Captain Conservative
Registered User
Heres my take on the 2004 entry draft and the way things should pan out, not the way they will. I took into account teams needs when I felt a defenseman and a forward were equal in my book. I only picked 'tenders for teams I felt had a serious need.
1 Washington - Alex Ovechkin: if Malkin is picked here, i'm siegeing the MCI center
2 Pittsburgh - Evgeni Malkin: He is 1a in some scouts books based on potential. I can't disagree, although I feel Ovechkin is a more complete player right now.
3 Chicago - Rotislav Olesz: First line center potential and hes a safe pick. He and Ruutu could form a formidable 1-2 center punch in the future.
4 Columbus - Lauri Tukonen: Another safe pick with First line potential. I know everyone thinks Barker will go here if available, but it just doesn't make sense to pick based on need when you pick this high. I think Tukonen is the bpa.
5 Phoenix - Andrew Ladd: Heard the rumors, don't believe them.
6 NY Rangers - Cam Barker: I think that he is the bpa, and that Sather will be glad to add him to the already impressive young blueline corp that is developing in NY.
7 Florida - Alexander Radulov: I know Keenan dislikes Euros, but he'd be stupid to pass up Radulov @ 7. In my mind, he's obviously the bpa.
8 Carolina - A.J. Thelen: They could use a quality Defenseman, and I believe Thelen is the 2nd best in this draft.
9 Anaheim - Robbie Schremp: As talented as anyone in this draft. 'Nuff said.
10 Atlanta - Andrej Mezaros: Could be a top pairing partner for Coburn for years to come. I believe the hype about this kid. To be selected to play in the WCs as an 18 year old is impressive, especially considering the Slovaks have a couple of defensemen in the NHL that he surpassed(maybe...)
11 Los Angeles - Marek Schwarz: As good a goaltending prospect as Ouellet, Emery and Leneveu in my mind, just not as far along in his development.
12 Minnesota - Alex Picard: In my mind, clearly the BPA
13 Buffalo - Drew Stafford: Buffalo fans might prefer Smid, but I think Stafford is a safer pick and a better player.
14 Edmonton - Ladislav Smid: I'm not that impressed with Montoya, and I think Smid can develop his shot and use his intelligence to QB the PP for EDM in the future.
15 Nashville - Wojtek Wolski: In my mind, clearly the BPA
16 NY Islanders - Kyle Chipchura: Again, can't pass up what is clearly the BPA
17 St. Louis - Enver Lisin: He has the skill to develop into a first line forward for St.Louis. Electrifying moves and shot.
18 Montreal - Boris Valabik: Gainey is glad to add strength, size and intimidation to his skilled group of players.
19 Calgary - Lauri Korpikoski: I believe the hype. Stellar performance @ the WJC-18 championship. Showed some brilliant moves and has quite a set of tools. He also has the physicality and discipline to be a checker if his skills don't develop. Could go quite a bit higher.
20 Dallas - Mike Green: Great solid d-man with offensive upside. Dallas is lucky to grab him here.
21 Colorado - Dave Bolland: Solid playmaker. I have he and Lyamin rated equally and Colorado has a dire need of forward prospects.
22 New Jersey - Kirill Lyamin: Doesn't have the offensive skills of Stevens, but is his spiritual sucessor without the puck. God I wish this kid falls to Mcphee and he has the wisdom to take him @ 27.
23 Ottawa - Roman Voloshenko: The BPA available in my book. Could develop into a nice top six forward for Muckler and the Sens.
24 NY Rangers - Jakub Sindel: A flashy forward, could be a 1st liner if he develops consistentcy
25 Edmonton - Alvaro Montoya: Miracle of Miracles, Montoya falls to Edmontons 2nd pick. Could develop into a good starting goalie. From all accounts, he is a great athlete.
26 Vancouver - Lukas Kaspar: Could develop into a 2nd liner. Already has good grit.
27 Washington - Johan Fransson: Very mature defenseman with good offensive touch.
28 San Jose - Devan Dubnyk: Unless i'm mistaken, SJ doesn't have a quality 'tender under 27 years of age. Sure they have a couple of Middlin' prospects, but I feel Dubnyk has much more potential.
29 Washington - Jeff Schultz: Could be a home run pick if he develops a need to hurt people. Good offensive upside and is positionally sound.
30 Tampa Bay - Cory Schneider: Arguably the 3rd best goaltending prospect. Like Dubnyk, he could become a good starting goaltender.
So, who did I forget, who do you disagree with, and what mistakes did I make.
1 Washington - Alex Ovechkin: if Malkin is picked here, i'm siegeing the MCI center
2 Pittsburgh - Evgeni Malkin: He is 1a in some scouts books based on potential. I can't disagree, although I feel Ovechkin is a more complete player right now.
3 Chicago - Rotislav Olesz: First line center potential and hes a safe pick. He and Ruutu could form a formidable 1-2 center punch in the future.
4 Columbus - Lauri Tukonen: Another safe pick with First line potential. I know everyone thinks Barker will go here if available, but it just doesn't make sense to pick based on need when you pick this high. I think Tukonen is the bpa.
5 Phoenix - Andrew Ladd: Heard the rumors, don't believe them.
6 NY Rangers - Cam Barker: I think that he is the bpa, and that Sather will be glad to add him to the already impressive young blueline corp that is developing in NY.
7 Florida - Alexander Radulov: I know Keenan dislikes Euros, but he'd be stupid to pass up Radulov @ 7. In my mind, he's obviously the bpa.
8 Carolina - A.J. Thelen: They could use a quality Defenseman, and I believe Thelen is the 2nd best in this draft.
9 Anaheim - Robbie Schremp: As talented as anyone in this draft. 'Nuff said.
10 Atlanta - Andrej Mezaros: Could be a top pairing partner for Coburn for years to come. I believe the hype about this kid. To be selected to play in the WCs as an 18 year old is impressive, especially considering the Slovaks have a couple of defensemen in the NHL that he surpassed(maybe...)
11 Los Angeles - Marek Schwarz: As good a goaltending prospect as Ouellet, Emery and Leneveu in my mind, just not as far along in his development.
12 Minnesota - Alex Picard: In my mind, clearly the BPA
13 Buffalo - Drew Stafford: Buffalo fans might prefer Smid, but I think Stafford is a safer pick and a better player.
14 Edmonton - Ladislav Smid: I'm not that impressed with Montoya, and I think Smid can develop his shot and use his intelligence to QB the PP for EDM in the future.
15 Nashville - Wojtek Wolski: In my mind, clearly the BPA
16 NY Islanders - Kyle Chipchura: Again, can't pass up what is clearly the BPA
17 St. Louis - Enver Lisin: He has the skill to develop into a first line forward for St.Louis. Electrifying moves and shot.
18 Montreal - Boris Valabik: Gainey is glad to add strength, size and intimidation to his skilled group of players.
19 Calgary - Lauri Korpikoski: I believe the hype. Stellar performance @ the WJC-18 championship. Showed some brilliant moves and has quite a set of tools. He also has the physicality and discipline to be a checker if his skills don't develop. Could go quite a bit higher.
20 Dallas - Mike Green: Great solid d-man with offensive upside. Dallas is lucky to grab him here.
21 Colorado - Dave Bolland: Solid playmaker. I have he and Lyamin rated equally and Colorado has a dire need of forward prospects.
22 New Jersey - Kirill Lyamin: Doesn't have the offensive skills of Stevens, but is his spiritual sucessor without the puck. God I wish this kid falls to Mcphee and he has the wisdom to take him @ 27.
23 Ottawa - Roman Voloshenko: The BPA available in my book. Could develop into a nice top six forward for Muckler and the Sens.
24 NY Rangers - Jakub Sindel: A flashy forward, could be a 1st liner if he develops consistentcy
25 Edmonton - Alvaro Montoya: Miracle of Miracles, Montoya falls to Edmontons 2nd pick. Could develop into a good starting goalie. From all accounts, he is a great athlete.
26 Vancouver - Lukas Kaspar: Could develop into a 2nd liner. Already has good grit.
27 Washington - Johan Fransson: Very mature defenseman with good offensive touch.
28 San Jose - Devan Dubnyk: Unless i'm mistaken, SJ doesn't have a quality 'tender under 27 years of age. Sure they have a couple of Middlin' prospects, but I feel Dubnyk has much more potential.
29 Washington - Jeff Schultz: Could be a home run pick if he develops a need to hurt people. Good offensive upside and is positionally sound.
30 Tampa Bay - Cory Schneider: Arguably the 3rd best goaltending prospect. Like Dubnyk, he could become a good starting goaltender.
So, who did I forget, who do you disagree with, and what mistakes did I make.