monster_bertuzzi
registered user
1. Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby C
The Penguins waste no time drafting the most hyped prospect since Eric Lindros. Is Crosby the NHL's saviour? Maybe - maybe not, but he's a hell of a hockey player. Personally, I think he's Peter Forsberg not Wayne Gretzky but we'll see.
Comparison: Peter Forsberg
2. Anaheim Mighty Ducks Jack Johnson D
A typical smooth skating, sharp-shooting, nasty defenceman that Brian Burke loves. Think Ed Jovanovski. The Ducks will think long and hard about the forwards they could select at this point - but opt for the highly touted Johnson, who has franchise potential in the mold of a Jovanovski/Rob Blake.
Comparison: Ed Jovanovski
3. Carolina Hurricanes Gilbert Brule C
Once again a tough pick for the Canes' as there is not much between prospects #2-6 after Crosby, but the Canes will go for Brule creating a Brule/Staal 1-2 punch down the middle. Described as the second most skilled player in the draft by all of Redline, Prospects magazine, and ISS - Brule's upside is questioned due to his smallish stature. But with his genetalia size will be no issue - think of Daniel Alfredsson only a better scoring touch.
Comparison: Jeremy Roenick
4. Minnesota Wild Benoit Pouliot LW
The Wild play a quick transition game - and Ben Pouliot is as fast as they come for a 6'3'' monster. Pouliot has perhaps the softest hands in the draft, which makes scouts drool over his Lecavalier type potential. However there are a lot of skeptics that worry about Pouliot's sudden rise - Andrew Ladd part 2? We'll see.
Comparison: Vin Lecavalier
5. Montreal Canadiens Bobby Ryan RW
Time after time we've heard rumblings about how the Habs need to get bigger and more skilled up front. Well, Bob Gainey recieves a gift as the 221 pound American falls into his lap at #5. Ryan is a highly skilled big man with finishing touch around the net. However there is the case of his skating, but come on - its not like he's Guillame Latendresse.
Comparison: Glen Murray
6. Columbus Blue Jackets Anze Kopitar C
The BJ's will be thrilled to see the ultra talented Slovenian available at #6. Thought of a Nash-Kopitar-Zherdev line are scary - but its a very real possibility for the future. Kopitar was only seen by fans at the mens WC's, but scouts have been following him for a while now. His skating is only average, but that can be improved.
Comparison: Dany Heatley
7. Chicago Blackhawks Carey Price G
Hands down the best goaltender available in the draft, Price should be scooped up by the Hawks who could use a #1 goaltender after Thibault leaves (which may be soon). Price has learned from one of the best in Tri-City's - Olaf Kolzig. At 6'3'' 215, Price has the size and calmness to be a stud.
Comparison: Olaf Kolzig
8. Atlanta Thrashers Ryan O'Marra C
Maybe not the best player on the board, and surely not the most potential - but the safest pick and probably the best as well. Thought of as a future captain (at least an assistant) by most experts, O'Marra is one of those heart and soul players. His scoring touch is questioned, but he did score a point-per-game in his draft year, something guys like Ryan Getzlaf and Eric Fehr didn't do, for example.
Comparison: Trevor Linden
9. Ottawa Senators Jack Skille RW
Just to piss off myself and fellow Canuck fans the Senators will take Skille. Just kidding, in all seriousness - Skille is a perfect pick for the Sens. Good size at 6'1'' 210, and a real scoring touch. Perhaps the best arsenal of shooting in the draft outside of Gilbert Brule. Skille should play a good role next year at Wisconsin.
Comparison: Bill Guerin
10. Vancouver Canucks Marc Staal D
The Canucks lack a stud D prospect, and with their hopes of Skille shattered - they will take the BPA available Marc Staal (and maybe pull the trigger on a trade, but we'll see). Eric's younger brother has really seen his stock rise since the top prospects game - even to the point where he is considered the best defenceman in the draft period by some NHL scouts. Staal is a defensive defenceman who should play a top 4 role in the NHL.
Comparison: Keith Carney
11. LA Kings Luc Bourdon D
Canada's #1 defenceman at the U-18's. Bourdon combines size, skating, offensive skills, and defensive awareness.
Comparison: Chris Phillips
12. San Jose Sharks Marek Zagrapan C
Sharks will have no problem taking a risk on the highly skilled Zagrapan, who's talents are among the top 5 of the draft.
Comparison: Pavol Demitra
13. Buffalo Sabres Martin Hanzal C
6'4'' highly skilled centre has seen his stock skyrocket. Loads of potential but is a giant (no punn intendid) risk.
Comparison: Michal Handzus
14. Washington Capitals Matt Lashoff D
Described as a 'gem' by Redline. Lashoff would look very good in a Capitals jersey to help their defence corps.
Comparison: Bryan McCabe
15. New York Islanders Kenndal McArdle LW/RW
The gritty Vancouver native scored 37 goals in the WHL this season and plays a style that will suit the Isles well. 2nd line winger potential.
Comparison: Brendan Morrow
16. New York Rangers Alex Bourret C/W
5'9'' fireplug who hits like a tank. Offensive potential is questioned at the next level, so he will slip well out of the top 10.
17. Phoenix Coyotes Ryan Parent D
steady defenceman who played a solid role with Canada at the U18's. One of those 'safe' picks that you can count on.
18. Nashville Predators Ryan Stoa C
Highly skilled American product was once considered even with J.Skille. Nashville wont let the centreman slip any further than #18.
19. Detroit Red Wings Niklas Bergfors RW
Once again Detroit will rely on their European scouting staff to take the sleeper Nik Bergfors. More like 5'9'' than 5'11'', Bergfors has a nose for the net, as they say.
20. Philadelphia Flyers Guillame Latendresse RW
At 6'2'' 215 GL is intriging. Slower than molasis, Latendresse will have to utilize his other skills if he wants to be a player.
21. Toronto Maple Leafs Devin Setoguchi RW
A human tap-water machine, hot and cold. When he's hot, theres no one hotter. Goal scoring winger potential.
22. Boston Bruins Jakub Kindl D
Smooth, big, and skilled. Kindl has powerplay QB written all over him. Maybe even a B version of Sergei Gonchar.
23. New Jersey Devils Andrew Cogliano C/W
Cogliano would be one of the top prospects for the draft if he wasn't 5'9''. Perhaps the fastest skater of the class.
24. St.Louis Blues Brendan Mikkelson D
Big, mobile defenceman from the Portland Winter Hawks. Mikkelson has top 4 potential.
25. Edmonton Oilers Tuuka Rask G
Second best goalie in the draft. Impresses scouts and fans alike with his WJC performance.
26. Calgary Flames Michael Blunden RW
Not a sexy pick by any means, but a solid grinder that you just know Sutter will have his eyes on.
27. Colorado Avalanche Brian Lee D
Picked for American WJC over Jack Johnson. Lee has top 4 potential thanks mainly to his flashy offensive skills.
28. Dallas Stars Chris Durand C
Maybe the best playmaker from the WHL outside of Brule. Durand could be a top 2 line centreman for the Stars. Good size at 6'2''.
29. Florida Panthers Scott Jackson D
6'4'' mobile defender would fit in well under Keenan. Jackson is a likeable kid with a mean streak on the ice.
30. Tampa Bay Lighting Daniel Bertram RW/LW
The Boston college product is an under-sized winger with loads of potential. Considered a top prospect for this draft only 15 months ago.
The Penguins waste no time drafting the most hyped prospect since Eric Lindros. Is Crosby the NHL's saviour? Maybe - maybe not, but he's a hell of a hockey player. Personally, I think he's Peter Forsberg not Wayne Gretzky but we'll see.
Comparison: Peter Forsberg
2. Anaheim Mighty Ducks Jack Johnson D
A typical smooth skating, sharp-shooting, nasty defenceman that Brian Burke loves. Think Ed Jovanovski. The Ducks will think long and hard about the forwards they could select at this point - but opt for the highly touted Johnson, who has franchise potential in the mold of a Jovanovski/Rob Blake.
Comparison: Ed Jovanovski
3. Carolina Hurricanes Gilbert Brule C
Once again a tough pick for the Canes' as there is not much between prospects #2-6 after Crosby, but the Canes will go for Brule creating a Brule/Staal 1-2 punch down the middle. Described as the second most skilled player in the draft by all of Redline, Prospects magazine, and ISS - Brule's upside is questioned due to his smallish stature. But with his genetalia size will be no issue - think of Daniel Alfredsson only a better scoring touch.
Comparison: Jeremy Roenick
4. Minnesota Wild Benoit Pouliot LW
The Wild play a quick transition game - and Ben Pouliot is as fast as they come for a 6'3'' monster. Pouliot has perhaps the softest hands in the draft, which makes scouts drool over his Lecavalier type potential. However there are a lot of skeptics that worry about Pouliot's sudden rise - Andrew Ladd part 2? We'll see.
Comparison: Vin Lecavalier
5. Montreal Canadiens Bobby Ryan RW
Time after time we've heard rumblings about how the Habs need to get bigger and more skilled up front. Well, Bob Gainey recieves a gift as the 221 pound American falls into his lap at #5. Ryan is a highly skilled big man with finishing touch around the net. However there is the case of his skating, but come on - its not like he's Guillame Latendresse.
Comparison: Glen Murray
6. Columbus Blue Jackets Anze Kopitar C
The BJ's will be thrilled to see the ultra talented Slovenian available at #6. Thought of a Nash-Kopitar-Zherdev line are scary - but its a very real possibility for the future. Kopitar was only seen by fans at the mens WC's, but scouts have been following him for a while now. His skating is only average, but that can be improved.
Comparison: Dany Heatley
7. Chicago Blackhawks Carey Price G
Hands down the best goaltender available in the draft, Price should be scooped up by the Hawks who could use a #1 goaltender after Thibault leaves (which may be soon). Price has learned from one of the best in Tri-City's - Olaf Kolzig. At 6'3'' 215, Price has the size and calmness to be a stud.
Comparison: Olaf Kolzig
8. Atlanta Thrashers Ryan O'Marra C
Maybe not the best player on the board, and surely not the most potential - but the safest pick and probably the best as well. Thought of as a future captain (at least an assistant) by most experts, O'Marra is one of those heart and soul players. His scoring touch is questioned, but he did score a point-per-game in his draft year, something guys like Ryan Getzlaf and Eric Fehr didn't do, for example.
Comparison: Trevor Linden
9. Ottawa Senators Jack Skille RW
Just to piss off myself and fellow Canuck fans the Senators will take Skille. Just kidding, in all seriousness - Skille is a perfect pick for the Sens. Good size at 6'1'' 210, and a real scoring touch. Perhaps the best arsenal of shooting in the draft outside of Gilbert Brule. Skille should play a good role next year at Wisconsin.
Comparison: Bill Guerin
10. Vancouver Canucks Marc Staal D
The Canucks lack a stud D prospect, and with their hopes of Skille shattered - they will take the BPA available Marc Staal (and maybe pull the trigger on a trade, but we'll see). Eric's younger brother has really seen his stock rise since the top prospects game - even to the point where he is considered the best defenceman in the draft period by some NHL scouts. Staal is a defensive defenceman who should play a top 4 role in the NHL.
Comparison: Keith Carney
11. LA Kings Luc Bourdon D
Canada's #1 defenceman at the U-18's. Bourdon combines size, skating, offensive skills, and defensive awareness.
Comparison: Chris Phillips
12. San Jose Sharks Marek Zagrapan C
Sharks will have no problem taking a risk on the highly skilled Zagrapan, who's talents are among the top 5 of the draft.
Comparison: Pavol Demitra
13. Buffalo Sabres Martin Hanzal C
6'4'' highly skilled centre has seen his stock skyrocket. Loads of potential but is a giant (no punn intendid) risk.
Comparison: Michal Handzus
14. Washington Capitals Matt Lashoff D
Described as a 'gem' by Redline. Lashoff would look very good in a Capitals jersey to help their defence corps.
Comparison: Bryan McCabe
15. New York Islanders Kenndal McArdle LW/RW
The gritty Vancouver native scored 37 goals in the WHL this season and plays a style that will suit the Isles well. 2nd line winger potential.
Comparison: Brendan Morrow
16. New York Rangers Alex Bourret C/W
5'9'' fireplug who hits like a tank. Offensive potential is questioned at the next level, so he will slip well out of the top 10.
17. Phoenix Coyotes Ryan Parent D
steady defenceman who played a solid role with Canada at the U18's. One of those 'safe' picks that you can count on.
18. Nashville Predators Ryan Stoa C
Highly skilled American product was once considered even with J.Skille. Nashville wont let the centreman slip any further than #18.
19. Detroit Red Wings Niklas Bergfors RW
Once again Detroit will rely on their European scouting staff to take the sleeper Nik Bergfors. More like 5'9'' than 5'11'', Bergfors has a nose for the net, as they say.
20. Philadelphia Flyers Guillame Latendresse RW
At 6'2'' 215 GL is intriging. Slower than molasis, Latendresse will have to utilize his other skills if he wants to be a player.
21. Toronto Maple Leafs Devin Setoguchi RW
A human tap-water machine, hot and cold. When he's hot, theres no one hotter. Goal scoring winger potential.
22. Boston Bruins Jakub Kindl D
Smooth, big, and skilled. Kindl has powerplay QB written all over him. Maybe even a B version of Sergei Gonchar.
23. New Jersey Devils Andrew Cogliano C/W
Cogliano would be one of the top prospects for the draft if he wasn't 5'9''. Perhaps the fastest skater of the class.
24. St.Louis Blues Brendan Mikkelson D
Big, mobile defenceman from the Portland Winter Hawks. Mikkelson has top 4 potential.
25. Edmonton Oilers Tuuka Rask G
Second best goalie in the draft. Impresses scouts and fans alike with his WJC performance.
26. Calgary Flames Michael Blunden RW
Not a sexy pick by any means, but a solid grinder that you just know Sutter will have his eyes on.
27. Colorado Avalanche Brian Lee D
Picked for American WJC over Jack Johnson. Lee has top 4 potential thanks mainly to his flashy offensive skills.
28. Dallas Stars Chris Durand C
Maybe the best playmaker from the WHL outside of Brule. Durand could be a top 2 line centreman for the Stars. Good size at 6'2''.
29. Florida Panthers Scott Jackson D
6'4'' mobile defender would fit in well under Keenan. Jackson is a likeable kid with a mean streak on the ice.
30. Tampa Bay Lighting Daniel Bertram RW/LW
The Boston college product is an under-sized winger with loads of potential. Considered a top prospect for this draft only 15 months ago.
Sens get Skille 
I don't know what else you want me to say. You can post all the mocks you want, it won't change that fact.
