My Top 170

[BobMarleyNYR]

Take it for what it's worth...feedback would be good.

1. Sidney Crosby, F
2. Gilbert Brule, F
3. Jack Johnson, D
4. Bobby Ryan, F
5. Anze Kopitar, F
6. Benoit Pouliot, F
7. Ryan O’Marra, F
8. Guillaume Latendresse, F
9. Tuukka Rask, G
10. Marek Zagrapan, F
11. Marc Staal, D
12. Alex Bourret, F
13. Carey Price, G
14. Jack Skille, F
15. Nicklas Bergfors, F
16. Jakub Kindl, D
17. Ryan Stoa, F
18. Dan Bertram, F
19. Martin Hanzal, F
20. Kenndal MacArdle, F
21. Ryan Parent, D
22. Vyacheslav Trukhno, F
23. Luc Bourdon, D
24. Matt Lashoff, D
25. Jean-Philippe LeVasseur, G
26. Mikko Lehtonen, F
27. Chris Durand , F
28. Andrew Cogliano, F
29. Jakub Vojta, D
30. Devin Setoguchi, F
31. Brian Lee, D
32. Denis Istomin, F
33. Brendan Mikkelson, D
34. Alexandre Vincent, G
35. Radek Smolenak, F
36. Scott Jackson, D
37. Patrick Davis, F
38. Jeff Frazee, G
39. T.J. Hensick, F
40. Teemu Laakso, D
41. Michael Blunden, F
42. Risto Korhonen, D
43. Paul Stastny, F
44. Chris Lawrence, F
45. Adam McQuaid, D
46. Juraj Mikus, F
47. Ondrej Pavelec, G
48. Tyler Plante, G
49. Tom Fritsche, F
50. Andrei Zubarev, D
51. Dan Ryder, F
52. Richard Lelkes, F
53. Dustin Kohn, D
54. Sasha Pokulok, D
55. Dan Collins, F
56. Steve Downie, F
57. Vyacheslav Buravchikov, D
58. James Neal, F
59. Cody Bass, F
60. Justin Abdelkader, F
61. Joe Finley, D
62. Mathieu Roy, F
63. Vladimir Sobotka, F
64. Tomas Kudelka, D
65. Ilya Zubov, F
66. Mathieu Aubin, F
67. Matt Niskanen, D
68. Marc-Andre Gragnani, D
69. Sergei Shirokov, F
70. Alexander Hellstrom, D
71. Mike Sauer, D
72. Mattias Ritola, F
73. Kristopher Letang, D
74. Jean-Philippe Paquet, D
75. Tomas Pospisil, F
76. Oskars Bartulis, D/F
77. Evan Brophey, F
78. Blair Jones, F
79. Gennady Churilov, F
80. Taylor Chorney, D
81. Matt Pelech, D
82. Chad Denny, D
83. Christoph Gawlik, F
84. Siarhei Kostitsyn, F
85. Patrick McNeill, D
86. Jordan LaVallee, F
87. Nick Drazenovic, F
88. Nate Hagemo, D
89. Nicholas Blanchard, F
90. Cal O’Reilly, F
91. Morten Madsen, F
92. Vladimir Karpov, F
93. Richard Clune, F
94. Dalyn Flatt, D
95. Sean Zimmerman, D
96. Pier-Olivier Pelletier, G
97. Adam Hobson, F
98. Jeff May, D
99. Marek Bartanus, F
100. Petr Kalus, F
101. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D
102. Pertuu Lindgren, F
103. Derek Joslin, D
104. Carl Versteeg-Lytwyn, F
105. Tom Pyatt, F
106. Chris Vande Velde, F
107. Ryan Wilson, D
108. Riley Merkley, F
109. Jason Bailey, F
110. Nathan Davis, F
111. Vitaly Anikeenko, D
112. Joe Barnes, F
113. Wacey Rabbit, F
114. Igor Antosik, F
115. Christopher From-Bjork, D
116. Marc-Andre Cote, F
117. Jonathan Matsumoto, F
118. Anton Belov, D
119. Mike Duco, F
120. Lukas Vantuch, F
121. Niklas Hjalmarsson, D
122. Ondrej Otcenas, F
123. Stanislav Lascek, F
124. Troy Ofukany, F
125. Dan Syvret, D
126. Tom Gorowsky, F
127. Sebastien Karlsson, F
128. Francois Bolduc, D
129. Cody Franson, D
130. Peter MacArthur, F
131. Keith Yandle, D
132. Simon Bolduc, F
133. Jason Lawrence, F
134. Ben Bishop, G
135. Justin Mercier, F
136. Juho Mielonen, D
137. Francis Guerette-Charland, F
138. Timothy Kunes, D
139. Ray Macias, D
140. Jonathan Sigalet, D
141. Matt Kassian, F
142. Brodie Dupont, F
143. Jonathan Rheault, F
144. Kris Russell, D/F
145. Anton Krysanov, F
146. Zach Bearson, F
147. Maxime Joyal, G
148. Jeremy Duchesne, G
149. Pasko Skarico, D
150. Sergei Lesnukhin, F
151. Mark Fraser, D
152. Josh Beaulieu, F
153. Yannick Bouchard, F
154. Phil Oreskovic, D
155. Paul Kucerba, D
156. Dragan Umicevic, F
157. Steve Birnstill, D
158. Zach MacVoy, F
159. Anton Skorykh, F
160. Travis Fuller, F
161. Drew O’Connell, G
162. Sebastien Bisaillon, D
163. Brett Sutter, F
164. Kevin Baker, F
165. Matt D’Agnosti, F
166. Colton Yellowhorn, F
167. Jesse Uronen, F
168. Joe Fallon, G
169. Devereaux Heshmatpour, D
170. Nicholas Tuzzolino, D

Click to read more...

 

[Lowetide]

I noticed you have Dragan Umicevic listed. He's an Oiler draft. Also, I know I'll find him as soon as I post this, but where do you have Mason Raymond?

 

[Form and Substance]

Long lists without any info are kind of boring, though I still admire the effort.

 

[P Jiddy]

Just looking at the top of your draft......

.....and surprised to see that you have Pouliot at the 6 spot. Just curious as to why you have him down that low as from what I've read from other magazines and draft rankings he is usually number two or three. Not arguing the ranking just looking to what others and yourself think about the top end of the draft.

 

[Chaos Giraffe]

.....and surprised to see that you have Pouliot at the 6 spot. Just curious as to why you have him down that low as from what I've read from other magazines and draft rankings he is usually number two or three. Not arguing the ranking just looking to what others and yourself think about the top end of the draft.

The next 5 or so picks after Crosby are highly debatable. Pouliot could go as high as 2, or lower. Same thing with Johnson, Brule, Kopitar, and Ryan. This is 2003 all over again, albeit with less of a "guarantee in sucess".

 

[DarthSather99]

Jack Skille will be picked in the top 10 ....I don't know why there are alot of people projecting him outside the top 10.

 

[Matsi]

Great effort and very well done as I think. I pretty much agree with you, though I think that Stastny and Ryder are rated too high, while Setoguchi could be moved up some spots. I'd also place Keith Yandle in the top-100. But nevertheless, very well done, dude!

 

[BobMarleyNYR]

Thanks guys!

You're right about Umicevic, obviously. I thought he was passed over twice... no wonder nobody answered me last year when I asked why he wasn't ranked...

No Mason Raymond, never watched him.

I think Pouliot has top line skill, but I've seen times where he may have well has been a panel on the boards the whole game, but then scored an unbelievable, NHL-caliber game winner. He emerged from oblivion also - a reason why Ladd scared me.

I wish I had the same crystal ball you had to know where Skille would be drafted. I also think he could be the 4th or 5th best player to come out of the draft, but there's reasons for my rankings...for example, I'd have Zagrapan at 6 if he played a stronger North American style.

I just like Stastny and Ryder. Setoguchi I can't see becoming more than a 2nd liner. I'm most likely wrong though.

 

[FearTheFlyers]

Best list I've seen. Switch Skille and Bourret and it's great.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

I think Pouliot has top line skill, but I've seen times where he may have well has been a panel on the boards the whole game, but then scored an unbelievable, NHL-caliber game winner. He emerged from oblivion also - a reason why Ladd scared me.

But he didnt. He stayed home with his ailing father and played for Hawkesbury of the CJHL and put up around a point per game. In the middle of the year, this is last year, he got a call to play a few games for Sudbury and averaged a point per game. Now Sudbury believed he could have produced even more and helped the team out, however they had agreed with Hawkesbury to not keep him for a long period of time. When their season was over, Pouliot got to play some in the OHL playoffs and picked up 3 points in 4 games.

This Ladd comparison, more like terrible excuse to not pick Benoit, is getting way old. The only reason is he has come a long way from being that 6'3'' 160 lb. 11th round draft pick. How can you fault him and use it as ammo to weaken his stance as a top draft pick?

As for his current play now, of being on and off. I say just take him and let him get more consistent. He's gonna add more weight and find ways to become dominant entire games. I still think he's adjusting to his body.

 

[BobMarleyNYR]

No, don't get me wrong, I'd love him in NY. We need to take a gamble on a bluechipper (still think Jessiman can be a 1st liner), and Pouliot could be the guy. I wouldn't say I'm using the Ladd-effect as ammo, that sounds malicious. He just concerns me a little at times. He's been predicted to go in the 4-8 range anyhow, so I'm not doing terrible injustice.

Skille also could be the Nathan Horton of this draft (sans injuries down the road, I hope), but IMO he's a little risky and not as consistent as O'Marra, a similar player with less upside as far as I can see.

 

[FearTheFlyers]

But he didnt. He stayed home with his ailing father and played for Hawkesbury of the CJHL and put up around a point per game. In the middle of the year, this is last year, he got a call to play a few games for Sudbury and averaged a point per game. Now Sudbury believed he could have produced even more and helped the team out, however they had agreed with Hawkesbury to not keep him for a long period of time. When their season was over, Pouliot got to play some in the OHL playoffs and picked up 3 points in 4 games.

This Ladd comparison, more like terrible excuse to not pick Benoit, is getting way old. The only reason is he has come a long way from being that 6'3'' 160 lb. 11th round draft pick. How can you fault him and use it as ammo to weaken his stance as a top draft pick?

As for his current play now, of being on and off. I say just take him and let him get more consistent. He's gonna add more weight and find ways to become dominant entire games. I still think he's adjusting to his body.

Some better reasons not to take Pouliot are the fact he floats, has no discipline, and does not dominate like some of the other top forwards.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

Some better reasons not to take Pouliot are the fact he floats, has no discipline, and does not dominate like some of the other top forwards.

Haha, and the fact that some people like him instead of Brendl II(Ryan).

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Haha, and the fact that some people like him instead of Brendl II(Ryan).

How is Bobby Ryan Brendl II? At least Ryan has a work-ethic.

 

[rt]

Some better reasons not to take Pouliot are the fact he floats, has no discipline, and does not dominate like some of the other top forwards.

I did notice that he takes ALOT of minor penalties. What's that about?

 

[Blackshad]

I really like Yannick Bouchard at 153. Finally someone who know who he is.

 

[BobMarleyNYR]

Haha, and the fact that some people like him instead of Brendl II(Ryan).

I still take Ryan ahead of Pouliot, and he's nothing like Brendl. Pouliot may be more like Brendl, and it's true he doesn't dominate. He scores well, but I'd probably take Kopitar ahead of him.

 

[turnbuckle*]

I got a kick out of your "I never saw him play" comment, as if you have seen the other 169 all perform. Just found that funny.

I'm guessing you didn't see the Under 18's and are basing your high Latendresse ranking on what to me has become "unfounded love" on this board. If Latendresse is picked at least 13 spots in front of both Bourdon and Parent and three spots ahead of Staal then the scouts I've talked to and the games I've seen them play were all for naught. I certainly hope not, LOL. The NHL is showing all signs of wanting to present a more wide-open game in the future, and if that's the case speed is going to be an important component.

Players like Latendresse may be rendered virtually ineffective at the NHL level unless he can somehow devlop his skating much more than the majority of prospects have to in order to make the next step. I would be thrilled if the Rangers drafted him, and given Sather's lack of foresight in picking Jessiman as well over a host of speedy, talented players in 2003 who in my mind will end up being better NHL players (Parise, Brown, Richards etc.), the Rangers could quite possibly be stuck with two future albatrosses.

Every year there's a player or two that gets overrated around here: Hudler, Evseev, O'Neill...this year I feel it's Latendresse and Setoguchi, although I give Marley credit for not ranking him as highly as most. Every time he's not put in a top 20 list however at least a few posters have a bird. I don't see what's so appealing in Setoguchi's game. I'm guessing he'll not only have a hard time being a first liner in the NHL, but may not be good enough to play on the second line either, and he's certainly not going to be an effective NHL checker from what I've seen.

Let's say the Setoguchi lovers are correct and he's drafted around 16th overall by, let's say Montreal. Is he going to be a better player than Ryder, Perezhogin, Kostitsyn, Higgins? What about Zednik if he sticks around for another five years or so? will he be better than Ribeiro or Koivu? Chipchura or Plekanec? Hell, will he ever be better than Bonk or Bulis? I have reason to think not. I can see Setoguchi dropping out of the first-round altogether unless a team has a dire need for a small, one-way forward. I see a Columbus or Atlanta taking him with an early second rounder to add some potential scoring depth, but not many other teams can project him being a possible second-line player for at least half a decade, if ever.

 

[Eldrick]

I got a kick out of your "I never saw him play" comment, as if you have seen the other 169 all perform. Just found that funny.

Gotta agree it sounds a little funny in that context, but in relation to Mason Raymond seeing him play makes all the difference. He opted out of last year's draft, and didn't end up with a great mid-term ranking from CSB, but has really started to pick up recognition among scouts and draft watchers alike thanks to a great playoff including an outstanding tournament at the Royal Bank Cup. He's definetly a guy who will fly under a lot of people's radars and will likely end up being drafted higher than many would expect.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Has anybody seen Tommy Pyatt play? Any comments on his game/chance of pro success?

 

[FearTheFlyers]

Haha, and the fact that some people like him instead of Brendl II(Ryan).

Brendl 2? You just lost all credibility you had.

 

[FearTheFlyers]

I got a kick out of your "I never saw him play" comment, as if you have seen the other 169 all perform. Just found that funny.

I'm guessing you didn't see the Under 18's and are basing your high Latendresse ranking on what to me has become "unfounded love" on this board. If Latendresse is picked at least 13 spots in front of both Bourdon and Parent and three spots ahead of Staal then the scouts I've talked to and the games I've seen them play were all for naught. I certainly hope not, LOL. The NHL is showing all signs of wanting to present a more wide-open game in the future, and if that's the case speed is going to be an important component.

Players like Latendresse may be rendered virtually ineffective at the NHL level unless he can somehow devlop his skating much more than the majority of prospects have to in order to make the next step. I would be thrilled if the Rangers drafted him, and given Sather's lack of foresight in picking Jessiman as well over a host of speedy, talented players in 2003 who in my mind will end up being better NHL players (Parise, Brown, Richards etc.), the Rangers could quite possibly be stuck with two future albatrosses.

Every year there's a player or two that gets overrated around here: Hudler, Evseev, O'Neill...this year I feel it's Latendresse and Setoguchi, although I give Marley credit for not ranking him as highly as most. Every time he's not put in a top 20 list however at least a few posters have a bird. I don't see what's so appealing in Setoguchi's game. I'm guessing he'll not only have a hard time being a first liner in the NHL, but may not be good enough to play on the second line either, and he's certainly not going to be an effective NHL checker from what I've seen.

Let's say the Setoguchi lovers are correct and he's drafted around 16th overall by, let's say Montreal. Is he going to be a better player than Ryder, Perezhogin, Kostitsyn, Higgins? What about Zednik if he sticks around for another five years or so? will he be better than Ribeiro or Koivu? Chipchura or Plekanec? Hell, will he ever be better than Bonk or Bulis? I have reason to think not. I can see Setoguchi dropping out of the first-round altogether unless a team has a dire need for a small, one-way forward. I see a Columbus or Atlanta taking him with an early second rounder to add some potential scoring depth, but not many other teams can project him being a possible second-line player for at least half a decade, if ever.

And you were calling me arrogant? The way you talk you'd think you were David Conte or something.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

Brendl 2? You just lost all credibility you had.

Oh please, I'd be wasting invaluable time of my life if I was trying to gain credibility with you. I could care less. Any smart person could tell that was a sarcastic comparison. Maybe there's something to it if you believed me? Again, that was sarcasm.

Anyways, I like Ryan as much as the next person. But he does have skating issues, ala Brendl. There's no comparison however, Ryan has much more heart and desire in his pinky than Brendl ever had. This is evidenced by improving his skating leaps and bounds, and dropping some baby fat. But I mean its just irritating and sickening how you act as if Ryan is a blood relative to you and someone just **** on him, the way you combat anyone having a different opinion of him than yours.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

And you were calling me arrogant? The way you talk you'd think you were David Conte or something.

Comeon now. Turnbuckle has more insight and credibility in one post than you do in five thousand. You're grasping at straws and its obvious because the post you say is arrogant is actually quite enlightening.

 

[BobMarleyNYR]

I guess a better thing to say would've been "I've never heard of him." I admit, I've only read about more than half of those guys, saw a lot of tapes, but like I said, its my list - take it for what it's worth. I mean, I had Umicevic on there, so uh...