I don't know if I would lock in a top 3 at this point, the Finns are getting a lot of hype.
Not a top three but definitely a top 2. Tavares and Hedman are going one-two, their order depending on the first choice team's need. I predict either Toronto or Atlanta will get that pick. In either of those cases, I also predict they'd pick Tavares. On the off-chance that Tampa gets stuck at the bottom again, I see them picking Hedman, as Stamkos already fills their future "superstar" center role, not to mention Lecavalier is still there.
I think it's common to have drafts get hyped up early on but then things change over time and at times doesn't end up looking as good. If you listen to Timmins, he said that he really liked this draft or that it was considered to be a very good draft year but when we got to the draft, it ended up not looking as good. Will this happen to '09? tough to say but imo the '09 draft is the most hyped draft I can recall, it looks to be a whale of a draft at this point but there's a lot of hockey still to play next season.
I just hope Gainey keeps our 1st rounder next year, even if it is 30th. Would be cool to see Gainey make a big slapsh since the draft is at le bell center.
From comments I have heard from Timmins, he started to say that around January, he was never really hyped with this draft imo.
From comments I have heard from Timmins, he started to say that around January, he was never really hyped with this draft imo.
I was talking about Timmins comments right after the draft, perhaps it was the audio on habsinsideout. Forget his exact words but it was something to the effect he really liked this draft but as it got closer it didn't look as good. Although perhaps I misheard or misunderstood him as I was at work at the time.
As for '09 the U-18's should be interesting, nice looking team for Canada from the looks of it.
Now that the Import Draft is done, who is coming over to NA? I'll need your help to find out so as soon as there is news about it, post it here and I'll update the list accordingly.
I'll be seeing alot of Hubert Labrie this year (Gatineau Olympiques). Can't wait to see if he steps it up this year. He was pretty impressive last year.
Really can't wait to start scouting the Q again this year. With extra attention at the start of the year on guys like Simon Despres, David Gilbert, Steven Anthony, Gleason Fournier, Charles Roussel, Philippe Lefebvre, but especially Hubert Labrie and Jordan Caron.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HIGGINS!
I'll be seeing alot of Hubert Labrie this year (Gatineau Olympiques). Can't wait to see if he steps it up this year. He was pretty impressive last year.
Totally agree! Impressive is the word. Can't wait to see how he does and I'll have a close look on him.
Great. I'll start my Q season with that list and then I'll see by myself the other names that will catch my eye. I will surely be in "find a big offensive centermen mode" all year but still, I'll keep an eye on everybody as well. But Jordan Caron will be a priority for me.
I'd be surprised if we have a first round pick next year
We'll have one...we won't trade it away because we have the draft. Usualy, teams want to make a splash for their fans, and I don't expect us to make an exeption. If we trade for someone, we have enough young players to give without letting our 1st round pick go.
Didn't see them play yet but centermen like O'Reilly and Glennie if available looks obviously like better picks due to our need at the center position.
Good news is that somebody, as of now, agrees with me that the Q could have 3 guys in the top 30. Let's hope it stays that way.
Erik Haula, is Saku Koivu 2.0, great prospect to say the least.(But probably NOT who I would select...anyway he will be long gone even if we pick 23th, hes easily top 15.)
Small warrior with a lot of talent and hockey sense but not the stick handling of Rajala. Hes a warrior.(Another guy from Finland, they are coming out of their dark age for next draft.)
I was much more impressed in Haula at the U18, but Rajala is the greater offensive threat.
2009 will be a good year for the Q. We have an elite goaltender as best prospect. (Unless Leblanc destroys everyone where he will play.)
I was looking forward to see Trudeau play, but hey I'm in T.O now so, we can forget about that, more Tavares isnt bad I guess.
