puckin_A
07-23-2005, 07:39 PM
fox sports has already come out with their mock draft....
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/3821944
FOXSports.com 2005 NHL mock draft
Shane Malloy / Special to FOXSports.com
ÂÂ*
In the best scenario when a mock draft is written by prognosticators it will usually reveal two important points.
The first one is the obvious fruitless nature of the undertaking in trying to predict which players the 30 teams will choose and the other in how much fun it is to speculate the possibilities.
NHL Draft 2005...
NHL final official prospect rankings
The ISS Top 10 Prospects
Above all other past NHL draft lotteries, this year was truly unique in that every team had an elusive shot at the jackpot. The grand prize in all of this hoopla is Sidney Crosby, the predicted poster boy of hope to the new NHL.
While every team did have a chance at drafting the phenom it would have been in the league's best interest if he ended up in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. The Pittsburgh Penguins had the hockey gods smile upon them again, enabling them to select Crosby as the successor to Mario Lemiuex.
Something else that might be worth noting this year is that teams will need to draft players to fill up their farm systems. We may see a philosophy change to that direction since organizations can ill afford to have a farm system without any value.
Also, it will be interesting to see what effect the entry-level salary cap will have on European players, especially Russians. Salaries in Russia are on the rise. Will teams shy away and pick these players later than normal due to the problems arising from signing them to a contract? Unless they are a top prospect, expect this trend to take hold and watch Russian players get passed by over the next couple of years.
2005 NHL Mock Draft
1. Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby, Center, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
The Penguins have hit pay dirt and Crosby could single-handedly build a new arena and resurrect a franchise. What possibly more can be said about Crosby who possesses almost every attribute on and off the ice an organization could desire? He has shown a hint of Gretzky, Forsberg and Yzerman all rolled into one and he will reshape this entire franchise.
2. Anaheim Mighty Ducks: Gilbert Brule, Center, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
The Ducks and new general manager Brian Burke must be ecstatic to have the opportunity bring a winner like Brule to the fold. "A wolverine on skates" is perhaps the most accurate description to give this player when he hits the ice. You would think he was a monster, but at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, he barely tips the scales. Do not be worried. He has all-world skill and a tremendous work ethic coupled with an unquenchable ferocity.
3. Carolina Hurricanes: Jack Johnson, Defense, USA NDTP
The Hurricanes needed to add a potential elite defenseman to the farm system and Johnson will one day lead the defense corps. This all-round blueliner could anchor their defense for a decade with his offensive prowess and his ability to shut down the opposition. He brings leadership and a tenacious and gritty attitude to the locker room and the ice.
4. Minnesota Wild: Benoit Pouliot, Left Wing, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
The Wild continue to try to add offense through the draft. With Patrick O'Sullivan and Mikko Koivu already in the organization, Pouliot is a great fit. The lanky winger boasts immense potential with his tremendous speed and quickness and lethal offensive abilities. He has the ability to dominate with his knack for making plays at full speed and forcing the opposition to make mistakes.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Bobby Ryan, Right Wing, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
The Habs have been looking for a power forward for ages and the addition of Ryan will give the Montreal faithful hope for the future. A new breed of power forward, Ryan is a load at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, but has the skills of a small guy. Once he gets inside the opponent's blue line or plants himself in front of the net, lookout. He possesses the agility, strength and hand-eye coordination to dominate NHL defensemen.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets: Anze Kopitar, Center, Sodertalje (SWE)
A great choice for the Blue Jackets and Kopitar could quickly be on a line with Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev to make the most dangerous line in the league one day. The most prolific hockey player to come out of Slovenia has proven to everyone in the last year that he deserves to be a top pick. His impressive display of skills at not only the U-18 WJC but the World Championships versus some of the best players in the world solidified his spot. He brings everything to the table in terms of skating, puck skills, intangibles and he could make the jump to the NHL quickly.
7. Chicago Blackhawks: Ryan O'Marra, Center, Erie Otters: (OHL)
It seems the Blackhawks are beginning to draft players that fit the mold of the old Hawks and O'Marra suits that perfectly. This is the type of safe pick teams look for early in the first round when a player shows the ability to do everything well. He is a character player with high end skill that oozes leadership and accountability.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: Marek Zagrapan, Center, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
The Thrashers are another team like Columbus looking to add a skilled pivot that perhaps could play with two All-Star wingers. If you are looking for flash and dash then look no further that this Slovak product that can turn people inside out. Zagrapan is magician with the puck and he can create offensive opportunities in the blink of an eye. He is the kind of player you look for when you need to create some excitement in the building.
9. Ottawa Senators: Carey Price, Goalie, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Considering Dominik Hasek's age, it's never a bad idea to add another goalie, even with two fine netminders in Ray Emery and Jeff Glass already in the orgainzation. The No. 1-ranked goaltender in the draft can be consistently unstoppable at times. Price has the size and speed coveted by NHL teams on top of an excellent lateral mobility and a great glove hand. Other than his physical skills, which are obvious, he rarely gets rattled and keeps composed in all situations.
10. Vancouver Canucks: Marc Staal, Defense, Sudbury Wolves, (OHL)
Other than Kirill Koltsov, the Canucks do not have a potential star defenseman on the horizon, so Staal fills a need and is a safe pick. With the game looking to become more offensive, teams will be scrambling for rearguards that can handle the pressure with poise. The younger brother of the Hurricanes' Eric Staal is a legitimate player in his own right and will not be overshadowed. He intrigues teams because of his hockey sense and excellent skating ability, which will allow him to contain and demoralize opponents.
11. Los Angeles Kings: Luc Bourdon, Defense, Val D'Or (QMJHL)
The Kings, like most teams, will take the best player available and any time you add a defenseman of this caliber never hurts. Finally, a French Canadian defenseman worthy of being drafted in the first round and Bourdon will not disappoint. He possesses good size at 6-foot 2 1/2, is a tremendously gifted skater and has the best mobility on the blueline.
12. San Jose Sharks: Martin Hanzal, Center, Budejovice Jr.(CZE)
Finding a physical skilled center with size is a need for every club, but especially for the Sharks with smaller pivots on the farm. A huge Czech-born center in the mold of Bobby Holik and Michael Handzus, Hanzal could grow into the prototypical power center. He has all the tools in terms of size, puck skills and skating and only needs additional strength and experience to put it all together.
13. Buffalo Sabres: Alex Bourret, Center, Lewiston (QMJHL)
It seems the Sabres have been trying to find players that have skill and playoff experience and Bourret is a perfect fit. A squat package at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, but do not be fooled by his lack of height. He is almost unmovable when he gets planted. He plays with fearlessness and intensity with or without the puck and is a deadly body checker. He scores goals on skill and guile and is the type of player you want in the playoffs.
14. Washington Capitals: Tuuka Rask, Goalie, Ilves (FIN)
The Capitals do not have a premier goaltender in their system that will excite the fans and Rask has the potential for greatness. The next great Finn goaltender is a potential superstar who has the poise and mentality of a veteran. He sees the play development quickly, anticipates well and makes saves look easy. He is tremendously athletic and has the ability to carry his team on his back.
15. New York Islanders: Nicklas Bergfors, Right Wing, Sodertalje (SWE)
It would not be a tremendous surprise to see the Islanders take a player that will require a little patience, but it could be worth it. A sniper that has excellent puck skills, Bergfors is high on every team's list and he also is fearless when driving to the net. He needs a little work on his defense, but the Swede is a solid pick.
16. New York Rangers: Guillaume Latendrasse, Right Wing, Drummondville (QMJHL)
The boys in Manhattan are looking to add a young, tough power forward to the system to go along with Hugh Jessiman, Lauri Korpikoski and Bruce Graham. Latendrasse is a blossoming power forward who needs to show a little more consistency. He is a tough competitor with a sniper's mentality, but will get his nose dirty as well. At 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, he has the potential to solid safe pick for any team.
17. Phoenix Coyotes: Devin Setoguchi, Right Wing, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
The 'Yotes have the luxury of patience since they have such a young squad and Setoguchi will be a nice addition for the future. He's an underrated sniper at times who always brings intensity and desire to his game and will make a great pick. He plays both sides of the ice well and only needs to improve on his skating to make the jump.
18. Nashville Predators: Kenndal McArdle, Left Wing, Moose Jaw (WHL)
A typical Predators draft choice in that he is a honest and hard-working and he will fit the type of team David Poile is trying to build. What you see is what you get with McArdle and that is a good thing with his offensive potential and great work ethic. He certainly shows the skills needed to be player in the NHL, especially with his skating ability and overall leadership.
19. Detroit Red Wings: Dan Bertram, Center, Boston College (NCAA)
The Wings finally have a first-round pick and they will have no problem allowing Bertram to grow at his own pace. This speedy pivot is perhaps the fastest player in the draft and uses his speed to create offense for himself and his teammates. He is dangerous on the power play and penalty kill and he is relentless on the forecheck. The only worry is he needs to add weight and strength to his 5-foot-11, 178-pound frame.
20. Philadelphia Flyers: Chris Durand, Center, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Although the Flyers could use another defenseman in the system, you must take the best player available, so why not add another skilled center? This slick puck mover is creative in the offensive zone and responsible in the defensive zone. The advantage to Durand's game is that he is cerebral and thinks the game well, but he does not do anything great.
21. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ryan Parent, Defense, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Another team that has traded first-round picks away the last couple years will get the opportunity to add a fine defenseman for the future. He may not have the offensive upside as some of the other top defenseman, but Parent makes up for it in every other factor. He has a low panic point and shuts down the opposition's top players with a variety of tools. He consistently makes smart decision with or without the puck and is a tough competitor.
22. Boston Bruins: Ondrej Pavelec, Goalie, CZE-87 (CZE)
The Bruins do have a tremendous young goalies in Andrew Raycroft and Hannu Toivonen but Pavelec is too good to pass up. He's a lanky, 6-foot-2 netminder who has the athleticism and mobility to dominate games and a series. He is technically sound and is rarely beaten low, even on a 2-on-1. He gives his team confidence in his play and attitude as a battler on the ice.
23. New Jersey Devils: Jack Skille, Right Wing, USA NTDP
As one of the best drafting organizations, the Devils will be patient with this potential goal-scoring threat. If you are looking for a sniper, then Skille is your player, since he has a nose for the net and seems to always be in right place at the right time. He needs to work on his defense and consistent work ethic but he is a diamond in the rough.
24. St. Louis Blues: Jakub Kindl, Defense, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The Blues could use a young top defenseman with the trade of Shawn Belle, so Kindl makes for a fine choice. He has all the skills to be a top-five draft pick, but has not put it all together consistently. His defensive game is solid and does not panic under pressure. He just did not seem to put up the points. If a team could inspire him, he has the size and skating to be great.
25. Edmonton Oilers: Matt Lashoff, Defense, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Lately the Oilers have been stocking up on offensive players. Now the tide will turn to defense and Lashoff is the best player left on the list. This kid had an up-and-down season due to injuries, but he definitely is an intriguing package overall. One of the better skaters in the draft, period, he also brings good puck skills and decent size to any NHL club. He needs to work on his defensive game a little, but what young defenseman does not?
26. Calgary Flames: Ryan Stoa, Left Wing, USA NTDP
The Flames and GM/coach Darryl Sutter have a mold of the type of player they like, and that cast will not be broken if Ryan Stoa puts on the flaming "C". Every team looks for player that has his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and excellent speed. Yet he has not been entirely consistent. He is good in all aspects of his game and does not have any inherent weakness, which makes him solid, safe pick.
27. Colorado Avalanche: Brian Lee, Defense, Moorehead (USHS)
With the potential loss of Adam Foote and having nothing in the cupboard, Lee fills a need. An interesting package of size, speed and skill but has not has proven it against tough competition consistently. He tends to be a risk taker and it causes concern in his defensive game, but that can be corrected with time.
28. Dallas Stars: Brendan Mikkelson, Defense, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
The Stars have been slowly rebuilding their defense with the likes of Shawn Belle, Trevor Daley and Mark Fistric, and Mikkelson is another piece of the puzzle. This defenseman does not do anything great but he does everything well, which makes him a safe pick. He is the kind of player that could be a No. 4 defenseman for a decade.
29. Florida Panthers: Michael Blunden, Right Wing, Erie Otters (OHL)
Unfortunately, the Panthers fell far down the list, but they can still pick a good prospect and Blunden is Keenan kind of guy. He has the size and skating scouts look for at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds and does everything in both ends of the ice well. He has the mentality and work ethic to pay the price to be successful in the NHL.
30. Tampa Bay Lightning: Risto Korhonen, Defense, Karpat (FIN)
It was fitting the Lightning got the pick they deserved, but they do get the huge bonus of getting the 31st pick, as well. A tough mean customer who could be molded into a Darius Kasparatis or Vladimir Konstantinov type of player, Korhonen does have a little down side in that his mobility needs work and his offense may be limited at the next level.
Sleeper pick: Daniel Ryder, Center, Peterborough (OHL)
An underappreciated player who has tremendous offensive potential with exceptional vision and hockey sense. For his age, Ryder displays a relentless work ethic and defensive awareness. There should be no concerns about his size at 5-foot-10 1/2 and 193 pounds. His only deterrent is that he needs a little work on his skating.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/3821944
FOXSports.com 2005 NHL mock draft
Shane Malloy / Special to FOXSports.com
ÂÂ*
In the best scenario when a mock draft is written by prognosticators it will usually reveal two important points.
The first one is the obvious fruitless nature of the undertaking in trying to predict which players the 30 teams will choose and the other in how much fun it is to speculate the possibilities.
NHL Draft 2005...
NHL final official prospect rankings
The ISS Top 10 Prospects
Above all other past NHL draft lotteries, this year was truly unique in that every team had an elusive shot at the jackpot. The grand prize in all of this hoopla is Sidney Crosby, the predicted poster boy of hope to the new NHL.
While every team did have a chance at drafting the phenom it would have been in the league's best interest if he ended up in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. The Pittsburgh Penguins had the hockey gods smile upon them again, enabling them to select Crosby as the successor to Mario Lemiuex.
Something else that might be worth noting this year is that teams will need to draft players to fill up their farm systems. We may see a philosophy change to that direction since organizations can ill afford to have a farm system without any value.
Also, it will be interesting to see what effect the entry-level salary cap will have on European players, especially Russians. Salaries in Russia are on the rise. Will teams shy away and pick these players later than normal due to the problems arising from signing them to a contract? Unless they are a top prospect, expect this trend to take hold and watch Russian players get passed by over the next couple of years.
2005 NHL Mock Draft
1. Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby, Center, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
The Penguins have hit pay dirt and Crosby could single-handedly build a new arena and resurrect a franchise. What possibly more can be said about Crosby who possesses almost every attribute on and off the ice an organization could desire? He has shown a hint of Gretzky, Forsberg and Yzerman all rolled into one and he will reshape this entire franchise.
2. Anaheim Mighty Ducks: Gilbert Brule, Center, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
The Ducks and new general manager Brian Burke must be ecstatic to have the opportunity bring a winner like Brule to the fold. "A wolverine on skates" is perhaps the most accurate description to give this player when he hits the ice. You would think he was a monster, but at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, he barely tips the scales. Do not be worried. He has all-world skill and a tremendous work ethic coupled with an unquenchable ferocity.
3. Carolina Hurricanes: Jack Johnson, Defense, USA NDTP
The Hurricanes needed to add a potential elite defenseman to the farm system and Johnson will one day lead the defense corps. This all-round blueliner could anchor their defense for a decade with his offensive prowess and his ability to shut down the opposition. He brings leadership and a tenacious and gritty attitude to the locker room and the ice.
4. Minnesota Wild: Benoit Pouliot, Left Wing, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
The Wild continue to try to add offense through the draft. With Patrick O'Sullivan and Mikko Koivu already in the organization, Pouliot is a great fit. The lanky winger boasts immense potential with his tremendous speed and quickness and lethal offensive abilities. He has the ability to dominate with his knack for making plays at full speed and forcing the opposition to make mistakes.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Bobby Ryan, Right Wing, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
The Habs have been looking for a power forward for ages and the addition of Ryan will give the Montreal faithful hope for the future. A new breed of power forward, Ryan is a load at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, but has the skills of a small guy. Once he gets inside the opponent's blue line or plants himself in front of the net, lookout. He possesses the agility, strength and hand-eye coordination to dominate NHL defensemen.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets: Anze Kopitar, Center, Sodertalje (SWE)
A great choice for the Blue Jackets and Kopitar could quickly be on a line with Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev to make the most dangerous line in the league one day. The most prolific hockey player to come out of Slovenia has proven to everyone in the last year that he deserves to be a top pick. His impressive display of skills at not only the U-18 WJC but the World Championships versus some of the best players in the world solidified his spot. He brings everything to the table in terms of skating, puck skills, intangibles and he could make the jump to the NHL quickly.
7. Chicago Blackhawks: Ryan O'Marra, Center, Erie Otters: (OHL)
It seems the Blackhawks are beginning to draft players that fit the mold of the old Hawks and O'Marra suits that perfectly. This is the type of safe pick teams look for early in the first round when a player shows the ability to do everything well. He is a character player with high end skill that oozes leadership and accountability.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: Marek Zagrapan, Center, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
The Thrashers are another team like Columbus looking to add a skilled pivot that perhaps could play with two All-Star wingers. If you are looking for flash and dash then look no further that this Slovak product that can turn people inside out. Zagrapan is magician with the puck and he can create offensive opportunities in the blink of an eye. He is the kind of player you look for when you need to create some excitement in the building.
9. Ottawa Senators: Carey Price, Goalie, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Considering Dominik Hasek's age, it's never a bad idea to add another goalie, even with two fine netminders in Ray Emery and Jeff Glass already in the orgainzation. The No. 1-ranked goaltender in the draft can be consistently unstoppable at times. Price has the size and speed coveted by NHL teams on top of an excellent lateral mobility and a great glove hand. Other than his physical skills, which are obvious, he rarely gets rattled and keeps composed in all situations.
10. Vancouver Canucks: Marc Staal, Defense, Sudbury Wolves, (OHL)
Other than Kirill Koltsov, the Canucks do not have a potential star defenseman on the horizon, so Staal fills a need and is a safe pick. With the game looking to become more offensive, teams will be scrambling for rearguards that can handle the pressure with poise. The younger brother of the Hurricanes' Eric Staal is a legitimate player in his own right and will not be overshadowed. He intrigues teams because of his hockey sense and excellent skating ability, which will allow him to contain and demoralize opponents.
11. Los Angeles Kings: Luc Bourdon, Defense, Val D'Or (QMJHL)
The Kings, like most teams, will take the best player available and any time you add a defenseman of this caliber never hurts. Finally, a French Canadian defenseman worthy of being drafted in the first round and Bourdon will not disappoint. He possesses good size at 6-foot 2 1/2, is a tremendously gifted skater and has the best mobility on the blueline.
12. San Jose Sharks: Martin Hanzal, Center, Budejovice Jr.(CZE)
Finding a physical skilled center with size is a need for every club, but especially for the Sharks with smaller pivots on the farm. A huge Czech-born center in the mold of Bobby Holik and Michael Handzus, Hanzal could grow into the prototypical power center. He has all the tools in terms of size, puck skills and skating and only needs additional strength and experience to put it all together.
13. Buffalo Sabres: Alex Bourret, Center, Lewiston (QMJHL)
It seems the Sabres have been trying to find players that have skill and playoff experience and Bourret is a perfect fit. A squat package at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, but do not be fooled by his lack of height. He is almost unmovable when he gets planted. He plays with fearlessness and intensity with or without the puck and is a deadly body checker. He scores goals on skill and guile and is the type of player you want in the playoffs.
14. Washington Capitals: Tuuka Rask, Goalie, Ilves (FIN)
The Capitals do not have a premier goaltender in their system that will excite the fans and Rask has the potential for greatness. The next great Finn goaltender is a potential superstar who has the poise and mentality of a veteran. He sees the play development quickly, anticipates well and makes saves look easy. He is tremendously athletic and has the ability to carry his team on his back.
15. New York Islanders: Nicklas Bergfors, Right Wing, Sodertalje (SWE)
It would not be a tremendous surprise to see the Islanders take a player that will require a little patience, but it could be worth it. A sniper that has excellent puck skills, Bergfors is high on every team's list and he also is fearless when driving to the net. He needs a little work on his defense, but the Swede is a solid pick.
16. New York Rangers: Guillaume Latendrasse, Right Wing, Drummondville (QMJHL)
The boys in Manhattan are looking to add a young, tough power forward to the system to go along with Hugh Jessiman, Lauri Korpikoski and Bruce Graham. Latendrasse is a blossoming power forward who needs to show a little more consistency. He is a tough competitor with a sniper's mentality, but will get his nose dirty as well. At 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, he has the potential to solid safe pick for any team.
17. Phoenix Coyotes: Devin Setoguchi, Right Wing, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
The 'Yotes have the luxury of patience since they have such a young squad and Setoguchi will be a nice addition for the future. He's an underrated sniper at times who always brings intensity and desire to his game and will make a great pick. He plays both sides of the ice well and only needs to improve on his skating to make the jump.
18. Nashville Predators: Kenndal McArdle, Left Wing, Moose Jaw (WHL)
A typical Predators draft choice in that he is a honest and hard-working and he will fit the type of team David Poile is trying to build. What you see is what you get with McArdle and that is a good thing with his offensive potential and great work ethic. He certainly shows the skills needed to be player in the NHL, especially with his skating ability and overall leadership.
19. Detroit Red Wings: Dan Bertram, Center, Boston College (NCAA)
The Wings finally have a first-round pick and they will have no problem allowing Bertram to grow at his own pace. This speedy pivot is perhaps the fastest player in the draft and uses his speed to create offense for himself and his teammates. He is dangerous on the power play and penalty kill and he is relentless on the forecheck. The only worry is he needs to add weight and strength to his 5-foot-11, 178-pound frame.
20. Philadelphia Flyers: Chris Durand, Center, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Although the Flyers could use another defenseman in the system, you must take the best player available, so why not add another skilled center? This slick puck mover is creative in the offensive zone and responsible in the defensive zone. The advantage to Durand's game is that he is cerebral and thinks the game well, but he does not do anything great.
21. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ryan Parent, Defense, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Another team that has traded first-round picks away the last couple years will get the opportunity to add a fine defenseman for the future. He may not have the offensive upside as some of the other top defenseman, but Parent makes up for it in every other factor. He has a low panic point and shuts down the opposition's top players with a variety of tools. He consistently makes smart decision with or without the puck and is a tough competitor.
22. Boston Bruins: Ondrej Pavelec, Goalie, CZE-87 (CZE)
The Bruins do have a tremendous young goalies in Andrew Raycroft and Hannu Toivonen but Pavelec is too good to pass up. He's a lanky, 6-foot-2 netminder who has the athleticism and mobility to dominate games and a series. He is technically sound and is rarely beaten low, even on a 2-on-1. He gives his team confidence in his play and attitude as a battler on the ice.
23. New Jersey Devils: Jack Skille, Right Wing, USA NTDP
As one of the best drafting organizations, the Devils will be patient with this potential goal-scoring threat. If you are looking for a sniper, then Skille is your player, since he has a nose for the net and seems to always be in right place at the right time. He needs to work on his defense and consistent work ethic but he is a diamond in the rough.
24. St. Louis Blues: Jakub Kindl, Defense, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The Blues could use a young top defenseman with the trade of Shawn Belle, so Kindl makes for a fine choice. He has all the skills to be a top-five draft pick, but has not put it all together consistently. His defensive game is solid and does not panic under pressure. He just did not seem to put up the points. If a team could inspire him, he has the size and skating to be great.
25. Edmonton Oilers: Matt Lashoff, Defense, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Lately the Oilers have been stocking up on offensive players. Now the tide will turn to defense and Lashoff is the best player left on the list. This kid had an up-and-down season due to injuries, but he definitely is an intriguing package overall. One of the better skaters in the draft, period, he also brings good puck skills and decent size to any NHL club. He needs to work on his defensive game a little, but what young defenseman does not?
26. Calgary Flames: Ryan Stoa, Left Wing, USA NTDP
The Flames and GM/coach Darryl Sutter have a mold of the type of player they like, and that cast will not be broken if Ryan Stoa puts on the flaming "C". Every team looks for player that has his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and excellent speed. Yet he has not been entirely consistent. He is good in all aspects of his game and does not have any inherent weakness, which makes him solid, safe pick.
27. Colorado Avalanche: Brian Lee, Defense, Moorehead (USHS)
With the potential loss of Adam Foote and having nothing in the cupboard, Lee fills a need. An interesting package of size, speed and skill but has not has proven it against tough competition consistently. He tends to be a risk taker and it causes concern in his defensive game, but that can be corrected with time.
28. Dallas Stars: Brendan Mikkelson, Defense, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
The Stars have been slowly rebuilding their defense with the likes of Shawn Belle, Trevor Daley and Mark Fistric, and Mikkelson is another piece of the puzzle. This defenseman does not do anything great but he does everything well, which makes him a safe pick. He is the kind of player that could be a No. 4 defenseman for a decade.
29. Florida Panthers: Michael Blunden, Right Wing, Erie Otters (OHL)
Unfortunately, the Panthers fell far down the list, but they can still pick a good prospect and Blunden is Keenan kind of guy. He has the size and skating scouts look for at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds and does everything in both ends of the ice well. He has the mentality and work ethic to pay the price to be successful in the NHL.
30. Tampa Bay Lightning: Risto Korhonen, Defense, Karpat (FIN)
It was fitting the Lightning got the pick they deserved, but they do get the huge bonus of getting the 31st pick, as well. A tough mean customer who could be molded into a Darius Kasparatis or Vladimir Konstantinov type of player, Korhonen does have a little down side in that his mobility needs work and his offense may be limited at the next level.
Sleeper pick: Daniel Ryder, Center, Peterborough (OHL)
An underappreciated player who has tremendous offensive potential with exceptional vision and hockey sense. For his age, Ryder displays a relentless work ethic and defensive awareness. There should be no concerns about his size at 5-foot-10 1/2 and 193 pounds. His only deterrent is that he needs a little work on his skating.