Velociraptors Annual NHL Mock Entry Draft: DRAFTING THREAD

[Langway]

Washington selects center Sam Carrick, Brampton.

 

[Dr Pepper]

I only made two picks in this whole draft, but kudos to getting it done either way!

 

[Velociraptor]

One hell of a process, did not expect to be away during the draft and it ran so late into exams. But we're done.

Kudos to all, a great, but lengthly journey.

I'd like to thank all who participated one way or another and I hope that a good portion of you return for next year.

Also, feel free to post draft analysis, as mine will come soon after I finish with exams.

Cheers to everyone, a job well done!

V

FINAL DRAFT BOARD

ROUND 1
1. EDM OilGagner89 selects: Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL)
2. BOS (via TOR) Backstrom #19 selects: Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL)
3. CAR DaveG selects: Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor (OHL)
4. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Kirill Kabanov, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)
5. ANA (via FLA) Cup selects: Nino Niederreiter, LW, Portland (WHL)
6. CBJ Timeless Winter selects: Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL)
7. ATL VikingAv selects: Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL)
8. NYR AmericanDream selects: Derek Forbort, D, US NDTP (USHL)
9. TB JagerPuck selects: Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL)
10. MTL Louis Houde selects: Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Novosibirisk (KHL)
11. MIN Pilot selects: John McFarland, C, Sudbury (OHL)
12. NSH (via STL) King Canuck selects: Alexander Burmistrov, C, Barrie (OHL)
13. BOS Backstrom #19 selects: Ryan Johansen, C, Portland (WHL)
14. ANA Cup selects: Jeff Skinner, C, Kitchener (OHL)
15. ANA (via PHI) Cup selects: Nick Bjugstad, C, Blaine (HIGH-MN)
16. DET redwingsfan selects: Mikael Granlund, C, HIFK (SM-Liiga)
17. DAL Modo selects: Mark Pysyk, D, Edmonton (WHL)
18. PHX (via CGY) BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Riley Sheahan, C, Notre Dame (CCHA)
19. EDM (via NSH) OilGagner89 selects: Jack Campbell, G, US NDTP (USHL)
20. BUF Haligonian selects: Stanislav Galiev, RW, Saint John (QMJHL)
21. OTT Canuck71 selects: Brad Ross, LW, Portland (WHL)
22. PIT Jano selects: Emerson Etem, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
23. COL Hasbro selects: Tyler Pitlick, C, Minnesota State (WCHA)
24. VAN Velociraptor selects: Jaden Schwartz, C, Tri-City (USHL)
25. ANA (via NJ) Cup selects: Calvin Pickard, G, Seattle (WHL)
26. ANA (via LA) Cup selects: Austin Watson, RW, Peterborough (OHL)
27. ANA (via PHX) Cup selects: Quinton Howden, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)
28. CHI thefeebster selects: Brock Nelson, C, Warroad (HIGH-MN)
29. SJ X-SHARKIE selects: Tyler Toffoli, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
30. WSH Langway selects: Jarred Tinordi, D, US NDTP (USHL)

ROUND 2
31. PHX (via EDM) BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Evgeny Kuznetsov, RW, Chelyabinsk (KHL)
32. BOS (via TOR) Backstrom #19 selects: Dylan McIlrath, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
33. CAR DaveG selects: Jon Merrill, D, US NDTP (USHL)
34. EDM (via NYI) OilGagner89 selects: Alexander Petrovic, D, Red Deer (WHL)
35. VAN (via FLA) Velociraptor selects: Adam Pettersson, C, Skelleftea (Allsvenskan)
36. TOR (via CBJ) TribalPhoenix selects: Maxim Kitsyn, RW, Novokuznetsk (KHL)
37. CAR (via ATL) DaveG selects: Jordan Weal, C, Regina (WHL)
38. NYR AmericanDream selects: Jared Knight, RW, London (OHL)
39. BOS (via TB) Backstrom #19 selects: Joey Hishon, C, Owen Sound (OHL)
40. MTL Louis Houde selects: Tom Kuhnhackl, C, Landshut (DEL)
41. MIN Pilot selects: *Brock Beukeboom, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
42. NSH (via STL) King Canuck selects: Teemu Pulkkinen, LW, Jokerit (SM-Liiga)
43. CHI (via BOS) thefeebster selects: Stephen Johns, D, US NDTP (USHL)
44. TOR (via ANA) TribalPhoenix selects: Ryan Martindale, C, Ottawa (OHL)
45. LA (via PHI) Kingjordan selects: *Steve Shipley, C, Owen Sound (OHL)
46. DET redwingsfan selects: Calle Jarnkrok, C, Brynas (Elitserien)
47. TB (via DAL) JagerPuck selects: Victor Ohman, LW, Malmo (Elitserien)
48. CHI (via CGY) thefeebster selects: Charlie Coyle, RW, South Shore (EJHL)
49. NSH King Canuck selects: Jason Zucker, C, US NDTP (USHL)
50. SJ (via BUF) X-SHARKIE selects: Justin Faulk, D, US NDTP (USHL)
51. OTT Canuck71 selects: Troy Rutkowski, D, Portland (WHL)
52. PIT Jano selects: Jakub Culek, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
53. COL Hasbro selects: Kevin Hayes, LW, Nobles (HIGH-MA)
54. BUF (via VAN) Haligonian selects: Petr Straka, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
55. NJ LeafsandSharksfan selects: Justin Shugg, RW, Windsor (OHL)
56. LA Kingjordan selects: Sergey Barbashev, RW, Moscava (RSL)
57. PHX BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Ivan Telegin, RW, Saginaw (OHL)
58. CHI thefeebster selects: Louis Domingue, G, Quebec (QMJHL)
59. OTT (via SJ) Canuck71 selects: Gregg McKegg, C, Erie (OHL)
60. WSH Langway selects: Ryan Spooner, C, Peterborough (OHL)

ROUND 3
61. ANA (via EDM) Cup selects: Stephen Silas, D, Belleville (OHL)
62. TOR TribalPhoenix selects: Martin Marinicin, D, Kosice (Slovak Extraliga)
63. CAR DaveG selects: John Ramage, D, U. of Wisconsin (WCHA)
64. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
65. LA (via FLA) Kingjordan selects: *Kevin Sundher, C, Chilliwack (WHL)
66. CGY (via CBJ) Sh0otnSc0re selects: Charles Inglis, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
67. ATL VikingAv selects: Sam Brittain, G, Canmore (AJHL)
68. LA (via NYR) Kingjordan selects: *Geoffrey Schemitsch, D, Owen Sound (OHL)
69. TB JagerPuck selects: *Ryan Harrison, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
70. ATL (via MTL) VikingAv selects: Kevin Lind, D, Chicago (USHL)
71. MIN Pilot selects: *Maxime Clermont, G, Gatineau (QMJHL)
72. STL Chandrashekar Limit selects: *Beau Bennett, C, Penticton (BCHL)
73. BUF (via BOS) Haligonian selects: *Jacob Berglund, LW, Lethbridge (WHL)
74. TB (via ANA) JagerPuck selects: *Mark Alt, D, Cretin-Derham (HIGH-MN)
75. PHI RY4N selects: Joe Basaraba, RW, Shattuck St. Mary's (PREP)
76. DET redwingsfan selects: Patrik Nemeth, D, AIK (Allsvenskan)
77. NJ (via DAL) LeafsandSharksfan selects: Guillaume Asselin, RW, Montreal (QMJHL)
78. PHX (via CGY) BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Nikita Zaytsev, D, Vityaz (KHL)
79. NSH King Canuck selects: Mark Visentin, G, Niagara (OHL)
80. BUF Haligonian selects: Andrew Yogan, C, Erie (OHL)
81. OTT Canuck71 selects: Christian Thomas, RW, London (OHL)
82. PIT Jano selects: Austin Madaisky, D, Kamloops (WHL)
83. COL Hasbro selects: Julian Melchori, D, Newmarket (CCHL)
84. VAN Velociraptor selects: Philipp Grubauer, G, Windsor (OHL)
85. NJ LeafsandSharksfan selects: Brandon Davidson, D, Regina (WHL)
86. ANA (via LA) Cup selects: Matt MacKenzie, D, Calgary (WHL)
87. NYI (via PHX) TheRocket selects: Michael Bournival, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
88. CHI thefeebster selects: Bill Arnold, C, US NTDP (USHL)
89. SJ X-SHARKIE selects: Kevin Gravel, D, Sioux City (USHL)
90. WSH Langway selects: Dalton Smith, LW, Ottawa (OHL)

ROUND 4
91. EDM OilGagner89 selects: Benjamin Conz, G, Langnau (Sui-A)
92. FLA (via TOR) habsman56 selects: Devante Pelly-Smith, LW, Mississauga (OHL)
93. BOS (via CAR) Backstrom #19 selects: Austin Levi, D, Plymouth (OHL)
94. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Marek Hrivik, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)
95. ANA (via FLA) Cup selects: Justin Holl, D, Minnetonka (HIGH-MN)
96. CBJ Timeless Winter selects: Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault, G, Halifax (QMJHL)
97. ATL VikingAv selects: Jonathan Johansson, LW, Frolunda (Elitserien)
98. NYR American Dream selects: Cameron Wind, D, Brampton (OHL)
99. TB JagerPuck selects: Brandon Archibald, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
100. MTL Louis Houde selects: Danny Biega, D, Harvard (ECAC)
101. MIN johnnydollaz89 selects: Max Gardiner, C, Minnetonka (HIGH-MN)
102. STL Prototype selects: Kenny Agostino, LW, Delbarton (HIGH-NJ)
103. BOS Backstrom #19 selects: Ludvig Rensfeldt, C, Brynas (Elitserien)
104. ANA Cup selects: Bryan Billett, G, Jr. Monarchs (EJHL)
105. PHI RY4N selects: Oscar Lindberg, LW, Skelleftea (Allsvenskan)
106. DET redwingsfan selects: Joonas Donskoi, RW, Karpat (SM-Liiga)
107. NJ (via DAL) LeafsandSharksfan selects: Patrick McNally, D, Milton Academy (HIGH-MA)
108. CGY Sh0otnSc0re selects: Gregg Sutch, RW, Mississauga (OHL)
109. EDM (via NSH) OilGagner89 selects: Luke Moffat, RW, US NDTP (USHL)
110. PHX (via BUF) BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Kent Simpson, G, Everett (WHL)
111. OTT Canuck71 selects: Johan Larsson, C, Brynas (Elitserien)
112. PIT Jano selects: Curtis Hamilton, LW, Saskatoon (WHL)
113. COL Hasbro selects: Zane Gothberg, G, Thief River Falls (HIGH-MN)
114. VAN Velociraptor selects: Alex Theriau, D, Everett (WHL)
115. NJ LeafsandSharksfan selects: Freddie Hamilton, C, Niagara (OHL)
116. LA Kingjordan selects: Mike Periera, LW, Avon Old Farms (HIGH-CT)
117. ANA (via PHX) Cup selects: Louis-Marc Aubry, C, Montreal (QMJHL)
118. CHI thefeebster selects: Adam Polasek, D, PEI (QMJHL)
119. TB (via SJ) JagerPuck selects: Brett Bulmer, RW, Kelowna (WHL)
120. WSH Langway selects: Radko Gudas, D, Everett (WHL)

ROUND 5
121. EDM OilGagner89 selects: Connor Brickley, C, Des Moines (USHL)
122. TOR TribalPhoenix selects: Petr Mrazek, G, Ottawa (OHL)
123. SJ (via CAR) X-SHARKIE selects: Brendan Woods, RW, Chicago (USHL)
124. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Jacob Fallon, C, Indiana (USHL)
125. FLA habsman56 selects: Jonas Gunnarsson, G, HV71 (Elitserien)
126. CBJ Timeless Winter selects: Félix Lefrançois, C, Rimouski (QMJHL)
127. ATL VikingAv selects: Patric Cehlin, LW, Djurgarden (Elitserien)
128. NYR American Dream selects: Kendall McFaull, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
129. NSH (via TB) King Canuck selects: Cameron Lanigan, G, Edmonton (WHL)
130. MTL Louis Houde selects: Konrad Abeltshauser, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
131. MIN johnnydollaz89 selects: Adam Fekti, LW, Salzburg (AUT)
132. STL Prototype selects: Alexei Marchenko, D, CSKA (RUSSIA-3)
133. BOS Backstrom #19 selects: Yasin Cisse, RW, Des Moines (USHL)
134. ANA Cup selects: Janos Hari, RW, Farjestads (Elitserien)
135. ANA (via PHI) Cup selects: Brandon Hynes, RW, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
136. DET redwingsfan selects: Joey Laleggia, D, Penticton (BCHL)
137. TB (via DAL) JagerPuck selects: Mikael Salmivirta, C, HIFK Jr. (FIN)
138. CGY Sh0otnSc0re selects: Adam Brown, G, Kelowna (WHL)
139. CAR (via NSH) DaveG selects: T.J. Tynan, C, Des Moines (USHL)
140. BUF Haligonian selects: Maxwell Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL)
141. SJ (via OTT) X-SHARKIE selects: Taylor Aronson, D, Portland (WHL)
142. PIT Jano selects: Michael Houser, G, London (OHL)
143. COL Hasbro selects: Mirkko Hoefflin, C, Mannheim Jrs. (DEL)
144. VAN Velociraptor selects: Jesper Fasth, RW, HV71 (Elitserien)
145. NJ LeafsandSharksfan selects: Tyler Bunz, G, Medicine Hat (WHL)
146. DAL (via COL/LA) Modo selects: Samuel Carrier, D, Lewiston (QMJHL)
147. WSH (via PHX) Langway selects: Jason Clark, C, Shattuck (US PREP)
148. ATL (via CHI) VikingAv selects: Sebastian Wannstrom, C, Brynas (Elitserien)
149. TB (via SJ) JagerPuck selects: Myles Falasca, RW, Burlington (CCHL)
150. WSH Langway selects: Bryan Rust, RW, US NTDP (USHL)

ROUND 6
151. EDM OilGagner89 selects: Brody Sutter, D, Lethbridge (WHL)
152. TOR TribalPhoenix selects: Colin Campbell, LW, Vaughan (OJAHL)
153. CAR DaveG selects: Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel, G, Almtuna (Allsvenskan)
154. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Mauro Jorg, LW, HC Lugano (SUI)
155. FLA habsman56 selects: Pathrik Versterholm, LW, Malmo (Allsvenskan)
156. CBJ Timeless Winter selects: Antoine Corbin, D, Kelowna (WHL)
157. ATL VikingAv selects: Tim Heed, D, Sodertalje (Elitserien)
158. NYR American Dream selects: Connor Redmond, LW, Red Deer (WHL)
159. DET (via TB) redwingsfan selects: Johan Gustafsson, G, Farjestad (Elitserien)
160. PIT (via MTL) Jano selects: Petter Granberg, D, Skelleftea (Allsvenskan)
161. MIN johnnydollaz89 selects: Zach Trotman, D, Lake Superior (NCAA)
162. STL Prototype selects: Fredric Weigel, C, Djurgarden (Elitserien)
163. BOS Backstrom #19 selects: Casey Thrush, LW, Team Maryland (AAA)
164. EDM (via ANA) OilGagner89 selects: Brendan Gallagher, RW, Vancouver (WHL)
165. PHI RY4N selects: Chris Crane, RW, Green Bay (USHL)
166. DET redwingsfan selects: Erik Thorell, LW, Farjestads (Elitserien)
167. COL (via DAL) Hasbro selects: Jared Coreau, G, Lincoln (USHL)
168. CGY Sh0otnSc0re selects: Bohumil Jank, D, Budejovice (Extraliga)
169. CAR (via NSH) DaveG selects: Michael Chaput, C, Lewiston (QMJHL)
170. BUF Haligonian selects: Josh Shalla, LW, Saginaw (OHL)
171. ANA (via OTT) Cup selects: Joe Rogalski, D, Sarnia (OHL)
172. PIT Jano selects: Johan Alm, D, Frolunda (Elitserien)
173. COL Hasbro selects: Patrick Bjorkstrand, D, Herning (Den.)
174. VAN Velociraptor selects: Blake Gal, RW, Spokane (WHL)
175. PHX (via NJ) BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Brooks Macek, C, Tri-City (WHL)
176. LA Kingjordan selects: Ramis Sadikov, G, Erie (OHL)
177. PHX BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Nikita Gusev, LW, CSKA Jr. (KHL)
178. CHI thefeebster selects: Joey Leach, D, Kootenay (WHL)
179. OTT (via SJ) Canuck71 selects: Ryan O'Connor, D, Barrie (OHL)
180. WSH Langway selects: Alex Guptill, LW, Orangeville (CCHL)

ROUND 7
181. EDM OilGagner89 selects: Craig Cunningham, C, Vancouver (WHL)
182. TOR TribalPhoenix selects: Daniel Krecji, D, Slavia Jr. (Extraliga)
183. CAR DaveG selects: Patrik Naslund, RW, Vaxjo (Allsvenskan)
184. NYI TheRocket84 selects: Gabriel Levesque, C, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
185. FLA habsman56 selects: Justin Dowling, C, Swift Current (WHL)
186. CBJ Timeless Winter selects: Andrei Kuchin, C, Chicago (USHL)
187. ATL VikingAv selects: Brendan Kichton, D, Spokane (WHL)
188. NYR American Dream selects: Stephen MacAulay, LW, Saint John (QMJHL)
189. TB JagerPuck selects: Michael Sgarbossa, RW, Erie (OHL)
190. MTL Louis Houde selects: Stanislav Lopachuk, LW, Minsk (Bel.)
191. MIN johnnydollaz89 selects: Maxim Gryaznov, G, Barys (KHL)
192. NSH (via STL) King Canuck selects: Alexander Gogolev, RW, Spartak (RUSSIA)
193. BOS Backstrom #19 selects: Martin Ouellette, G, Kimball (HIGH-NH)
194. CBJ (via ANA) Timeless Winter selects: Jason Akeson, RW, Kitchener (OHL)
195. PHI RY4N selects: Raman Hrabarenka, D, Philadelphia (EJHL)
196. DET redwingsfan selects: Andy Iles, G, US NTDP (U-17)
197. COL (via DAL) Hasbro selects: Pavel Kulikov, C, Nizhnekamsk (RUSSIA-3)
198. CGY Sh0otnSc0re selects: Felix Eriksson, C, Brynas (Elitserien)
199. NSH King Canuck selects: Brendan Shinnimin, C, Tri-City (WHL)
200. BUF Haligonian selects: Morgan Ellis, D, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
201. OTT Canuck71 selects: Brendan Ranford, LW, Kamloops (WHL)
202. PIT Jano selects: Sami Aittokallio, G, Ilves Jr. (Fin.)
203. COL Hasbro selects: Mark Stone, RW, Brandon (WHL)
204. VAN Velociraptor selects: Luke Walker, RW, Portland (WHL)
205. NJ LeafsandSharksfan selects: Lars Volden, G, Stavanger (NOR)
206. LA Kingjordan selects: Gatean Haas, C, Biel Jr. (Sui.)
207. PHX BiLLY_ShOE1721 selects: Tyler Stahl, D, Chilliwack (WHL)
208. CHI thefeebster selects: Jimmy Mullin, C, Shattuck (US PREP)
209. BUF (via SJ) Haligonian selects: Alex Emond, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
210. WSH Langway selects: Sam Carrick, C, Brampton (OHL)

 

[Louis Houde]

Good job Velociraptor, it's always hard to deal with afk gm

 

[Velociraptor]

DRAFT REVIEW

1st round, 24th overall - Jaden Schwartz, C, Tri-City (USHL) - Schwartz seemed like the furthest thing from a rookie after tallying 83 points in 60 games in the USHL, the 5'10" center lead his team by 38 points, guided them to a playoff spot, but suffered an early exit due to more superior depth from other USHL teams. Schwartz is an ideal play-making center who will throw his body around and does have a knack for rushing the net and scoring.
NHL potential: 2nd-line center, Player Comparison: Mike Richards

2nd round, 35th overall - Adam Pettersson, C, Skelleftea (Allsvenskan JR.) - The speedy Swedish center recorded near point-per-game with the Skelleftea Juniors and even got a taste of the real Allsvenskan league as he was promoted for eight games. His velocity and soft hands easily finds its way in the back of the net, or on a linemate's stick heading for the net.
NHL Potential: 2nd-line center, Player Comparison: Henrik Sedin

3rd round, 84th overall - Philipp Grubauer, G, Belleville (OHL) - Grubauer was a highly-touted goaltender since he was initially drafted into the OHL, but has somewhat fallen off the radar, but is finding his way back on as he now stands tall in front of the pipes for the Memorial Cup-competing Windsor Spitfires. The German import went 16-2 in the OHL playoffs and is excelling thus far in the Canadian Hockey League's most prestigious tournament.
NHL Potential: Back-up goaltender/eventual Starter, Player Comparison: Olaf Kolzig

4th round, 114th overall - Alex Theriau, D, Everett (WHL) - BC boy who destroys bodies and doesn't mind dropping his gloves adapted to a new offensive game where the defensive minded Theriau recorded 4 goals and 24 points. Mainly relied on for shutdown purpose, Theriau loves to rock bodies and become a nuisance over the ice.
NHL Potential: 2nd/3rd pairing defenseman, PK specialist, Player Comparison: Willie Mitchell

5th round, 144th overall - Jesper Fasth, RW, HV71 (Elitserien) - 49 points in 37 games, including 23 goals with the Junior team, found his way on the pro team later on in the year. Blazing speed and an accurate shot makes him a fantastic scoring winger.
NHL Potential: 2nd line winger, Player Comparison: Patric Hornqvist

6th round, 174th overall - Blake Gal, RW, Spokane (WHL) - After scoring a goal in triple-overtime against the Giants in the post-season last year, Gal had made a name for himself. An impressive year for someone getting third line minutes Gal will be relied on to score goals and play a defensive game up front against oppositions scoring lines.
NHL Potential: 3rd/4th line energy forward, Player Comparison: Andrew Ladd

7th round, 204th overall - Luke Walker, LW, Portland (WHL) - A project, Walker is a very effective scorer who likes to cause chaos on the ice occasionally. If his WHL success can translate to the NHL, Walker will be a great player, he has size and technique. He scored 27 goals this year and competed at the World Juniors and struck gold with the Americans.
NHL Potential: Boom/Bust type of player, 2nd/3rd line winger, Player Comparison: if success, Patrick Sharp,

Thanks again everyone for competing in the draft, was lengthly, but a fun time over the course of 2 months.

V

 

[DaveG]

First Round, #3 Overall - LW Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires, OHL; 6'1/185, LHS; 57GP, 40G, 66A, 106PTS, 56PIM
In any draft you take the best player on your board with the first pick. To us it was a pretty clear cut top 3 at the time with Seguin, Hall and Fowler. Hall is a great package for the franchise to work with and while it's unlikely that he'll supplant Staal as the face of the franchise, he should provide an elite 1-2 punch offensively with Eric. His skating is already top notch, he can both shoot and distribute quite well. His two-way game is also quite underrated.

Second Round, #33 Overall - D Jon Merrill, USA U-18, USHL; 6'3/198, LHS; 22GP, 1G, 8A, 9PTS, 12PIM
Merrill is a name that should be familiar to anyone that's been following drafts for a while. Back when he was 14 and 15 he was regarded as possibly the consensus #1 overall prospect for this draft, and although his stock has clearly taken a fall since then he's been on the rise again throughout this year. One of the best packages in the draft in terms of his skating ability, size and offensive awareness. We're confident that he can continue to round out his form and will eventually provide a great defensive option for a group that includes Joni Pitkanen, Tim Gleason, Jamie McBain, Brian Dumoulin and Brett Carson all under the age of 30.

Second Round, #37 Overall - C Jordan Weal, Regina Pats, WHL; 5'10/162, RHS; 72GP, 35G, 67A, 102PTS, 54PIM
Weal doesn't really posess any one dominant natural skill set and with his lack of size that has caused him to fall a bit on the draft boards. But his playmaking ability and vision are top notch and we believe that he could make for an exceptional playmaking winger at the NHL level in a few years. If he can add a bit more speed to his game I do believe that his skill set could be highly comparable to that of Ray Whitney.

Third Round, #63 Overall - D John Ramage, University of Wisconsin, WCHA; 6'1/187, RHS; 33GP, 2G, 9A, 11PTS, 45PIM
John possesses great character and bloodlines, two things the Hurricanes organization usually highly seeks. While this may be a bit early for his projected pick the lack of another selection until the late 5th made this a risk they had to take. Ramage has been a steady defenseman for the Badgers, but where he really burst onto the scene is with the US U-20 team in Saskatchewan taking home the gold. He has a good outlet pass, good offensive instincts and plays a no-nonsense defensive game. That's something you can always use in your system.

Fifth Round, #139 Overall - C TJ Tynan, Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL; 5'8/165, RHS; 60GP, 17G, 55A, 72PTS, 55PIM
A small, fast centerman at the USHL level, it's likely that he'll have to shift to wing for the pro ranks. Much like Weal he's a potentially high end playmaker which is something the Canes have needed in their system for a while. While he's a good bit on the small size, he's built rather sturdy for his frame and doesn't have much filling out to do. Tynan is comitted to play for Notre Dame.

Sixth Round, #153 Overall - G Fredrik Petterson-Wentzel, Almtuna, Allsvenskan; 6'1/169, LHG; 37GP, 1.85GAA, .924%, 6SO
Fredrik was a fast riser in the draft rankings this year and the Hurricanes saw the opportunity to jump on picking him up. While he has a LOT of room to fill out his frame just yet, he's already one of the best goalies in Sweden's 2nd tier from a statistical standpoint and took over as the starter for Almtuna this season, leading them to a 4th place finish.

Sixth Round, #169 Overall- C Michael Chaput, Lewiston Maineiacs, QMJHL; 6'2/194, LHS; 68GP, 28G, 27A, 55PTS, 60PIM
Brother of current Hurricanes prospect and Albany River Rat Stefan Chaput. Michael is reportedly the more gifted of the two from an offensive standpoint, while also not being afraid to do the dirty work and play a two-way game like his brother. Being one of the younger players in the entire draft we feel giving him another 2 seasons in Lewiston should allow him to really blossom into a player we could possibly plug into our top 9 at the NHL level down the road.

Seventh Round, #183 Overall - RW Patrick Naslund, Växjö Lakers, Allsvenskan; 6'3/220, LHS; 29GP, 2PIM
While he didn't get that much production in the Allsvenskan, Naslund was rather productive in the J18 and J20 levels. While a good bit of this likely can be attributed to his size, the Hurricanes have needed to add that kind of element to the team for a while. We're hoping that with increased ice time in Sweden and an already strong physical presence he can develop into a rather nice power forward at the NHL level. Made 5 appearances with the Sweden U-18 team this year, scoring once and adding and assist.

 

[OracularSpectacular]

Great Draft everyone. Nicely done Velociraptor out of the 3 Mocks I joined this is the only one to run pretty smoothly.