Joe Hallenback
Moderator
- Mar 4, 2005
- 15,386
- 21,561
I did this awhile ago and I think if I would change some things but I thought I would post it anyway
1. Ottawa - Ryan Nugent Hopkins Red Deer C 6'1 170
Ottawa is very high on this kid. I also think he plays wing in the NHL ala Joe Sakic. 1st player to be taken first overall from the WHL since another Senator Chris Phillips so there is some symmetry there. May have the best overall talent in this draft. Will play in the NHL next year alongside Spezza.
2. Edmonton - Sean Couturier Drummondville C 6'4 210
I believe the Oilers want one of these 2 centers. I like the idea of a more talented Jason Arnott centering Hall and Eberle over the next 10 years. Big,agressive and skilled. Can cycle down low and is a great puck hawk. Has elite level talent to along with that great size. It wouldn't shock me to see Edmonton move down a spot or 2 especially if Colorado really wants someone.
3. Islanders - Adam Larsson Skellefta D 6'3 210
It makes too much sense that the Islanders want a stud on the blueline. They have the horses up front and this would add to a nice if not outstanding backend. There is alot to like with Larsson. Solid and dependable, a cerebal defender in the mold of Nik Lidstrom. Has all the tools to go along with great size. At worst you get a Alex Edler and thats not a bad thing at all.
4. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog LW Kitchener 6'2 200
Trading away your big power forward and not replacing him with one that could be better would be a big mistake. The swedish Brendan Morrow is waiting for some GM to make them look good. I think Landeskog will be a perennial 30 goal man in the NHL and he will run over people regularly. The kid made the right decision coming over to NA early. I think Colorado is actually coveting Larsson it wouldn't shock me to see them offer up the Blues first rounder to Edmonton to move up.
5. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau C Saint John 6'1 170
Florida has a bunch of Stud D men and big forwards on the way. Huberdeau is shooting up the charts and they could look to add this talented center. A more classical scoring center then Couturier not as big or physical. Oozes class. Not ready for primetime yet.
6. Devils - Dougie Hamilton D Niagara 6'4 200
I think the Devils will be happy to grab Hamilton here. A very good two way defender in the Ryan Whitney mold. Maybe not as physical as you would like to see but is an excellent skater and moves the puck well. The Devils may fall back a bit as the season finishes.
7. Atlanta - Ty Biggs RW USNDP 6'3 200
Biggs is a big powerforward similar in style to JVR in Philly. He has a good mean streak and nice hands for a big man. Dudley in Atlanta loves his big players and Biggs fits that mold. He is committed to the Miami Redhawks next season but he would probably benefit greatly from going to the OHL. His rights are owned by Kitchener
8. Boston - Duncan Siemans D Saskatoon 6'3 210
Siemans is a classic WHL defender. Big,strong and mean. He also has good offensive instinct and has put up excellent numbers this year. I think he fits a need more than BPA here for Boston. But they can afford to do so since they have a wealth of young talent already.
9. St.Louis - Ryan Strome C Niagara 6'0 180
I am not completely sold on Strome just yet. He does posess elite level offensive talent and his skating is above average. There are some question marks about shying away from physical play and poor defensive habits. Not sure if St.Louis grabs him or not the do have Oshie and Berglund already there but Strome is a good 2 to 3 years away from the NHL anyway.
10. Columbus - Scott Mayfield D Youngstown 6'4 200
I think the Bus would sad to see Siemens gone already but instead they go after this raw defender in Mayfield. Mayfield is a bit of a wildcard and probably more of a project Defender at this point in time. He by all accounts is a mean son of a ***** on the backend and has good skills with the puck. He is committed to the University of Denver but I wonder if he goes to Kitchener next instead.
11. Buffalo - Brandon Saad LW Saginaw 6'2 200
I think Saad went into this season with really high expectations. I sometimes think US born players especially those coming out of the USNDP are somewhat overrated. What we were told was Saad was a big power forward in the Kevin Stevens model, what we got was something not near that. Saad is big and highly skilled but he will not be running you over. There are some question marks here about what type of player he is. I think he is more finesse then anything. He is actually similar to another Buffalo player Drew Stafford.
12. Carolina - Ryan Murphy D Kitchener 5'11 175
I am on the fence with using a first round pick on a smallish offensive D man. Too me they have a biggest potential bust other then goalies. But there is no denying Murphy's skill. A great skater,passer with a cannon of a shot. Like all smallish D men you wonder if they can handle today's NHL players. I don't think Carolina will pass on him here
13. Rangers - Mika Zibanejad C Djurgarden 6'2 200
Zibanejad is really rising up the draft charts and it wouldn't shock me to hear his name called earlier. Plays a power center style of game. Very North American in style, not afraid to mix it up. Similar to Mikko Koivu. NHL Ready. I am not sure if the Rangers go here with him but I would.
14. Ducks - Nathan Beulieu D Saint John 6'2 190
To be honest I have always been underwhelmed when I watched Beaulieu play. He never really stands out and doesn't do one particular thing well. He does play a solid two way game. Is an excellent skater. Sometimes he can be physical. I think there might be better defenders behind him but he is a safe pick to play in the NHL.
15. Wild - Sven Bartschi LW Portland 5'11 180
Offensive dynamo. Great skater and he might be the best stick handler outside of RNH in the draft. NHL wrist shot. Can handle the physical grind of the WHL. The Wild need some offensive help they get it here with Barschi.
16. Senators - Ty Rattie RW Portland 5'11 190
Back to back Winterhawks go. Rattie may be the best pure sniper in the draft. NHL wrist shot. Good speed. Good strength on the rush. Goes to the hard spots. Bit of a streaky scorer. Shown he can be a play maker as well this season. I like the Senators to grab a scorer for their future 2nd line.
17. Edmonton - Mark McNeil C Prince Albert 6'2 200
I like McNeil always have. Has a good toolkit of size,speed,skill and aggression. Gives an honest effort every night. Willing to engage physically every shift. Has shown his offensive game this year. Could rise in the draft. Edmonton grabs its second big center. This one they can let stew in the WHL for a couple of years collecting World junior golds so they can figure out how to get rid of Horcoff and Gagner.
18. Calgary - Joel Armia RW Assat 6'3 190
The big finnish winger looks to be the next big thing out of Finland. Seemed to be getting used to his growing body. Plays a power game and goes to the net hard. Not the fastest guy but has NHL speed. Calgary probably won't be able to resist his size and skill level as they look to find someone to replace Iginla eventually
19. Jets - Mark Scheifele C Barrie 6'3 200
Big Scheifele is quietly rising up the draft lists. The Big play making center can play a variety of roles. Is a pretty solid and safe pick to play in the NHL. Ideally he will be a solid number 2 center as I don't think he has the skill level to put up numbers in the NHL. The Jets make a splash taking the protege of former Jet Dale Hawerchuk.
20. Dallas - Jamieson Oleksiak D Northeastern 6'7 244
They like them big in Dallas and they don't come bigger then Oleksiak. Already a massive 6'7 244 pounds he apparently skates really well for a big man. There are some concerns. He is not overly aggressive so instead of a Chara or even Meyers are you getting a Hal Gill here. Either way I don't think teams will let him go much beyond this point.
21. Chicago - Seth Ambroz RW Omaha 6'3 195
Ambroz was once thought of being a top 5 guy for this draft but has fallen. He hasn't improved offensively as much as you would like to see. He is a big powerful winger who isn't afraid to mix it up. He is set to go to the Minnestoa next year but I wonder if he wouldn't better develop in the WHL with Seattle.
22. Montreal - Phillipe Hudon LW Choate-Rosemary 6'2 190
If Hudon was in the Quebec league we might be talking about him as a surefire top 15 guy but he isn't and it is hard to get a read on High School kids. He is from just outside of Montreal and is very good skater who loves to hit. More a goal scorer then a passer he would give Montreal another option in the top 6 that isn't a small fry. Going to Cornell next year.
23. Tampa Bay - David Musil D Vancouver 6'5 210
It is not a case so much of Musil falling as other players rising. He is a safe pick. He has great size, skates well, plays solid postional hockey. He can be physical and he will drop the gloves if need be to protect a team mate. I think he would slot in nicely in TBay as a solid defender amongst all that scoring
24. Washington - Vladmir Namestikov C London 6'0 170
I find Namestikov's game underwhelming at times. There are flashes of brilliance followed by periods of nothing. Fantastic skater with top 5 skills who maybe shies away too much from the physical play and can disappear for periods of time. The Caps seem to have alot of luck with russians though so it wouldn't shock me to see them grab him.
25. San Jose - Oscar Klefbom D Farjestad 6'4 200
Klefbom is an intriguing combination of size and potential. He has kind of bounced around in draft rankings but he is playing in the SEL this year and doing well by all accounts. San Jose needs to add some solid defensemen and Klefbom is a nice safe pick.
26. Toronto - Jonathan Miller C USNDP 6'2 200
Jon Miller will be refered to as the next Ryan Kesler in this upcoming draft. A strong two way center from Ohio. Has excellent speed and a good shot. Loves to drive the net and forecheck hard. Toronto can let him develop at College for a few years.
27. Pittsburgh - Matthew Puempel LW Peterborough 6'0 190
The speedy winger has fallen in the draft rankings. The guy can score coming down the wings. Is really poor defensively and disappears if you apply pressure to him. A lot of talent here though and if he can't play in the top 6 he can't play.
28. Detroit - Jonas Brodin D Farjestad 6'1 180
Jonas is solid defense man playing in the SEL. He is described as a smart positonal player who doesn't shy away from the physical side and initiates alot of contact. He is the kind of guy that Detroit loves to draft and leisurely develop in the minors.
29. Toronto - Lucas Lessio LW Oshawa 6'2 190
I think more was expected of Lessio this season and his offense hasn't quite been there. He is a big winger who plays an up and down style and isn't afraid to go to the hard spots to win the puck. He may lack finish and I question whether or not he is a top 6 guy but he probably is a very safe pick and the Leafs could use some more local flair on there team.
30. Vancouver - Zack Phillips C Saint John 6'1 195
Zack is a hard working two way center. Very solid defensively he has put up some staggering numbers offensively for a powerhouse team. I have read some scout reports that question whether or not this will translate to numbers in the NHL. Either way the Nucks will have a solid number 3 guy to slot in behind the Sedins and Kesler in a few years.
1. Ottawa - Ryan Nugent Hopkins Red Deer C 6'1 170
Ottawa is very high on this kid. I also think he plays wing in the NHL ala Joe Sakic. 1st player to be taken first overall from the WHL since another Senator Chris Phillips so there is some symmetry there. May have the best overall talent in this draft. Will play in the NHL next year alongside Spezza.
2. Edmonton - Sean Couturier Drummondville C 6'4 210
I believe the Oilers want one of these 2 centers. I like the idea of a more talented Jason Arnott centering Hall and Eberle over the next 10 years. Big,agressive and skilled. Can cycle down low and is a great puck hawk. Has elite level talent to along with that great size. It wouldn't shock me to see Edmonton move down a spot or 2 especially if Colorado really wants someone.
3. Islanders - Adam Larsson Skellefta D 6'3 210
It makes too much sense that the Islanders want a stud on the blueline. They have the horses up front and this would add to a nice if not outstanding backend. There is alot to like with Larsson. Solid and dependable, a cerebal defender in the mold of Nik Lidstrom. Has all the tools to go along with great size. At worst you get a Alex Edler and thats not a bad thing at all.
4. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog LW Kitchener 6'2 200
Trading away your big power forward and not replacing him with one that could be better would be a big mistake. The swedish Brendan Morrow is waiting for some GM to make them look good. I think Landeskog will be a perennial 30 goal man in the NHL and he will run over people regularly. The kid made the right decision coming over to NA early. I think Colorado is actually coveting Larsson it wouldn't shock me to see them offer up the Blues first rounder to Edmonton to move up.
5. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau C Saint John 6'1 170
Florida has a bunch of Stud D men and big forwards on the way. Huberdeau is shooting up the charts and they could look to add this talented center. A more classical scoring center then Couturier not as big or physical. Oozes class. Not ready for primetime yet.
6. Devils - Dougie Hamilton D Niagara 6'4 200
I think the Devils will be happy to grab Hamilton here. A very good two way defender in the Ryan Whitney mold. Maybe not as physical as you would like to see but is an excellent skater and moves the puck well. The Devils may fall back a bit as the season finishes.
7. Atlanta - Ty Biggs RW USNDP 6'3 200
Biggs is a big powerforward similar in style to JVR in Philly. He has a good mean streak and nice hands for a big man. Dudley in Atlanta loves his big players and Biggs fits that mold. He is committed to the Miami Redhawks next season but he would probably benefit greatly from going to the OHL. His rights are owned by Kitchener
8. Boston - Duncan Siemans D Saskatoon 6'3 210
Siemans is a classic WHL defender. Big,strong and mean. He also has good offensive instinct and has put up excellent numbers this year. I think he fits a need more than BPA here for Boston. But they can afford to do so since they have a wealth of young talent already.
9. St.Louis - Ryan Strome C Niagara 6'0 180
I am not completely sold on Strome just yet. He does posess elite level offensive talent and his skating is above average. There are some question marks about shying away from physical play and poor defensive habits. Not sure if St.Louis grabs him or not the do have Oshie and Berglund already there but Strome is a good 2 to 3 years away from the NHL anyway.
10. Columbus - Scott Mayfield D Youngstown 6'4 200
I think the Bus would sad to see Siemens gone already but instead they go after this raw defender in Mayfield. Mayfield is a bit of a wildcard and probably more of a project Defender at this point in time. He by all accounts is a mean son of a ***** on the backend and has good skills with the puck. He is committed to the University of Denver but I wonder if he goes to Kitchener next instead.
11. Buffalo - Brandon Saad LW Saginaw 6'2 200
I think Saad went into this season with really high expectations. I sometimes think US born players especially those coming out of the USNDP are somewhat overrated. What we were told was Saad was a big power forward in the Kevin Stevens model, what we got was something not near that. Saad is big and highly skilled but he will not be running you over. There are some question marks here about what type of player he is. I think he is more finesse then anything. He is actually similar to another Buffalo player Drew Stafford.
12. Carolina - Ryan Murphy D Kitchener 5'11 175
I am on the fence with using a first round pick on a smallish offensive D man. Too me they have a biggest potential bust other then goalies. But there is no denying Murphy's skill. A great skater,passer with a cannon of a shot. Like all smallish D men you wonder if they can handle today's NHL players. I don't think Carolina will pass on him here
13. Rangers - Mika Zibanejad C Djurgarden 6'2 200
Zibanejad is really rising up the draft charts and it wouldn't shock me to hear his name called earlier. Plays a power center style of game. Very North American in style, not afraid to mix it up. Similar to Mikko Koivu. NHL Ready. I am not sure if the Rangers go here with him but I would.
14. Ducks - Nathan Beulieu D Saint John 6'2 190
To be honest I have always been underwhelmed when I watched Beaulieu play. He never really stands out and doesn't do one particular thing well. He does play a solid two way game. Is an excellent skater. Sometimes he can be physical. I think there might be better defenders behind him but he is a safe pick to play in the NHL.
15. Wild - Sven Bartschi LW Portland 5'11 180
Offensive dynamo. Great skater and he might be the best stick handler outside of RNH in the draft. NHL wrist shot. Can handle the physical grind of the WHL. The Wild need some offensive help they get it here with Barschi.
16. Senators - Ty Rattie RW Portland 5'11 190
Back to back Winterhawks go. Rattie may be the best pure sniper in the draft. NHL wrist shot. Good speed. Good strength on the rush. Goes to the hard spots. Bit of a streaky scorer. Shown he can be a play maker as well this season. I like the Senators to grab a scorer for their future 2nd line.
17. Edmonton - Mark McNeil C Prince Albert 6'2 200
I like McNeil always have. Has a good toolkit of size,speed,skill and aggression. Gives an honest effort every night. Willing to engage physically every shift. Has shown his offensive game this year. Could rise in the draft. Edmonton grabs its second big center. This one they can let stew in the WHL for a couple of years collecting World junior golds so they can figure out how to get rid of Horcoff and Gagner.
18. Calgary - Joel Armia RW Assat 6'3 190
The big finnish winger looks to be the next big thing out of Finland. Seemed to be getting used to his growing body. Plays a power game and goes to the net hard. Not the fastest guy but has NHL speed. Calgary probably won't be able to resist his size and skill level as they look to find someone to replace Iginla eventually
19. Jets - Mark Scheifele C Barrie 6'3 200
Big Scheifele is quietly rising up the draft lists. The Big play making center can play a variety of roles. Is a pretty solid and safe pick to play in the NHL. Ideally he will be a solid number 2 center as I don't think he has the skill level to put up numbers in the NHL. The Jets make a splash taking the protege of former Jet Dale Hawerchuk.
20. Dallas - Jamieson Oleksiak D Northeastern 6'7 244
They like them big in Dallas and they don't come bigger then Oleksiak. Already a massive 6'7 244 pounds he apparently skates really well for a big man. There are some concerns. He is not overly aggressive so instead of a Chara or even Meyers are you getting a Hal Gill here. Either way I don't think teams will let him go much beyond this point.
21. Chicago - Seth Ambroz RW Omaha 6'3 195
Ambroz was once thought of being a top 5 guy for this draft but has fallen. He hasn't improved offensively as much as you would like to see. He is a big powerful winger who isn't afraid to mix it up. He is set to go to the Minnestoa next year but I wonder if he wouldn't better develop in the WHL with Seattle.
22. Montreal - Phillipe Hudon LW Choate-Rosemary 6'2 190
If Hudon was in the Quebec league we might be talking about him as a surefire top 15 guy but he isn't and it is hard to get a read on High School kids. He is from just outside of Montreal and is very good skater who loves to hit. More a goal scorer then a passer he would give Montreal another option in the top 6 that isn't a small fry. Going to Cornell next year.
23. Tampa Bay - David Musil D Vancouver 6'5 210
It is not a case so much of Musil falling as other players rising. He is a safe pick. He has great size, skates well, plays solid postional hockey. He can be physical and he will drop the gloves if need be to protect a team mate. I think he would slot in nicely in TBay as a solid defender amongst all that scoring
24. Washington - Vladmir Namestikov C London 6'0 170
I find Namestikov's game underwhelming at times. There are flashes of brilliance followed by periods of nothing. Fantastic skater with top 5 skills who maybe shies away too much from the physical play and can disappear for periods of time. The Caps seem to have alot of luck with russians though so it wouldn't shock me to see them grab him.
25. San Jose - Oscar Klefbom D Farjestad 6'4 200
Klefbom is an intriguing combination of size and potential. He has kind of bounced around in draft rankings but he is playing in the SEL this year and doing well by all accounts. San Jose needs to add some solid defensemen and Klefbom is a nice safe pick.
26. Toronto - Jonathan Miller C USNDP 6'2 200
Jon Miller will be refered to as the next Ryan Kesler in this upcoming draft. A strong two way center from Ohio. Has excellent speed and a good shot. Loves to drive the net and forecheck hard. Toronto can let him develop at College for a few years.
27. Pittsburgh - Matthew Puempel LW Peterborough 6'0 190
The speedy winger has fallen in the draft rankings. The guy can score coming down the wings. Is really poor defensively and disappears if you apply pressure to him. A lot of talent here though and if he can't play in the top 6 he can't play.
28. Detroit - Jonas Brodin D Farjestad 6'1 180
Jonas is solid defense man playing in the SEL. He is described as a smart positonal player who doesn't shy away from the physical side and initiates alot of contact. He is the kind of guy that Detroit loves to draft and leisurely develop in the minors.
29. Toronto - Lucas Lessio LW Oshawa 6'2 190
I think more was expected of Lessio this season and his offense hasn't quite been there. He is a big winger who plays an up and down style and isn't afraid to go to the hard spots to win the puck. He may lack finish and I question whether or not he is a top 6 guy but he probably is a very safe pick and the Leafs could use some more local flair on there team.
30. Vancouver - Zack Phillips C Saint John 6'1 195
Zack is a hard working two way center. Very solid defensively he has put up some staggering numbers offensively for a powerhouse team. I have read some scout reports that question whether or not this will translate to numbers in the NHL. Either way the Nucks will have a solid number 3 guy to slot in behind the Sedins and Kesler in a few years.
