I had nothing to do with this!
Attention veteran users of HF Boards: Mr. Vickers was not queried or involved! So, he's off the hook. Please aim all your darts at me.
Regarding the list, a few points here:
1. Franson over Price: I've spoken with both players and they are amazingly similar as low-key, soft-spoken, mature guys. Both with Hockey Canada and WJC experience...who can forget the gold medal performance last month!! Of course, Price wins any and all emotional votes at this point. However, I'm pretty sure I'd get questions even if Price had been ranked ahead of Franson. Call it a toss-up, they'll both play pro.
2. Gagnon: Welcome to the world of submission deadlines in the media!! I mean, I had him in the ranking
before he was signed by Dallas. Why are so many folks in such a hurry to quit on 20-year-olds? Gagnon is playing this season like a guy with a chip on his shoulder after not being signed by Phoenix. I'll gladly give him props...
3. Hamill: Again, love those deadlines. After submitting the article, he has a seven-point game against Portland! Oh well...
Anyway, great offensive skills and a very refreshing interview. He speaks "english", not "cliche". Definitely a guy I would suggest should attend the NHL Draft in person this July. But the Top 20? Okay...maybe he does fit, but let's not forget how deep the WHL is with drafted talent.
4. Schlemko & Bartley: These guys are outstanding players. It continues to amaze me as to how many USA high-schoolers are drafted ahead of guys like Bartley and Schlemko. As one WHL Director of Player Personnel said to me: "That US high-school must be some damn good hockey for these guys to go undrafted!" And yes, I understand the CBA and the NHL rules as they relate to having to sign a CHLer within two years. I root for underdogs. Plus, I trust what guys like Willi Desjardins (Medicine Hat) and Shane Zulyniak (Kamloops) have to say.
5. Wishart: A kid who is likely still having to wrap his groin before he goes to sleep. Nagging injuries have made him far more ordinary than he really is. Consensus among scouts and team brass I speak with is that Wishart will play pro. He belongs in the Top 20.
6. Ellerby: Will be among the top WHLers drafted in July, but for those who have watched him this season, they know he has not been consistent enough. And no, he is not the top d-man in Kamloops. However, he might be the toughest. For some reason, the mean streak from last season has been missing this year.
7. Russell: His performance speaks for itself...he's a guy people want to see succeed. Of course, many will count him out because of his size. For sure, he's no Dana Murzyn...
8. Alzner: My #1 WHL 2007 Eligible guy at this point. A very-well spoken and mature guy. Great skater, lateral movement without losing speed, great backward skating ability, really moves the puck well. But, there are some better drafted prospects in the 'Dub right now.
The next major WHL piece will be the Top 25 2007 Draft Eligible article/list, so I'll start a thread ahead of time to get your thoughts and ideas. Thanks for posting at HF...I appreciate constructive input.