Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
Jay Thompson said:This year isn't as strong as 2003 - I would say it's not too far off, but not too close to it either.
Depth-wise, this draft I don't believe is much different than any others. However, the top 10 in this draft is going to be pretty darn good, even aside from Crosby & Brule.
I'd like to take issue with someone who said the WHL is having a bad year - are you nuts? This is a pretty solid year for the WHL. A huge prospect in Brule headlines an already strong group. You've got 3 other potential top 10 picks in Durand, Price, and Setoguchi, not to mention a ton of other prospects that will be taken likely within the top 2 rounds (Mikkelson, Macais, Wabbit, Gauthier, etc..)
No, no top defenseman, but Brule trumps that anyways. This will be a strong year for the WHL. As strong as 2004? My guess is yes.
No top defensemen in general, or just from the WHL? I don't think Johnson can be considered anything but a top defensive prospect. He's probably the next Brian Leetch (who hits!).