Ive been through almost every mock on the site and ive taken a look on most teams forums and have gotten some explanations on who that team wants so here is my mock based on what the HFBoard members and the actual teams seem to want.
1. Chicago Blackhawks - RW: Patrick Kane
Comments: It seems that the Blackhawks like picking from London, and this draft will be no different. After selecting ex-knights like Bolland and Kell, the Blackhawks decide to select possibly the best pure scorer in the draft, and also load up a future line with Skille-Toews-Kane.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled playmaking forward with great hockey sense. High-end passing skill with excellent use of the saucer pass to move the puck. Aable to fight through checks and protect the puck. Is not afraid to take the puck into traffic and can be very elusive. Very good at anticipating the play and has a good wrist shot.
2. Philadelphia Flyers - LW: James Van Riemsdyk
Comments: A tough decision for the Flyers when they see that Chicago picks Kane. What decision you might ask? Well, that decision was who to pick, Turris or JVR. The Flyers decide to take the big man after remembering that the Ducks won with size.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with great physical presence and ability to protect the puck. Shows good stickhandling skill. Is a good skater with great acceleration. Does not give up on the play and has an impressive work ethic. Can play in all situations and has a hard shot. Has a good wrist shot.
3. Phoenix Coyotes - C: Kyle Turris
Comments: Unlike the Flyers, this was not a hard decision at all for the Coyotes. The Coyotes take possibly the best player in the draft and are very happy about it too.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with great playmaking ability. Has an accurate shot with a quick release. A fluid skater that has a nose for the net and the ability to control the flow of the game. Not afraid of taking a hit and can perform under pressure. Has good on-ice awareness and a good work ethic. Was second in the BCHL in scoring during the regular season and had 26 points in 14 playoff games in 2007. Was named as the BCHL's Most Valuable Player.
4. Los Angeles Kings - D: Karl Alzner
Comments: Because the Kings have a solid young forward corpse build around Cammalleri,Kopitar, Frolov and O'Sullivan, the Kings decided to load up their defence and give Jack Johnson a partner. Thus the Kings take the best defenceman in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled stay-at-home defenseman with good skating ability. Is calm under pressure and composed with the puck. Has good positioning and reads the play well. Has a strong shot from the point. Wins battles along the boards and in his own zone. Needs to improve his acceleration and his ability to change tempo throughout the game.
5. Washington Capitals - C: Sam Gagner
Comments: Now some might be a little surprised that Gagner goes top-5, well let me explain. Remember how Gagner was feeding Kane all those amazing passes and helping Kane to the scoring title, well imagine Gagner with Ovechkin. Enough said, Gagner to Washington.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with the ability to make the big plays. Has very good hands and is creative with the puck. Has a good wrist shot with a quick release. Has high-end passing skill both forehand and backhand. Sees the ice very well. Reliable in the defensive end and used in critical situations. A good skater, but needs to work on his acceleration and mobility. Needs to improve his ability to fight through checks.
6. Edmonton Oilers - C: Jakub Voracek
Comments: Two months ago he was a possiblity for number one but after being criticized for his conditioning Voracek will likely not even be top-3. However, Edmonton is glad to take possibly the most complete player in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward that possesses good speed. Attacks with his feet moving and can execute plays at high speeds. Has good passing ability and can play in traffic. Shows something new on each rush. Attempts risky plays that sometimes result in turnovers. Needs to improve his consistency.
7. Columbus Blue Jackets - D: Keaton Ellerby
Comments: A tough decision between Ellerby and Couture, but with Nash, Brassard and Brule already to build around, Columbus fills a need by selecting possibly the second best defenceman in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking offensive defenseman that finishes his checks well. Is a good skater with great mobility. Has a good active stick and uses his reach effectively. Handles the puck well and is a heads up player.
8. Boston Bruins - C: Angelo Esposito
Comments: A year ago he was the sure bet for number one overall, but after an average year with not much improvement, he might not even go top-10. However, the Bruins don't want to take the chance and go for the guy who at one time had Gretzky potential. That's right, Esposito is going to the Habs rival.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with excellent skating ability. His top-end speed and mobility backs off defenders. Sees the ice well and has the ability to make pin-point passes. Not afraid to go to the net. Needs to increase his physical presence and his play in traffic. Needs to show more consistency.
9. St Louis Blues - RW: Alexei Cherepanov
Comments: After Cherepanov falls because of some controversies including the Russian Transfer Agreement, the Blues decide to take the chance on the potential 40+ goal scorer. And with 3 picks in the first round, it sounds like a pretty good idea.
From NHL Central Scouting: An offensive winger with great acceleration and a nose for the net. Has a quick release and can shoot at top speed. Has good puckhandling and makes good decisions with the puck. Works hard at both ends of the ice. Doesn't shy away from being hit, but needs to add a physical presence to his game and improve his consistency from game to game. Named the Top Forward at the 2007 World Junior Championships where he helped lead Team Russia to a silver medal � he led all scorers with eight points (5-3-8) and was also selected to the Tournament All-Star Team. Broke Pavel Bure's record for goals by a rookie in the Russian Elite League.
10. Florida Panthers - C: Logan Couture
Comments: The Panthers take a guy who if healthy all year long, could be a top 5 pick. But because of those medical issues he falls to 10, and the Panthers couldn't be any happier about it.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with good playmaking skills. Has good offensive instincts and sees the ice well. Plays with energy and protects the puck well using his long reach and good-sized frame. Needs to be tougher in traffic as well as in the defensive end. Needs to improve his balance.
11. Carolina Hurricanes - D: Ryan McDonagh
Comments: With the Hurricanes needing defence, they opt for Ryan McDonagh, who many have been raving about him and how he should be considered as the second best defencemen in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled offensive defenseman with the ability to rush the puck. Has good first step quickness and makes quick accurate passes in the defensive zone. Has a good shot from the point. Strong along the boards as well as one-on-one in the corners. Has the ability to dominate a game, but needs to play to his level every night. His offensive style sometimes leads to risky decisions.
12. Montreal Canadiens - D: Nick Petrecki
Comments: The Canadiens have no need for a goaltender and have a solid forward corpse for the future, so they go out and take the best defenceman available in Petrecki. There have been some rumblings around the league that he could be the steal of the first round. Imagine this guy on a defence core with Markov, Komisarek, Fischer, Valentenko, Emelin and O'Byrne.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with excellent speed and lateral quickness. Has a strong physical presence on the ice with the ability to make the big hit. Is quick to the puck and makes hard and accurate passes Needs to improve the consistency of his decision-making and discipline.
13. Toronto Maple Leafs - C: Zach Hamill
Comments: The Leafs need some offence and after drafting Tlusty the year before, they will settle on another forward who can light it up on the scoreboard. Leaf nation will fall in love with this kid.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking forward with good stick-handling ability. Very good on special teams, especially effective on the power-play. Sees the ice well and sets up his linemates with his good passing abilities. Needs to work on his acceleration and breakaway speed. Sometimes needs better puck pursuit.
14. Colorado Avalanche - D: Thomas Hickey
Comments: Colorado needs a defenceman to build a core around. And they just might have found it in Hickey. Hickey who has been compared to Brian Rafalski, hardly ever get's caught out of position and has some untapped offensive potential.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled defenseman. Positions himself well defensively and has good anticipation of the play. Able to skate the puck out of the zone and make good outlet passes. Controls the power-play with patience and is smart with the puck. Needs to improve his one-on-one containment out of the corners. Needs to be more consistent with his physical presence.
15. Edmonton Oilers - D: Tommy Cross
Comments: After picking a two-way forward, the Oilers go ahead and select a very solid defensive defenceman in Cross. What was most appealing to Edmonton was that Cross not only can play defence but also has some offensive potential. Enough, that Edmonton will be happy to pick him at #15.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with good lateral mobility and quickness. Skates the puck quickly into open areas to expand his passing options. Has a strong shot from the point and is effective running a power-play. Can be physical in the defensive zone and in front-net coverage. Very focused on his defensive game, but needs to realize his offensive skill and contribute more. Needs to increase his tempo and play with more urgency.
16. Anaheim Ducks - LW: Max Pacioretty
Comments: The Ducks will keep the trend of big and strong in this draft and select Max Pacioretty. Watch out for this kid.
From NHL Central Scouting: A competitive power forward with a good physical presence. Has a very good wrist shot with a quick release. Is a good skater with excellent first step quickness. Strong in the face-off circle and does what it takes to help his team win. Needs to improve his consistency around the net. Effective on the penalty kill, but needs to improve his defensive anticipation.
17. New York Rangers - C: Lars Eller
Comments: You know, it's got to be nice when the guy you rave about falls to you. The Rangers will be feeling really good after Eller falls to them. The hardly seen Dutch forward has the ability to be the best player in the draft, and would likely be picked higher if seen regularly.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled playmaking forward. Has good mobility and break-away speed. Controls the puck well and competes for the puck. Uses his size and strength to his advantage. Possesses an excellent shot with a quick release and sees the ice well. Played for Denmark at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships.
18. Calgary Flames - C: Brandon Sutter
Comments: So when your GM is a Sutter what do you do? Well, you pick a Sutter. After Brandon Sutter falls because of his questionable offensive abilities, the Flames will be happy to select a guy who could be the best all-around player in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward that is opportunistic in the offensive end. Is very smart with the puck. Has a good work ethic and excellent puck-pursuit. Very versatile and used in all situations. Sometimes tires at the end of shift and needs to work on his conditioning. Needs to improve his one-on-one skills.
19. Minnesota Wild - C: Mikael Backlund
Comments: The Wild add another weapon to their arsenal in Backlund, who is the best swedish prospect in this draft. Another kid that fell a little, but should be glad to play with a very solid team.
From NHL Central Scouting: A smart center with excellent speed. Has soft hands and high-end passing ability. Sees the ice well and has good hockey sense. Has a strong shot and a nose for the net. Did not play a lot this season due to injury. Helped lead Team Sweden to a bronze medal at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships after defeating Canada 8-3. Was the leading goal scorer (7) at the Under-18 World Championships. Was named Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Mac's Midget Tournament.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins - LW: Maxim Mayorov
Comments: A player that has been predicted to go between 15 and 25 will have to settle for the middle. There have been concerns with the Russian Trade Agreement but the Penguins already have a solid corpse and with not much defensive help available, the Penguins can afford to take a risk with the potential to have high reward available.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward that protects the puck well. Is strong on his skates and has good first step quickness. Has good puck skills and is effective in front of the net. Has a strong physical presence, but could create more for his linemates. Needs to improve the consistency of his effort. Played for Team Russia at the 2007 Under-18 Five Nation Tournament.
21. Phoenix Coyotes - D: Kevin Shattenkirk
Comments: So some of you are wondering on why the Coyotes would take Shattenkirk? Well I say they pick Kevin because they already got Turris, and with Hanzal and Mueller, a defensman seemed like the logical idea. Especially when they can get a defenseman who can put some points up.
From NHL Central Scouting: An offensive defenseman with good puck skills. Reads the play well and is heady in transition. Has good mobility along with quick feet. Needs to add a physical presence to his game. Needs to improve consistency of his defensive game.
22. Montreal Canadiens - RW: Michael Repik
Comments: After already selecting Petrecki, the Habs will go out looking for that high-reward player and will select a player that is gaining a lot of steam since the Memorial Cup. Another kid to watch out for.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with good hands. Is a quick and shifty skater. Has good on-ice awareness and is opportunistic in the offensive zone. Needs to get better at fighting through checks. Needs to improve his effectiveness in traffic.
23. Nashville Predators - LW: Bill Sweatt
Comments: With a defensive core including Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Dan Hamhuis, and Ryan Parent, the Predators will likely try to help an aging offence out. Sweatt is a quick player and very hard worker who has been pegged to be picked 20-25 in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with the ability to make plays. Is a great skater and creates a lot of chances with his speed. Is a hard worker and very determined each shift. Has good puck handling skills and good anticipation. Needs to get stronger and needs to improve his ability to fight through checks.
24. St Louis Blues - C: Oscar Moller
Comments: After selecting Alexei Cherepanov with the 9th overall pick, the Blues will go for someone to center him int he future, and decided to pick Oscar Moller.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking forward with a good work ethic. Is a two-way player that competes every shift. Has good skating ability and vision. Anticipates the play well and handles the puck with ease. Needs to improve his ability to fight through checks and play in traffic.
25. Vancouver Canucks - LW: Brett Maclean
Comments: The offensively gifted Maclean looks to be a perfect fit for the Canucks. Some thought that the hit on Bryan Cameron during the playoffs this year, might not impress scouts and would instead hurt his draft position. But the Canucks, who desperately need offence, will be happy to select Maclean.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward that uses his size well to protect the puck and create scoring chances. Has great scoring drive and is willing to battle in traffic. Plays an aggressive high-energy game. Needs to work on his mobility and footwork. Needs to improve his stickhandling.
26. St Louis Blues - D: Brendan Smith
Comments: Smith who is known skating ability will be a welcome fit for the Blues. St Louis, who had already chose two forwards in the first round, decide to even things out a bit and select the defenceman.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled defenseman with good puck skills. Has good mobility and a good skating stride. Able to join the rush well and is creative with the puck. Needs to make better decisions with the puck and move it quicker. Needs to improve the consistency of his physical play.
27. Detroit Redwings - C: Colton Gillies
Comments: And now for one of the more interesting players in the draft. The much talked about Colton Gillies who has been pegged anywhere from the 10th pick to the 40th pick. The Redwings think he will be a solid fit with some of their older shut down guys gaining years. And with great management, dont be surprised if Colton adds some offence to his game.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with great size. Out muscles his opponents and has the ability to land punishing hits. Has great speed and is very consistent. Uses his reach to his advantage and is good on the penalty kill. Needs to get better around the net and at times needs to improve his positioning.
28. Washington Capitals - D: Alex Plante
Comments: Another guy who is pegged with great range. Could be picked between 20-40, Plante is another solid pick for the Caps. With Semin, Gagner, Ovechkin, and Backstrom defense takes over the 28th pick for the Caps.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with good size. Has a long stride and is able to skate the puck out of his own zone. Moves the puck quickly and shoots well from the point. Is well positioned. Needs to improve his foot speed and agility. Needs to improve his play under pressure.
29. Ottawa Senators - C/RW: Akim Aliu
Comments: The guy with some issues will be picked at 29. Has great ability but needs to smarten up and mature a little. if he can do that, this pick looks great for Ottawa.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with good speed. Has a strong shot with a quick release. Shows a physical presence on the ice and is able to fight through checks. Needs to improve his consistency and his willingness to compete every night. Needs to work on his defensive reliability.
30. Edmonton Oilers - D: Jonathan Blum
Comments: Some will be surprised that Blum dropped to 30. But blame his physicality for that. But the oil will be happy with Blum. And will happy with a great two way forward, a defensive defenceman and an offensive defenceman. Well done Edmonton.
From NHL Central Scouting: A mobile, heads up defenseman. Makes smart decisions with the puck and has high-end passing ability. Has good positioning and very rarely gets beat. Effective on special teams and very patient with the puck. Needs to get tougher along the boards and improve his physical presence.
How does everyone like it? Bash or praise me, I dont care.
1. Chicago Blackhawks - RW: Patrick Kane
Comments: It seems that the Blackhawks like picking from London, and this draft will be no different. After selecting ex-knights like Bolland and Kell, the Blackhawks decide to select possibly the best pure scorer in the draft, and also load up a future line with Skille-Toews-Kane.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled playmaking forward with great hockey sense. High-end passing skill with excellent use of the saucer pass to move the puck. Aable to fight through checks and protect the puck. Is not afraid to take the puck into traffic and can be very elusive. Very good at anticipating the play and has a good wrist shot.
2. Philadelphia Flyers - LW: James Van Riemsdyk
Comments: A tough decision for the Flyers when they see that Chicago picks Kane. What decision you might ask? Well, that decision was who to pick, Turris or JVR. The Flyers decide to take the big man after remembering that the Ducks won with size.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with great physical presence and ability to protect the puck. Shows good stickhandling skill. Is a good skater with great acceleration. Does not give up on the play and has an impressive work ethic. Can play in all situations and has a hard shot. Has a good wrist shot.
3. Phoenix Coyotes - C: Kyle Turris
Comments: Unlike the Flyers, this was not a hard decision at all for the Coyotes. The Coyotes take possibly the best player in the draft and are very happy about it too.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with great playmaking ability. Has an accurate shot with a quick release. A fluid skater that has a nose for the net and the ability to control the flow of the game. Not afraid of taking a hit and can perform under pressure. Has good on-ice awareness and a good work ethic. Was second in the BCHL in scoring during the regular season and had 26 points in 14 playoff games in 2007. Was named as the BCHL's Most Valuable Player.
4. Los Angeles Kings - D: Karl Alzner
Comments: Because the Kings have a solid young forward corpse build around Cammalleri,Kopitar, Frolov and O'Sullivan, the Kings decided to load up their defence and give Jack Johnson a partner. Thus the Kings take the best defenceman in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled stay-at-home defenseman with good skating ability. Is calm under pressure and composed with the puck. Has good positioning and reads the play well. Has a strong shot from the point. Wins battles along the boards and in his own zone. Needs to improve his acceleration and his ability to change tempo throughout the game.
5. Washington Capitals - C: Sam Gagner
Comments: Now some might be a little surprised that Gagner goes top-5, well let me explain. Remember how Gagner was feeding Kane all those amazing passes and helping Kane to the scoring title, well imagine Gagner with Ovechkin. Enough said, Gagner to Washington.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with the ability to make the big plays. Has very good hands and is creative with the puck. Has a good wrist shot with a quick release. Has high-end passing skill both forehand and backhand. Sees the ice very well. Reliable in the defensive end and used in critical situations. A good skater, but needs to work on his acceleration and mobility. Needs to improve his ability to fight through checks.
6. Edmonton Oilers - C: Jakub Voracek
Comments: Two months ago he was a possiblity for number one but after being criticized for his conditioning Voracek will likely not even be top-3. However, Edmonton is glad to take possibly the most complete player in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward that possesses good speed. Attacks with his feet moving and can execute plays at high speeds. Has good passing ability and can play in traffic. Shows something new on each rush. Attempts risky plays that sometimes result in turnovers. Needs to improve his consistency.
7. Columbus Blue Jackets - D: Keaton Ellerby
Comments: A tough decision between Ellerby and Couture, but with Nash, Brassard and Brule already to build around, Columbus fills a need by selecting possibly the second best defenceman in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking offensive defenseman that finishes his checks well. Is a good skater with great mobility. Has a good active stick and uses his reach effectively. Handles the puck well and is a heads up player.
8. Boston Bruins - C: Angelo Esposito
Comments: A year ago he was the sure bet for number one overall, but after an average year with not much improvement, he might not even go top-10. However, the Bruins don't want to take the chance and go for the guy who at one time had Gretzky potential. That's right, Esposito is going to the Habs rival.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with excellent skating ability. His top-end speed and mobility backs off defenders. Sees the ice well and has the ability to make pin-point passes. Not afraid to go to the net. Needs to increase his physical presence and his play in traffic. Needs to show more consistency.
9. St Louis Blues - RW: Alexei Cherepanov
Comments: After Cherepanov falls because of some controversies including the Russian Transfer Agreement, the Blues decide to take the chance on the potential 40+ goal scorer. And with 3 picks in the first round, it sounds like a pretty good idea.
From NHL Central Scouting: An offensive winger with great acceleration and a nose for the net. Has a quick release and can shoot at top speed. Has good puckhandling and makes good decisions with the puck. Works hard at both ends of the ice. Doesn't shy away from being hit, but needs to add a physical presence to his game and improve his consistency from game to game. Named the Top Forward at the 2007 World Junior Championships where he helped lead Team Russia to a silver medal � he led all scorers with eight points (5-3-8) and was also selected to the Tournament All-Star Team. Broke Pavel Bure's record for goals by a rookie in the Russian Elite League.
10. Florida Panthers - C: Logan Couture
Comments: The Panthers take a guy who if healthy all year long, could be a top 5 pick. But because of those medical issues he falls to 10, and the Panthers couldn't be any happier about it.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with good playmaking skills. Has good offensive instincts and sees the ice well. Plays with energy and protects the puck well using his long reach and good-sized frame. Needs to be tougher in traffic as well as in the defensive end. Needs to improve his balance.
11. Carolina Hurricanes - D: Ryan McDonagh
Comments: With the Hurricanes needing defence, they opt for Ryan McDonagh, who many have been raving about him and how he should be considered as the second best defencemen in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled offensive defenseman with the ability to rush the puck. Has good first step quickness and makes quick accurate passes in the defensive zone. Has a good shot from the point. Strong along the boards as well as one-on-one in the corners. Has the ability to dominate a game, but needs to play to his level every night. His offensive style sometimes leads to risky decisions.
12. Montreal Canadiens - D: Nick Petrecki
Comments: The Canadiens have no need for a goaltender and have a solid forward corpse for the future, so they go out and take the best defenceman available in Petrecki. There have been some rumblings around the league that he could be the steal of the first round. Imagine this guy on a defence core with Markov, Komisarek, Fischer, Valentenko, Emelin and O'Byrne.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with excellent speed and lateral quickness. Has a strong physical presence on the ice with the ability to make the big hit. Is quick to the puck and makes hard and accurate passes Needs to improve the consistency of his decision-making and discipline.
13. Toronto Maple Leafs - C: Zach Hamill
Comments: The Leafs need some offence and after drafting Tlusty the year before, they will settle on another forward who can light it up on the scoreboard. Leaf nation will fall in love with this kid.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking forward with good stick-handling ability. Very good on special teams, especially effective on the power-play. Sees the ice well and sets up his linemates with his good passing abilities. Needs to work on his acceleration and breakaway speed. Sometimes needs better puck pursuit.
14. Colorado Avalanche - D: Thomas Hickey
Comments: Colorado needs a defenceman to build a core around. And they just might have found it in Hickey. Hickey who has been compared to Brian Rafalski, hardly ever get's caught out of position and has some untapped offensive potential.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled defenseman. Positions himself well defensively and has good anticipation of the play. Able to skate the puck out of the zone and make good outlet passes. Controls the power-play with patience and is smart with the puck. Needs to improve his one-on-one containment out of the corners. Needs to be more consistent with his physical presence.
15. Edmonton Oilers - D: Tommy Cross
Comments: After picking a two-way forward, the Oilers go ahead and select a very solid defensive defenceman in Cross. What was most appealing to Edmonton was that Cross not only can play defence but also has some offensive potential. Enough, that Edmonton will be happy to pick him at #15.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with good lateral mobility and quickness. Skates the puck quickly into open areas to expand his passing options. Has a strong shot from the point and is effective running a power-play. Can be physical in the defensive zone and in front-net coverage. Very focused on his defensive game, but needs to realize his offensive skill and contribute more. Needs to increase his tempo and play with more urgency.
16. Anaheim Ducks - LW: Max Pacioretty
Comments: The Ducks will keep the trend of big and strong in this draft and select Max Pacioretty. Watch out for this kid.
From NHL Central Scouting: A competitive power forward with a good physical presence. Has a very good wrist shot with a quick release. Is a good skater with excellent first step quickness. Strong in the face-off circle and does what it takes to help his team win. Needs to improve his consistency around the net. Effective on the penalty kill, but needs to improve his defensive anticipation.
17. New York Rangers - C: Lars Eller
Comments: You know, it's got to be nice when the guy you rave about falls to you. The Rangers will be feeling really good after Eller falls to them. The hardly seen Dutch forward has the ability to be the best player in the draft, and would likely be picked higher if seen regularly.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled playmaking forward. Has good mobility and break-away speed. Controls the puck well and competes for the puck. Uses his size and strength to his advantage. Possesses an excellent shot with a quick release and sees the ice well. Played for Denmark at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships.
18. Calgary Flames - C: Brandon Sutter
Comments: So when your GM is a Sutter what do you do? Well, you pick a Sutter. After Brandon Sutter falls because of his questionable offensive abilities, the Flames will be happy to select a guy who could be the best all-around player in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward that is opportunistic in the offensive end. Is very smart with the puck. Has a good work ethic and excellent puck-pursuit. Very versatile and used in all situations. Sometimes tires at the end of shift and needs to work on his conditioning. Needs to improve his one-on-one skills.
19. Minnesota Wild - C: Mikael Backlund
Comments: The Wild add another weapon to their arsenal in Backlund, who is the best swedish prospect in this draft. Another kid that fell a little, but should be glad to play with a very solid team.
From NHL Central Scouting: A smart center with excellent speed. Has soft hands and high-end passing ability. Sees the ice well and has good hockey sense. Has a strong shot and a nose for the net. Did not play a lot this season due to injury. Helped lead Team Sweden to a bronze medal at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships after defeating Canada 8-3. Was the leading goal scorer (7) at the Under-18 World Championships. Was named Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Mac's Midget Tournament.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins - LW: Maxim Mayorov
Comments: A player that has been predicted to go between 15 and 25 will have to settle for the middle. There have been concerns with the Russian Trade Agreement but the Penguins already have a solid corpse and with not much defensive help available, the Penguins can afford to take a risk with the potential to have high reward available.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward that protects the puck well. Is strong on his skates and has good first step quickness. Has good puck skills and is effective in front of the net. Has a strong physical presence, but could create more for his linemates. Needs to improve the consistency of his effort. Played for Team Russia at the 2007 Under-18 Five Nation Tournament.
21. Phoenix Coyotes - D: Kevin Shattenkirk
Comments: So some of you are wondering on why the Coyotes would take Shattenkirk? Well I say they pick Kevin because they already got Turris, and with Hanzal and Mueller, a defensman seemed like the logical idea. Especially when they can get a defenseman who can put some points up.
From NHL Central Scouting: An offensive defenseman with good puck skills. Reads the play well and is heady in transition. Has good mobility along with quick feet. Needs to add a physical presence to his game. Needs to improve consistency of his defensive game.
22. Montreal Canadiens - RW: Michael Repik
Comments: After already selecting Petrecki, the Habs will go out looking for that high-reward player and will select a player that is gaining a lot of steam since the Memorial Cup. Another kid to watch out for.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with good hands. Is a quick and shifty skater. Has good on-ice awareness and is opportunistic in the offensive zone. Needs to get better at fighting through checks. Needs to improve his effectiveness in traffic.
23. Nashville Predators - LW: Bill Sweatt
Comments: With a defensive core including Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Dan Hamhuis, and Ryan Parent, the Predators will likely try to help an aging offence out. Sweatt is a quick player and very hard worker who has been pegged to be picked 20-25 in the draft.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled forward with the ability to make plays. Is a great skater and creates a lot of chances with his speed. Is a hard worker and very determined each shift. Has good puck handling skills and good anticipation. Needs to get stronger and needs to improve his ability to fight through checks.
24. St Louis Blues - C: Oscar Moller
Comments: After selecting Alexei Cherepanov with the 9th overall pick, the Blues will go for someone to center him int he future, and decided to pick Oscar Moller.
From NHL Central Scouting: A playmaking forward with a good work ethic. Is a two-way player that competes every shift. Has good skating ability and vision. Anticipates the play well and handles the puck with ease. Needs to improve his ability to fight through checks and play in traffic.
25. Vancouver Canucks - LW: Brett Maclean
Comments: The offensively gifted Maclean looks to be a perfect fit for the Canucks. Some thought that the hit on Bryan Cameron during the playoffs this year, might not impress scouts and would instead hurt his draft position. But the Canucks, who desperately need offence, will be happy to select Maclean.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward that uses his size well to protect the puck and create scoring chances. Has great scoring drive and is willing to battle in traffic. Plays an aggressive high-energy game. Needs to work on his mobility and footwork. Needs to improve his stickhandling.
26. St Louis Blues - D: Brendan Smith
Comments: Smith who is known skating ability will be a welcome fit for the Blues. St Louis, who had already chose two forwards in the first round, decide to even things out a bit and select the defenceman.
From NHL Central Scouting: A skilled defenseman with good puck skills. Has good mobility and a good skating stride. Able to join the rush well and is creative with the puck. Needs to make better decisions with the puck and move it quicker. Needs to improve the consistency of his physical play.
27. Detroit Redwings - C: Colton Gillies
Comments: And now for one of the more interesting players in the draft. The much talked about Colton Gillies who has been pegged anywhere from the 10th pick to the 40th pick. The Redwings think he will be a solid fit with some of their older shut down guys gaining years. And with great management, dont be surprised if Colton adds some offence to his game.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with great size. Out muscles his opponents and has the ability to land punishing hits. Has great speed and is very consistent. Uses his reach to his advantage and is good on the penalty kill. Needs to get better around the net and at times needs to improve his positioning.
28. Washington Capitals - D: Alex Plante
Comments: Another guy who is pegged with great range. Could be picked between 20-40, Plante is another solid pick for the Caps. With Semin, Gagner, Ovechkin, and Backstrom defense takes over the 28th pick for the Caps.
From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with good size. Has a long stride and is able to skate the puck out of his own zone. Moves the puck quickly and shoots well from the point. Is well positioned. Needs to improve his foot speed and agility. Needs to improve his play under pressure.
29. Ottawa Senators - C/RW: Akim Aliu
Comments: The guy with some issues will be picked at 29. Has great ability but needs to smarten up and mature a little. if he can do that, this pick looks great for Ottawa.
From NHL Central Scouting: A power forward with good speed. Has a strong shot with a quick release. Shows a physical presence on the ice and is able to fight through checks. Needs to improve his consistency and his willingness to compete every night. Needs to work on his defensive reliability.
30. Edmonton Oilers - D: Jonathan Blum
Comments: Some will be surprised that Blum dropped to 30. But blame his physicality for that. But the oil will be happy with Blum. And will happy with a great two way forward, a defensive defenceman and an offensive defenceman. Well done Edmonton.
From NHL Central Scouting: A mobile, heads up defenseman. Makes smart decisions with the puck and has high-end passing ability. Has good positioning and very rarely gets beat. Effective on special teams and very patient with the puck. Needs to get tougher along the boards and improve his physical presence.
How does everyone like it? Bash or praise me, I dont care.
