defencemen. The Capitals' top goaltending prospect is widely expected to come to North America this season to start for their AHL farm club in Hershey. He will receive more qualified goaltending instruction than he was getting in Russia, and will help gauge how far removed he is from the NHL.
Style comparison: Ilya Bryzgalov
Projects as: Starting goaltender
Grade: 7.5C
6. G Leland Irving (1)
Acquired: Trade 2007
After a dominant season in 07, Irving struggled a bit in his final season with Everett in the WHL. Mind you, struggled is a relative term, as Irving started a career-best 56 games and posted a 2.45 gaa with a .919 save%. Competitive, calm and collected, Irving has a big frame, very good positioning and is difficult to rattle. He needs to continue to develop his puck-handling, but he has a good glove hand and excellent rebound control. He was a disappointing cut from Canada's U20 team.
Style comparison: Ed Belfour
Projects as: Starting goaltender
Grade: 7.5C
7. C/D Brian Boyle (new)
Acquired: Trade 2007
Recovered from Dallas at the 07 trade deadline, Boyle was originally a Columbus second-round pick. An absolute monster at 6-6, 225, his first pro season could not have gone better. He was solid for Manchester in the AHL, producing at nearly a point per game, and then topped it off by scoring 4 goals and 5 points in an 8-game audition with Los Angeles late in the season. He has the versatility to play at forward or defence, and while his NHL future seems likely to be as a center, the Blue Jackets are looking to ease him into their HFNHL lineup this season as blueline depth.
Style comparison: Keith Primeau
Projects as: Versatile power forward
Grade: 7.0B
8. RD Michael Sauer (8)
Acquired: Trade 2007
No change for Sauer despite all the new blood on the list - he's still ranked #8. The younger brother of former Jackets blueliner Kurt Sauer, Mike proved even better than advertised in his first pro season. Sauer carries the family athleticism: 6-3/210 and strong (even for his size), he uses his strength and reach to control the defensive zone, eliminating opposing forwards on the boards. Very protective of his goalie’s crease, which he clears with authority. Sauer has good mobility and agility for a big man, and he’s proven to be unflappable under pressure. Although not a gifted distributor, he’s very reliable at making the safe play out of the zone. Sauer was a rock for the Hartford Wolf Pack, and could be seeing regular ice time in the NHL by the end of this coming season (although the Rangers have enough young defenders they won't need to rush him).
Style comparison: Jason Smith
Projects as: Top-4 defensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0B
9. C Trevor Lewis (new)
Acquired: Trade 2008
This USHL product made the unusual move of going to the OHL briefly before joining the pro ranks with Manchester (AHL). It has him on the fast-track to an NHL career ahead of many contemporaries who followed the college route, but he still has development to do. He adapted well to the A, but it may take another year or two for his offence to catch up - in 76 games he netted 12 goals and 28 points. Blessed with top-flight skating and outstanding hockey IQ, he still needs to add strength, but it's really just a matter of time before he's playing an effective two-way role at the NHL level.
Style comparison: Mike Fisher
Projects as: Two-way second-line center
Grade: 7.0B
10. C/LW Logan MacMillan (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (20th overall)
MacMillan had a disappointing year due to injury, but still demonstrated the fundamentals that made him a high draft pick, with 15 goals and 41 points in 46 games for Halifax (QMJHL), along with a +15 an 77 pims. He continued his strong play in the playoffs, with 13 points in 15 games before finishing the season practicing with the Portland of the AHL, where he will start next year. He's got an NHL frame, but could stand to add 10-15 pounds. He must also continue to work on his skating, but with his work ethic that seems likely. Very responsible at both ends of the ice, MacMillan has to prove that his offensive upside translates to the pros.
Style comparison: Trevor Linden
Projects as: Third-line pivot with upside
Grade: 6.5B
11. RW Robin Figren (HM)
Acquired: 4th round, 2006 draft (98th overall)
An unfortunate injury cut short a very promising season from Swedish import Robin Figren, as he led the Oil Kings (WHL) in scoring with 18 goals and 31 points in 35 games on a very under-manned expansion team. A shifty dangler with great jets and lateral mobility, Figren will join the Isles' farm club in Bridgeport where he will have to prove that he can step his game up with better linemates. Although he's undersized for the NHL, he's not afraid to get his nose dirty.
Style comparison: Jason Blake
Projects as: Second line complimentary scorer
Grade: 7.0C
12. LD Brendan Smith (new)
Acquired: 3rd round, 2007 draft (86th overall)
Another Jackets prospect who missed a large chunk of time due to injury, Smith was playing terrific hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers before missing most of the second half with back trouble. When he came back, he played up as a LW on the fourth line, where he was involved in the play at both ends and created chances on seemingly every shift. With the additional defensive depth and quality coming into the Badgers' system, it's not out of the question that we'll see Smith converted to forward full-time next year, but Columbus continues to project him as a slick-skating, puck-moving defenceman. Big and mobile with great speed, he needs to prove he can stay healthy throughout a full schedule.
Style comparison: Joe Corvo
Projects as: Offensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0C
13. C Maxime Sauve (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (43rd overall)
Coming into his own after a mid-season trade from Quebec to Val-d'Or (QMJHL), Sauve reached the point-per-game level. A slick skater and heady play-maker, he sets up well in the offensive zone, finding seams to pass or drive the net. Particularly dynamic off the rush, Sauve needs to improve his play in traffic. He has demonstrated defensive ability, but he doesn't show quite as much hustle coming back as he does on offence, something that the Bruins will no doubt work on. He has a terrific mentor in the organization in fellow-Q grad Patrice Bergeron.
Style comparison: Patrice Bergeron
Projects as: Second-line play-maker
Grade: 7.0C
14. C Nathan Davis (10)
Acquired: Trade 2008
Davis had a disappointing final year with Miami. After taking his team to the NCAA playoffs and earning early consideration for the Hobey Baker award in previous years, injuries took him out of the line-up for most of the season, and hampered his effectiveness upon his return. He still managed 17 points in 21 games, a testament to his skills and drive. Capable of playing major minutes on both special teams, Davis leads by example. He is strong on draws, blessed with speed, good hands and vision. This season will see him make the transition to the pros where he is expected to play a top-6 role with Norfolk, Chicago's AHL affiliate.
Style comparison: John Madden
Projects as: Two-way third line pivot with upside
Grade: 7.0C
15. LD Alexei Emelin (5)Acquired: Trade 2007
Emelin (a.k.a. Yemelin) continues in his role as one of Russia’s top stay-at-home defencemen through his strong positional play, superb skating and physical edge. He will never be an offensive force – he went 66/0/6/6/+4/133 in league regular season and playoff games with Kazan, his new RSL team – but his defensive play earned him another Team Russia spot, this time in the Eurotour roster, where he performed admirably. Emelin is a high-impact hitter, although at 6-1/195 he has a little trouble with the larger forwards. He plays an abrasive game, especially in the corners, which has caused some controversy during his RSL career. He is ranked this low only because of Montreal's lack of success to date in bringing him to North America.
Style comparison: Darius Kasparaitis
Projects as: Top-4 defensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0B
16. C/W Morten Madsen (11)
Acquired: Trade 2006 (?)
After his hundred-point season in the Q the previous year, Madsen was a bit of a disappointment in his first pro tour, struggling to make an impact with Minnesota's AHL farm team in Houston, and even spending a brief stint in the ECHL. However by the end of the season Madsen looked to have found his legs and was starting to be more effective more consistently. He finished the season with 20 points in 50 AHL games, and it's not out of the question for him to double those totals next year. Madsen is similar in many respects to Sauve, with good skating, hands and vision, and a need to round out his all-around game. May develop faster on the wing, with fewer responsibilities.
Style comparison: Radim Vrbata
Projects as: Second-line play-maker
Grade: 7.0C
17. RW Sergei Korostin (new)
Acquired: Trade 2008
Classic Russian winger has great mobility, top speed and elite acceleration, making him extremely dangerous on the rush in a counter-attacking role. He can handle the puck at top speed and already boasts an NHL wrist shot, but tends to get tunnel-vision and needs to make better use of his linemates. He heard the knocks on his physical play and defensive commitment, so he signed a contract with the Dallas Stars and played 19 games in the NAHL, scoring a point per game and demonstrating his willingness to work to improve. He will likely find a scoring line role with Iowa next season.
Style comparison: Sergei Samsonov
Projects as: Second-line sniper
Grade: 7.0C
18. C/LW Patrice Cormier (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (58th overall)
This big-bodied pivot's commitment was questioned when he struggled in the first part of the year. By the end of the season, however, he'd gotten himself on the right track mentally on and off the ice, and enjoyed a renaissance. He has the skills to play on a scoring line, and the skating and size to be effective in a power role. If he can continue to put in the effort he showed in the latter part of the season, he'll be an effective two-way player. He's attractively versatile, willing to do any job including stick up for his teammates.
Style comparison: Ryan Malone
Projects as: Third-line power pivot with upside
Grade: 7.0C
19. RD Justin Schultz (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (59th overall)
A pure skater on the blueline who can quite literally play end-to-end, Schultz has incredible mobility - acceleration, top speed, pivots or any other measure, in any direction. The BCHL product's vision and puck control are tremendous, and he is an offensive threat any time he steps on the ice. He does not sacrifice his defensive responsibilities, however, and uses his hockey sense and positioning to break up plays. His reedy frame needs several more pounds, and he needs to be stronger on his skates to avoid being out-muscled by big wingers.
Style comparison: Brian Rafalski
Projects as: #3 two-way defenceman
Grade: 7.0C
20. RD Cory Fienhage (new)
Acquired: 3rd round, 2008 (90th overall)
Another college-bound prospect, Fienhage is still learning the position after converting from forward, but he brings size, skating and sound fundamentals. He plays with infectious passion and a bit of a temper, but will need to learn to channel it more effectively to avoid discipline issues. Like Schultz, he's a long way off, but an enticing prospect to have on the horizon.
Style comparison: Francois Beauchemin
Projects as: #4 two-way defenceman with bite
Grade: 7.0C
The Next 20 -Quick Hits (alphabetical)
- G Reto Berra: showed improved play for Davos in the top tier Swiss league
- LW Constantin Braun: put up strong numbers for a 19-year-old with Eisbaren (DEL), and was excellent with 4 goals and 2 assists in 5 games at the U20 WJC
- RW Jeremy Colliton: increasingly tagged as a defensive forward, struggled on both sides of the puck for the second season in a row, might be make or break this year with the Isles
- G Marco Cousineau: surprise early round selection by Anaheim, big goaltender has good technique and competitiveness to spare
- G John Curry: carried WBS to Calder Cup finals, but needs to work on his poise and technique
- G Ryan Daniels: played well for Saginaw, hard to believe he wouldn't be in Ottawa's plans given their lack of depth
- LW Jerome Flaake: dominated his junior league and didn't look out of place in DEL tryout or WJCs, good candidate for the CHL next season
- RD Eric Gryba: hulking defenceman taking his time developing at BU
- LW Blake Geoffrion: steady checker blossomed in his junior year, looks increasingly like a lock as a third-line banger
- RW Igor Grigorenko: had his cup of coffee in North America, but left for Russia when things didn't go his way - might be the last we see of him
- RW Teemu Laine: technically no longer a prospect as he turns 26 this summer, but banging winger had a breakthrough season with TPS
- C Andrei Loktionov: great vision, puck handling and hockey sense - buried on his club team but made good showing internationally
- RD Sean Lorenz: steady stay-at-home was another surprise, going to Minnesota
- LD Kevin Montgomery: slick QB was decent but not spectacular in his first OHL season after leaving NCAA
- C/W Andre Petersson: super-skilled sniper needs to round out his game, could benefit from CHL experience
- C Ryan Potulny: trade to Edmonton may create more opportunity for gifted scorer
- L/RW Konstantin Pushkarev: do-or-die year for Push with Dallas - holes up front create opportunities, but has to be consistent to capitalize on them
- LD Aaron Rome: steady stay-at-home is expected to dress as NHL Columbus' 6-7 defenceman next season
- RD Joe Ryan: gritty stay-at-home got great experience in Gatineau's Mem Cup run, but may not be signed by LA
- C Derek Stepan: creative sniper may be the best player drafted out of Shattuck St. Mary's this year
Organizational strengths
Goaltending
Two-way forwards
Organizational weaknesses
Defensive depth
Top-line forwards
Top 20 at a glance (previous ranking or method of acquisition)
1 LW Nikolai Kulemin (4)
2 C Zach Boychuk (new)
3 LD Ryan McDonagh (new)
4 LW Max Pacioretty (new)
5 G Simeon Varlamov (new)
6 G Leland Irving (1)
7 C/D Brian Boyle (new)
8 RD Michael Sauer (8)
9 C Trevor Lewis (new)
10 C/LW Logan MacMillan (new)
11 RW Robin Figren (HM)
12 LD Brendan Smith (new)
13 C Maxime Sauve (new)
14 C Nate Davis (10)
15 LD Alexei Emelin (5)
16 C Morten Madsen (11)
17 RW Sergei Korostin (new)
18 C/LW Patrice Cormier (new)
19 RD Justin Schultz (new)
20 RD Cory Fienhage (new)
[Honourable Mentions follow the main profiles]
Columbus Top 20 Profiles – June 2008
1. LW Nikolai Kulemin (4)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2006 (55th overall)
Kulemin continued his strong play for Magnitogorsk in the RSL, with 21 goals and 33 points, a slight decline from the previous season. Those numbers still put him among the league's top scorers, however. He is a 99% lock to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 08/09, so is expected in the HFNHL Blue Jackets' lineup in 2009/10. Kulemin has the hands and skating of classic Russian wingers, but combines it with a solid body, relentless work ethic, banging style and a commitment to playing in all zones that makes him very well suited to the North American game.
Style comparison: Daniel Alfredsson
Projects as: Top-line, two-way scoring winger
Grade: 8.0B
2. C Zach Boychuk (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2008 (13th overall)
Boychuk plays an all-out style of hockey that reminds of Derek Roy. Scored 33/39/72/+26/80 in 61 regular season games for Lethbridge (WHL), then added another 13 goals and 21 points in their long playoff run. One of the best skaters in the 2008 Entry Draft, Boychuk uses his wheels and agility to make room on the ice. Blessed with good hands, tons of grit, a non-stop motor, to go with unquestioned character and leadership potential, he gives his all on every shift, in every game situation. His size is a bit of a concern in terms of NHL projection, but if any player can overcome that limitation, it's Boychuk. In a great situation with the Carolina Hurricanes, but will almost certainly be back in Lethbridge to prove that he can elevate his offensive production.
Style comparison: Derek Roy
Projects as: Two-way banger on a scoring line
Grade: 7.5B
3. LD Ryan McDonagh (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (13th overall)
US high school product Ryan McDonagh had a decent freshman season with budding NCAA powerhouse Wisconsin, posting 5 goals and 12 points in 40 games. The Badgers will be challenging for the National Championship in the next two years, so McDonagh will gain lots of experience in important games. Although no a giant by NHL standards (6-1/200), he has a powerful physical presence with terrific all-points skating and acceleration. He played an important shutdown role this season, maintaining tight gap control and using positioning to angle opponents out of the play. He has a booming point shot but needs the next few years to refine his offensive decision making and puck control.
Style comparison: Ed Jovanovski
Projects as: Two-way #2-3 defenceman
Grade: 7.5B
4. Max Pacioretty (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (28th overall)
MaxPac was among the NCAA's top-scoring freshmen, with 15g/24a/39p in 34 games, along with a gaudy +31 and 59 pims for Michigan. Some of that is attributable to getting top-line minutes with Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik, but Pacioretty proved he's not far away from the NHL. His strength, grit and determination combine with soft ands to make him a force from the hash-marks on in.
Style comparison: Erik Cole
Projects as: Scoring line power forward
Grade: 7.5B
5. G Simeon Varlamov (new)
Acquired: Trade, 2008
Acquired from Nashville as part of the package for star centerman Henrik Sedin, Varlamov is an intriguing goaltending project. He played well again for Yaroslavl with 27 wins in 44 starts, but struggled in two losses at the U20 WJCs. A big butterfly goalie, Varlamov needs to be more aggressive, improve his puck handling and communicate better with his defencemen. The Capitals' top goaltending prospect is widely expected to come to North America this season to start for their AHL farm club in Hershey. He will receive more qualified goaltending instruction than he was getting in Russia, and will help gauge how far removed he is from the NHL.
Style comparison: Ilya Bryzgalov
Projects as: Starting goaltender
Grade: 7.5C
6. G Leland Irving (1)
Acquired: Trade 2007
After a dominant season in 07, Irving struggled a bit in his final season with Everett in the WHL. Mind you, struggled is a relative term, as Irving started a career-best 56 games and posted a 2.45 gaa with a .919 save%. Competitive, calm and collected, Irving has a big frame, very good positioning and is difficult to rattle. He needs to continue to develop his puck-handling, but he has a good glove hand and excellent rebound control. He was a disappointing cut from Canada's U20 team.
Style comparison: Ed Belfour
Projects as: Starting goaltender
Grade: 7.5C
7. C/D Brian Boyle (new)
Acquired: Trade 2007
Recovered from Dallas at the 07 trade deadline, Boyle was originally a Columbus second-round pick. An absolute monster at 6-6, 225, his first pro season could not have gone better. He was solid for Manchester in the AHL, producing at nearly a point per game, and then topped it off by scoring 4 goals and 5 points in an 8-game audition with Los Angeles late in the season. He has the versatility to play at forward or defence, and while his NHL future seems likely to be as a center, the Blue Jackets are looking to ease him into their HFNHL lineup this season as blueline depth.
Style comparison: Keith Primeau
Projects as: Versatile power forward
Grade: 7.0B
8. RD Michael Sauer (8)
Acquired: Trade 2007
No change for Sauer despite all the new blood on the list - he's still ranked #8. The younger brother of former Jackets blueliner Kurt Sauer, Mike proved even better than advertised in his first pro season. Sauer carries the family athleticism: 6-3/210 and strong (even for his size), he uses his strength and reach to control the defensive zone, eliminating opposing forwards on the boards. Very protective of his goalie’s crease, which he clears with authority. Sauer has good mobility and agility for a big man, and he’s proven to be unflappable under pressure. Although not a gifted distributor, he’s very reliable at making the safe play out of the zone. Sauer was a rock for the Hartford Wolf Pack, and could be seeing regular ice time in the NHL by the end of this coming season (although the Rangers have enough young defenders they won't need to rush him).
Style comparison: Jason Smith
Projects as: Top-4 defensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0B
9. C Trevor Lewis (new)
Acquired: Trade 2008
This USHL product made the unusual move of going to the OHL briefly before joining the pro ranks with Manchester (AHL). It has him on the fast-track to an NHL career ahead of many contemporaries who followed the college route, but he still has development to do. He adapted well to the A, but it may take another year or two for his offence to catch up - in 76 games he netted 12 goals and 28 points. Blessed with top-flight skating and outstanding hockey IQ, he still needs to add strength, but it's really just a matter of time before he's playing an effective two-way role at the NHL level.
Style comparison: Mike Fisher
Projects as: Two-way second-line center
Grade: 7.0B
10. C/LW Logan MacMillan (new)
Acquired: 1st round, 2007 (20th overall)
MacMillan had a disappointing year due to injury, but still demonstrated the fundamentals that made him a high draft pick, with 15 goals and 41 points in 46 games for Halifax (QMJHL), along with a +15 an 77 pims. He continued his strong play in the playoffs, with 13 points in 15 games before finishing the season practicing with the Portland of the AHL, where he will start next year. He's got an NHL frame, but could stand to add 10-15 pounds. He must also continue to work on his skating, but with his work ethic that seems likely. Very responsible at both ends of the ice, MacMillan has to prove that his offensive upside translates to the pros.
Style comparison: Trevor Linden
Projects as: Third-line pivot with upside
Grade: 6.5B
11. RW Robin Figren (HM)
Acquired: 4th round, 2006 draft (98th overall)
An unfortunate injury cut short a very promising season from Swedish import Robin Figren, as he led the Oil Kings (WHL) in scoring with 18 goals and 31 points in 35 games on a very under-manned expansion team. A shifty dangler with great jets and lateral mobility, Figren will join the Isles' farm club in Bridgeport where he will have to prove that he can step his game up with better linemates. Although he's undersized for the NHL, he's not afraid to get his nose dirty.
Style comparison: Jason Blake
Projects as: Second line complimentary scorer
Grade: 7.0C
12. LD Brendan Smith (new)
Acquired: 3rd round, 2007 draft (86th overall)
Another Jackets prospect who missed a large chunk of time due to injury, Smith was playing terrific hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers before missing most of the second half with back trouble. When he came back, he played up as a LW on the fourth line, where he was involved in the play at both ends and created chances on seemingly every shift. With the additional defensive depth and quality coming into the Badgers' system, it's not out of the question that we'll see Smith converted to forward full-time next year, but Columbus continues to project him as a slick-skating, puck-moving defenceman. Big and mobile with great speed, he needs to prove he can stay healthy throughout a full schedule.
Style comparison: Joe Corvo
Projects as: Offensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0C
13. C Maxime Sauve (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (43rd overall)
Coming into his own after a mid-season trade from Quebec to Val-d'Or (QMJHL), Sauve reached the point-per-game level. A slick skater and heady play-maker, he sets up well in the offensive zone, finding seams to pass or drive the net. Particularly dynamic off the rush, Sauve needs to improve his play in traffic. He has demonstrated defensive ability, but he doesn't show quite as much hustle coming back as he does on offence, something that the Bruins will no doubt work on. He has a terrific mentor in the organization in fellow-Q grad Patrice Bergeron.
Style comparison: Patrice Bergeron
Projects as: Second-line play-maker
Grade: 7.0C
14. C Nathan Davis (10)
Acquired: Trade 2008
Davis had a disappointing final year with Miami. After taking his team to the NCAA playoffs and earning early consideration for the Hobey Baker award in previous years, injuries took him out of the line-up for most of the season, and hampered his effectiveness upon his return. He still managed 17 points in 21 games, a testament to his skills and drive. Capable of playing major minutes on both special teams, Davis leads by example. He is strong on draws, blessed with speed, good hands and vision. This season will see him make the transition to the pros where he is expected to play a top-6 role with Norfolk, Chicago's AHL affiliate.
Style comparison: John Madden
Projects as: Two-way third line pivot with upside
Grade: 7.0C
15. LD Alexei Emelin (5)Acquired: Trade 2007
Emelin (a.k.a. Yemelin) continues in his role as one of Russia’s top stay-at-home defencemen through his strong positional play, superb skating and physical edge. He will never be an offensive force – he went 66/0/6/6/+4/133 in league regular season and playoff games with Kazan, his new RSL team – but his defensive play earned him another Team Russia spot, this time in the Eurotour roster, where he performed admirably. Emelin is a high-impact hitter, although at 6-1/195 he has a little trouble with the larger forwards. He plays an abrasive game, especially in the corners, which has caused some controversy during his RSL career. He is ranked this low only because of Montreal's lack of success to date in bringing him to North America.
Style comparison: Darius Kasparaitis
Projects as: Top-4 defensive defenceman
Grade: 7.0B
16. C/W Morten Madsen (11)
Acquired: Trade 2006 (?)
After his hundred-point season in the Q the previous year, Madsen was a bit of a disappointment in his first pro tour, struggling to make an impact with Minnesota's AHL farm team in Houston, and even spending a brief stint in the ECHL. However by the end of the season Madsen looked to have found his legs and was starting to be more effective more consistently. He finished the season with 20 points in 50 AHL games, and it's not out of the question for him to double those totals next year. Madsen is similar in many respects to Sauve, with good skating, hands and vision, and a need to round out his all-around game. May develop faster on the wing, with fewer responsibilities.
Style comparison: Radim Vrbata
Projects as: Second-line play-maker
Grade: 7.0C
17. RW Sergei Korostin (new)
Acquired: Trade 2008
Classic Russian winger has great mobility, top speed and elite acceleration, making him extremely dangerous on the rush in a counter-attacking role. He can handle the puck at top speed and already boasts an NHL wrist shot, but tends to get tunnel-vision and needs to make better use of his linemates. He heard the knocks on his physical play and defensive commitment, so he signed a contract with the Dallas Stars and played 19 games in the NAHL, scoring a point per game and demonstrating his willingness to work to improve. He will likely find a scoring line role with Iowa next season.
Style comparison: Sergei Samsonov
Projects as: Second-line sniper
Grade: 7.0C
18. C/LW Patrice Cormier (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (58th overall)
This big-bodied pivot's commitment was questioned when he struggled in the first part of the year. By the end of the season, however, he'd gotten himself on the right track mentally on and off the ice, and enjoyed a renaissance. He has the skills to play on a scoring line, and the skating and size to be effective in a power role. If he can continue to put in the effort he showed in the latter part of the season, he'll be an effective two-way player. He's attractively versatile, willing to do any job including stick up for his teammates.
Style comparison: Ryan Malone
Projects as: Third-line power pivot with upside
Grade: 7.0C
19. RD Justin Schultz (new)
Acquired: 2nd round, 2008 (59th overall)
A pure skater on the blueline who can quite literally play end-to-end, Schultz has incredible mobility - acceleration, top speed, pivots or any other measure, in any direction. The BCHL product's vision and puck control are tremendous, and he is an offensive threat any time he steps on the ice. He does not sacrifice his defensive responsibilities, however, and uses his hockey sense and positioning to break up plays. His reedy frame needs several more pounds, and he needs to be stronger on his skates to avoid being out-muscled by big wingers.
Style comparison: Brian Rafalski
Projects as: #3 two-way defenceman
Grade: 7.0C
20. RD Cory Fienhage (new)
Acquired: 3rd round, 2008 (90th overall)
Another college-bound prospect, Fienhage is still learning the position after converting from forward, but he brings size, skating and sound fundamentals. He plays with infectious passion and a bit of a temper, but will need to learn to channel it more effectively to avoid discipline issues. Like Schultz, he's a long way off, but an enticing prospect to have on the horizon.
Style comparison: Francois Beauchemin
Projects as: #4 two-way defenceman with bite
Grade: 7.0C
The Next 20 -Quick Hits (alphabetical)
- G Reto Berra: showed improved play for Davos in the top tier Swiss league
- LW Constantin Braun: put up strong numbers for a 19-year-old with Eisbaren (DEL), and was excellent with 4 goals and 2 assists in 5 games at the U20 WJC
- RW Jeremy Colliton: increasingly tagged as a defensive forward, struggled on both sides of the puck for the second season in a row, might be make or break this year with the Isles
- G Marco Cousineau: surprise early round selection by Anaheim, big goaltender has good technique and competitiveness to spare
- G John Curry: carried WBS to Calder Cup finals, but needs to work on his poise and technique
- G Ryan Daniels: played well for Saginaw, hard to believe he wouldn't be in Ottawa's plans given their lack of depth
- LW Jerome Flaake: dominated his junior league and didn't look out of place in DEL tryout or WJCs, good candidate for the CHL next season
- RD Eric Gryba: hulking defenceman taking his time developing at BU
- LW Blake Geoffrion: steady checker blossomed in his junior year, looks increasingly like a lock as a third-line banger
- RW Igor Grigorenko: had his cup of coffee in North America, but left for Russia when things didn't go his way - might be the last we see of him
- RW Teemu Laine: technically no longer a prospect as he turns 26 this summer, but banging winger had a breakthrough season with TPS
- C Andrei Loktionov: great vision, puck handling and hockey sense - buried on his club team but made good showing internationally
- RD Sean Lorenz: steady stay-at-home was another surprise, going to Minnesota
- LD Kevin Montgomery: slick QB was decent but not spectacular in his first OHL season after leaving NCAA
- C/W Andre Petersson: super-skilled sniper needs to round out his game, could benefit from CHL experience
- C Ryan Potulny: trade to Edmonton may create more opportunity for gifted scorer
- L/RW Konstantin Pushkarev: do-or-die year for Push with Dallas - holes up front create opportunities, but has to be consistent to capitalize on them
- LD Aaron Rome: steady stay-at-home is expected to dress as NHL Columbus' 6-7 defenceman next season
- RD Joe Ryan: gritty stay-at-home got great experience in Gatineau's Mem Cup run, but may not be signed by LA
- C Derek Stepan: creative sniper may be the best player drafted out of Shattuck St. Mary's this year
