So, here's my stab at a new Entry Draft thread. This is just a beginning. I'll be adding more prospects in the days ahead, and if anyone wants to help out, feel free to contribute. Tried to be as unbiased as possible.
Taylor Hall
Position: LW ISS Rank: 3 CS Rank: North American skaters #1 Height: 6'1" Weight: 190 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Windsor (OHL) Comparison: Zach Parise with half the guts and half the hockey sense. Brief description: Taylor Hall is all about creating offense, mostly for himself. Incredible speed. Incredible hands. He is held back by questionable decision making. He tries to do too much sometimes, and is prone to making mistakes.
Tyler Seguin
Position: C ISS Rank: 1 CS Rank: NAS 2 Height: 5'11" Weight: 185 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Plymouth (OHL) Comparison: Steve Yzerman, but not quite as good. Brief description: Seguin is the best playmaker in this draft, and he's probably the second most effective two-way center in the draft (taking both offense and defense into account, equally). He's no slouch in the goalscoring department, and he's also somewhat of a leader.
Cam Fowler
Position: D ISS Rank: 3 CS Rank: NAS 3 Height: 6'2" Weight: 197 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Windsor (OHL) Comparison: Poor man's Scott Niedermayer offensively, poor man's Duncan Keith defensively. Brief description: Very smart, very skilled defender. Plays an effective and efficient two-way game. Solid, but unspectacular speed. Can be reluctant toward the physical aspects of the game. Very safe pick. Very likely to reach full potential.
Erik Gudbranson
Position: D ISS Rank: 6 CS Rank: NAS 6 Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Kingston (OHL) Comparison: Zach Bogosian with more smarts. Brief description: He's gritty, he is physical and he is smart defensively. He's also a good passer and has a big shot. Another safe pick, this guy will be a solid piece for any team.
Vladimir Tarasenko
Position: RW ISS Rank: 4 CS Rank: EU 2 Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Novosibirsk (KHL) Comparison: Phil Kessel with Mogilny-like hands. Brief description: Tarasenko is an offensive dynamo. Great hands, great shot, great moves. Deceptively fast skater. Questionable willingness to play defense, combined with questions about his transfer status may cause him to fall.
Brett Connolly
Position: RW ISS Rank: 11 CS Rank: NAS 4 Height: 6'2" Weight: 180 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Prince George (WHL) Comparison: Marian Gaborik with a smaller build and moves that aren't quite as flashy. Brief description: If it wasn't for lingering concerns about Connolly's hip flexor injury issues, this young man would probably be the third-highest forward picked in the draft. But he will drop, and perhaps, some lucky team can get a real steal. He has very good puckhandling skills, great speed, and possibly the best wrist shot in the draft.
Alexander Burmistrov
Position: C ISS Rank: 12 CS Rank: NAS 7 Height: 5'11" Weight: 180 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Barrie (OHL) Comparison: Poor man's Pavel Datsyuk mixed with Stephen Weiss Brief description: The best two-way center in the draft, and probably the smartest forward in the draft. Excellent passer, solid playmaker, and very responsible. Not a great skater and not particularly strong or physical, but makes up for it with excellent positioning.
Brandon Gormley
Position: D ISS Rank: 5 CS Rank: NAS 8 Height: 6'2" Weight: 185 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Moncton (QMJHL) Comparison: Keith Yandle Brief description: An all-purpose player who isn't especially great at any part of the game. His utilitarian skillset will propel him to a higher selection than his talent alone would have. He can be a part of the offense, he can be a part of the defense, and he can eat up minutes.
Kirill Kabanov
Position: RW ISS Rank: 7 CS Rank: NAS 15 Height: 6'2" Weight: 180 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Moncton (QMJHL) Comparison: Alexander Semin, Ales Hemsky Brief Description: All-world skill already tagged with the "enigmatic" label , Kabanov will drop. The question is, how low? He is one of the most talented offensive players in the draft, but he doesn't play defense and he is perceived to have attitude problems. An all too familiar risk/reward scenario: go for broke and hope the big talent overcomes the character issues.
Nino Niederreiter
Position: LW ISS Rank: 9 CS Rank: NAS 14 Height: 6'2" Weight: 205 lbs. Age: 17 Team (League): Portland (WHL) Comparison: Poor man's Rick Nash, Dustin Penner Brief Description: Nino is big and strong, has a booming shot, and is a total workhorse. To this point, he's been very difficult to stop, or even slow down. But questions remain, mainly about his hockey IQ. He's gotten by on his physical gifts so far. He'll very likely stick in the NHL, even if he doesn't reach his full potential, but if a team picks him in the top 10, they'll be hoping he can be taught.
Austin Watson
Position: C/RW ISS Rank: 8 CS Rank: NAS 25 Height: 6'3" Weight: 180 lbs. Age: 18 Team (League): Peterborough (OHL) Comparison: Mix of Jordan Staal and Travis Zajac Brief Description: Since being traded to the Petes earlier this season and being given more icetime and responsibility, Watson's stock has really risen. Already known for being one of the best defensive forwards in this year's draft, he's also showing that he can score. He still needs to get bigger and stronger, which will likely come. He's looking like a good bet to end up as a very good, two-way second line forward.
Mikael Granlund
Position: C ISS Rank: 14 CS Rank: EU 1 Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lbs. Age: 18 Team (League): HIFK (SM-Liiga) Comparison: Saku Koivu, Pierre-Marc Bouchard Brief Description: Granlund is a very shifty player with great skill. Unfortunately, he's also small and isn't particularly fast, which isn't exactly a recipe for success. Although smaller guys can succeed in the NHL today, they tend to require quickness to evade their larger competition. Granlund's lack of speed has seen him fall out of the projected top 5-10. He'll probably go somewhere in the 10-15 range.
Derek Forbort
Position: D ISS Rank: 10 CS Rank: NAS 11 Height: 6'4" Weight: 200 lbs. Age: 18 Team (League): U.S. Development Team Comparison: Brent Burns/Braydon Coburn Brief Description: Still very raw, Forbort is obviously an attractive prospect due to his great size. At this point, his skillset has a little bit of everything, and he hasn't established himself in a particular niche. That may very well change as he gets a bit older and plays against tougher competition. He has the size to be physical and nasty, but that isn't a big part of his game yet.
Riley Sheahan
Position: C ISS Rank: 13 CS Rank: NAS 5 Height: 6'1" Weight: 200 lbs. Age: 18 Team (League): Notre Dame (CCHA) Comparison: Mike Fisher with a little more offense and speed. Brief Description: Very smart defensive forward who also possesses great speed. Chances are high that he'll be at least a good third line center. His offense doesn't seem great enough to suggest he's going to be a big scorer, but it isn't out of the range of possibility for him to be a solid second line center, either.
Mark Pysyk
Position: D ISS Rank: 16 CS Rank: NAS 9 Height: 6'1" Weight: 180 lbs. Age: 18 Team (League): Edmonton (WHL) Comparison: Smaller, less physical Brooks Orpik. Brief Description: Pysyk is a solid all-around prospect. He doesn't excel at any particular area, but he can play in all situations. He's a good decision maker, but his skating could stand to improve. He projects as a dependable second-pairing defenseman.
Position: C ISS Rank: 17 CS Rank: North American skaters 16 Height: 6'3" Weight: 194 lbs Age: 17 Team (League): Portland Winterhawks (WHL) Comparison: Ryan Getzlaf with a bit less physicality. Brief description: Sweet pair of hands on a big body. Excellent play making ability and a quality shot, though he's reluctant to use it at times. Plays a true power-center role and has broken through physically in his first year with Portland by playing with more of an edge. Surprising speed and agility for a player his size. Most scouts feel he projects to play at 6'4 and 200lbs+ when he's finished growing. Stock has risen tremendously this year, but some attribute his success to playing with probable top-10 pick Nino Niederreiter.
Jonathan Merrill
Position: D ISS Rank: 21 CS Rank: NAS 20 Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): US Development Team Comparison: Mix of Marc Staal and Jordan Leopold Brief description: Merrill has a nice big frame, and he seems to have a big brain, too. He's smart on both sides of the puck, but he still has somethings to work on. He needs to be more physical, more assertive offensively, and of course, he still needs to finish growing into that frame.
John McFarland
Position: LW/C ISS Rank: 30 CS Rank: NAS 10 Height: 6'0" Weight: 195 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Sudbury (OHL) Comparison: Marian Hossa with less size and without any brains. Brief description: Another classic headcase. He's got great moves, speed, and skills, but he has an attitude problem and his hockey IQ is very low. If he can be tamed and taught, he will be a huge steal. But that's a big if.
Jarred Tinordi
Position: D ISS Rank: 26 CS Rank: North American skaters 38 Height: 6'5" Weight: 205 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): U.S. Development Team Comparison: His father, Mark Tinordi. Maybe even bigger and stronger. Brief description: Incredible frame that will surely fill out more as he gets older. He's huge. He's gritty. He's tough. He plays smart defense. His offense is come-and-go at this point, and needs some work. Still, he's shown flashes of a booming shot. This kid is a beast. Team that drafts him is going to get a guy that can scare the crap out of opposing teams on a nightly basis for the next 10-15 years.
Stanislav Galiev
Position: LW/RW ISS Rank: N/A CS Rank: NAS 20 Height: 6'1" Weight: 185 lbs Age: 18 Team (League): Saint John (QMJHL) Comparison: Poor man's Semin. Brief description: Smart playmaking winger with great hands. Good speed, good vision, solid decision maker. Going to be a very nice second line wing, 60-65 points a season.
they might feel that Campbell is their pick and the value of his pick looks better at #10 then it does at #6. they also get to move up into the 2nd round from the beginning of the 3rd which would give them a better shot at picking someone who was dropping out of the 1st round.
Has TB soured on Mike Smith that much already? He hasn't wowed them but the D has been god awful. Just wondering.
"Andrei Tarasenko, Vladimir's father, is the head coach of Sibir Novosibirsk, so he sees him both as a coach and a father.
“Do I worry about my son’s overall draft pick number? No, not really," Mr. Tarasenko told Hockey's Future. "We don’t think about that right now. We’ve got an agent who deals with it. He knows quite a few North American scouts, plus he used to work overseas as well. But, once again, we don’t really want to get ahead of anything. I can only say that Vladimir has already accomplished a lot but in terms of his career this is just a beginning. After this season we’ll discuss everything with his grandfather and make up new goals for Vladimir. It’s time to prove all the fuss about him was worth it.”"
Maybe the whole Lindros thing still just freaks me out...
We think quite a bit of Tarasenko," said Clark, who credited Rangers scout Vladimir Lutchenko as one of the biggest reasons for the franchise's success in Russia. "You never know. That's the thing you have to deal with with Russia. (Lutchenko) will have the most updated information on what these guys might be thinking of doing, if they've signed over there, how many years have they signed for, when do they want to come over.
"As of today, Lutchenko has been (right) on Anisimov, on Grachev, and unfortunately we never got to see Cherepanov, but everything he had heard and everything Cherepanov had said, he was on his way over. He's been on, so whatever information he'll have will be the information that we'll go with."
Although Tarasenko's situation worries me, I have very little doubt he'll come over to the NHL if he's drafted by the Rangers. The organization has good contacts that run deep through Russia and the KHL.
In Lutchenko we trust. I'm sorry I fire you in EHM all the time.
I used the editor to make him where I felt he should be. He's an incredible scout in Russia.
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"Of course giving Sather cap space is like giving teenagers whiskey and car keys." - SBOB "Watching Sather build a team is like watching a blind man with no fingers trying to put together an elaborate puzzle." - Shadowtron
Sestito still on the make a wish tour. - rholt168
I really feel that if Tarasenko is gone, we might go with a guy like Forbort. His potential is astronomical. 6'5 d-men who skate well just don't grow on trees. He should play at around 225 or so (if not more). This kid is going to be a stud.
If Tarasenko/Johansen are gone, I would be thrilled if we went with Forbort. Go with a high risk, high potential player in the 2nd for offense. Forbort is going to be a top 2 d-man.
Thing is Jon, I wouldn't find Forbort at 10, but the Rangers damn well better swing for the fences in the 2nd round. Someone like Kuznetsov or even Kabanov.
Jordan Weal, Joey Hishon, Calle Jarknrok (did I spell that right?), and Ryan Spooner are a couple names to look out for if we go with Forbort and not a Russian in the 2nd round.
I really feel that if Tarasenko is gone, we might go with a guy like Forbort. His potential is astronomical. 6'5 d-men who skate well just don't grow on trees. He should play at around 225 or so (if not more). This kid is going to be a stud.
If Tarasenko/Johansen are gone, I would be thrilled if we went with Forbort. Go with a high risk, high potential player in the 2nd for offense. Forbort is going to be a top 2 d-man.
Jon, I just don't see a team ahead of the Rangers taking him. If Chiago, Montreal, LA, or even Pittsburgh were ahead of the Rangers, I'd think there's a good chance he's gone. But, Carolina, TB, Atlanta and Minnesota...they cannot gamble with the "Russian factor". Unless both Connolly is also there, I thin Tarasenko is the name called by Gordie Clark next Friday night.
Considering picks 3-10 are pretty much toss-ups, this is my mock.
I have it set up with all of Tarasenko/Johan/Skinner/Connolly gone already (and I think this is a very real possibility).
Originally I was basically guaranteeing that Tarasenko would NOT be taken by Carolina, but I've really heard a lot about them liking him and wanting him. I don't blame them!
Here's the mock:
1. Oilers:
Taylor Hall (F) – Best player in the draft. Period. The kid will be a very, very good wing in the NHL. Nothing more needs to be said.
2. Bruins:
Tyler Seguin (F) – 2nd best player in the draft. Period. A razor thin line separates the top two picks, but Hall is just a bit better.
3. Panthers:
Erik Gudbranson (D) – I have him as the 4th best d-man, but he fills a need. The Panthers need a nasty, bruising d-man with major potential.
4. Blue Jackets:
Cam Fowler (D) – The Jackets sweat a bit, thinking that the Panthers will grab Fowler. Fowler, Hall and Seguin become the only 3 players selected this year to play in the NHL. Fowler gives the Jackets a guy who will play in every situation.
5. Islanders:
Brandon Gormley (D) – Islanders get the “scraps” of the big 3 D-men, but the one who I value 2nd behind Fowler. The Islanders will think long and hard about both Connolly and Tarasenko here, but it just makes more sense to take a d-man. Especially one as polished as Gormley is.
6. Lightning:
Brett Connolly (F) – The Lightning think long and hard about Campbell here, but it’s just too much of a reach at 6. Connolly will allow them to develop a top line winger for Stamkos to play with after St. Louis leaves.
7. Hurricanes:
Vladimir Tarasenko (F) – I have said for some time that I don’t see the ‘Canes taking Tarasenko, but I’m simply going BPA here. There has been some rumbling that they are considering him in this spot, which would surprise me since they haven’t had the best experiences with Russians. I would be a bit surprised to see him go here, but not overly, which is why I’m slotting him here. He’s by far the best player available.
8. Thrashers:
Jeff Skinner (F) – Thrashers need help scoring goals. Skinner is ranked ALL over the place on mock drafts. I have a feeling someone will reach a bit for him. Would not surprise me at all if Atlanta does.
9. Wild:
Ryan Johansen (F) – Perfect guy to slot behind Koivu. This pick makes so much sense it’s not even funny. Which is probably why it won’t happen.
10. Rangers:
Derek Forbort (D) – Tyler Myers clone? This kid is a tremendous player. He oozes upside. I have him ranked higher than this in my rankings. Someone will bite, and I hope we do if Tarasenko, Connolly and Johansen are off the board. There is simply too much upside to ignore here.
11. Stars:
Mark Pysyk (D) – The Stars cringe when Forbort goes off the board. They are going D all day long with this pick, IMO. Pysyk is the last of the higher ranked D-men available and I don’t see them passing on him.
12. Ducks:
Nino Niederreiter (F) – Nino falls into the Ducks’ laps. He’s a solid value pick at this point and would look really good on a line with Getzlaf. Talk about physical and grinding!
13. Coyotes:
Alexander Burmistrov (F) – Burmy gives the ‘Yotes a real good threat. They haven’t had the best luck with their top end picks, and Burmistrov can likely slot into the NHL line-up right now, but hopefully they don’t rush him.
14. Blues:
Mikael Granlund (F) – I would’ve slotted Campbell here before the Halak deal, but they won’t be going G now. Granlund is the best available forward and the Blues European scouts have probably seen a ton of him. His puck poise, patience and smarts might be the best in the draft. He’s a bit lacking in foot speed, but I think he’ll look good on St. Louis.
15. Bruins:
Nick Bjugstad (F) – Oh, look. The perfect center for Seguin.
16. Senators:
Dylan Mcilrath (D) – With the prospects of losing Volchenkov, the Senators are just not that imposing on the back-line. Mcilrath is a big reach here, but he will go in the top 20.
17. Avalanche:
Jack Campbell (G) – Makes too much sense. I think he goes here all day long now that the Blues have their goaltender.
18. Predators:
Austin Watson (F) – The Predators could use his game. Good two-way kid who can play in any situation. Watson just fits the mold of what I think of when I think of the Predators. Hard working, give it your all kind of kid.
19. Kings:
Evgeny Kuznetsov (F) – The Kings bank on Kuznetsov coming across the pond to play in a big city. He’s a good pick here if they can convince him to come over. He might be the most offensively talented player available at this point.
20. Penguins:
Kirill Kabanov (F) – The Penguins have the ability to really gamble on a pick here. This is a much better gamble than on the gag-inducing selection of Esposito a few years back (everyone and their mother knew that was a terrible pick who actually watched Espo). Kabanov is much more skilled than Esposito is and would look amazing next to either Malkin or Crosby, no?
21. Red Wings:
Ludvig Rensfeldt (F) – The Red Wings just love to go to Scandanavia. They tend not to go there early in the draft, but Rensfeldt’s size and skill are too hard to pass up here.
22. Coyotes:
Stephen Johns (D) – The Coyotes would have loved to have gotten their hands on Forbort or Pysyk and can pick up a guy who will be on their team for 15 years on the back-end. Johns’ upside is not high at all, but he will be a very solid top 4 d-man.
23. Sabres:
Brock Nelson (F) – The Sabres really need some size. I don’t think his upside is tremendous, but he should be a solid 2nd line center.
24. Thrashers:
Jon Merrill (D) – Atlanta could really use some solid d-men prospects. Merrill is the best guy left on the board right now and makes a lot of sense here. After going with the high risk Skinner pick at the top of the draft, the Thrashers go with a much smaller risk in Merrill here.
25. Canucks:
Emerson Etem (F) – Solid scoring forward who can pick up the garbage goals. Pair him with Burrows and a playmaking center and I think it’d be a solid line.
26. Capitals:
Danny Biega (D) – The Capitals really need to go defense in the first round here. I love Biega’s upside. He really can be a star in the league. I’ve loved all of the Biega brothers, so I might be a bit biased and all, but this kid is easily the best out of any of his siblings.
27. Canadiens:
Jarred Tinordi (D) – Montreal LOVES going with college kids in the 1st round. They continue the trend and take a much needed physical defenseman. Komisarek wasn’t the greatest, but his physical presence was missing from the Canadiens blue-line in the playoffs.
28. Sharks:
Riley Sheahan (F) – Good two way kid who is a solid all-around guy. He probably goes higher than this, but I think he’s much better suited for the end of the first round.
29. Ducks:
Kevin Hayes (F) – The Ducks can really take a gamble here. Nino is pretty much a guaranteed NHLer (be it bottom 6 or top 6). They can really take a huge gamble here. Hayes has all the potential to be a dominating big man in the NHL. His puck possession ability is tremendous.
30. Blackhawks:
Calle Jarnkrok (F) – The Blackhawks are just DYING for Rensfeldt or Hayes to be available here. They would love to add more big and skilled guys to their roster. They will settle for the smaller Jarnkrok (a generous 5’10). His playmaking ability is top notch and he has a real fire in him when he’s playing. Can get very emotional. Will fit in great on the ‘Hawks.
Vladimir Tarasenko (F) – I have said for some time that I don’t see the ‘Canes taking Tarasenko, but I’m simply going BPA here. There has been some rumbling that they are considering him in this spot, which would surprise me since they haven’t had the best experiences with Russians. I would be a bit surprised to see him go here, but not overly, which is why I’m slotting him here. He’s by far the best player available.
WTF? I said it was a worst case scenario Tarasenko's gone before 10 and you said no way like a page of posts ago.
It's weird because Woodlief has Granlund and tarasenko ahead of all the NA's besides Hall and Seguin.
Well, I still think Campbell gets picked before 15. I wonder if TB were in discussions for Halak?
WTF? I said it was a worst case scenario Tarasenko's gone before 10 and you said no way like a page of posts ago.
It's weird because Woodlief has Granlund and tarasenko ahead of all the NA's besides Hall and Seguin.
Well, I still think Campbell gets picked before 15. I wonder if TB were in discussions for Halak?
I still don't fully think he goes there. My mock is based around Tarasenko going at 7. If he doesn't, it completely changes. I've heard a number of rumors that Carolina is looking long and hard at him, though. I don't know if I buy it, but we'll see. Might just be spreading smoke before the draft.
I will be extremely pissed if we pass on Nino for Forbort.
Why?
I view Forbort as BPA at that point. I draft BPA (outside of goaltenders) in the first round and second round. Forbort has much more potential than Nino does. Nino is the safer player (Forbort is also pretty safe), but his potential is dwarfed by Forbort's.
Considering picks 3-10 are pretty much toss-ups, this is my mock.
I have it set up with all of Tarasenko/Johan/Skinner/Connolly gone already (and I think this is a very real possibility).
Originally I was basically guaranteeing that Tarasenko would NOT be taken by Carolina, but I've really heard a lot about them liking him and wanting him. I don't blame them!
Here's the mock:
1. Oilers:
Taylor Hall (F) – Best player in the draft. Period. The kid will be a very, very good wing in the NHL. Nothing more needs to be said.
2. Bruins:
Tyler Seguin (F) – 2nd best player in the draft. Period. A razor thin line separates the top two picks, but Hall is just a bit better.
3. Panthers:
Erik Gudbranson (D) – I have him as the 4th best d-man, but he fills a need. The Panthers need a nasty, bruising d-man with major potential.
4. Blue Jackets:
Cam Fowler (D) – The Jackets sweat a bit, thinking that the Panthers will grab Fowler. Fowler, Hall and Seguin become the only 3 players selected this year to play in the NHL. Fowler gives the Jackets a guy who will play in every situation.
5. Islanders:
Brandon Gormley (D) – Islanders get the “scraps” of the big 3 D-men, but the one who I value 2nd behind Fowler. The Islanders will think long and hard about both Connolly and Tarasenko here, but it just makes more sense to take a d-man. Especially one as polished as Gormley is.
6. Lightning:
Brett Connolly (F) – The Lightning think long and hard about Campbell here, but it’s just too much of a reach at 6. Connolly will allow them to develop a top line winger for Stamkos to play with after St. Louis leaves.
7. Hurricanes:
Vladimir Tarasenko (F) – I have said for some time that I don’t see the ‘Canes taking Tarasenko, but I’m simply going BPA here. There has been some rumbling that they are considering him in this spot, which would surprise me since they haven’t had the best experiences with Russians. I would be a bit surprised to see him go here, but not overly, which is why I’m slotting him here. He’s by far the best player available.
8. Thrashers:
Jeff Skinner (F) – Thrashers need help scoring goals. Skinner is ranked ALL over the place on mock drafts. I have a feeling someone will reach a bit for him. Would not surprise me at all if Atlanta does.
9. Wild:
Ryan Johansen (F) – Perfect guy to slot behind Koivu. This pick makes so much sense it’s not even funny. Which is probably why it won’t happen.
10. Rangers:
Derek Forbort (D) – Tyler Myers clone? This kid is a tremendous player. He oozes upside. I have him ranked higher than this in my rankings. Someone will bite, and I hope we do if Tarasenko, Connolly and Johansen are off the board. There is simply too much upside to ignore here.
11. Stars:
Mark Pysyk (D) – The Stars cringe when Forbort goes off the board. They are going D all day long with this pick, IMO. Pysyk is the last of the higher ranked D-men available and I don’t see them passing on him.
12. Ducks:
Nino Niederreiter (F) – Nino falls into the Ducks’ laps. He’s a solid value pick at this point and would look really good on a line with Getzlaf. Talk about physical and grinding!
13. Coyotes:
Alexander Burmistrov (F) – Burmy gives the ‘Yotes a real good threat. They haven’t had the best luck with their top end picks, and Burmistrov can likely slot into the NHL line-up right now, but hopefully they don’t rush him.
14. Blues:
Mikael Granlund (F) – I would’ve slotted Campbell here before the Halak deal, but they won’t be going G now. Granlund is the best available forward and the Blues European scouts have probably seen a ton of him. His puck poise, patience and smarts might be the best in the draft. He’s a bit lacking in foot speed, but I think he’ll look good on St. Louis.
15. Bruins:
Nick Bjugstad (F) – Oh, look. The perfect center for Seguin.
16. Senators:
Dylan Mcilrath (D) – With the prospects of losing Volchenkov, the Senators are just not that imposing on the back-line. Mcilrath is a big reach here, but he will go in the top 20.
17. Avalanche:
Jack Campbell (G) – Makes too much sense. I think he goes here all day long now that the Blues have their goaltender.
18. Predators:
Austin Watson (F) – The Predators could use his game. Good two-way kid who can play in any situation. Watson just fits the mold of what I think of when I think of the Predators. Hard working, give it your all kind of kid.
19. Kings:
Evgeny Kuznetsov (F) – The Kings bank on Kuznetsov coming across the pond to play in a big city. He’s a good pick here if they can convince him to come over. He might be the most offensively talented player available at this point.
20. Penguins:
Kirill Kabanov (F) – The Penguins have the ability to really gamble on a pick here. This is a much better gamble than on the gag-inducing selection of Esposito a few years back (everyone and their mother knew that was a terrible pick who actually watched Espo). Kabanov is much more skilled than Esposito is and would look amazing next to either Malkin or Crosby, no?
21. Red Wings:
Ludvig Rensfeldt (F) – The Red Wings just love to go to Scandanavia. They tend not to go there early in the draft, but Rensfeldt’s size and skill are too hard to pass up here.
22. Coyotes:
Stephen Johns (D) – The Coyotes would have loved to have gotten their hands on Forbort or Pysyk and can pick up a guy who will be on their team for 15 years on the back-end. Johns’ upside is not high at all, but he will be a very solid top 4 d-man.
23. Sabres:
Brock Nelson (F) – The Sabres really need some size. I don’t think his upside is tremendous, but he should be a solid 2nd line center.
24. Thrashers:
Jon Merrill (D) – Atlanta could really use some solid d-men prospects. Merrill is the best guy left on the board right now and makes a lot of sense here. After going with the high risk Skinner pick at the top of the draft, the Thrashers go with a much smaller risk in Merrill here.
25. Canucks:
Emerson Etem (F) – Solid scoring forward who can pick up the garbage goals. Pair him with Burrows and a playmaking center and I think it’d be a solid line.
26. Capitals:
Danny Biega (D) – The Capitals really need to go defense in the first round here. I love Biega’s upside. He really can be a star in the league. I’ve loved all of the Biega brothers, so I might be a bit biased and all, but this kid is easily the best out of any of his siblings.
27. Canadiens:
Jarred Tinordi (D) – Montreal LOVES going with college kids in the 1st round. They continue the trend and take a much needed physical defenseman. Komisarek wasn’t the greatest, but his physical presence was missing from the Canadiens blue-line in the playoffs.
28. Sharks:
Riley Sheahan (F) – Good two way kid who is a solid all-around guy. He probably goes higher than this, but I think he’s much better suited for the end of the first round.
29. Ducks:
Kevin Hayes (F) – The Ducks can really take a gamble here. Nino is pretty much a guaranteed NHLer (be it bottom 6 or top 6). They can really take a huge gamble here. Hayes has all the potential to be a dominating big man in the NHL. His puck possession ability is tremendous.
30. Blackhawks:
Calle Jarnkrok (F) – The Blackhawks are just DYING for Rensfeldt or Hayes to be available here. They would love to add more big and skilled guys to their roster. They will settle for the smaller Jarnkrok (a generous 5’10). His playmaking ability is top notch and he has a real fire in him when he’s playing. Can get very emotional. Will fit in great on the ‘Hawks.
im not going to mention any names of how i know this. but if Nino is on the board when the Thrashers are picking, they will select him.
Considering picks 3-10 are pretty much toss-ups, this is my mock.
I have it set up with all of Tarasenko/Johan/Skinner/Connolly gone already (and I think this is a very real possibility).
Originally I was basically guaranteeing that Tarasenko would NOT be taken by Carolina, but I've really heard a lot about them liking him and wanting him. I don't blame them!
Here's the mock:
1. Oilers:
Taylor Hall (F) – Best player in the draft. Period. The kid will be a very, very good wing in the NHL. Nothing more needs to be said.
2. Bruins:
Tyler Seguin (F) – 2nd best player in the draft. Period. A razor thin line separates the top two picks, but Hall is just a bit better.
3. Panthers:
Erik Gudbranson (D) – I have him as the 4th best d-man, but he fills a need. The Panthers need a nasty, bruising d-man with major potential.
4. Blue Jackets:
Cam Fowler (D) – The Jackets sweat a bit, thinking that the Panthers will grab Fowler. Fowler, Hall and Seguin become the only 3 players selected this year to play in the NHL. Fowler gives the Jackets a guy who will play in every situation.
5. Islanders:
Brandon Gormley (D) – Islanders get the “scraps” of the big 3 D-men, but the one who I value 2nd behind Fowler. The Islanders will think long and hard about both Connolly and Tarasenko here, but it just makes more sense to take a d-man. Especially one as polished as Gormley is.
6. Lightning:
Brett Connolly (F) – The Lightning think long and hard about Campbell here, but it’s just too much of a reach at 6. Connolly will allow them to develop a top line winger for Stamkos to play with after St. Louis leaves.
7. Hurricanes:
Vladimir Tarasenko (F) – I have said for some time that I don’t see the ‘Canes taking Tarasenko, but I’m simply going BPA here. There has been some rumbling that they are considering him in this spot, which would surprise me since they haven’t had the best experiences with Russians. I would be a bit surprised to see him go here, but not overly, which is why I’m slotting him here. He’s by far the best player available.
8. Thrashers:
Jeff Skinner (F) – Thrashers need help scoring goals. Skinner is ranked ALL over the place on mock drafts. I have a feeling someone will reach a bit for him. Would not surprise me at all if Atlanta does.
9. Wild:
Ryan Johansen (F) – Perfect guy to slot behind Koivu. This pick makes so much sense it’s not even funny. Which is probably why it won’t happen.
10. Rangers:
Derek Forbort (D) – Tyler Myers clone? This kid is a tremendous player. He oozes upside. I have him ranked higher than this in my rankings. Someone will bite, and I hope we do if Tarasenko, Connolly and Johansen are off the board. There is simply too much upside to ignore here.
11. Stars:
Mark Pysyk (D) – The Stars cringe when Forbort goes off the board. They are going D all day long with this pick, IMO. Pysyk is the last of the higher ranked D-men available and I don’t see them passing on him.
12. Ducks:
Nino Niederreiter (F) – Nino falls into the Ducks’ laps. He’s a solid value pick at this point and would look really good on a line with Getzlaf. Talk about physical and grinding!
13. Coyotes:
Alexander Burmistrov (F) – Burmy gives the ‘Yotes a real good threat. They haven’t had the best luck with their top end picks, and Burmistrov can likely slot into the NHL line-up right now, but hopefully they don’t rush him.
14. Blues:
Mikael Granlund (F) – I would’ve slotted Campbell here before the Halak deal, but they won’t be going G now. Granlund is the best available forward and the Blues European scouts have probably seen a ton of him. His puck poise, patience and smarts might be the best in the draft. He’s a bit lacking in foot speed, but I think he’ll look good on St. Louis.
15. Bruins:
Nick Bjugstad (F) – Oh, look. The perfect center for Seguin.
16. Senators:
Dylan Mcilrath (D) – With the prospects of losing Volchenkov, the Senators are just not that imposing on the back-line. Mcilrath is a big reach here, but he will go in the top 20.
17. Avalanche:
Jack Campbell (G) – Makes too much sense. I think he goes here all day long now that the Blues have their goaltender.
18. Predators:
Austin Watson (F) – The Predators could use his game. Good two-way kid who can play in any situation. Watson just fits the mold of what I think of when I think of the Predators. Hard working, give it your all kind of kid.
19. Kings:
Evgeny Kuznetsov (F) – The Kings bank on Kuznetsov coming across the pond to play in a big city. He’s a good pick here if they can convince him to come over. He might be the most offensively talented player available at this point.
20. Penguins:
Kirill Kabanov (F) – The Penguins have the ability to really gamble on a pick here. This is a much better gamble than on the gag-inducing selection of Esposito a few years back (everyone and their mother knew that was a terrible pick who actually watched Espo). Kabanov is much more skilled than Esposito is and would look amazing next to either Malkin or Crosby, no?
21. Red Wings:
Ludvig Rensfeldt (F) – The Red Wings just love to go to Scandanavia. They tend not to go there early in the draft, but Rensfeldt’s size and skill are too hard to pass up here.
22. Coyotes:
Stephen Johns (D) – The Coyotes would have loved to have gotten their hands on Forbort or Pysyk and can pick up a guy who will be on their team for 15 years on the back-end. Johns’ upside is not high at all, but he will be a very solid top 4 d-man.
23. Sabres:
Brock Nelson (F) – The Sabres really need some size. I don’t think his upside is tremendous, but he should be a solid 2nd line center.
24. Thrashers:
Jon Merrill (D) – Atlanta could really use some solid d-men prospects. Merrill is the best guy left on the board right now and makes a lot of sense here. After going with the high risk Skinner pick at the top of the draft, the Thrashers go with a much smaller risk in Merrill here.
25. Canucks:
Emerson Etem (F) – Solid scoring forward who can pick up the garbage goals. Pair him with Burrows and a playmaking center and I think it’d be a solid line.
26. Capitals:
Danny Biega (D) – The Capitals really need to go defense in the first round here. I love Biega’s upside. He really can be a star in the league. I’ve loved all of the Biega brothers, so I might be a bit biased and all, but this kid is easily the best out of any of his siblings.
27. Canadiens:
Jarred Tinordi (D) – Montreal LOVES going with college kids in the 1st round. They continue the trend and take a much needed physical defenseman. Komisarek wasn’t the greatest, but his physical presence was missing from the Canadiens blue-line in the playoffs.
28. Sharks:
Riley Sheahan (F) – Good two way kid who is a solid all-around guy. He probably goes higher than this, but I think he’s much better suited for the end of the first round.
29. Ducks:
Kevin Hayes (F) – The Ducks can really take a gamble here. Nino is pretty much a guaranteed NHLer (be it bottom 6 or top 6). They can really take a huge gamble here. Hayes has all the potential to be a dominating big man in the NHL. His puck possession ability is tremendous.
30. Blackhawks:
Calle Jarnkrok (F) – The Blackhawks are just DYING for Rensfeldt or Hayes to be available here. They would love to add more big and skilled guys to their roster. They will settle for the smaller Jarnkrok (a generous 5’10). His playmaking ability is top notch and he has a real fire in him when he’s playing. Can get very emotional. Will fit in great on the ‘Hawks.
Nice job. I too wouldn't be all that upset if Forbort were the pick if some of those other guys are off the board. Still think that Tarasenko falls to us though.
I'm assuming that you have Fowler ranked #1 and Forbort 2 amongst defensemen?
I view Forbort as BPA at that point. I draft BPA (outside of goaltenders) in the first round and second round. Forbort has much more potential than Nino does. Nino is the safer player (Forbort is also pretty safe), but his potential is dwarfed by Forbort's.
Forbort does have the higher potential, but I feel he is nowhere near as likely to reach his max potential like Nino is. A strong power forward on the 2nd line.
I won't cry if we pick Forbort, but i'd prefer Nino.
Nice job. I too wouldn't be all that upset if Forbort were the pick if some of those other guys are off the board. Still think that Tarasenko falls to us though.
I'm assuming that you have Fowler ranked #1 and Forbort 2 amongst defensemen?
Fowler
Gormley
Forbort
Gudbranson
Pysyk
I'm hoping we can pick up one of Tarasenko/Johansen/Connolly. If none are there, that means one of the big d-men should likely be available.
