Looking ahead to the draft

[brindy17]

Well, with our fate all but sealed (no lower than the 2nd pick), we may as well write a wish list for the draft..while I understand that NHL picks are not as immediate as other sports, I wondered what position you guys thought we should focus on, or if you had any names already in mind. Since NHL prospects are much harder to find on the net, I went searching..Came up with this off a Hockey Futures board..not sure how accurate it is, but if anyone on here knows more about any of them, Id sure like to know :smoke:

Top Power Forward:
1. Horton
2. Bernier

Top Sniper:
1. Zherdev
2. Brown

Top Playmaker:
1. Staal
2. Parise

Top two-way Forward:
1.Michalek
2.Staal

Top Offensive Blueliner:
1. Suter
2. Klein

Top Defensive Blueliner:
1. Coburn
2.Stuart

[brindy17]

Well, with our fate all but sealed (no lower than the 2nd pick), we may as well write a wish list for the draft..while I understand that NHL picks are not as immediate as other sports, I wondered what position you guys thought we should focus on, or if you had any names already in mind. Since NHL prospects are much harder to find on the net, I went searching..Came up with this off a Hockey Futures board..not sure how accurate it is, but if anyone on here knows more about any of them, Id sure like to know :smoke:

Top Power Forward:
1. Horton
2. Bernier

Top Sniper:
1. Zherdev
2. Brown

Top Playmaker:
1. Staal
2. Parise

Top two-way Forward:
1.Michalek
2.Staal

Top Offensive Blueliner:
1. Suter
2. Klein

Top Defensive Blueliner:
1. Coburn
2.Stuart

[raleighcanesfan]

Who's the top goaltender! ?!?

;)

[raleighcanesfan]

Who's the top goaltender! ?!?

;)

[Jillsdad]

Word i am hearing is that Zherdev is the real deal and could make most teams roster in his first year. Don't know how true that is but if so we need to snap him up. That would give us 3 snipers. O'Neill Vrbata and Zherdev.

[Jillsdad]

Word i am hearing is that Zherdev is the real deal and could make most teams roster in his first year. Don't know how true that is but if so we need to snap him up. That would give us 3 snipers. O'Neill Vrbata and Zherdev.

[mikus]

Staal
hold on a sec...do you mean juris stals?

[mikus]

Staal
hold on a sec...do you mean juris stals?

[StormShaman]

Staal
hold on a sec...do you mean juris stals?

He's talking about Eric Staal.

[StormShaman]

Staal
hold on a sec...do you mean juris stals?

He's talking about Eric Staal.

[talkingcanes]

the top goalie is Marc-Andre Fleury. word is he's a franchise goalie.

he would be my pick, but I haven't heard from JR yet asking my opinion ;)

[talkingcanes]

the top goalie is Marc-Andre Fleury. word is he's a franchise goalie.

he would be my pick, but I haven't heard from JR yet asking my opinion ;)

[Jillsdad]

We have quite a few good goalies in our minor system. JR has stockpiled them in the past few years. We need scorers. If you have scorers you do not need to trap and try and win games 1-0 and 2-1. Go for Zherdev.

[Jillsdad]

We have quite a few good goalies in our minor system. JR has stockpiled them in the past few years. We need scorers. If you have scorers you do not need to trap and try and win games 1-0 and 2-1. Go for Zherdev.

[hyena]

the last time JR was on front-office access, they talked about the draft a little. to me, JR made it sound like whoever gets the first pick would be stupid not to get the goalie (including us). hmmm, we'll see....

[hyena]

the last time JR was on front-office access, they talked about the draft a little. to me, JR made it sound like whoever gets the first pick would be stupid not to get the goalie (including us). hmmm, we'll see....

[Guyute]

yes we could use goalscorers... but to have a 1st or 2nd pick, and a goalie available that is being touted as posssibly being the next brodeur... you would be foolish not to take him. foolish being a bit of an understatement of course.

take the goalie.

jmo.

[Guyute]

yes we could use goalscorers... but to have a 1st or 2nd pick, and a goalie available that is being touted as posssibly being the next brodeur... you would be foolish not to take him. foolish being a bit of an understatement of course.

take the goalie.

jmo.

[StormShaman]

We have quite a few good goalies in our minor system. JR has stockpiled them in the past few years. We need scorers. If you have scorers you do not need to trap and try and win games 1-0 and 2-1. Go for Zherdev.

JR would be absolutely stupid to NOT take the first real "can't miss" pick in years in the draft--that pick happens to be Marc-Andre Fleury.

[StormShaman]

We have quite a few good goalies in our minor system. JR has stockpiled them in the past few years. We need scorers. If you have scorers you do not need to trap and try and win games 1-0 and 2-1. Go for Zherdev.

JR would be absolutely stupid to NOT take the first real "can't miss" pick in years in the draft--that pick happens to be Marc-Andre Fleury.

[Jeff O Rocks]

My vote is for a solid goalie....unfortunately, through all the injuries, and all the players we have seen, it seems like our cubbard is well-stocked in all other areas...

I think rookie camp will be very interesting this year..and even more so when the rookies and veterans collide in securing a job!! :eek2:

[Jeff O Rocks]

My vote is for a solid goalie....unfortunately, through all the injuries, and all the players we have seen, it seems like our cubbard is well-stocked in all other areas...

I think rookie camp will be very interesting this year..and even more so when the rookies and veterans collide in securing a job!! :eek2:

[Jillsdad]

According to tsn.ca as far as ranking the top ten picks in this years draft, they are as follows:

1.Nathan Horton(Oshawa Generals)
1a. Nikolai Zherdev
3.Milan Michalek (Czech Republic)
4.Eric Staal(Peterborough Petes)
5.Braydon Cob?(winter hawks)
6.Dustin Brown(Guelph Storm)
7.Marc-Andre Fleury(Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
8.Tomas Vanek(University of Minnesota)
9.Ryan Suter(nephew of gary Suter)
10.Brent Seabrook(Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Not doubting what other psoters have said, but 7 is as high as I have found Fleury ranked anywhere and Horton and Zherdev are the consensus #1 picks no matter where you look. I say go with the scorer.

[Jillsdad]

According to tsn.ca as far as ranking the top ten picks in this years draft, they are as follows:

1.Nathan Horton(Oshawa Generals)
1a. Nikolai Zherdev
3.Milan Michalek (Czech Republic)
4.Eric Staal(Peterborough Petes)
5.Braydon Cob?(winter hawks)
6.Dustin Brown(Guelph Storm)
7.Marc-Andre Fleury(Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
8.Tomas Vanek(University of Minnesota)
9.Ryan Suter(nephew of gary Suter)
10.Brent Seabrook(Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Not doubting what other psoters have said, but 7 is as high as I have found Fleury ranked anywhere and Horton and Zherdev are the consensus #1 picks no matter where you look. I say go with the scorer.

[StormShaman]

I do not believe I have ever seen a goalie ranked #1 in pre-draft rankings. Ever.

Got any more red herring? My cats really love fish.

[StormShaman]

I do not believe I have ever seen a goalie ranked #1 in pre-draft rankings. Ever.

Got any more red herring? My cats really love fish.

[Whaler Ghost]

I agree with Jillsdad about getting a goal scorer. We just drafted Cam Ward last year with our number one pick, how many 18 year old goalie prospects do we need, or are we just using our number one picks to stock up Lowell and and the Everblades?

People were ranting earlier this year about why can't we draft the next Heatley or Kovalchuk? We certainly can't achieve that, drafting another goalie.

The only justification I can see for drafting Fleury is that if JR has a trade lined up for Ward for someone better than Horton, Zherdev, or Staal. Either that, or Fleury is the next coming of Roy, (and I have read that somewhere), and I guess we could always dump Cam Ward later, but that would mean we wasted our number one pick last year.

In any event, there's no sure thing no matter what we do, it's all a crap shoot. How lucky do you feel, fellow Canes fans? :beatup:

[Whaler Ghost]

I agree with Jillsdad about getting a goal scorer. We just drafted Cam Ward last year with our number one pick, how many 18 year old goalie prospects do we need, or are we just using our number one picks to stock up Lowell and and the Everblades?

People were ranting earlier this year about why can't we draft the next Heatley or Kovalchuk? We certainly can't achieve that, drafting another goalie.

The only justification I can see for drafting Fleury is that if JR has a trade lined up for Ward for someone better than Horton, Zherdev, or Staal. Either that, or Fleury is the next coming of Roy, (and I have read that somewhere), and I guess we could always dump Cam Ward later, but that would mean we wasted our number one pick last year.

In any event, there's no sure thing no matter what we do, it's all a crap shoot. How lucky do you feel, fellow Canes fans? :beatup:

[Guyute]

Ward is at least 2 years away from contending for an NHL spot.

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

[Guyute]

Ward is at least 2 years away from contending for an NHL spot.

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

[Whaler Ghost]

The point is that we drafted Ward number one to eventually play for us. Are we using a number one pick simply to play backup for Fleury in a couple of years or to stay in Lowell? They are both the same age, they would be butting heads sooner or later and they both can't be number one and play enough to develop the way they would need to. If we draft Fleury with no trade lined up, we wasted a number one pick either this year or last year, IMO.

[Whaler Ghost]

The point is that we drafted Ward number one to eventually play for us. Are we using a number one pick simply to play backup for Fleury in a couple of years or to stay in Lowell? They are both the same age, they would be butting heads sooner or later and they both can't be number one and play enough to develop the way they would need to. If we draft Fleury with no trade lined up, we wasted a number one pick either this year or last year, IMO.

[tommy]

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

Personally, I would not draft him unless that were ABSOLUTELY true. Just as long as we don't go with an "offensive defenseman", it's all good. lol.

[tommy]

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

Personally, I would not draft him unless that were ABSOLUTELY true. Just as long as we don't go with an "offensive defenseman", it's all good. lol.

[Stormbringer]

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

Personally, I would not draft him unless that were ABSOLUTELY true. Just as long as we don't go with an "offensive defenseman", it's all good. lol.

Before I read through this thread, I would have said go for Fleury myself. But, there are obviously a ton of rumors floating around about that guy, and most of them are apparently rumors and nothing more for JR to come out and say that he more than likely won't take the "bait". So with that said, while another goalie wouldn't hurt, another pure scorer would be on the money...the only thing the Canes are really not hurting for is a defenseman, and they may even get stronger in that area if they get rid of Tanabe and manage to sign back Wesley.

[Stormbringer]

Fleury is supposedly ready to jump in in October. quite a difference there.

Personally, I would not draft him unless that were ABSOLUTELY true. Just as long as we don't go with an "offensive defenseman", it's all good. lol.

Before I read through this thread, I would have said go for Fleury myself. But, there are obviously a ton of rumors floating around about that guy, and most of them are apparently rumors and nothing more for JR to come out and say that he more than likely won't take the "bait". So with that said, while another goalie wouldn't hurt, another pure scorer would be on the money...the only thing the Canes are really not hurting for is a defenseman, and they may even get stronger in that area if they get rid of Tanabe and manage to sign back Wesley.

[Jillsdad]

I remember back throughout this year that many people were complaining that we did not have anybody that could finish. From everything that has been said we are very well stocked with goalies, Weekes, DeRochers, Ward, Zepp, Petruk et al. We also have a lot of forwards but unfortunately except for Vrbata and to some extent O'Neill we do not have a legitimate sniper/finisher. If we have the opportunity to get one of those type players why not? Then our goalie of the future, whoever it may be, would not have to have a GAA below 2.0 for us to have a chance to win. More goal scoring makes the job of the goalie easier whoever that goalie may be.

[Jillsdad]

I remember back throughout this year that many people were complaining that we did not have anybody that could finish. From everything that has been said we are very well stocked with goalies, Weekes, DeRochers, Ward, Zepp, Petruk et al. We also have a lot of forwards but unfortunately except for Vrbata and to some extent O'Neill we do not have a legitimate sniper/finisher. If we have the opportunity to get one of those type players why not? Then our goalie of the future, whoever it may be, would not have to have a GAA below 2.0 for us to have a chance to win. More goal scoring makes the job of the goalie easier whoever that goalie may be.

[MoBigRed]

The only justification I can see for drafting Fleury is that if JR has a trade lined up for Ward for someone better than Horton, Zherdev, or Staal. Either that, or Fleury is the next coming of Roy, (and I have read that somewhere), and I guess we could always dump Cam Ward later, but that would mean we wasted our number one pick last year.


Personally, i think if the Canes could snag a Brodeur every year, it would never be a wasted number one pick. I'd love to get the sniper, but a franchise goaltender... hmm. Say, why don't we send Irbe, Tanabe, and a 2nd-rounder to Pittsburgh in return for their top pick...

[MoBigRed]

The only justification I can see for drafting Fleury is that if JR has a trade lined up for Ward for someone better than Horton, Zherdev, or Staal. Either that, or Fleury is the next coming of Roy, (and I have read that somewhere), and I guess we could always dump Cam Ward later, but that would mean we wasted our number one pick last year.


Personally, i think if the Canes could snag a Brodeur every year, it would never be a wasted number one pick. I'd love to get the sniper, but a franchise goaltender... hmm. Say, why don't we send Irbe, Tanabe, and a 2nd-rounder to Pittsburgh in return for their top pick...

[Stormbringer]

The more I think about it, the more I feel that a pure scorer would be the way to go myself. While poor goaltending has hurt the Canes in some games this season, the inability to score has definitely hurt them more...though, it doesn't help when the majority of your top ten scorers fall victim to injuries and/or are having slumps. Anyway, another scorer would definitely not hurt, and in the end, would probably be the best thing the Canes should go for with their first round pick.

Edit: If only the Canes could go for BOTH Fleury and a pure scorer...only in a perfect world... (sighs)

[Stormbringer]

The more I think about it, the more I feel that a pure scorer would be the way to go myself. While poor goaltending has hurt the Canes in some games this season, the inability to score has definitely hurt them more...though, it doesn't help when the majority of your top ten scorers fall victim to injuries and/or are having slumps. Anyway, another scorer would definitely not hurt, and in the end, would probably be the best thing the Canes should go for with their first round pick.

Edit: If only the Canes could go for BOTH Fleury and a pure scorer...only in a perfect world... (sighs)

[StormShaman]

Rock and a hard place, folks.

We run a system that stresses "defense first, defense last, defense always". Always have (under Chairman Mo), always will (because Chairman Mo, like it or not, is in power for the duration). Radim Vrbata aside, finishing scorers that have a good defensive game are very few and very far between--and Verb's defense (insofar as it fits in with this team) is still a question mark until next season when we're able to get a much better look at him.

What's the point of getting a finisher if we're playing a system where he'd go to waste pulling 4th-line minutes for a coach that would rather ride his vets into the ground than give a promising rookie ice time?

[StormShaman]

Rock and a hard place, folks.

We run a system that stresses "defense first, defense last, defense always". Always have (under Chairman Mo), always will (because Chairman Mo, like it or not, is in power for the duration). Radim Vrbata aside, finishing scorers that have a good defensive game are very few and very far between--and Verb's defense (insofar as it fits in with this team) is still a question mark until next season when we're able to get a much better look at him.

What's the point of getting a finisher if we're playing a system where he'd go to waste pulling 4th-line minutes for a coach that would rather ride his vets into the ground than give a promising rookie ice time?

[Whaler Ghost]

I just made a quick stop at the Cape Breton webpage and the Red Deer webpage. Here are both goalies statitics.

Fleury 61GP 17 wins 24 losses 3.36 GAA .920 SV%
Ward 61GP 40 wins 13 losses 2.10 GAA .920 SV%

Ward in playoffs 5GP 4 wins 1 loss 1.80 GAA .920 SV%

Now, which goalie is the next coming of Roy? :eek2:

Seriously, why is Fleury rated so highly? His statistics other than save percentage don't look that impressive.

[Whaler Ghost]

I just made a quick stop at the Cape Breton webpage and the Red Deer webpage. Here are both goalies statitics.

Fleury 61GP 17 wins 24 losses 3.36 GAA .920 SV%
Ward 61GP 40 wins 13 losses 2.10 GAA .920 SV%

Ward in playoffs 5GP 4 wins 1 loss 1.80 GAA .920 SV%

Now, which goalie is the next coming of Roy? :eek2:

Seriously, why is Fleury rated so highly? His statistics other than save percentage don't look that impressive.

[Guyute]

no reason getting too worked up about this.... I'm pretty damn sure none of us are scouts.. ;)

and more than likely, very few of us have seen any of these guys play.

so, are they rumors? maybe.... who knows. not me.

this is a scout's bread & butter. sure, we can speculate all we want. but unless you see a kid play (preferably more than one game), you don't really have any idea what his "worth" is. we might have a shot at an incredible sniper... or the next brodeur/roy...

but unless you've had to opportunity to watch him/them play multiple times, nobody really knows. it's just a name, some stats, and a lot of rumors.

that's all I got. :)

[Guyute]

no reason getting too worked up about this.... I'm pretty damn sure none of us are scouts.. ;)

and more than likely, very few of us have seen any of these guys play.

so, are they rumors? maybe.... who knows. not me.

this is a scout's bread & butter. sure, we can speculate all we want. but unless you see a kid play (preferably more than one game), you don't really have any idea what his "worth" is. we might have a shot at an incredible sniper... or the next brodeur/roy...

but unless you've had to opportunity to watch him/them play multiple times, nobody really knows. it's just a name, some stats, and a lot of rumors.

that's all I got. :)

[Jillsdad]

While I agree with the bulk of your post Cam, I can't help but wonder if the defensive system Mo employs is due mainly to the fact that it is the best system for the talent that we have. We did not have a true sniper until the aquisition on Vrbata thus we had to play a defense first system because we are not a high scoring team. I wonder if we had more "finishers" if the mindset of our coaching staff might change.

[Jillsdad]

While I agree with the bulk of your post Cam, I can't help but wonder if the defensive system Mo employs is due mainly to the fact that it is the best system for the talent that we have. We did not have a true sniper until the aquisition on Vrbata thus we had to play a defense first system because we are not a high scoring team. I wonder if we had more "finishers" if the mindset of our coaching staff might change.

[StormShaman]

I just made a quick stop at the Cape Breton webpage and the Red Deer webpage. Here are both goalies statitics.

Fleury 61GP 17 wins 24 losses 3.36 GAA .920 SV%
Ward 61GP 40 wins 13 losses 2.10 GAA .920 SV%

Ward in playoffs 5GP 4 wins 1 loss 1.80 GAA .920 SV%

Now, which goalie is the next coming of Roy? :eek2:

Seriously, why is Fleury rated so highly? His statistics other than save percentage don't look that impressive.

Fleury plays in the QMJHL--goalies there never have super-impressive stats. Were he playing in the WHL or OHL, he would have much the same stats (if not better) than Ward does.

[StormShaman]

I just made a quick stop at the Cape Breton webpage and the Red Deer webpage. Here are both goalies statitics.

Fleury 61GP 17 wins 24 losses 3.36 GAA .920 SV%
Ward 61GP 40 wins 13 losses 2.10 GAA .920 SV%

Ward in playoffs 5GP 4 wins 1 loss 1.80 GAA .920 SV%

Now, which goalie is the next coming of Roy? :eek2:

Seriously, why is Fleury rated so highly? His statistics other than save percentage don't look that impressive.

Fleury plays in the QMJHL--goalies there never have super-impressive stats. Were he playing in the WHL or OHL, he would have much the same stats (if not better) than Ward does.

[StormShaman]

We did not have a true sniper until the aquisition on Vrbata thus we had to play a defense first system because we are not a high scoring team. I wonder if we had more "finishers" if the mindset of our coaching staff might change.

We've had finishers before--Andrew Cassels and Geoff Sanderson ring any bells? The system that is employed by this team is conservative, and was implemented from Day One, and Mo has no intention whatsoever to change it. There's no place for a "pure sniper" on this team as long as we play with that system.

The first thing that the Great Helmsman comments on when talking about a forward that he likes is his defensive capability--it's the first thing he looks for, because it's what he wants in a forward. That's why there are no straight-up snipers on this team.

[StormShaman]

We did not have a true sniper until the aquisition on Vrbata thus we had to play a defense first system because we are not a high scoring team. I wonder if we had more "finishers" if the mindset of our coaching staff might change.

We've had finishers before--Andrew Cassels and Geoff Sanderson ring any bells? The system that is employed by this team is conservative, and was implemented from Day One, and Mo has no intention whatsoever to change it. There's no place for a "pure sniper" on this team as long as we play with that system.

The first thing that the Great Helmsman comments on when talking about a forward that he likes is his defensive capability--it's the first thing he looks for, because it's what he wants in a forward. That's why there are no straight-up snipers on this team.

[Whaler Ghost]

While none of us are professional scouts, I think that since we will have a high pick, this is an interesting and worthwhile topic. Besides, what else have we go to discuss? How great the Canes are playing? If we do get the number one pick, I was thinking of going to Nashville to watch it happen.



While the QMJHL is noted as a tougher and better quality league than the WHL, the WHL is noted for being a softer but a higher scoring league. This is the same league where Pavel Brendl scored 150 points for 2 straight years with the Calgary Hitmen, and one of those years didn't even lead the league in scoring. Perhaps Fleury would have performed better in Cam Ward's place, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

Anyway, time will tell what happens.

[Whaler Ghost]

While none of us are professional scouts, I think that since we will have a high pick, this is an interesting and worthwhile topic. Besides, what else have we go to discuss? How great the Canes are playing? If we do get the number one pick, I was thinking of going to Nashville to watch it happen.



While the QMJHL is noted as a tougher and better quality league than the WHL, the WHL is noted for being a softer but a higher scoring league. This is the same league where Pavel Brendl scored 150 points for 2 straight years with the Calgary Hitmen, and one of those years didn't even lead the league in scoring. Perhaps Fleury would have performed better in Cam Ward's place, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

Anyway, time will tell what happens.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked.

Also, is there any indication that any of the top rated forwards in this draft would be ready to play here next year? I'm not too keen on getting another top forward just to watch him rot away in Lowell.

How 'bout we trade that #1 pick (and whatever other garbage we have lying around...which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll:) to get a proven scorer....if we can even find one that would fit in here....or even a big, physical, nasty D-man. If not.....I say go for Fleury.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked.

Also, is there any indication that any of the top rated forwards in this draft would be ready to play here next year? I'm not too keen on getting another top forward just to watch him rot away in Lowell.

How 'bout we trade that #1 pick (and whatever other garbage we have lying around...which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll:) to get a proven scorer....if we can even find one that would fit in here....or even a big, physical, nasty D-man. If not.....I say go for Fleury.

[Alicia]

This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked.

Also, is there any indication that any of the top rated forwards in this draft would be ready to play here next year? I'm not too keen on getting another top forward just to watch him rot away in Lowell.

How 'bout we trade that #1 pick (and whatever other garbage we have lying around...which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll:) to get a proven scorer....if we can even find one that would fit in here....or even a big, physical, nasty D-man. If not.....I say go for Fleury.

I have to agree with you completely here, SHC. You just say it better than I would.

[Alicia]

This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked.

Also, is there any indication that any of the top rated forwards in this draft would be ready to play here next year? I'm not too keen on getting another top forward just to watch him rot away in Lowell.

How 'bout we trade that #1 pick (and whatever other garbage we have lying around...which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll:) to get a proven scorer....if we can even find one that would fit in here....or even a big, physical, nasty D-man. If not.....I say go for Fleury.

I have to agree with you completely here, SHC. You just say it better than I would.

[Guyute]

While none of us are professional scouts, I think that since we will have a high pick, this is an interesting and worthwhile topic. Besides, what else have we go to discuss? How great the Canes are playing?

I don't recall saying this topic should be dropped. ?
If I had, I would've locked it. :p

of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

but... by all means, feel free to have at it.

[Guyute]

While none of us are professional scouts, I think that since we will have a high pick, this is an interesting and worthwhile topic. Besides, what else have we go to discuss? How great the Canes are playing?

I don't recall saying this topic should be dropped. ?
If I had, I would've locked it. :p

of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

but... by all means, feel free to have at it.

[AbNormal27]

My take is this, if we get the #1 pick, we should swap it to another team for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th pick, and let them take Fleury. We, then get their pick and a player in return and select Staal. This kid has tremendous work ethic and doesn't really have a knock against him other than he needs to EAT and get some meat on his bones. We have a glut in net with Weekes, DesRochers, Ward, Petruk, etc, and are still trying to cut Irbe loose, so drafting ANOTHER goalie just doesn't seem likely, unless they make a deal to select and then trade him. Stay tuned.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

My take is this, if we get the #1 pick, we should swap it to another team for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th pick, and let them take Fleury. We, then get their pick and a player in return and select Staal. This kid has tremendous work ethic and doesn't really have a knock against him other than he needs to EAT and get some meat on his bones. We have a glut in net with Weekes, DesRochers, Ward, Petruk, etc, and are still trying to cut Irbe loose, so drafting ANOTHER goalie just doesn't seem likely, unless they make a deal to select and then trade him. Stay tuned.

Aaryn

[Whaler Ghost]

Well, since I have some time to waste today I'll add some more worthless conjecture. My wife says I'm good at wasting time anyway.

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.

If the organization is totally focused on defense, why did we trade for Hlavac, Brendl, and Vrbata? None are noted to have a 2 way game. Especially Hlavac, who has a reputation for bad or no defense and was even in the Vancouver doghouse. It was no shock for him to come here and not be a defensive presence. Our team needs offense, even JR can see that! Setting a record for the fewest goals scored in this franchise is quite the record. We could have Roy and Fleury and Brodeur himself in goal, and we would still lose more than win without improving our scoring. Of the 22 wins we had, 4 were from shutouts, and we had one 0-0 tie. Brodeur had 9 shutouts this year, so even with him in goal wouldn't have made that much difference for us.

I agree with Southern hockey chick above. Depending upon who JR can get, we should look hard and long at trading the number one pick for a PROVEN veteran. If we can get a proven player, that takes all the guesswork and the unknown out of drafting a "possibilty" in any position.

I've read a lot here about Paul Maurice and his system and how it will never change. It HAS to change. If Maurice was really close to being fired last December and every account says that he was, I can't help but think that his days will be numbered if we start out slowly next year. He will change his style to adapt to the team, or he'll be history. I think right now people are cutting him slack because of last year, but last year will be a faint memory if we suck again next year. For some reason Luke DeCock et al have not written a single negative thing about Maurice. Do you really think that will last? If we start out losing next year, the outcry will be so loud that JR and Karmanos will not be able to ignore it. I will bet the farm right now that Maurice will be history next December if the Hurricanes have a losing record. Don't worry, firing Mo wouldn't necessarily burn the close relationship between Mo and Karmy. Karmanos can always make Mo his personal gardener if worst come to worst. :D

Cheer up people....don't worry, be happy! ;)

[Whaler Ghost]

Well, since I have some time to waste today I'll add some more worthless conjecture. My wife says I'm good at wasting time anyway.

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.

If the organization is totally focused on defense, why did we trade for Hlavac, Brendl, and Vrbata? None are noted to have a 2 way game. Especially Hlavac, who has a reputation for bad or no defense and was even in the Vancouver doghouse. It was no shock for him to come here and not be a defensive presence. Our team needs offense, even JR can see that! Setting a record for the fewest goals scored in this franchise is quite the record. We could have Roy and Fleury and Brodeur himself in goal, and we would still lose more than win without improving our scoring. Of the 22 wins we had, 4 were from shutouts, and we had one 0-0 tie. Brodeur had 9 shutouts this year, so even with him in goal wouldn't have made that much difference for us.

I agree with Southern hockey chick above. Depending upon who JR can get, we should look hard and long at trading the number one pick for a PROVEN veteran. If we can get a proven player, that takes all the guesswork and the unknown out of drafting a "possibilty" in any position.

I've read a lot here about Paul Maurice and his system and how it will never change. It HAS to change. If Maurice was really close to being fired last December and every account says that he was, I can't help but think that his days will be numbered if we start out slowly next year. He will change his style to adapt to the team, or he'll be history. I think right now people are cutting him slack because of last year, but last year will be a faint memory if we suck again next year. For some reason Luke DeCock et al have not written a single negative thing about Maurice. Do you really think that will last? If we start out losing next year, the outcry will be so loud that JR and Karmanos will not be able to ignore it. I will bet the farm right now that Maurice will be history next December if the Hurricanes have a losing record. Don't worry, firing Mo wouldn't necessarily burn the close relationship between Mo and Karmy. Karmanos can always make Mo his personal gardener if worst come to worst. :D

Cheer up people....don't worry, be happy! ;)

[StormShaman]

He will change his style to adapt to the team, or he'll be history.

I'll believe that he'll change it when I actually see it change and STAY that way.

The last time Mo changed his system was before the 2000-2001 season. It lasted exactly 10 games. Then the 'Canes hit a slide, and everything went right back to the way it was.

If Jan is still here next season, I'll be surprised. If Pavel is here beyond the first two months of next season, I'll be surprised. If Radim is here and pulling better than third-and-fourth line minutes beyond the trade deadline next season, I'll be surprised. If the system changes and stays that way through the whole season, I'll be extremely surprised.

Until then, I hold out no hope of anything changing--because history suggests that change is not something that Paul Maurice is willing to do.

(hopefully he'll change to and stick with a more offense-oriented system just to spite me)

[StormShaman]

He will change his style to adapt to the team, or he'll be history.

I'll believe that he'll change it when I actually see it change and STAY that way.

The last time Mo changed his system was before the 2000-2001 season. It lasted exactly 10 games. Then the 'Canes hit a slide, and everything went right back to the way it was.

If Jan is still here next season, I'll be surprised. If Pavel is here beyond the first two months of next season, I'll be surprised. If Radim is here and pulling better than third-and-fourth line minutes beyond the trade deadline next season, I'll be surprised. If the system changes and stays that way through the whole season, I'll be extremely surprised.

Until then, I hold out no hope of anything changing--because history suggests that change is not something that Paul Maurice is willing to do.

(hopefully he'll change to and stick with a more offense-oriented system just to spite me)

[Kat]

Wow, and I thought that I was a pessimist!

[Kat]

Wow, and I thought that I was a pessimist!

[Jeff O Rocks]

.which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll

I don't get that...I don't bash any of my Canes..but in my opinion, I have seen David make more costly errors than anyone else on the team!! :roll:

Sorry..if this is OT... :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

.which based on Mo's comments last night doesn't include Tanabe :roll

I don't get that...I don't bash any of my Canes..but in my opinion, I have seen David make more costly errors than anyone else on the team!! :roll:

Sorry..if this is OT... :roll:

[Turbulence]

I say draft Fleury and trade AHLers, Petruk/Zepp (Ward only if absolutely neccesary) and draft picks (and Nobber or Irbe, if possible) to Pitt or another team with a high pick for that high pick, and draft said forewards (Staal looks like the best bet to me)
If we can't work a trade we need to go with the safe bet and get a steady, scoring foreward like Staal. We need another Jeff O'Neill, a guy who has the ability to score but doesn't lack defensive power. I do think we need to draft a winger...seems like we're awash in centers. Is Staal a C or W?

[Turbulence]

I say draft Fleury and trade AHLers, Petruk/Zepp (Ward only if absolutely neccesary) and draft picks (and Nobber or Irbe, if possible) to Pitt or another team with a high pick for that high pick, and draft said forewards (Staal looks like the best bet to me)
If we can't work a trade we need to go with the safe bet and get a steady, scoring foreward like Staal. We need another Jeff O'Neill, a guy who has the ability to score but doesn't lack defensive power. I do think we need to draft a winger...seems like we're awash in centers. Is Staal a C or W?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.


This is in no way intended to be nasty so please try not to take it as such.....but are you new here? Or just haven't read that often before maybe? A lot of us post with that attitude, a lot of us just flat out have that attitude about the coach but it's not like we're all suicidal and in a bad mood or anything. Yeah, we're not thrilled that we went through this entire season without a peep of firing Mo and that we feel it will take an act of god to get him fired in the future.....but it's not like we've lost all hope about the team. Chill out. We're just having fun posting on a message board. Don't take everyone so seriously. :spin:

I think we'll have to either see this team flounder or see Mo gone next year because, like Whaler Ghost said, JR seems to see that we need offense. Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.


This is in no way intended to be nasty so please try not to take it as such.....but are you new here? Or just haven't read that often before maybe? A lot of us post with that attitude, a lot of us just flat out have that attitude about the coach but it's not like we're all suicidal and in a bad mood or anything. Yeah, we're not thrilled that we went through this entire season without a peep of firing Mo and that we feel it will take an act of god to get him fired in the future.....but it's not like we've lost all hope about the team. Chill out. We're just having fun posting on a message board. Don't take everyone so seriously. :spin:

I think we'll have to either see this team flounder or see Mo gone next year because, like Whaler Ghost said, JR seems to see that we need offense. Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.

[StormShaman]

Wow, and I thought that I was a pessimist!

Not so much pessimism as the product of broken promises (e.g. "we're going to open things up and be more offense-oriented") and disappointments.

Fool me once and all that. :beatup:

[StormShaman]

Wow, and I thought that I was a pessimist!

Not so much pessimism as the product of broken promises (e.g. "we're going to open things up and be more offense-oriented") and disappointments.

Fool me once and all that. :beatup:

[StormShaman]

Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.

No more calls, we have a winner. :)

[StormShaman]

Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.

No more calls, we have a winner. :)

[Whaler Ghost]

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.


This is in no way intended to be nasty so please try not to take it as such.....but are you new here? Or just haven't read that often before maybe? A lot of us post with that attitude, a lot of us just flat out have that attitude about the coach but it's not like we're all suicidal and in a bad mood or anything. Yeah, we're not thrilled that we went through this entire season without a peep of firing Mo and that we feel it will take an act of god to get him fired in the future.....but it's not like we've lost all hope about the team. Chill out. We're just having fun posting on a message board. Don't take everyone so seriously. :spin:

I think we'll have to either see this team flounder or see Mo gone next year because, like Whaler Ghost said, JR seems to see that we need offense. Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.


Actually, I thought I was taking things lightly, hence the "*L*" in the post and other funny faces mixed within. Yes, I am new here as far as posting. It's hard to say I'm not with the designated "11" posts by my name. :) I have read these boards for months though.

Now this also isn't meant to be nasty, so please don't take it that way. But, in my opinion, the threads about headaches, about meeting players by their cars after practice, about all the stuff in the ladies only section and several other threads don't interest me and I consider them a waste of my time. But I don't go on the threads and tell everyone what a waste of time it is. I just choose to ignore it.

To me, the fact that my favorite team might have the number one draft pick is hot news! It's something that does not happen very often if at all, and as a matter of fact it would be the highest draft pick the franchise has ever had! Previously, our highest draft pick was Chris Pronger at number 2. I was just kind of surprised at the number of people who consider it a waste of time to discuss it.

I realize I am new at posting here and if my style is abrupt or rough, I apologize for that. I didn't mean to step on any regular's toes here and my intent is not to hurt anyone's feelings or make any waves.

peace!

[Whaler Ghost]

There's a lot of negative energy around here today, which is understandable I guess, but wow. Why bother to discuss this and why waste our time to do that? Why bother to be Canes fans at all? *L* It's all a waste of time if you look at in a certain perspective.


This is in no way intended to be nasty so please try not to take it as such.....but are you new here? Or just haven't read that often before maybe? A lot of us post with that attitude, a lot of us just flat out have that attitude about the coach but it's not like we're all suicidal and in a bad mood or anything. Yeah, we're not thrilled that we went through this entire season without a peep of firing Mo and that we feel it will take an act of god to get him fired in the future.....but it's not like we've lost all hope about the team. Chill out. We're just having fun posting on a message board. Don't take everyone so seriously. :spin:

I think we'll have to either see this team flounder or see Mo gone next year because, like Whaler Ghost said, JR seems to see that we need offense. Problem is....I don't think Mo knows what to do with it. Sure hope he proves me wrong pretty darn quick next season....I love the guy as a person and would love to see him stay.


Actually, I thought I was taking things lightly, hence the "*L*" in the post and other funny faces mixed within. Yes, I am new here as far as posting. It's hard to say I'm not with the designated "11" posts by my name. :) I have read these boards for months though.

Now this also isn't meant to be nasty, so please don't take it that way. But, in my opinion, the threads about headaches, about meeting players by their cars after practice, about all the stuff in the ladies only section and several other threads don't interest me and I consider them a waste of my time. But I don't go on the threads and tell everyone what a waste of time it is. I just choose to ignore it.

To me, the fact that my favorite team might have the number one draft pick is hot news! It's something that does not happen very often if at all, and as a matter of fact it would be the highest draft pick the franchise has ever had! Previously, our highest draft pick was Chris Pronger at number 2. I was just kind of surprised at the number of people who consider it a waste of time to discuss it.

I realize I am new at posting here and if my style is abrupt or rough, I apologize for that. I didn't mean to step on any regular's toes here and my intent is not to hurt anyone's feelings or make any waves.

peace!

[Shell]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

[Shell]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

[Whaler Ghost]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

Hmmm, is this a trick question? *L*

GUYUTE....of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

Southern Hockey Chick....This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked

Some other people may not have used those exact words, but indicated it, unless I misinterpreted the intent of their posts which is certainly possible.

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here, and I guess I'm getting my taste first hand, especially with having to explain my posts to a monitor who is perfectly capable of reading the posts. It's probably easier and best for everyone to just drop the subject right here and now. I'll be on my way. Sorry for any trouble, it won't happen again.

[Whaler Ghost]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

Hmmm, is this a trick question? *L*

GUYUTE....of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

Southern Hockey Chick....This is all fun and everything but, IMO, we're all wasting our time. JR is drooling over exactly 2 players in this draft : Fleury and Michalek (the Czech defenseman). This is not an organization that, from what I have seen and read, cares to pick up much in the way of scorers. When you require a two-way game it's a little harder to find a sniper that fits in. If they draft anyone other than those two players I've listed above I'll be shocked

Some other people may not have used those exact words, but indicated it, unless I misinterpreted the intent of their posts which is certainly possible.

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here, and I guess I'm getting my taste first hand, especially with having to explain my posts to a monitor who is perfectly capable of reading the posts. It's probably easier and best for everyone to just drop the subject right here and now. I'll be on my way. Sorry for any trouble, it won't happen again.

[StormShaman]

Huh?

*is confused*

[StormShaman]

Huh?

*is confused*

[Alicia]

IMHO, I would like this team to see what it can do with what it has, once the injured are healthy & we see which Baby Canes have proven worthy to stay up w/the big club, rather than seeing so much emphasis being placed on who we can get in the draft.

[Alicia]

IMHO, I would like this team to see what it can do with what it has, once the injured are healthy & we see which Baby Canes have proven worthy to stay up w/the big club, rather than seeing so much emphasis being placed on who we can get in the draft.

[Kat]

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here

From webster.com:
Main Entry: clique
Pronunciation: 'klEk, 'klik
Function: noun
Etymology: French
Date: 1711
: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

We are a clique here... one that is bound together by love of one team and one sport. We are only exclusive only in that we exclude those who don't love hockey and/or the Canes. Also, it is tough to figure out who is a true newbie around here since the board recently went down and everyone started over.

I think that you are taking some common phrases like "waste of time" and misunderstanding them. In this context, I think that it was meant as a "doesn't really matter what we think, JR/Mo will do what they want anyway" kind of thing, not that the discussion itself was a waste of time.

[Kat]

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here

From webster.com:
Main Entry: clique
Pronunciation: 'klEk, 'klik
Function: noun
Etymology: French
Date: 1711
: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

We are a clique here... one that is bound together by love of one team and one sport. We are only exclusive only in that we exclude those who don't love hockey and/or the Canes. Also, it is tough to figure out who is a true newbie around here since the board recently went down and everyone started over.

I think that you are taking some common phrases like "waste of time" and misunderstanding them. In this context, I think that it was meant as a "doesn't really matter what we think, JR/Mo will do what they want anyway" kind of thing, not that the discussion itself was a waste of time.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

In this context, I think that it was meant as a "doesn't really matter what we think, JR/Mo will do what they want anyway" kind of thing, not that the discussion itself was a waste of time.
Can't speak for others (well, maybe I could but I won't) but that is exactly what I meant. And I was just trying to make sure Whaler Ghost was not misunderstanding us....which you obviously were if you think anyone was trying to say stop discussing the issue. I definitely don't think that this isn't something that should be discussed here. I was having fun discussing it and thought others were too....but you seemed to be taking everyone so seriously. I wasn't trying to start anything....sorry I tried to clarify. I think you've come in here with some preconceived notions...perhaps something you've gleaned from another board?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

In this context, I think that it was meant as a "doesn't really matter what we think, JR/Mo will do what they want anyway" kind of thing, not that the discussion itself was a waste of time.
Can't speak for others (well, maybe I could but I won't) but that is exactly what I meant. And I was just trying to make sure Whaler Ghost was not misunderstanding us....which you obviously were if you think anyone was trying to say stop discussing the issue. I definitely don't think that this isn't something that should be discussed here. I was having fun discussing it and thought others were too....but you seemed to be taking everyone so seriously. I wasn't trying to start anything....sorry I tried to clarify. I think you've come in here with some preconceived notions...perhaps something you've gleaned from another board?

[tommy]

For crying out loud guys, this board IS nicer than ch.com, but can we keep this kinda stuff in personal messages or something? It's nice to read a civil argument, but the whole going at people on a personal level thing, it really gets old fast. Thanks.

[tommy]

For crying out loud guys, this board IS nicer than ch.com, but can we keep this kinda stuff in personal messages or something? It's nice to read a civil argument, but the whole going at people on a personal level thing, it really gets old fast. Thanks.

[nccanes]

Well, I suppose the season being what it's been hasn't led to too many heated discussions about personnel and lines, etc. since we're basically the LockMonsters now. ;)

Anyway, while I'm not going to comment on the draft pick choice and/or trade potential (don't feel like I have any real expertise to add much of value), I'll just add this.

When discussing a "hot topic" I think it always helps to qualify your remarks with the chesnut, "imo" or "I believe" or "from what I've read" or "it seem to me". Sure we all know that a message board is basically All Opinion All the Time, but since we're aren't actually speaking to each other, when people state their opinions in absolute terms, the reader doesn't necessarily remember that - I know I don't. Absolute statements might be interpreted as "you're wrong, I'm right".

Just my 2 cents.... :)

(And apologies to the mods if I stepped out of bounds....)

[nccanes]

Well, I suppose the season being what it's been hasn't led to too many heated discussions about personnel and lines, etc. since we're basically the LockMonsters now. ;)

Anyway, while I'm not going to comment on the draft pick choice and/or trade potential (don't feel like I have any real expertise to add much of value), I'll just add this.

When discussing a "hot topic" I think it always helps to qualify your remarks with the chesnut, "imo" or "I believe" or "from what I've read" or "it seem to me". Sure we all know that a message board is basically All Opinion All the Time, but since we're aren't actually speaking to each other, when people state their opinions in absolute terms, the reader doesn't necessarily remember that - I know I don't. Absolute statements might be interpreted as "you're wrong, I'm right".

Just my 2 cents.... :)

(And apologies to the mods if I stepped out of bounds....)

[AbNormal27]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What they said.

We are ALL entitled to our opinions, and I know, as well as anyone that not everyone is going to agree with everyone's opinion, but Whaler Ghost has to realize that we are not a "clique", we are fans. We are ALL passionate, and we are ALL entitled to speak our minds about "OUR" team. Just because they have moved, and I challenge you to say you have followed this franchise as long as I have, the colours and geography may have changed, but some of us have not jumped ship since they have moved and those who have chosen to jump on the "band wagon" haven't all done it because of one good season. The people on this forum are not like the fair-weather bunch on ch.com, and i hope you treat all of the lgc.comers with the same respect they treat each others opinions and each other. I may be a just a fan who has followed the franchise since 1979, and had his battles with other lgc.comers, but I think my opinion of these people is a bit more informed than your's appears to be.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What they said.

We are ALL entitled to our opinions, and I know, as well as anyone that not everyone is going to agree with everyone's opinion, but Whaler Ghost has to realize that we are not a "clique", we are fans. We are ALL passionate, and we are ALL entitled to speak our minds about "OUR" team. Just because they have moved, and I challenge you to say you have followed this franchise as long as I have, the colours and geography may have changed, but some of us have not jumped ship since they have moved and those who have chosen to jump on the "band wagon" haven't all done it because of one good season. The people on this forum are not like the fair-weather bunch on ch.com, and i hope you treat all of the lgc.comers with the same respect they treat each others opinions and each other. I may be a just a fan who has followed the franchise since 1979, and had his battles with other lgc.comers, but I think my opinion of these people is a bit more informed than your's appears to be.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

Thanks for agreeing Aaryn. I just want to clarify that my comments on the presentation of opinion as absolute was something I noticed when reading several contributors posts to this thread. I just didn't want my post to be construed as a pointed finger at Whaler Ghost - that was not at all my intention. :smoke:

Most folks here don't have the history you do with the Canes/Whalers. But we can all still have opinions to be voiced and heard - especially when we're talking about something that hasn't even happened yet. :)

[nccanes]

Thanks for agreeing Aaryn. I just want to clarify that my comments on the presentation of opinion as absolute was something I noticed when reading several contributors posts to this thread. I just didn't want my post to be construed as a pointed finger at Whaler Ghost - that was not at all my intention. :smoke:

Most folks here don't have the history you do with the Canes/Whalers. But we can all still have opinions to be voiced and heard - especially when we're talking about something that hasn't even happened yet. :)

[Shell]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

Hmmm, is this a trick question? *L*

GUYUTE....of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

actually, that one was a misinterpretation. guyute has a side job as my husband so we chat a lot. He was concerned that someone else was saying YOUR opinion was wrong, and that they knew the real answer, when of course no one has anything but speculation. He had nothing but good intentions...

[Shell]

I definitely understand all of the above Whaler (though don't necessarily agree, but that's my bag).. but I don't see where anyone said this discussion was a waste of time? Which posts are you referring to?

:)

Hmmm, is this a trick question? *L*

GUYUTE....of course discussion is free, open, and welcomed. I was simply making the point that Nobody here knows just how talented (or not) these kids are. Hence, a lot of debate over who is the best choice, is somewhat of a waste of time and energy.

actually, that one was a misinterpretation. guyute has a side job as my husband so we chat a lot. He was concerned that someone else was saying YOUR opinion was wrong, and that they knew the real answer, when of course no one has anything but speculation. He had nothing but good intentions...

[brindy17]

seeing as how I started this thread that has mutated into something completely different from what it started, i thought i'd comment and say that I simply agree with what everyone else has said about this being a collaboration of ordinary (albeit special in their own ways) people who share a passion for a common thing. Although I dont post that much, there is only a short list of things I enjoy more on the Internet than reading message boards about things I like, and this one ranks right up there at the top because of its people..I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment" :D seriously though, I look forward to many many many more years of watching and talking with these people I've come to "know" ;)

[brindy17]

seeing as how I started this thread that has mutated into something completely different from what it started, i thought i'd comment and say that I simply agree with what everyone else has said about this being a collaboration of ordinary (albeit special in their own ways) people who share a passion for a common thing. Although I dont post that much, there is only a short list of things I enjoy more on the Internet than reading message boards about things I like, and this one ranks right up there at the top because of its people..I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment" :D seriously though, I look forward to many many many more years of watching and talking with these people I've come to "know" ;)

[Guyute]

I'm posting this here instead of PM'ing it because it's something that everyone should realize. maybe some people don't because all of the old posts were gone.... but it is something that I will not tolerate.

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here, and I guess I'm getting my taste first hand, especially with having to explain my posts to a monitor who is perfectly capable of reading the posts.

I would HIGHLY recommend you don't take another jab like that at one of the Mods here.

TIA.

[Guyute]

I'm posting this here instead of PM'ing it because it's something that everyone should realize. maybe some people don't because all of the old posts were gone.... but it is something that I will not tolerate.

I've heard that it can be very "clicky" here, and I guess I'm getting my taste first hand, especially with having to explain my posts to a monitor who is perfectly capable of reading the posts.

I would HIGHLY recommend you don't take another jab like that at one of the Mods here.

TIA.

[crazy4canes]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

[crazy4canes]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

Brindy17 deserves a hug for the avatar alone!! :spin: ;) DOH!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

Brindy17 deserves a hug for the avatar alone!! :spin: ;) DOH!!

[Stormbringer]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

Hey! That reminds me of...nevermind. :D ;)

[Stormbringer]

I think this thread has reached a "group hug moment"

http://www.websmileys.de/liebe54.gif

There you go, brindy.

Hey! That reminds me of...nevermind. :D ;)

[crazy4canes]

Whaler Ghost, while I hope you don't think anyone is trying to run you off these boards, I also feel that taking a job at the moderators isn't the best way to make friends and influence people either. That goes for everyone.

I think it's been stated ad nauseum that ALL opinions are welcome. If that wasn't the case, this whole thread would have been deleted since it's based solely on speculation and opinion.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled thread....

[crazy4canes]

Whaler Ghost, while I hope you don't think anyone is trying to run you off these boards, I also feel that taking a job at the moderators isn't the best way to make friends and influence people either. That goes for everyone.

I think it's been stated ad nauseum that ALL opinions are welcome. If that wasn't the case, this whole thread would have been deleted since it's based solely on speculation and opinion.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled thread....

[tommy]

Here's some more info:

1. Nikolai Zherdev, C, Russia
Still the favorite for the top spot, Nikolai is the most explosive player in the draft. A pure offensive forward, Zherdev is an expert stickhandler with an impressive arsenal of shots. Lack of passing game is his only flaw.

2. Milan Michalek, LW, Czech Republic
Arguably the top two-way forward in the draft, Michalek is a playmaking center with excellent puck skills and effortless skating ability. Will give Zherdev a run for No. 1 spot, but faces a challenging year in the Extraleague.

3. Eric Staal, C, Peterborough
A versatile centerman with exemplary hockey sense, excellent puck skills and playmaking ability. Has good size and is defensively aware - but is not physically punishing.

4. Nathan Horton, C, Oshawa
Has power forward's makeup - good size and toughness. Horton is an excellent skater with a hard shot. Has good understanding of the game - due for a breakout year.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Cape Breton
The QMJHL delivers yet again. A pure butterfly goalie, Fleury is already the cream of the crop in the league. He possesses an excellent glove-hand and thrives playing the angles.

6. Braydon Coburn, D, Portland
A big, hulking blueliner with an edge. Coburn has excellent strength for his age and is a dominant specimen along the boards. Excellent puckhandler, number will increase with more special teams duty.

7. Thomas Vanek, RW, Minnesota
The gifted Austrian is looking forward to a big year with the University of Minnesota. The former USHL star is a dominant scorer and puckhandler, but lacks defensive awareness.

8. Dustin Brown, RW, Guelph
A pure offensive talent, Brown is coming off a 41-goal sophomore season with Guelph. Dustin's puck skills are top-notch, but his all-around game still requires work.

9. Zach Parise, C, North Dakota
All he seems to lack is size, but with his heart, it might not matter. Extremely gifted offensive player who can create and finish. Thrives in the open ice but will also get involved along the boards. Very strong on special teams and has very good hockey sense.

10. Robert Nilsson, LW, Sweden
His game has been compared to Peter Forsberg's - Nilsson is a playmaker with good hockey sense and willingness to play the body. Had a disappointing showing at the U-18 tournament in April.

11. Ryan Suter, D, U.S. National Team Development Program
The son of Bob Suter, member of 1980 "Miracle on Ice" squad. Ryan is a promising offensive defenseman who excels as a puck distributor. Member of the gold-medal winning US U-18 squad last spring.

12. Dion Phaneuf, D, Red Deer
A big, mean defenseman with a solid two-way game. Phaneuf is a very physical kid who is not afraid to drop the gloves. Has a hard shot and good understanding of the game.

13. Ryan Getzlaf, C, Calgary
Big guy, (6-3, 190), Getzlaf has exploded offensively this season. A much stronger player than last year, Ryan plays the game aggressively in the corners and goes to the net hard. Trails only Fredrik Sjostrom in team scoring.

14. Konstantin Glazachev, LW, Russia
Skilled forward has recently made his Russian Superleague debut. A speedy winger with a booming shot, Konstantin can mix it up physically as well. Good confidence and goes to the net aggressively.

15. Mark Stuart, D, Colorado
A fluid skater with a booming shot and good understanding of the game. Has a large frame and doesn't shy away from contact. A hard worker and plays with intensity.

[tommy]

Here's some more info:

1. Nikolai Zherdev, C, Russia
Still the favorite for the top spot, Nikolai is the most explosive player in the draft. A pure offensive forward, Zherdev is an expert stickhandler with an impressive arsenal of shots. Lack of passing game is his only flaw.

2. Milan Michalek, LW, Czech Republic
Arguably the top two-way forward in the draft, Michalek is a playmaking center with excellent puck skills and effortless skating ability. Will give Zherdev a run for No. 1 spot, but faces a challenging year in the Extraleague.

3. Eric Staal, C, Peterborough
A versatile centerman with exemplary hockey sense, excellent puck skills and playmaking ability. Has good size and is defensively aware - but is not physically punishing.

4. Nathan Horton, C, Oshawa
Has power forward's makeup - good size and toughness. Horton is an excellent skater with a hard shot. Has good understanding of the game - due for a breakout year.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Cape Breton
The QMJHL delivers yet again. A pure butterfly goalie, Fleury is already the cream of the crop in the league. He possesses an excellent glove-hand and thrives playing the angles.

6. Braydon Coburn, D, Portland
A big, hulking blueliner with an edge. Coburn has excellent strength for his age and is a dominant specimen along the boards. Excellent puckhandler, number will increase with more special teams duty.

7. Thomas Vanek, RW, Minnesota
The gifted Austrian is looking forward to a big year with the University of Minnesota. The former USHL star is a dominant scorer and puckhandler, but lacks defensive awareness.

8. Dustin Brown, RW, Guelph
A pure offensive talent, Brown is coming off a 41-goal sophomore season with Guelph. Dustin's puck skills are top-notch, but his all-around game still requires work.

9. Zach Parise, C, North Dakota
All he seems to lack is size, but with his heart, it might not matter. Extremely gifted offensive player who can create and finish. Thrives in the open ice but will also get involved along the boards. Very strong on special teams and has very good hockey sense.

10. Robert Nilsson, LW, Sweden
His game has been compared to Peter Forsberg's - Nilsson is a playmaker with good hockey sense and willingness to play the body. Had a disappointing showing at the U-18 tournament in April.

11. Ryan Suter, D, U.S. National Team Development Program
The son of Bob Suter, member of 1980 "Miracle on Ice" squad. Ryan is a promising offensive defenseman who excels as a puck distributor. Member of the gold-medal winning US U-18 squad last spring.

12. Dion Phaneuf, D, Red Deer
A big, mean defenseman with a solid two-way game. Phaneuf is a very physical kid who is not afraid to drop the gloves. Has a hard shot and good understanding of the game.

13. Ryan Getzlaf, C, Calgary
Big guy, (6-3, 190), Getzlaf has exploded offensively this season. A much stronger player than last year, Ryan plays the game aggressively in the corners and goes to the net hard. Trails only Fredrik Sjostrom in team scoring.

14. Konstantin Glazachev, LW, Russia
Skilled forward has recently made his Russian Superleague debut. A speedy winger with a booming shot, Konstantin can mix it up physically as well. Good confidence and goes to the net aggressively.

15. Mark Stuart, D, Colorado
A fluid skater with a booming shot and good understanding of the game. Has a large frame and doesn't shy away from contact. A hard worker and plays with intensity.

[crazy4canes]

This guy sounds promising.

6. Braydon Coburn, D, Portland
A big, hulking blueliner with an edge. Coburn has excellent strength for his age and is a dominant specimen along the boards. Excellent puckhandler, number will increase with more special teams duty.

Not sure we need another fighter but the rest of it sounds good.

12. Dion Phaneuf, D, Red Deer
A big, mean defenseman with a solid two-way game. Phaneuf is a very physical kid who is not afraid to drop the gloves. Has a hard shot and good understanding of the game.

I'm in the "we need a goalie" camp. I'm also in the "we're probably going to get a goalie" camp so getting this Fleury kid could be like hitting the jackpot.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Cape Breton
The QMJHL delivers yet again. A pure butterfly goalie, Fleury is already the cream of the crop in the league. He possesses an excellent glove-hand and thrives playing the angles.

[crazy4canes]

This guy sounds promising.

6. Braydon Coburn, D, Portland
A big, hulking blueliner with an edge. Coburn has excellent strength for his age and is a dominant specimen along the boards. Excellent puckhandler, number will increase with more special teams duty.

Not sure we need another fighter but the rest of it sounds good.

12. Dion Phaneuf, D, Red Deer
A big, mean defenseman with a solid two-way game. Phaneuf is a very physical kid who is not afraid to drop the gloves. Has a hard shot and good understanding of the game.

I'm in the "we need a goalie" camp. I'm also in the "we're probably going to get a goalie" camp so getting this Fleury kid could be like hitting the jackpot.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Cape Breton
The QMJHL delivers yet again. A pure butterfly goalie, Fleury is already the cream of the crop in the league. He possesses an excellent glove-hand and thrives playing the angles.

[ausoleil]

Let's think this through, shall we?

What do the Canes not do?

Score.

(And pass. I'd swear the Icecaps passed better sometimes.)

We have a good goalie. We actually have two. We have good defensemen, and some on the farm ready to take jobs (tanabe) away. We don't need fighters, we just need Jesse to take boxing lessons.

What do we not do well?

Score.

That's right.

And what's the only stat that matter?

The score.

It's the GOALS, Jim, at the end of the game, the only thing that matters is G - O - A - L - S.

That's right, Pete. GOALS. I bet you didn't need to worry about changing out that red lamp at the end of the rink this year, it stayed off almost all year.

Get us a scorer. God knows, your team needs one.

Our friend Ronny Franchise won't play forever. A top centerman that can score is your best hope to replace him. Oh, just imagine a sniper coming down on a two on two or even two on three with O aside him. Or Vrbata. Or even Bayda. The other defense gets to pick poison....bad poison.

Ergo, say hello, Mr. Zherdev. You're gonna LOVE Raleigh.

[ausoleil]

Let's think this through, shall we?

What do the Canes not do?

Score.

(And pass. I'd swear the Icecaps passed better sometimes.)

We have a good goalie. We actually have two. We have good defensemen, and some on the farm ready to take jobs (tanabe) away. We don't need fighters, we just need Jesse to take boxing lessons.

What do we not do well?

Score.

That's right.

And what's the only stat that matter?

The score.

It's the GOALS, Jim, at the end of the game, the only thing that matters is G - O - A - L - S.

That's right, Pete. GOALS. I bet you didn't need to worry about changing out that red lamp at the end of the rink this year, it stayed off almost all year.

Get us a scorer. God knows, your team needs one.

Our friend Ronny Franchise won't play forever. A top centerman that can score is your best hope to replace him. Oh, just imagine a sniper coming down on a two on two or even two on three with O aside him. Or Vrbata. Or even Bayda. The other defense gets to pick poison....bad poison.

Ergo, say hello, Mr. Zherdev. You're gonna LOVE Raleigh.

[ausoleil]

Let's think this through, shall we?

What do the Canes not do?

Score.

(And pass. I'd swear the Icecaps passed better sometimes.)

We have a good goalie. We actually have two. We have good defensemen, and some on the farm ready to take jobs (tanabe) away. We don't need fighters, we just need Jesse to take boxing lessons.

What do we not do well?

Score.

That's right.

And what's the only stat that matter?

The score.

It's the GOALS, Jim, at the end of the game, the only thing that matters is G - O - A - L - S.

That's right, Pete. GOALS. I bet you didn't need to worry about changing out that red lamp at the end of the rink this year, it stayed off almost all year.

Get us a scorer. God knows, your team needs one.

Our friend Ronny Franchise won't play forever. A top centerman that can score is your best hope to replace him. Oh, just imagine a sniper coming down on a two on two or even two on three with O aside him. Or Vrbata. Or even Bayda. The other defense gets to pick poison....bad poison.

Ergo, say hello, Mr. Zherdev. You're gonna LOVE Raleigh.

[talkingcanes]

I still say we go for the goalie. Yep, we have a good goalie with stretches of great goaltending. but if you have a chance at a franchise goalie, a potential Brodeur, I can't see passing him up.

We need scoring, no argument there, but there are other ways to acquire them. And how many of them will be ready to play for the big club 3 months after they are drafted? We are talking about 18 and 19 year olds here. Tyler Nash is an exception not the rule.

Just my opinion. We'll see what JR and Sheldon Ferguson think in June. Of course, we'll know very soon whether or not we pick #1.

[talkingcanes]

I still say we go for the goalie. Yep, we have a good goalie with stretches of great goaltending. but if you have a chance at a franchise goalie, a potential Brodeur, I can't see passing him up.

We need scoring, no argument there, but there are other ways to acquire them. And how many of them will be ready to play for the big club 3 months after they are drafted? We are talking about 18 and 19 year olds here. Tyler Nash is an exception not the rule.

Just my opinion. We'll see what JR and Sheldon Ferguson think in June. Of course, we'll know very soon whether or not we pick #1.

[talkingcanes]

I still say we go for the goalie. Yep, we have a good goalie with stretches of great goaltending. but if you have a chance at a franchise goalie, a potential Brodeur, I can't see passing him up.

We need scoring, no argument there, but there are other ways to acquire them. And how many of them will be ready to play for the big club 3 months after they are drafted? We are talking about 18 and 19 year olds here. Tyler Nash is an exception not the rule.

Just my opinion. We'll see what JR and Sheldon Ferguson think in June. Of course, we'll know very soon whether or not we pick #1.

[tommy]

I gotta go with takin' a power center. Good point... Ronnie won't be here forever, and somebody will take his spot, and everyone will scoot up a position, so itll need to be filled somehow.

Seriously, we had THE WORST offense in the entire NHL this year. With Irbe gone, Weekes would play like he has this year when Irbe has been off the bench.

And in future years, our goalie prospects will begin to pan out... Go for Zherdev.

[tommy]

I gotta go with takin' a power center. Good point... Ronnie won't be here forever, and somebody will take his spot, and everyone will scoot up a position, so itll need to be filled somehow.

Seriously, we had THE WORST offense in the entire NHL this year. With Irbe gone, Weekes would play like he has this year when Irbe has been off the bench.

And in future years, our goalie prospects will begin to pan out... Go for Zherdev.

[tommy]

I gotta go with takin' a power center. Good point... Ronnie won't be here forever, and somebody will take his spot, and everyone will scoot up a position, so itll need to be filled somehow.

Seriously, we had THE WORST offense in the entire NHL this year. With Irbe gone, Weekes would play like he has this year when Irbe has been off the bench.

And in future years, our goalie prospects will begin to pan out... Go for Zherdev.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

From the N&O today:
"Carolina outshot Florida 15-4 in the first period. With the score tied 1-1 less than a minute in to the second, Viktor Kozlov tried to stuff the puck between Irbe's pads -- a desultory attempt at scoring, to say the least.

Kozlov seemed as surprised as anyone to see it pop out on the other side of Irbe and into the net.

At that moment, the collapse began. On the bench, the Canes were more stunned than angry, their mouths hanging open.

It was as if, seeing that goal, they said, "We have to work unspeakably hard to scrape out a single goal, and then we give up that? What's the point?"

The Canes lost 4-2 that night to begin a stretch in which they won just six times in 40 games."


Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

From the N&O today:
"Carolina outshot Florida 15-4 in the first period. With the score tied 1-1 less than a minute in to the second, Viktor Kozlov tried to stuff the puck between Irbe's pads -- a desultory attempt at scoring, to say the least.

Kozlov seemed as surprised as anyone to see it pop out on the other side of Irbe and into the net.

At that moment, the collapse began. On the bench, the Canes were more stunned than angry, their mouths hanging open.

It was as if, seeing that goal, they said, "We have to work unspeakably hard to scrape out a single goal, and then we give up that? What's the point?"

The Canes lost 4-2 that night to begin a stretch in which they won just six times in 40 games."


Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

From the N&O today:
"Carolina outshot Florida 15-4 in the first period. With the score tied 1-1 less than a minute in to the second, Viktor Kozlov tried to stuff the puck between Irbe's pads -- a desultory attempt at scoring, to say the least.

Kozlov seemed as surprised as anyone to see it pop out on the other side of Irbe and into the net.

At that moment, the collapse began. On the bench, the Canes were more stunned than angry, their mouths hanging open.

It was as if, seeing that goal, they said, "We have to work unspeakably hard to scrape out a single goal, and then we give up that? What's the point?"

The Canes lost 4-2 that night to begin a stretch in which they won just six times in 40 games."


Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

[nccanes]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

[nccanes]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

[nccanes]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

Hey....just taking someone's good advice! ;) :p

[SouthernHockeyChick]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

Hey....just taking someone's good advice! ;) :p

[SouthernHockeyChick]

DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.


Smart*ss! ;)

Good points SHC.

Hey....just taking someone's good advice! ;) :p

[AbNormal27]

With the draft lottery tomorrow, and many of us stating our wishes here if we do in fact get the #1 pick, I have been able to analyze our situation. While I aggree the safest bet would just to take Fleury with the top pick due to the fact that our goaltending needs to be addressed, I don't think it's the wisest move.

With Zepp, Petruk, Ward, and Desrochers being developed in the system, I don't think adding another young netminder to the system would be a good idea because our problem is at the NHL level and not on the farm or in junior. We need an NHL ready goalie to help out NOW.

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years? Not too many come to mind. Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.

This is just my opinion, but I feel this is the safest move for us.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

With the draft lottery tomorrow, and many of us stating our wishes here if we do in fact get the #1 pick, I have been able to analyze our situation. While I aggree the safest bet would just to take Fleury with the top pick due to the fact that our goaltending needs to be addressed, I don't think it's the wisest move.

With Zepp, Petruk, Ward, and Desrochers being developed in the system, I don't think adding another young netminder to the system would be a good idea because our problem is at the NHL level and not on the farm or in junior. We need an NHL ready goalie to help out NOW.

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years? Not too many come to mind. Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.

This is just my opinion, but I feel this is the safest move for us.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

With the draft lottery tomorrow, and many of us stating our wishes here if we do in fact get the #1 pick, I have been able to analyze our situation. While I aggree the safest bet would just to take Fleury with the top pick due to the fact that our goaltending needs to be addressed, I don't think it's the wisest move.

With Zepp, Petruk, Ward, and Desrochers being developed in the system, I don't think adding another young netminder to the system would be a good idea because our problem is at the NHL level and not on the farm or in junior. We need an NHL ready goalie to help out NOW.

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years? Not too many come to mind. Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.

This is just my opinion, but I feel this is the safest move for us.

Aaryn

[raleighcanesfan]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

WE DO SHARE THE SAME BRAIN!!! While few agree with me on drafting Fleury, my girl SHC will!!

Huge point. We are a low scoring team, whether you believe it's the system, higher gravitational pull in West Raleigh, little green men, whatever. One person WILL not make the difference. He will still only play one shift at a time.

On a side note...completely unrelated, do we have any kids in college playing at a high level from NC? I'm excited for someday having a kid from NC in the NHL.

[raleighcanesfan]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

WE DO SHARE THE SAME BRAIN!!! While few agree with me on drafting Fleury, my girl SHC will!!

Huge point. We are a low scoring team, whether you believe it's the system, higher gravitational pull in West Raleigh, little green men, whatever. One person WILL not make the difference. He will still only play one shift at a time.

On a side note...completely unrelated, do we have any kids in college playing at a high level from NC? I'm excited for someday having a kid from NC in the NHL.

[raleighcanesfan]

Why I THINK we need to, and will draft Fleury

Yes, that was Irbe in goal. But I think most of us can agree that we've seen Weekes do this same thing more than once this season as well. We are not a high scoring team. Drafting one unproven scorer or trading for one proven scorer will not change that. We simply MUST have unbelievably consistent goaltending. We did not have that this year. There were also many other components needed that we did not have this year but none that I think can be fixed quite so readily as the goaltending issue. Nothing I've read has indicated that any of the top draft prospects would be ready to step into the NHL next season except Fleury. Draft the goalie.


DISLCAIMER: This is my opinion. I am not claiming that it is fact and I am not trying to belittle others' opinions by posting it.

WE DO SHARE THE SAME BRAIN!!! While few agree with me on drafting Fleury, my girl SHC will!!

Huge point. We are a low scoring team, whether you believe it's the system, higher gravitational pull in West Raleigh, little green men, whatever. One person WILL not make the difference. He will still only play one shift at a time.

On a side note...completely unrelated, do we have any kids in college playing at a high level from NC? I'm excited for someday having a kid from NC in the NHL.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.



I can totally get with that plan as well. Probably the best idea.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.



I can totally get with that plan as well. Probably the best idea.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Therefore, if we get the #1 pick, I say we either draft Fleury and flip him to another team for a goalie who can come in and play NOW, or we trade the #1 pick for another team's first round pick and some players, and then draft Staal (assuming we also get a goalie as part of the trade). This way we address the problem and still get a quality player who can also help with our anemic offence.



I can totally get with that plan as well. Probably the best idea.

[StormShaman]

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years?

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. Drafting a scorer means bobkes when we have a coach that refuses to change the ultra-conservative "defense first" system that he has steadfastly employed for the last eight years--Radim Vrbata or no Radim Vrbata (until I actually see the Great Helmsman stick with a different system for more than 1/4 of the season, I'm not changing my opinion on that topic)

You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

[StormShaman]

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years?

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. Drafting a scorer means bobkes when we have a coach that refuses to change the ultra-conservative "defense first" system that he has steadfastly employed for the last eight years--Radim Vrbata or no Radim Vrbata (until I actually see the Great Helmsman stick with a different system for more than 1/4 of the season, I'm not changing my opinion on that topic)

You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

[StormShaman]

The reports on Fleury may be that he is ready to step in, but honestly, how many goalies have stepped right in from the draft over the last few years?

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. Drafting a scorer means bobkes when we have a coach that refuses to change the ultra-conservative "defense first" system that he has steadfastly employed for the last eight years--Radim Vrbata or no Radim Vrbata (until I actually see the Great Helmsman stick with a different system for more than 1/4 of the season, I'm not changing my opinion on that topic)

You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

[raleighcanesfan]

Alright Storm! We agree on this one!!

[raleighcanesfan]

Alright Storm! We agree on this one!!

[raleighcanesfan]

Alright Storm! We agree on this one!!

[TheMistressofEvil]

As much I like Fleury, I think that the real prize to this draft is Zherdev.

I could go on and on about how promising he looks, but instead I'll just send everyone over to the guys at russianprospects.com, who do an excellent job with keeping up with every Russian drafted by the NHL since about '98.

Their bio for Zherdev, which features a few interviews, is here. (http://www.russianprospects.com/profiles/zherdev/profile_zherdev.htm)

They've also got a bio with interviews on other 'canes prospects, like Knyazev. :D

The only knocks on Zherdev are that he's a bit of a puckhog and lazy on defense - a lot like Atlanta's Kovalchuk ( :roll: ), but there's no reason that a good coach can't work that out of him.

I'm such a prospect pimp. :angel:

[TheMistressofEvil]

As much I like Fleury, I think that the real prize to this draft is Zherdev.

I could go on and on about how promising he looks, but instead I'll just send everyone over to the guys at russianprospects.com, who do an excellent job with keeping up with every Russian drafted by the NHL since about '98.

Their bio for Zherdev, which features a few interviews, is here. (http://www.russianprospects.com/profiles/zherdev/profile_zherdev.htm)

They've also got a bio with interviews on other 'canes prospects, like Knyazev. :D

The only knocks on Zherdev are that he's a bit of a puckhog and lazy on defense - a lot like Atlanta's Kovalchuk ( :roll: ), but there's no reason that a good coach can't work that out of him.

I'm such a prospect pimp. :angel:

[TheMistressofEvil]

As much I like Fleury, I think that the real prize to this draft is Zherdev.

I could go on and on about how promising he looks, but instead I'll just send everyone over to the guys at russianprospects.com, who do an excellent job with keeping up with every Russian drafted by the NHL since about '98.

Their bio for Zherdev, which features a few interviews, is here. (http://www.russianprospects.com/profiles/zherdev/profile_zherdev.htm)

They've also got a bio with interviews on other 'canes prospects, like Knyazev. :D

The only knocks on Zherdev are that he's a bit of a puckhog and lazy on defense - a lot like Atlanta's Kovalchuk ( :roll: ), but there's no reason that a good coach can't work that out of him.

I'm such a prospect pimp. :angel:

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation really doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation really doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation really doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation without moving one that you already have doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation without moving one that you already have doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Who cares? Both the goalies we have now are streaky as hell, injuries or no injuries. You can have the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s on the ice, and with the wildly inconsistent goaltending we have it won't do a lick of good.

Quite right, but if you note, I didn't include Irbe as part of the equation. Irbe's play was effected by Weekes' correct? JR has been actively trying to move Irbe, correct? All I am saying is that if there is a clearer picture of who is the #1 IS, then the team will most likely produce better knowing that the "last line of defence" is solid, and a player who can produce offensively can only help, correct? To me adding ANOTHER goalie to the equation without moving one that you already have doesn't make much sense.

Aaryn

[raleighcanesfan]

Did anyone catch JR's comments during the game? It seemed he alluded to a possible d-man being drafted He talked about having Rod, Erik with 15 goals at the time. Paraphrase: Then he said next year we'll get our scoring back and hopefully straighten out our goaltending. We still need to address our defense.

[raleighcanesfan]

Did anyone catch JR's comments during the game? It seemed he alluded to a possible d-man being drafted He talked about having Rod, Erik with 15 goals at the time. Paraphrase: Then he said next year we'll get our scoring back and hopefully straighten out our goaltending. We still need to address our defense.

[raleighcanesfan]

Did anyone catch JR's comments during the game? It seemed he alluded to a possible d-man being drafted He talked about having Rod, Erik with 15 goals at the time. Paraphrase: Then he said next year we'll get our scoring back and hopefully straighten out our goaltending. We still need to address our defense.

[tommy]

McKenzie: NHL Draft Preview

TSN.ca Staff
4/7/2003

It wasn't supposed to be this close or this crowded. When last we left you, way back in late November, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft derby was considered pretty much a two-horse race between Oshawa power centre Nathan Horton and slick Russian forward Nikolai Zherdev.

What we're talking about now is a real horse race with a strong field of contenders who have emerged to challenge and, quite possibly, blow by Horton and Zherdev.

Never have so many NHL scouts and general managers been so excited about so many prospects from the class of 2003, which has both splendid top-end talent and excellent depth as well.


In a TSN survey of 10 NHL scouts and general managers, four different players received No. 1 consideration, but our new consensus No. 1 is none other than Peterborough Pete centre Eric Staal. The Thunder Bay native with great size, a powerful stride and terrific scoring ability received five first place votes and didn't place any lower than third on any ballot.

Staal, who scored nine goals in seven playoff games going head up against Horton and the Generals, is projected as a prototypical No. 1 NHL centre with elite size, skill and speed.

Horton, who garnered six first place votes in November, now has only two. All but one of the TSN panel of talent evaluators has him fourth or higher. Horton certainly struggled after missing time with a broken jaw but he turned it up in the playoffs, scoring game-winning goals in Game 6 and Game 7, the latter in overtime, to eliminate the Petes. He's a power forward type, that rare combination of grit and skill.

Zherdev, a pure offensive talent, checks in at No. 3, but the skilled and speedy Russian is the only player in the top five who didn't get a first place vote. Last fall, he was No. 1 on four ballots.

Opinions are a little more varied on the big Czech power forward Milan Michalek, who got one No. 1 vote but didn't finish in the top five on five other ballots. Big and strong, the knock on Michalek is limited offensive upside but he's still an attractive package.

The top five wild card, if you will, is Cape Breton goalie Marc Andre Fleury, who starred for Canada's national junior team. Fleury received two first place tallies, which is one more than Michalek, but no other ballot had Fleury any higher than No. 4 or No. 5. Still, there is reason to believe, depending upon the order of selection and team preference, that Fleury could be the first overall pick. He's considered a franchise goalie.

No other player got a first place vote, but our No. 6, big Portland Winter Hawk defenceman Braydon Coburn, received second, third, fourth and fifth place votes. He is generally rated as the premier defenceman but even that is open to debate.

The No. 7 prospect is the big Austrian goal-scoring forward from the University of Minnesota, Tomas Vanek, who has been ripping it up in his freshman season. He's huge and skilled and he's a consensus top 10 pick, which is bound to be a record for an Austrian.

No. 8 is goal-scoring winger Dustin Brown of the Guelph Storm. The young American is a prototypical pro winger, big, fast, strong and a great finisher with a chance to be a No. 1 wing man in the NHL.

No. 9 is Ryan Suter of the U.S under -18 national team. The nephew of former NHLer Gary Suter and the son of ex U.S. Olympican Bob Suter, he's fast, skilled and plays with an edge. One ballot had him as high as the No. 3 prospect in this draft.

Rounding out the top 10 is Calgary Hitmen forward Ryan Getzlaf, a big, strong centre or winger who goes to the net as hard as anyone.

There are plenty of other candidates to crack the top 10, including Rimouski's Marc Antoine Pouliot, Red Deer's bruising defenceman Dion Phaneuf, Russian forward Konstantin Glazachev, Colorado college defenceman Mark Stuart and University of North Dakota centre Zach Parise. And there's plenty more where they came from in a draft year that has the scouts almost giddy with anticipation

As for that No. 1 slot, it's definitely up for grabs. Staal may be a frontrunner but it should surprise no one if Fleury or Horton or even Michalek or Zherdev is there on draft day.

[tommy]

McKenzie: NHL Draft Preview

TSN.ca Staff
4/7/2003

It wasn't supposed to be this close or this crowded. When last we left you, way back in late November, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft derby was considered pretty much a two-horse race between Oshawa power centre Nathan Horton and slick Russian forward Nikolai Zherdev.

What we're talking about now is a real horse race with a strong field of contenders who have emerged to challenge and, quite possibly, blow by Horton and Zherdev.

Never have so many NHL scouts and general managers been so excited about so many prospects from the class of 2003, which has both splendid top-end talent and excellent depth as well.


In a TSN survey of 10 NHL scouts and general managers, four different players received No. 1 consideration, but our new consensus No. 1 is none other than Peterborough Pete centre Eric Staal. The Thunder Bay native with great size, a powerful stride and terrific scoring ability received five first place votes and didn't place any lower than third on any ballot.

Staal, who scored nine goals in seven playoff games going head up against Horton and the Generals, is projected as a prototypical No. 1 NHL centre with elite size, skill and speed.

Horton, who garnered six first place votes in November, now has only two. All but one of the TSN panel of talent evaluators has him fourth or higher. Horton certainly struggled after missing time with a broken jaw but he turned it up in the playoffs, scoring game-winning goals in Game 6 and Game 7, the latter in overtime, to eliminate the Petes. He's a power forward type, that rare combination of grit and skill.

Zherdev, a pure offensive talent, checks in at No. 3, but the skilled and speedy Russian is the only player in the top five who didn't get a first place vote. Last fall, he was No. 1 on four ballots.

Opinions are a little more varied on the big Czech power forward Milan Michalek, who got one No. 1 vote but didn't finish in the top five on five other ballots. Big and strong, the knock on Michalek is limited offensive upside but he's still an attractive package.

The top five wild card, if you will, is Cape Breton goalie Marc Andre Fleury, who starred for Canada's national junior team. Fleury received two first place tallies, which is one more than Michalek, but no other ballot had Fleury any higher than No. 4 or No. 5. Still, there is reason to believe, depending upon the order of selection and team preference, that Fleury could be the first overall pick. He's considered a franchise goalie.

No other player got a first place vote, but our No. 6, big Portland Winter Hawk defenceman Braydon Coburn, received second, third, fourth and fifth place votes. He is generally rated as the premier defenceman but even that is open to debate.

The No. 7 prospect is the big Austrian goal-scoring forward from the University of Minnesota, Tomas Vanek, who has been ripping it up in his freshman season. He's huge and skilled and he's a consensus top 10 pick, which is bound to be a record for an Austrian.

No. 8 is goal-scoring winger Dustin Brown of the Guelph Storm. The young American is a prototypical pro winger, big, fast, strong and a great finisher with a chance to be a No. 1 wing man in the NHL.

No. 9 is Ryan Suter of the U.S under -18 national team. The nephew of former NHLer Gary Suter and the son of ex U.S. Olympican Bob Suter, he's fast, skilled and plays with an edge. One ballot had him as high as the No. 3 prospect in this draft.

Rounding out the top 10 is Calgary Hitmen forward Ryan Getzlaf, a big, strong centre or winger who goes to the net as hard as anyone.

There are plenty of other candidates to crack the top 10, including Rimouski's Marc Antoine Pouliot, Red Deer's bruising defenceman Dion Phaneuf, Russian forward Konstantin Glazachev, Colorado college defenceman Mark Stuart and University of North Dakota centre Zach Parise. And there's plenty more where they came from in a draft year that has the scouts almost giddy with anticipation

As for that No. 1 slot, it's definitely up for grabs. Staal may be a frontrunner but it should surprise no one if Fleury or Horton or even Michalek or Zherdev is there on draft day.

[tommy]

McKenzie: NHL Draft Preview

TSN.ca Staff
4/7/2003

It wasn't supposed to be this close or this crowded. When last we left you, way back in late November, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft derby was considered pretty much a two-horse race between Oshawa power centre Nathan Horton and slick Russian forward Nikolai Zherdev.

What we're talking about now is a real horse race with a strong field of contenders who have emerged to challenge and, quite possibly, blow by Horton and Zherdev.

Never have so many NHL scouts and general managers been so excited about so many prospects from the class of 2003, which has both splendid top-end talent and excellent depth as well.


In a TSN survey of 10 NHL scouts and general managers, four different players received No. 1 consideration, but our new consensus No. 1 is none other than Peterborough Pete centre Eric Staal. The Thunder Bay native with great size, a powerful stride and terrific scoring ability received five first place votes and didn't place any lower than third on any ballot.

Staal, who scored nine goals in seven playoff games going head up against Horton and the Generals, is projected as a prototypical No. 1 NHL centre with elite size, skill and speed.

Horton, who garnered six first place votes in November, now has only two. All but one of the TSN panel of talent evaluators has him fourth or higher. Horton certainly struggled after missing time with a broken jaw but he turned it up in the playoffs, scoring game-winning goals in Game 6 and Game 7, the latter in overtime, to eliminate the Petes. He's a power forward type, that rare combination of grit and skill.

Zherdev, a pure offensive talent, checks in at No. 3, but the skilled and speedy Russian is the only player in the top five who didn't get a first place vote. Last fall, he was No. 1 on four ballots.

Opinions are a little more varied on the big Czech power forward Milan Michalek, who got one No. 1 vote but didn't finish in the top five on five other ballots. Big and strong, the knock on Michalek is limited offensive upside but he's still an attractive package.

The top five wild card, if you will, is Cape Breton goalie Marc Andre Fleury, who starred for Canada's national junior team. Fleury received two first place tallies, which is one more than Michalek, but no other ballot had Fleury any higher than No. 4 or No. 5. Still, there is reason to believe, depending upon the order of selection and team preference, that Fleury could be the first overall pick. He's considered a franchise goalie.

No other player got a first place vote, but our No. 6, big Portland Winter Hawk defenceman Braydon Coburn, received second, third, fourth and fifth place votes. He is generally rated as the premier defenceman but even that is open to debate.

The No. 7 prospect is the big Austrian goal-scoring forward from the University of Minnesota, Tomas Vanek, who has been ripping it up in his freshman season. He's huge and skilled and he's a consensus top 10 pick, which is bound to be a record for an Austrian.

No. 8 is goal-scoring winger Dustin Brown of the Guelph Storm. The young American is a prototypical pro winger, big, fast, strong and a great finisher with a chance to be a No. 1 wing man in the NHL.

No. 9 is Ryan Suter of the U.S under -18 national team. The nephew of former NHLer Gary Suter and the son of ex U.S. Olympican Bob Suter, he's fast, skilled and plays with an edge. One ballot had him as high as the No. 3 prospect in this draft.

Rounding out the top 10 is Calgary Hitmen forward Ryan Getzlaf, a big, strong centre or winger who goes to the net as hard as anyone.

There are plenty of other candidates to crack the top 10, including Rimouski's Marc Antoine Pouliot, Red Deer's bruising defenceman Dion Phaneuf, Russian forward Konstantin Glazachev, Colorado college defenceman Mark Stuart and University of North Dakota centre Zach Parise. And there's plenty more where they came from in a draft year that has the scouts almost giddy with anticipation

As for that No. 1 slot, it's definitely up for grabs. Staal may be a frontrunner but it should surprise no one if Fleury or Horton or even Michalek or Zherdev is there on draft day.

[Shell]

Staal retains No. 1 draft ranking
May. 14, 2003. 06:33 PM
The Canadian Press

Centre Eric Staal of the OHL's Peterborough Petes retained No. 1 spot in final draft rankings issued by NHL Central Scouting on Wednesday.

Right-winger Dustin Brown of the OHL's Guelph Storm remained No. 2 on the list of North American skaters.

European rankings are to be issued at a later date.

Left-winger Thomas Vanek of the University of Minnesota was No. 3, centre Nathan Horton of the OHL's Oshawa Generals was No. 4 and centre Ryan Getzlaf of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen was No. 5.

The biggest change among the top players was the drop by Marc-Antoine Pouliot of the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic to 13th from fourth.

The top North American goaltender remained Marc-Andre Fleury of the QMJHL's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. James Howard of the University of Maine was second and Ryan Munce of the OHL's Sarnia Sting was third.

[AbNormal27]

Centre Eric Staal of the OHL's Peterborough Petes retained No. 1 spot in final draft rankings issued by NHL Central Scouting on Wednesday.

Hmm, Staal was ranked #1! Nobody could have seen him as the best prospect in the draft.......... oh wait.........

Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2003 3:59 pm
My take is this, if we get the #1 pick, we should swap it to another team for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th pick, and let them take Fleury. We, then get their pick and a player in return and select Staal. This kid has tremendous work ethic and doesn't really have a knock against him other than he needs to EAT and get some meat on his bones.

I don't mean to toot my own horn here (beep beep), but I'm just glad to see the guy I want being so highly touted by someone other than me. Think I could get a job scouting? LOL.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

Okay JD (welcome back, btw :) ) - let's get this thread active again?

What are your thoughts? This is one area that I defer to the greater minds and just say "let's get training camp off to a great start - with our defense shored up (Wesley or otherwise) and all our offense healthy and hungry"!

So, any updated opinions about the draft?

[Jillsdad]

My only question in possibly drafting Staal is the fact that we have such a glut of centers as it is to add one more to the mix might not be the best idea. I still lean towards Zherdev since we could really use an upgrade in scoring talent, but then again how often does a "franchise" goalie come around? Torn between Zverdev and Fleury therefore. Trading down a few spots for a winger and maybe a somewhat lower pick might be advisable as well.

[talkingcanes]

My only question in possibly drafting Staal is the fact that we have such a glut of centers as it is to add one more to the mix might not be the best idea. I still lean towards Zherdev since we could really use an upgrade in scoring talent, but then again how often does a "franchise" goalie come around? Torn between Zverdev and Fleury therefore. Trading down a few spots for a winger and maybe a somewhat lower pick might be advisable as well.

I know we have a lot of forwards, but do we have too many centers especially if Vasicek can't pull it together and play well over multiple seasons? with Ronnie probably done after this year and Rod in his 30's, how are we set long term with centers?

[Jillsdad]

As far as centers go we have Francis(for one more year), Brindy (for quite a few more years), Vasicek, K Adams, C Macdonald, Ziggy and Druken(oops we got rid of him again). We only have two true left wings, Vrbata and O'Neill and O is actually a center by trade, so a left wing is really what we need.

[Turbulence]

It was either JR or Coach Mo that brought up the possibility of turning Vasicek into a winger...if he does well as a winger then that's one less position to fill, and it helps to relieve the glut we have at center. Ronnie will be gone after this year and Brindy is not eternal....the way I see it Staal can play well in the minors for a few years then come up to fill the void left by Ronnie. At that point our NHL center list could include Brindy, KAdams, Ziggy, and Staal with Vasicek as a winger. If we can draft another Ronnie I say go for it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

It was either JR or Coach Mo that brought up the possibility of turning Vasicek into a winger.

I just can't imagine Joe playing any better as a winger. He's just not physical enough, IMO. He has that huge frame and with just that he can hold people off but he just doesn't use his size. If we're really gonna try that....I really hope I'm wrong.

[AbNormal27]

Okay JD (welcome back, btw :) )

Thanks! Where did I go?

Anyhoooo, I'm still on the wagon for Staal. There is too much up side here with this kid. We may have a glut at centre, but who's to say he HAS to be a centre? The report on him is that he could become a power forward, but he needs to EAT.

Central Scouting and now Beckett magazine (are they experts?) have Eric rated #1, and I agree. The Panthers are more apt, IMHO, to go after Fleury or trade down. While he also has tremendous upside, he is limited. A goalie can only be a goalie. With Stall, we have the freedom to mould him into whatever position we need him to play.

Case in point, Wendel Clark. The Leafs drafted him as a DEFENCEMAN, and look how he turned out! A perennial 30-40 goal scorer (when he wasn't hurt)! All in all, I don't think we are going to be too bad off with whomever they pick with the #2, as long as they try not to get the next Brian Lawton.

Aaryn

[Captain Slack]

Central Scouting and now Beckett magazine (are they experts?) have Eric rated #1, and I agree. The Panthers are more apt, IMHO, to go after Fleury or trade down. While he also has tremendous upside, he is limited. A goalie can only be a goalie. With Stall, we have the freedom to mould him into whatever position we need him to play.

The Hockey News also lists Staal as #1. They have Fleury #2, Horton #3, and Zherdik #4. From what I read of them, I have to agree with Aaryn: go with Staal. If he's as good as everyone makes him out to be, he might could earn a roster spot next season (kinda like Rick Nash did in Columbus). We could definitely use his scoring touch.

Also, I'm against taking Fleury because we already have Cam Ward. From what I've read about this guy, he's going to put Kevin Weekes out of job sometime in the future. Let's hope they get him signed to a contact soon!!

[AbNormal27]

I have to agree with Aaryn: go with Staal.

Also, I'm against taking Fleury because we already have Cam Ward. From what I've read about this guy, he's going to put Kevin Weekes out of job sometime in the future. Let's hope they get him signed to a contact soon!!

Well apparently we don't have enough goalies. During the Sattelite Hotstove segment after the second period of last night's game 6, Al Strachan said that there may be a deal in the works for Carolina to be able to select Fleury because "Carolina really needs a goalie".

http://cbc.ca/clips/ram-lo/hotstove_030607.ram

Now, I'm a little confused by that statement. First, as we all know we have several goalies in the system and bringing in Fleury just doesn't make a lot of sense. Second, usually Al Strachan is close with his stories or his tips, but this one seems like he didn't do his homework, and just threw that statement out there based on the current goalie tandem being signed to one year deals recently. Just my 2 cents, but any mention of our guys at this time of year is a good thing.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

Woohoo. Ch.com is going to have stories each day this week about the upcoming draft.

Today's is up: http://www.caneshockey.com/custom/rad5F671.asp

Excerpt:

At the Cares' annual golf outing with the media last Tuesday, team President / General Manager Jim Rutherford joked that the club had "worked hard" for the high draft position, and that it would take a strong offer to pry the pick away.

"At this point, we'll definitely use our second pick," said Rutherford. "I do believe there are teams that would like to move up to solidify their position to get the goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, but I would suspect that those teams would deal with Florida (which holds the No. 1 pick) first, and once they go through that process, those kind of talks might fall to us, but that would be closer to the week of the draft."



This week on ch.com:

MORE DRAFT COVERAGE
Tuesday: Draft Overview
Wednesday: Scouting the Combine
Thursday: Prospect Profiles
Friday: Draft Memories

[LuvDaCanes]

I would like to see the Canes take Horton. He looks to be a big tough kid who could turn into a Owen Nolan type. Don Cherry loves the kid so that is enough for me. ( although he loves T. Domi too) :)

[nccanes]

The 2nd installment about the draft is up on ch.com. Lots of background and information about the draft itself and the picks that the Canes have this year.

http://www.caneshockey.com/custom/rad71BB2.asp

[SouthernHockeyChick]

In the draft special on CH.com today they profile the top 10 prospects. My question is...whose top 10 list is this? Sheldon Ferguson's or did they just get it someplace else? I've read so many top 10s I wouldn't even recognize it if it was one I'd seen before. Anyone else recognize it?

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/custom/rad2C32A.asp

And here is yesterday's also.
http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/custom/rad5FA95.asp Interesting info about the athletic trainer's part in drafting.

[AbNormal27]

Anyone else having trouble getting these links to work or even getting to ch.com?

I doubt that Sheldon would post his own top 10 list on the net, though. Not quite the most brilliant idea this close to the draft. Without seeing it, I suspect it may be from an independent.

Aaryn

[olivia1299]

Has everyone seen cnnsi.com's mock draft article? They have us taking Fleury at #2.

At no.2, I'd hate to see us take a goalie unless JR knows that he could trade Fleury for some more immediate help. At #2 my order of preference would be Staal, Zherdev, Horton. All three look like stars in the making.

As far as having too many centers, Ronnie has one more year left and I don't see any Joe Thornton's in the rest of the guys. Just think how much Staal or Horton could learn from Brindy.

Here is another idea that I like, San Jose has the #6 and #21 picks. Trade down and pick Vanek or Michalek at #6 and then take someone like Jeff Carter or Ryan Kesler #21.

Ok, there is my two cents on the draft, I'm new to this site, and have to say it's great to be around some knowledgable Canes fans :cool:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Ok, there is my two cents on the draft, I'm new to this site, and have to say it's great to be around some knowledgable Canes fans :cool:

I can tell you from being on the "question asking side"...you speak the truth...hockey knowledge is definitely found in here!! ;)

[StormShaman]

That's not Sheldon's list--those are the Top 10 as ranked by the Central Scouting Bureau. :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

That's not Sheldon's list--those are the Top 10 as ranked by the Central Scouting Bureau. :)

Cool..thanks! I didn't figure it was Sheldon's as, like Aaryn said, that would be pretty stupid.

[Shell]

Panthers' Dudley weighing draft options
Canadian Press
6/13/2003

What will Dudley do?

Florida Panthers general manager Rick Dudley, who has shown a touch of the riverboat gambler with the NHL's No. 1 draft selection in the past, holds the top card again next week in Nashville as he did last year in Toronto when he dealt the first pick to Columbus so the Blue Jackets could get Rick Nash.

The Panthers still landed the player they wanted in Jay Bouwmeester at No. 3 in that deal and had the option of switching first-round picks with Columbus this year.

But Florida hit the draft jackpot by winning the lottery for the NHL draft at Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center June 21-22 and earned the right to play or stay with the first overall selection again.

Dudley also dealt the top pick away when he was at the helm of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1999.

"The truth is I'm probably more experienced at this type of thing than probably anybody else and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Dudley said with a chuckle.

He said he will happily take a player with the first overall selection if he doesn't get a trade offer that suits him by noon Nashville time on June 21.

"I don't think I've tried to mislead anybody when they've called. I told them it's going to be expensive," he said.

That means Florida, which has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, will want to stay high enough in the draft to get a quality player in addition to obtaining other young personnel.

"We'd like to be an elite team as quickly as possible, and we're not going to get old," he said. "If somebody wants to make us a significantly better team now and in the foreseeable future, then I don't have a problem with that.

"I would like to get a pick back that represents one of the players that we perceive as a good player in the draft. That goes fairly deep into the first round."

While Dudley has received several pitches, he said Friday there were five "serious suitors" in the running and two more were on the verge of joining them if they upped the ante.

"The frenzy always gets better when you get to the draft," he said. "I believe there's going to be two or three teams that are going to make really significant offers.

"The other thing from my perspective is you learn who is available."

Marc-Andre Fleury of Sorel, Que., is forcing the trade intrigue as he is far and away the best goaltending prospect in this year's draft. Whether the rest of the goaltending pool is that shallow or Fleury is just making it look like it is, there is a scramble underway to get him and that may drive up his stock enough to go first overall.

Carolina, picking No. 2, or Pittsburgh at No. 3, or several teams behind may want Fleury to bolster their goaltending stable.

The only way to guarantee getting him is to deal for the No. 1 pick. Florida, with Robert Luongo in net, doesn't really need a goaltender though Dudley, messing with other GMs' minds, didn't rule out taking him.

The Panthers could decide to go for a player such as centre Eric Staal of Thunder Bay, Ont., and let the rest barter for Fleury.

"They really can't do much until they see what we do," said Dudley.

The 2003 prospects are an overall strong class from Canadians to Americans to Europeans with North Americans particularly strong.

"For me personally I think it's the deepest draft since the (Trevor) Linden, (Mike) Modano draft (in 1988)," Toronto Maple Leafs head amateur scout Barry Trapp said.

When the team that picks first steps up to the microphone, the television cameras will likely be trained on the faces of Staal, Fleury and Canadian forward Nathan Horton, with Russian winger Nikolai Zherdev, American forward Dustin Brown, Austrian winger Tomas Vanek or Canadian defenceman Braydon Coburn outside shots at going No. 1.

"It just depends on what Florida does," said a scout. "If Florida doesn't move the pick, I think it will go Staal, Fleury and Horton."

Looming on the horizon are negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the players' union. The current agreement expires Sept. 15, 2004.

A potential labour stoppage or a salary cap in the new agreement could affect teams' draft strategies, but Dudley says more pressure will be on the players and their agents to get the security of a signed contract in the face of an uncertain future.

"You can't help but think about what the future will bring, but right now we're trying to get the best athletes available," said Dudley.

There was a spike in the number of Americans drafted in 2002 at 60 and that is expected to continue this year. There are four ranked among the top 10 in North America by NHL Central Scouting, including Brown, Ryan Suter, Zach Parise and Dan Fritsche.

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded their first pick to San Jose in the Owen Nolan trade and won't draft their first player until the 53rd selection, unless they trade up. Toronto originally had the 52nd pick but were bumped a spot when the Chicago Blackhawks were awarded that selection Friday as compensation for losing Tony Amonte to free agency following the 2001-2002 season.

The Calgary Flames have the ninth pick, Montreal picks 10th, Edmonton has No. 17 but is expected to try and move up, Vancouver is 23rd and Ottawa is 29th.

It will be a first draft with the Canadiens for newly named general manager Bob Gainey, although he doesn't officially take over the job until July 1.

[Shell]

Let the picks begin: What teams might want on draft day
by Ray Slover
June 14, 2003

Here's a capsule look at the selection order for the first round of the 2003 Draft, to be held June 21-22, and the expected wants and needs of each team. Draft order is subject to change pending trades and is for the first round only.

1. Florida Panthers
GM Rick Dudley has traded the first overall pick before. The team needs a power forward and has plenty of youth, but Dudley will keep the pick and take top prospect Eric Staal.

2. Carolina Hurricanes
It's the team's only reward for a miserable season. GM Jim Rutherford has taken defensemen the past two seasons, and he will again for a team that has major needs on the blue line.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins
Skill, speed and a major name for the future. GM Craig Patrick will continue to build his team despite a plethora of major questions about its future -- including what will happen with Mario Lemieux.

4. Columbus
Blue Jackets We know there will be no argument between the coach and GM now that Doug MacLean has settled into the dual role. MacLean wants another Rostislav Klesla or Rick Nash to continue building his young, talented team. Expect the Jackets to pick a forward.

5. Buffalo Sabres
The team might trade the pick, but it would be wise to select a forward. A bruiser with a scoring touch would be best, because the Sabres haven't been able to find one. Defense is another problem area, but getting a scorer would provide a more immediate impact.

6. San Jose Sharks
Doug Wilson's first draft as GM will set a tone, but will it be any different? The team's penchant has been for defensemen. If Wilson wants to change things, he should fill the team's need for speed, particularly at center. Fast forwards will be key to rebuilding.

7. Nashville Predators
This team is ripe for an upward trade, because it has never gotten the young scoring star it needs to take that next big step forward. Team selectors prefer talent from Canada's Western juniors league. If a deal can't be struck, a defenseman would be a wise choice.

8. Atlanta Thrashers
This is an unusual spot for the Thrashers, who picked first or second in their first four drafts. Picking so high, it's easy to take the best available player. But the team's need for talent means it will probably peddle the pick. If not, the crying need is for a big center.

9. Calgary Flames
Darryl Sutter's coaching style is well known. His ability as a GM will get its first big test. Even Sutter must see his team's greatest need is scoring, and getting a forward to help lighten Jarome Iginla's burden is a must. But in this spot, the only way is via trade.

10.
Montreal Canadiens Center is a problem, because of age and caution about Saku Koivu's health. Goaltending would appear to be the only area the team should believe is secured, so a best-available pick might be in order. Given the team's scoring struggles, a player with a nose for the net would be a wise choice.

11. Philadelphia Flyers
(from Phoenix) The Flyers got this pick from the Coyotes in the 2001 Daymond Langkow deal, and it looks like an astute move. Don't expect the team to stray from its recent bent of getting skilled Europeans. They've been very successful. The team has young defensemen in the pipeline, so a forward is tempting.

12. New York Rangers
GM Glen Sather would love to unload a couple big contracts and move up. Trouble is, his wares do not tempt buyers. Sather leans heavily on Tom Renney come draft time, and Renney will look to Western Canada for the best available player. This team needs a forward with skill and all-around ability.

13. Los Angeles Kings
If the team can shrug off its disappointing season, it will see a growing base of young talent collected in recent drafts. Don't expect the Kings to deviate from their pattern, because they are beginning to get rewards for their efforts. Well stocked with forwards, a defenseman figures to get the call.

14. Chicago Blackhawks
The silver lining from a clouded season is the team's young talent. GM Mike Smith, who always has an eye on Europeans, will add to his collection of prospects by again taking the best player available. Despite Smith's preference, his team's best prospects are forwards. But given its wealth of comers, don't be surprised to see the team trade this pick.

15. New York Islanders
The only certainty is GM Mike Milbury's unpredictability, which means he could do just about anything with this pick. The Isles' biggest need is for skilled players, and he might deal this pick to get someone to complement center Alexei Yashin. Or he could pluck a defenseman to replenish the stock he depleted in the past couple years.

16. Boston Bruins
Goaltending is the team's biggest need, but immediate help won't come through the draft. The team should add a talented center to the mix, since it has tabbed goaltenders and defensemen in recent drafts. Its preference for defenseman has been a success, so there's good reason to see a smart move for a skilled forward to balance the talent distribution.

17. Edmonton Oilers
Young is good, and the Oilers are proof. Their cache of youthful talent is as good as anyone's, and it's cheap, too. It's time for the team to add toughness to the mix, because recent drafts have filled the tank with talented (OK, soft) Europeans and collegians. Excellent skaters are a given.

18. Washington Capitals
Any and all help will be appreciated, so this team will snatch the best available player with scoring touch. This is the team that will pull the trigger on a trade to move up in the first round, because it has age and salary questions and needs to stock up for the future.

19. Anaheim
Mighty Ducks The Stanley Cup playoffs are Exhibit A of GM Bryan Murray's belief that size and character are necessities. Earlier drafts stocked the team with skilled players, so Murray will follow his vision and find a tough two-way forward with this pick.

20. Minnesota Wild
GM Doug Risebrough's mandate is to select quality skaters who know the game and are willing to adapt to Jacques Lemaire's system. Free-lancers need not apply, because the Wild fill the ranks with guys who have good speed and are always in the right place. One area to watch: center, where the team is getting a bit gray.

21. San Jose Sharks
(from Toronto) Having peddled Owen Nolan to get this pick, the Sharks will look for some size with this pick. There are too many minnows in the Sharks' pool, but at least those fry are talented. There should be a bruiser cruising at this pick.

22. New Jersey Devils
(from St. Louis) By exercising their right to swap picks with the Blues, the Devils move up. OK, Lou Lamoriello, who is this year's Adrian Foster? Lamoriello's 2001 pick caught everyone by surprise, and scouting chief David Conte is adept at pulling rabbits out of his hat. The only certainty is, this pick will be for long-term help.

23. Vancouver Canucks
"Best available" is the motto in the Canucks' draft HQ, where the biggest need is for scoring help. The forward corps is as thin as it is talented, so the team will look to bolster its scoring depth. Size would be a good starting point.

24. Philadelphia Flyers
Having plucked a quality talent with the 11th pick, the Flyers can look to the future with this choice. Skilled forwards are the group to watch, but the team will grab the best player available. A wild card? Package this pick for a goaltender.

25. Tampa Bay Lightning
Unaccustomed to picking this late, the Lightning must do some adjusting. Their recent poor seasons helped raise the talent level, as last season's results show. Now is the time to put more grit in the mix. That might mean a move away from European skill types and into the North American grinder. Expect the team to snag a goaltender, but not until early on the second day.

26. Los Angeles Kings
(from Colorado) The second of the team's three first-round picks comes two years after the Rob Blake trade. Forget drafting someone of Blake's considerable skill; the team will look to the future. Best guess? A goaltender, if a top player is available.

27. Los Angeles Kings
(from Detroit) For their third first-rounder, obtained in the Mathieu Schneider deal, the Kings will take the best player available. Trading down might be an option, if the team can find a taker offering young talent.

28. Dallas Stars The team is aging, its rank of top prospects is thin and management is cutting costs after last summer's high-priced talent grab. Good thing the Stars snagged a lot of talent early last year. The future is the key, and two-way forwards with scoring touch are high on the list.

29. Ottawa Senators
Look for the team to add size to a center corps that is mostly Smurf-like. Jason Spezza, taken second overall in 2001, is ready now, and the team will look for a potential replacement for Radek Bonk. Trades last season also thinned the team's prospect list, so there's room for talented players.

30. St. Louis Blues
(from New Jersey) Critics say the Blues have a terrible farm system with few players in the pipeline. Want to bet the team's top four prospects will be with the Blues next season? With few No. 1 picks in the past two decades, the team is accustomed to finding talent with lower picks. The key is Jarmo Kekalainen, who will make his draft debut as director of amateur scouting. He knows how to pick 'em, and he'll be looking at two-way forwards.

[Shell]

Leafs to get third-round pick
Old Joseph deal finally kicks in
Flames to get 45th overall next week

The Maple Leafs learned yesterday that they will get a third-round pick in next weekend's NHL draft, ostensibly for losing goalie Curtis Joseph to free agency last summer.

Just prior to July 1, the Leafs traded Joseph to the Calgary Flames for future considerations, a deal that was completed when the league announced its compensatory picks yesterday.

The Flames will get the 45th overall choice for Joseph and will give the Leafs their third-round pick to finish the deal. The Leafs dealt Joseph for a pick one round later than the Flames' compensatory pick.

The Leafs don't have a first-round pick because of the Owen Nolan trade and their first pick will be 57th overall. They traded their third-round pick last year, but now have Calgary's. They don't have a pick in the fourth (traded for Tom Barrasso), sixth (Doug Gilmour) and ninth (Phil Housley) rounds.

They have their own picks in the fifth, seventh and eighth rounds.

[nccanes]

Thought this was kind of humorous. From the ch.com series on the draft, they ask Erik Cole, Kevyn Adams, and Craig Adams a few questions about being drafted. This one made me chuckle.

CarolinaHurricanes.com: What was your reaction after you found out you had been drafted?

EC: I felt like I was sitting there forever, until I get my name called. When I finally did, everything just flew right past.

KA: It was unbelievable. Part of it's funny because the draft was in Quebec City. Harry Sinden, who at the time was the general manager of the Bruins, got up to make the selection and he was doing it all in French, which I don't speak. So I didn't know what he was saying, but I heard "Kevyn Adams, Miami of Ohio" and it was shocking. But it was something I had dreamed about for a lot of years. It's emotional. You really feel like at that time in your career at that age, you're taking a step in the right direction

CA: I actually found out the next day in the paper, so it wasn't the way I had always dreamed. I was still very, very excited.

[nccanes]

From today's N&O:

Draft '03 may be deepest ever
No. 2 pick puts Hurricanes in prime position for a draft-day deal

By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

When NHL scouts gather around the snack bar for coffee in one of the dark, drafty ice rinks they scour for talent all winter, talk sometimes veers toward the best drafts they've seen.
And when it does, the answer is always 1993 -- a draft that saw potential Hall-of-Famers Chris Pronger and Paul Kariya go in the first four picks and future stars such as Jason Allison, Saku Koivu and Todd Bertuzzi taken in the second half of the first round.

But over the past few winters, a new draft has wedged its way into the conversation, a draft that has yet to take place.

A draft that will take place Saturday and Sunday in Nashville, Tenn., with the Carolina Hurricanes picking second overall.

"I've been on this job for 14 years, and I've seen greater players at the top of the draft, but I haven't seen as many players as this year who have a chance, and that goes right into the second round," said Frank Bonello, the NHL's director of central scouting. "I don't think I recall a draft as deep as this one."

Some even put this draft pool ahead of 1993, when 21 NHLers came out of the first round. Top pick Alexander Daigle was a bust with Ottawa, but Pronger, Chris Gratton, Kariya, Rob Niedermayer, Viktor Kozlov, Jason Arnott, Niklas Sundstrom, Todd Harvey, Jocelyn Thibault, Brendan Witt and Kenny Jonsson went with the next 11 picks.

Adam Deadmarsh went 14th, Allison 17th, Landon Wilson 19th, Koivu 21st and Bertuzzi 23rd.

Brendan Morrison, Erik Daze, Miroslav Satan, Kevin Weekes and Tommy Salo came out of the later rounds. Patrick Lalime went 156th overall; Pavol Demitra went 227th.

"We're hoping that this one is as good, but only time will tell," said Sheldon Ferguson, the Canes' scouting director. "Each year you're happy with the kids you got, but they don't all turn out like they did on that one. That '93 draft, holy cow."

Pronger was taken with the second pick by the Hartford Whalers, who were still four years away from moving to Carolina. By the time they did, Pronger was long gone to St. Louis, where he became the first defenseman to win the Hart Trophy (MVP) and Norris Trophy (best defenseman) since Bobby Orr.

Now the Canes are picking second again, and in prime position if '03 turns out as good as '93.

Picking second, they can select playmaking center Eric Staal, big, mean power forward Nathan Horton or potential franchise netminder Marc-Andre Fleury.

Of course, unlike the NFL, in which teams draft to fill holes in September, or the NBA, in which LeBron James has the potential to turn the Cleveland Cavaliers around in mere months, the NHL offers no such solace.

With the second pick, the Canes are guaranteed only one of the top two 18-year-old amateur players in the world.

And as far as guarantees go, that's about it.

Much like the baseball draft, the NHL draft is a festival of prognostications, in which players are drafted not on performance but on potential.

This will be the Canes' highest pick since Jeff O'Neill was taken fifth overall in 1994 -- if they keep the pick, that is.

There are plenty of teams who want Fleury, and if the Florida Panthers don't trade the first overall pick (the Panthers, who have young goalie Roberto Luongo, are likely to take Horton or Staal) the Canes are sure to get plenty of calls.

And in a draft without a certain superstar but plenty of potential stars, the team picking 10th may not be much worse off than the team picking second.

The teams with the most ammunition to move up to take Fleury are Philadelphia, which picks 11th and 24th, and Los Angeles, which has three first-round picks.

If Florida doesn't trade the pick and takes either Horton or Staal, the Canes either can get one of the top three players in the draft, or they can trade down and help themselves now.

In the high-risk world of the NHL draft, that's as close to a no-lose scenario as it gets.


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com



and a side bar was about the year Francis was drafted:

draft memories

Ron Francis didn't realize it at the time, but he was swept up in one of the strangest drafts ever. Dale Hawerchuk went first overall to Winnipeg and Doug Smith to Los Angeles second -- as expected. Colorado had the third pick, and at No. 4, Hartford was certain to pick local star Bobby Carpenter.
A Massachusetts high school star who rode the wave of post-1980 U.S. hockey fever to the cover of Sports Illustrated, Carpenter was perfect for the nearby Whalers. So perfect, his father was invited to sit at their draft table.

Picking fifth, Washington was the only team that sent a scout to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to meet with Francis and his family. But on draft day, the Capitals traded up to third to steal Carpenter.

"Hartford was stuck with me," Francis said. "The general manager at the time, Larry Pleau, said he'd never seen me play."

Whalers chief scout Bill Dineen had, because one of his sons had played with Francis. And he had Francis near the top of his list.

Carpenter went on to a stellar NHL career -- one of five American-born players to play in more than 1,000 games -- but Francis heads into his 23rd NHL season second all-time in assists (1,222) and fifth all-time in points (1,758).

"I was just happy hearing my name," Francis said. "It wasn't until later I started hearing all the things that took place."

LUKE DECOCK

[nccanes]

An article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazetter comparing Staal to Francis:

Ron Francis-type player ranks at the top of prospects list
Monday, June 16, 2003

By Dejan Kovacevic, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

All through junior hockey, Eric Staal heard the comparison.

"Yeah ... Ron Francis," he said with a slight sigh. "I've heard it a lot."

Chances are good he will hear it for years to come, too. Not only because of his height, skill and creativity from the center position, but also because the teams picking second and third in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft Saturday are the Carolina Hurricanes and the Penguins, the only employers of Francis' brilliant career.

First in a series on the top five prospects in the NHL Entry Draft Saturday and Sunday in Nashville, Tenn. The Penguins have the third overall pick.

"I'm not worried about that," Staal said. "For one thing, I really don't pattern my game after anybody else's. For another, Francis is a pretty good player."

The consensus on Staal is that he can be a pretty good player, perhaps the most complete of what most scouts believe is the richest and deepest draft of the past decade. The Hockey News' draft preview, which consults a panel of scouts to formulate its player rankings, has Staal No. 1. The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau has him No. 1 among North American skaters.

The Penguins are not divulging their internal rankings, but head scout Greg Malone acknowledged Staal is viewed widely as the safest possible No. 1, primarily because of his leadership traits and offensive consistency.

"He's smart and very confident," Malone said. "One of those players who plays really well at both ends of the rink. And he can snap the puck, too. He can really fire it and score goals."

The difference between Staal and Francis at the same age, as Malone and other scouts are quick to note, is that Staal has speed. He moves his 6-foot-3, 182-pound frame with a grace that is reminiscent of the Boston Bruins' Joe Thornton. He is not a power forward -- there are lingering concerns about his bulk and strength -- but he mounts offense through quickness and finesse.

Ask Staal which of his qualities is most important to him, and he will respond in a fashion typical of many of the game's youngsters.

"I really take pride in my defense," he said. "I think it's important to contribute offensively to the team, but I also make sure I get back."

He pointed to the Dallas Stars' Mike Modano, one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards, as an example of his style.

"I try to use my speed in a lot of different ways."

Staal finished seventh in the Ontario Hockey League in scoring with 39 goals and 59 assists in 66 games. More impressive, he was dominant in the playoffs, producing nine goals and five assists in seven games.

He might prefer to forget that postseason, though, as it had a dubious ending for him and his Peterborough team. Only three seconds remained in regulation of Game 7 when a bad-angle shot by an Oshawa player deflected off Staal's stick and behind his goaltender. Oshawa won early in overtime.

"It was tough to lose, especially like that," Staal said. "But I thought I played well, the way I wanted to play."

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, on the shore of Lake Superior in northwest Ontario, Staal and his three younger brothers had the edge over other children in the area because of a patchwork, 50-by-100 rink their father, Henry, built in the back yard.

"When we got lights for it, we could go day and night on it," Staal said. "We have pretty long winters up here, so we had a long season, too. My brothers and my cousin played a ton of hockey, and I think it helped me get to where I am now."

Which is, perhaps, on cusp of being made the No. 1 pick in the draft.

"I think about it, and I thought about it during the season. But it's really out of my control, so all I can do is look forward to seeing where I'll go to play in the NHL. That's my goal."

Including, possibly, coming to Pittsburgh to fill the role of No. 1 center someday?

"I don't know. ... Mario's still there, right?" Staal said, laughing. "Him and Francis ... they're both pretty good players."

Tomorrow: Marc-Andre Fleury

[puckin_A]

"I don't know. ... Mario's still there, right?" Staal said, laughing. "Him and Francis ... they're both pretty good players."


he doesn't think Francis still plays for the Pengiuns does he? :D

[folgersnyourcup]

I found this interesting bit of info over on the ESPN NHL boards. As it is posted by someone on an internet message board it can be taken with a grain of salt but I found it pretty interesting.

"Just heard it on Hacksaw so take it at that, but the rumor is BM's trying to get the #1 pick out of FLA for our first round, second, and third round picks and possibly our first round next year plus Vish or Leclerc. ( He only said it once, so I'm not sure on the details.

Here's my take. I'd give up all the picks you want for this year. Our system is as deep as its ever been, with the first pic we'd probabbly get Stall who's 6'3 185, kind of skinny but I'm sure he'll fill that out, He's a great two-way center, the best center in the Draft and could possibly be a third linner on out team next year.

I would give up Vish. His lack of physical play that he once possessed has made him expendable and no longer a top 6 guy in my opinion. I'd play ward in that spot next year rather than Vish.

LeClerc, I don't think I'd trade Jerky. He's got the health questions with his knee, but he has proven him self to be a solid guy. Stall's yet to play an NHL game. I think Leclerc is a top 6 guy on 90% of the teams out there. Do you trade that and all those pics for a guy that's yet to play a day in the NHL? Don't know. Big Gamble.

Whether this rumor is true, or would even happy I'm not really worried. Whatever desicions BM makes I'm sure they will be the right ones. Every trade this guy's touched have been A's so far. "

If JR is for some reason really serious about giving O'Neill up, perhaps if the Ducks offer this the Panthers will jump on it?

[Shell]

I found this interesting bit of info over on the ESPN NHL boards. As it is posted by someone on an internet message board it can be taken with a grain of salt but I found it pretty interesting.

"Just heard it on Hacksaw so take it at that, but the rumor is BM's trying to get the #1 pick out of FLA for our first round, second, and third round picks and possibly our first round next year plus Vish or Leclerc. ( He only said it once, so I'm not sure on the details.

Here's my take. I'd give up all the picks you want for this year. Our system is as deep as its ever been, with the first pic we'd probabbly get Stall who's 6'3 185, kind of skinny but I'm sure he'll fill that out, He's a great two-way center, the best center in the Draft and could possibly be a third linner on out team next year.

I would give up Vish. His lack of physical play that he once possessed has made him expendable and no longer a top 6 guy in my opinion. I'd play ward in that spot next year rather than Vish.

LeClerc, I don't think I'd trade Jerky. He's got the health questions with his knee, but he has proven him self to be a solid guy. Stall's yet to play an NHL game. I think Leclerc is a top 6 guy on 90% of the teams out there. Do you trade that and all those pics for a guy that's yet to play a day in the NHL? Don't know. Big Gamble.

Whether this rumor is true, or would even happy I'm not really worried. Whatever desicions BM makes I'm sure they will be the right ones. Every trade this guy's touched have been A's so far. "

If JR is for some reason really serious about giving O'Neill up, perhaps if the Ducks offer this the Panthers will jump on it?

I didn't know BM's were in on this draft :crazy: maybe he Should consider trading Jerky ;)
(sorry)

[nccanes]

Canucks looking to trade their 1st two picks?

Wed, June 18, 2003
Canucks unloading picks?
By Terry Koshan and CP

Brian Burke has thrown his hat into the speculation leading up to the NHL entry draft this weekend in Nashville. The Vancouver Canucks general manager said he is willing to trade his top two picks in the annual crapshoot.

"I'll trade the first or second pick if we get the right offer," Burke told the Vancouver Province. "This is a strong draft, but our picks are on the table. Our team is at the stage where we have to go for it.

"Our fans don't want to read about some kid who's going to help us in two or three years. They want someone now."

The Canucks are slated to pick 23rd overall.

Plenty of rumours will fly until the first pick is made on Saturday. If Florida Panthers general manager Rick Dudley does not trade the choice, he likely will take Eric Staal or Nathan Horton. If he does trade it, there are many clubs which would like to be on the receiving end of the deal, and all of them, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, covet goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

Also making inquiries is New York Islanders GM Mike Milbury.

"I'm nosing around to see if there's a little more we can do," said Milbury, who apparently has his sights on Russian forward Nikolai Zherdev.

[nccanes]

AP draft article on the Canes:

Carolina has second, 31st pick in NHL Draft
By DAVID DROSCHAK : AP Sports Writer
Jun 17, 2003 : 2:43 pm ET

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes can go in several different directions in this weekend's NHL Draft, which appears to be the deepest in years.

A team that needs scoring might take a center with the No. 2 overall pick -- the highest selection for the franchise since drafting Chris Pronger second in 1993.

Or the Hurricanes might take a stab at goalie Marc-Andre Fleury if Florida fails to make a trade with the No. 1 overall pick or passes on what many hockey expects believe will be a franchise player in net.

Carolina, which also holds the 31st pick, could also trade down to get much-needed help on defense. The last major draft-day trade for Carolina came in 2000 when the club dealt the 14th pick for all-star defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh.

No matter which direction general manager Jim Rutherford takes Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., this year's draft is important to a team that went from Stanley Cup finalist to the cellar of the NHL in 2002-03.

For now, it appears Rutherford is leaning toward keeping his pick.

"Not knowing what a new (collective bargaining) system is going to be like in 2004, it's important to get as many young players as you can," Rutherford said. "There's a little bit of a fine line we walk there because it's important for our team to bounce back and be good next year. But at the same time I have to project where we're going to be two or three years from now."

It would be hard to pass on Fleury if he's available. But Carolina is deep in net. Starter Kevin Weekes is 28 years old and the Hurricanes took goalie Cam Ward with the 25th overall selection last year. Ward had a stellar first season for Red Deer of the Western Hockey League, posting 40 wins and a .932 save percentage.

"(Fleury) is projected as a franchise goalie. They're hard to find," Rutherford said. "But also there are some forwards that we like that we think can be star players at some point. That's going to be a tough call."

Rutherford expects his cell phone to start ringing in the next few days.

"After teams get finished fooling around with Florida trying to trade for their pick, all those talks will fall to us," he said.

"There have been teams poking around now. The reason they want to move to our pick is to get the goalie and, if somebody gets Florida's pick ahead of us, it doesn't make much sense to trade with us. So, teams are going to wait and see."

If the Hurricanes stand pat and take a center or Fleury, look for the club to start going for some beef in the later stages of the two-day draft.

"We need to get some toughness in the organization," Rutherford said.

Carolina could also start to stockpile defensemen, an area where the organization is weak. The Hurricanes took Nikos Tselios with its first pick in 1997, but the 6-5 defenseman has been a bust and is no longer in the team's long-range plans, Rutherford said.

Immediate help on defense will likely come from a draft-day trade or free agency, or in August when some NHL players don't get qualifying offers from their present teams.

"If I can't make a deal that makes sense they're going to come back and take another crack at it," Rutherford said of a defensive corps that includes Sean Hill, Bret Hedican, Aaron Ward, David Tanabe and Nic Wallin. The sixth spot could be filled by Bruno St. Jacques or Tomas Malec.

"We're probably a little short in the physical department," coach Paul Maurice said of his defense. "Regardless of who we bring in they're going to have to do everything and not just one thing. And we don't want to get any slower on our back end."

Rutherford's hands my be tied by ownership this summer. He said he's expecting last year's $39 million payroll to be trimmed to about $33 million for 2003-04.

"The team that went to the finals was a good team, but not a great team," Rutherford said. "Everything went right for us. And the team we had this past year was not nearly as bad as we ended up.

"I don't think this is a year where we have to panic to make player moves. At some point in this offseason players will be available."

[Cool Hand Luke]

AP draft article on the Canes:

Carolina has second, 31st pick in NHL Draft
By DAVID DROSCHAK : AP Sports Writer
Jun 17, 2003 : 2:43 pm ET

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes can go in several different directions in this weekend's NHL Draft, which appears to be the deepest in years.


It would be hard to pass on Fleury if he's available. But Carolina is deep in net. Starter Kevin Weekes is 28 years old and the Hurricanes took goalie Cam Ward with the 25th overall selection last year. Ward had a stellar first season for Red Deer of the Western Hockey League, posting 40 wins and a .932 save percentage.

"(Fleury) is projected as a franchise goalie. They're hard to find," Rutherford said. "But also there are some forwards that we like that we think can be star players at some point. That's going to be a tough call."


"We need to get some toughness in the organization," Rutherford said.


"We're probably a little short in the physical department," coach Paul Maurice said of his defense. "Regardless of who we bring in they're going to have to do everything and not just one thing. And we don't want to get any slower on our back end."
"




This article makes more sense to me than any of the other "conjecture" I've read about the upcoming draft. I strongly agree with the statements above which I quoted. We sure don't need to be slower on the backend! and yes, we do need some toughness. As for drafting Fleury, I think we would be better off drafting someone else, unless we have a trade lined up for either Ward or Fleury. We don't need both of them.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

There is SO much disagreement among sports writers (or shall we call them draft prognosticators) about what our situation in net is. I've read everything from "excellent" and "deep" to "very weak". I guess the experts are just like us fans.

[Cool Hand Luke]

There is SO much disagreement among sports writers (or shall we call them draft prognosticators) about what our situation in net is. I've read everything from "excellent" and "deep" to "very weak". I guess the experts are just like us fans.

Agree with your statement. Also, the degree of knowledge out there varies as do the opinions. I read somewhere that the Canes had drafted D-men the past 2 years with our first picks, and we have no depth at goalie. Well, obviously whichever "expert" wrote that article wasn't even aware that we drafted Cam Ward last year, let alone how good or bad Cam Ward is, so I don't know how they could realistically tell what our depth situation is at goalie.

I guess you just have to take everything you read with a grain of salt.

[Shell]

Jun. 20, 2003. 10:23 PM
NHL's top prospects grilled

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CP) — Out of the blue, Eric Staal was invited to tell to a joke.

One team asked Nathan Horton to explain the expression mentally focused.

And Dustin Brown was asked what was his favourite book.

"Muhammad Ali, the Life and Times," was how Brown responded during one of about 25 grillings by NHL teams prior to the NHL Draft.

It is part of all 30 NHL club's draft preparation to call top prospects in for interviews to find out about their dreams and goals or just to see what they're like.

Their answers play a part in the decisions teams will make when the entry draft begins on Saturday (TSN, 1:00 p.m. EDT) at the Gaylord Entertainment Centre, the home rink of the Nashvillle Predators.

The first three rounds are on Saturday, with the final six rounds on Sunday, but Staal, Horton and Brown and projected to go early in the opening round.

They could end up with the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins or Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold the top picks in the draft, although Florida general manager Rick Dudley is entertaining offers for the No. 1 overall selection.

Virtually all the top picks will have gone for grillings from management personnel and scouts from several teams.

If thoughtfulness and articulate speech counts, Brown would score high. The Ithaca, N.Y. native from the Guelph Storm, rated No. 2 among North American skaters, won the OHL's Bobby Smith Award as scholastic player of the year three years in a row.

"It gets repetitive," said the six-foot, 195-pound Brown. ``When you go to 15 interviews and have to answer the same 15 questions, it can get boring.

"The thing you look forward to is the one unique question each team has. One asked me what was my favourite book. Sometimes, they'd compare me to my teammates and ask me if I'm better. That's a tough one to answer."

Brown liked his Ali biography because the former heavyweight champ "stood up for what he believed in, and that's pretty important."

Staal, the six-foot-three, 182-pound Peterborough Petes centre who is projected by many to go first overall, was caught flat-footed when asked to tell a joke.

"I didn't tell one and after a while they just said: `Ah, forget it,' " the Thunder Bay, Ont., native said. "A lot of it is repetitive, but it's fun and interesting."

Horton, a burly six-foot-two, 200-pound centre for the Oshawa Generals, said defining mental focus was "hard to answer, but it was fun."

Horton was ranked fourth in North America, but USA Today rated the Welland, Ont., native first in its rankings.

"That has nothing to do with it," he said. "It all depends on which team wants you.

"It's out of my hands. I just have to wait and see what happens."

There is a general consensus that there are four exceptional players available — Staal, Horton, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury of the Cape-Breton Screaming Eagles and winger Nikolai Zherdev of CSKA Moscow.

However, it is also considered an exceptionally deep draft, with good players available through the first three rounds.

All week, there has been speculation on teams that need a goalie trading up to get Fleury, or teams needing forwards trading up to Staal or Zherdev, who is said to have explosive speed and great skill.

For the 18-year-olds being bussed from event to event in their new suits in the two days leading up to the draft, it is bewildering but also exciting. No one knows who will go first overall.

"It's almost like a fulfilment," Brown said of the draft. "A lot of these guys have been dreaming of this all their lives and this week, it will come true for a lot of them.

"It's almost a relief. We've been nervous and anxious for the last three months and it's coming to an end. This is what the dream and all the hard work has been about."

Like most of the top prospects, Brown said he doesn't care when he is selected, except that it would be disappointing to be chosen to far down in the draft.

"Being drafted is being drafted, whether it's in the first or seventh round," he said. "There might be a little disappointment, but there's lots of kids that don't get drafted and a lot of first rounders don't make it.

"It's not where you're drafted, it's what you do after you're drafted. From that aspect, it will be a pretty positive day, whether I'm drafted first or 12th or whatever."

Among Canadian teams, Calgary drafts ninth overall, Montreal 10th, Edmonton 17th, Vancouver 23rd and Ottawa 29th. Toronto traded away its' first rounder and won't make a selection until the second round, 57th overall.