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Post by zenseeker on Jun 4, 2011 11:22:44 GMT -5
Mark Mcneill should be available at the 17 spot. Big, strong, tough, 2 way player that is skilled with a good shot and vision. Sounds pretty good to me!!
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Post by zenseeker on Jun 4, 2011 11:31:16 GMT -5
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Post by PTH on Jun 4, 2011 15:39:51 GMT -5
I've always though that the best strategy would be to trade down - over and over.
17th to 21st (and add a 2nd rounder)
21st to 25th - another 2nd rounder
25th to 31st - add a 3d rounder.
And voilà ! You have 5 picks in the 2nd and 3d rounds, and to me the number of picks matters, a lot. The draft is largely a lottery, and getting more picks would be the way to come out ahead. Of course, scouts will hate this, since it means passing up the guys they really, really like.
But the draft isn't only about getting superstars, it's also about having a steady input of kids pushing the vets, and with very low cap hits, which means the team has options (graduating kids, negotiating harder with vets, etc.) as well as more cap room, with the bonus that the kids can really work out, or at worse they're no worse than the filler we'd get as expensive UFAs...
In short, multiple chances at pretty good players are often the best way to go IMO, in a draft like this one with valuations all over the place.
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As to trades at the draft, we've made some - we moved up to get Guillaume Latendresse, traded down to get a 2nd pick as well as David Fischer, traded up to get Chris Higgins, etc. Somehow draft day trades involving picks always seem to get underreported.
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 5, 2011 7:10:24 GMT -5
Mark Mcneill should be available at the 17 spot. Big, strong, tough, 2 way player that is skilled with a good shot and vision. Sounds pretty good to me!! I doubt McNeil will be there at 17....most mock drafts have him going between 10-12th. Zack Phillips could be a good pickup. A this year's Claude Giroux? |
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Post by sergejean on Jun 7, 2011 8:27:40 GMT -5
I've always though that the best strategy would be to trade down - over and over. 17th to 21st (and add a 2nd rounder) 21st to 25th - another 2nd rounder 25th to 31st - add a 3d rounder. And voilà ! I agree about this strategy in the event your about to talk and the players you really really wanted are gone. If your guy is still available, then you have to pick him. I also doubt you can trade down over and over. I mean, the Leafs - Burke - has been vocal about his intention to move up but there is no guarantee other teams have the same intentions. I would still open the door to a deal with the Leafs as I agree that getting extra 2nd round picks is always a good thing. I for one hope we have chance to draft Matt Peumpel. I am far from being an expert but from what I saw this year, he is a pure sniper. A top 5 offensively in this year's draft. |
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Post by HABsurd on Jun 7, 2011 12:10:22 GMT -5
I've always though that the best strategy would be to trade down - over and over. 17th to 21st (and add a 2nd rounder) 21st to 25th - another 2nd rounder 25th to 31st - add a 3d rounder. And voilà ! I agree about this strategy in the event your about to talk and the players you really really wanted are gone. If your guy is still available, then you have to pick him. I also doubt you can trade down over and over. I mean, the Leafs - Burke - has been vocal about his intention to move up but there is no guarantee other teams have the same intentions. I would still open the door to a deal with the Leafs as I agree that getting extra 2nd round picks is always a good thing. I for one hope we have chance to draft Matt Peumpel. I am far from being an expert but from what I saw this year, he is a pure sniper. A top 5 offensively in this year's draft. It is Matt Puempel. Incidentally, german it means suction cup or could refer to a drain plunger. Hard to believe he would still be around. |
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 9, 2011 7:43:18 GMT -5
Redline Report's Look at ForwardsPersonally I don't think we'll have a shot at any of these guys. So just for fun I'm gonna say we're gonna try and trade up. Not high enough to get Couturier, but in the 8th-11th range. Maybe high enough to get a guy like Strome, should he fall, or Zibanejad. I think there is going to be a lot of moving around in this draft. It's kind of a weak one, and player ratings are all over the map. Which to me means a lot of trades. Plus there are a lot of teams with multiple first and second round picks, meaning there is a lot of currency out there. Teams will target a player, thinking that everybody else isn't going to amount to much, and the team they are dealing with has the same opinion, only of another player. So deals will be made, though usually they involve only picks, and not players... Still, are we going to be one of those dealers?
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Post by jkr on Jun 9, 2011 11:44:26 GMT -5
I don't think we'll be able to move up to the 5th or 6th spot (or even higher) that it would take at this point to get either Couturier or Huberdeau. In a somewhat weak draft that seems to have a talent gap between the top eight or so and the rest of the field I don't see too many of those teams that are picking early willing to drop that far down. Having said that, Columbus (#8) is rumored to be actively shopping their pick for immediate help, as they are a franchise that is at the cross-roads and desperately needs a good, if not stellar season next year just to survive. So they could be a target. I also have a gut feeling that Colorado (#11) is willing to move. They have the #2 overall so they are "guaranteed" a blue-chip prospect, and if they can use the #11 to add depth, immediate help, or both, I see no reason why they wouldn't be willing to listen. If Gauthier wants to move that high I would be willing to bet it's to get Ryan Strome. But that's just me. Please don't say Columbus & trade rumor in the same sentence. I started dreaming of a huge winger in a Habs uni wearing # 61 motoring into the offensive zone, bowling over Tim Thomas & stuffing the puck in the net.  |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 9, 2011 18:19:36 GMT -5
Been alot of talk recently of Columbus pick going to Philly in blockbuster for Jeff Carter. If that does occur, cannot see Columbus trading #61.
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 10, 2011 6:45:09 GMT -5
My new man-crush. Scouting report: Strengths: Excellent size and athleticism; will play at 215-220 pounds when he reaches his physical maturity. Very good skater with quick burst, speed and smooth lateral movement and footwork. Powerful leg drive; has a long stride and is strong on his skates. Aggressive, dynamic puck rusher loves to take the puck up ice. Heavy booming slap shot with good release. Effective in puck distribution, especially when on the power play, but a better triggerman because of his big blast. Also possesses a hard wrister that he uses effectively. Loves to shoot the puck from just about anywhere on the ice. Good bodychecker; likes to go for the big hit and plays with gusto along the walls, taking every chance he can to initiate contact. Passionate, exuberant player who brings one of the most outgoing and engaging personalities to the draft class. Speaks excellent English- is easy going yet highly competitive. Carries himself with the confident air of a natural leader. A captain and winner.
Weaknesses: Undisciplined; attacking style lands him in trouble when he pinches at wrong times. Not an overly instinctive player- succeeds because he has size and mobility on his side, but will sometimes run around and try to do too much. Hockey sense may not be good enough for him to reach the production levels his pure talent would allow for. Rough around the edges and has to guard against taking bad penalties, but no major flaws in his game.PK Subban you say? No... Oscar Klefbom. Or as Tom Jones would say, Klefbom, Klefbom, you know you are a Klefbom...Opinions range all over the map with him. Those that like him, like him a lot. Others... not so much. I've seen him as high as top 10, or as low early second rounder. If he's available... |
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Post by Patty Roy on Jun 10, 2011 10:10:59 GMT -5
Klefbom sounds very, very interesting. As you say his rankings have been all over the map. Curious to see where McKenzie has him pegged as his draft preview is almost always the most accurate one out there.
I believe that Klefbom should still be there at #17...if we can trade down a few spots, pick up a 2nd and still draft him all the better.
JT Miller is another interesting one that seems to be all over the map. I believe THN has him in the 40s but those that are high on him make him sound like another Dustin Brown.
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 11, 2011 12:20:06 GMT -5
Klefbom draft rankings has certainly shot up late in the season after Sweden's Silver Medal. Hockey News has him at 37th in Draft Preview. Andrei Kostitsyn in his draft year his rankings shot up after a good U18 tourny also. We ended up passing on some pretty good talent. I would not put too much emphasize into one good but short tournament. Instead balance it out over a full year at the least.
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 12, 2011 9:05:24 GMT -5
Another option Habs to look at would be to trade down a couple of times. Instead of 1 mid- first round pick have 3 second round picks or 1 late first round and 2 2nd round picks. Timmins has done good work before in later rounds and there should be good NHL talent available in second round. Guys like Catenacci, Danault, Miller. Generally somebody rated in mid first round will slid to late first or early second round. We could end up with a Scheifele or Puempel and a Catenacci and Danault in first 2 rounds alone. That would be impressive draft.
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Post by Patty Roy on Jun 12, 2011 11:42:39 GMT -5
Another option Habs to look at would be to trade down a couple of times. Instead of 1 mid- first round pick have 3 second round picks or 1 late first round and 2 2nd round picks. Timmins has done good work before in later rounds and there should be good NHL talent available in second round. Guys like Catenacci, Danault, Miller. Generally somebody rated in mid first round will slid to late first or early second round. We could end up with a Scheifele or Puempel and a Catenacci and Danault in first 2 rounds alone. That would be impressive draft. From what i understand Scheifele is a real riser and unlikely to even be on the board where we are currently drafting. But i generally do agree with you that if there is an opportunity to trade down and add a 2nd round pick i think that's something that would be beneficial to the organization...unless of course someone really slips to us at #17. |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 12, 2011 13:56:58 GMT -5
Another option Habs to look at would be to trade down a couple of times. Instead of 1 mid- first round pick have 3 second round picks or 1 late first round and 2 2nd round picks. Timmins has done good work before in later rounds and there should be good NHL talent available in second round. Guys like Catenacci, Danault, Miller. Generally somebody rated in mid first round will slid to late first or early second round. We could end up with a Scheifele or Puempel and a Catenacci and Danault in first 2 rounds alone. That would be impressive draft. From what i understand Scheifele is a real riser and unlikely to even be on the board where we are currently drafting. But i generally do agree with you that if there is an opportunity to trade down and add a 2nd round pick i think that's something that would be beneficial to the organization...unless of course someone really slips to us at #17. Always somebody who surprisingly slides to late first round. I just threw those names out there off top of my head. I don't know where they will be drafted at, just going by Hockey News Draft Preview. Habs could trade down 3 or 4 slots pick up a second round pick. Then trade 20th pick to a team like Leafs for 25th and 39th pick or 29th and 39th picks. Giving Montreal something like 25th, 39th and 50th picks in draft. |
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Post by PTH on Jun 12, 2011 14:52:31 GMT -5
From what i understand Scheifele is a real riser and unlikely to even be on the board where we are currently drafting. But i generally do agree with you that if there is an opportunity to trade down and add a 2nd round pick i think that's something that would be beneficial to the organization...unless of course someone really slips to us at #17. Always somebody who surprisingly slides to late first round. I just threw those names out there off top of my head. I don't know where they will be drafted at, just going by Hockey News Draft Preview. Habs could trade down 3 or 4 slots pick up a second round pick. Then trade 20th pick to a team like Leafs for 25th and 39th pick or 29th and 39th picks. Giving Montreal something like 25th, 39th and 50th picks in draft. I love that idea.... (see higher up!) One thing to avoid is to keep a pick to take a guy who's slipped and who you didn't do your homework on, because he was rated much higher.... that explains many bad picks - namely Matt Higgins and Jason Ward... |
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Post by HFTO on Jun 15, 2011 17:03:31 GMT -5
BC.... I`m on board with RJ Umberger he is the perfect guy for this lineup ....a Hab killer in the past but a player this team has needed for way too long and he`s a proven commodity at a decentt dollar value.
The sexy thing deal would be too trade up and get the well known French Canadian but our cupbord isn`t that well stocked so why gamble for something that isn`t a slam dunk.
I`m dying for the day that the Habs make a shrewd devilishly good deal.
HFTO
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2011 0:29:47 GMT -5
So, we are now officially one week away from Round One of the draft from the Land of 10,000 Lakes (a.k.a. one of Trevor Timmins’ favourite hunting grounds). Whom might the Habs pick with their picks? Honestly, I haven’t the foggiest, but here are my annual musings on some players that might just fit the mould of players who they may select with their picks (or most likely not given all the kids out there, and the fact they do this for a living) based on what little I know of their draft tendencies, and/or some guys I would like them to pick based on my armchair scouting and personal biases. I am leaving out my Habs’ list for Round One for now, as I will add a little bit on that later this weekend, along with my recently completed Mock Draft...those pieces tend to make sense together.
Barring any draft day deals, the Habs are currently picking in the following order:
Round 1 (17th); Round 3 (77th); Round 4 (112th from ATL/WPG); Round 5 (137th); Round 6 (167th) and Round 7 (197th).
Round 3 – Pick 77:
William Karlsson, C Vasteras Jr (SWE) – 6’0” 165, a quick and agile centre who is good in the faceoff circle and had a good U18s for Sweden. Good hands, good hockey IQ, and obviously needs to bulk out a bit, but will still drive to the net looking for goals.
Philippe Hudon, C Chonte-Rosemary (USHS-CT) – 6’0.5” 190, a QC born kid playing prep school hockey in Connecticut. He is a power forward with skill, good hockey IQ, decent skater for a big man, and still a bit unproven against good competition – will be going to Cornell this fall.
Scott Harrington, D London (OHL) – 6’0.5” 200, a top pairing Dman with the Knights as a 17 year old, he is a good skater with solid positioning, really solid defensively, decent shot and good first pass. He ended up playing a lot with their overager for most of the season, and then was paired later in the season with some big kid named Tinordi.
Honourable Mention (HM) – Travis Ewanyk, LW Edmonton (WHL) – 6’0.5” 180 my homer pick but also one kid whose stock is rising as is likely on many draft lists due to his combination of rugged play and ability to chip in as well. Gritty, hardworking forward who will mix it up and not back down from physical play. He got the call at the U18s for Canada and I have chatted with a few scouts in the stands who are pretty high on this kid. A good character forward at the next level. Not sure he will still be here by this pick.
Round 4 – Pick 112:
Colin Sullivan, D Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT) – 6’0.5” 185, a silky smooth skater who has a nice first pass, is effective in his own zone, but is still raw with some really tantalizing upside. The knock on US high school kids is always the competition, but this package and upside is worth a boo at this point. It’s not like it is a first round pick after all!! The Habs are watching this kid.
Daniel Pribyl, RW Sparta Jr (CZE) – 6’3” 190, a big, skilled forward with decent straight ahead speed, great hands and a good shot. Needs to get a better first step, but is likely well suited for a north-south NA power game with some proper grooming.
Marcel Noebels, LW Seattle (WHL) – 6’2.5” 195, a big 19 year old German forward who was not selected last year due to uncertainty he would ever consider coming over the pond. Well, he played in the Dub this year and was as good as advertised, with a big body that goes hard to the net, nice hard shot, good skill and vision, but may need to use his size a bit more if he hopes to keep progressing. He looked good when I saw him, and the TBirds were not a good team this year (last in their conference).
HM – Kale Kessy, LW Medicine Hat (WHL) – 6’2.5” 185, the constant Lucic comparisons have made this kid’s stock rise. I was a fan early, but this whole “need” to draft tough kids could have him gone by this pick. He is as hard-nosed as it gets, drops the mitts, and would be a great addition. Good skills and shot, but skating could improve a tad.
Round 5 – Pick 137:
Yannick Veilleux, LW Shawinigan (QMJHL) – 6’2” 190, likely heavily scouted by the Habs, not just for being in the Q, but also for being a linemate of Bournival’s this season. Good skater who likes to hit, has a nose for the net (sounds like Bournival!), and decent on-ice vision and hockey sense.
Konstantin Komarek, RW Lulea (SWE) – 6’0” 180, a talented Austrian kid playing in Sweden. He has good skills, a nice shot, good IQ, and nice skating, while not afraid of being gritty too.
Zachery Franko, LW Kelowna (WHL) – 5’10” 160, my first sub-six footer, so he must bring what I like in smaller players, and he does in spades! This kids oozes speed and skill, but brings a great compete level and is aggressive on the puck. Saw him on TV a few times and live once in the Okanagan. Fun to watch.
HM – Petr Placek, RW Hotchkiss School (USHS-CT) – 6’3.5” 210, he is going to Mac Bennett’s old school, another Connecticut prep school kid, but this time a long way from home in the Czech Republic. A huge kid, who plays big, good shot, has decent overall speed, but needs to develop a much faster first step and agility. A really raw kid with tons of upside potential, and missed a lot of season due to injury (sounds like Mac Bennett redux), so teams will not have seen much of him in an already really short season.
Round 6 – Pick 167:
Justin Thomas, LW Sault Ste Marie (OHL) – 6’2” 205, big, physical, skilled player who missed a lot of the season due to shoulder surgery. Not as agile as he will need to be, but he is a good skater and this kid oozes potential as well. Did get sent home in his first year of being away from home, but seems to be focused and ready to be a big player. The kid has the tools to be a good one.
Kyle Rau, C Sioux Falls (USHL) – 5’8” 165, this year’s Mr Hockey for Minnesota, so his draft year at home to boot. A small buzz-bomb, just the way I like prospects this size. He scored a ton of points in high school this year, and then signed on in the USHL (most high school kids wait for the next year) and netted a point a game at that level later in the season. A skilled, natural goalscorer, and a passionate forechecker, this kid should be on the Habs’ radar screen later on in the draft in a big way.
Sam Jardine, D Camrose (AJHL) – 6’1” 185, he is still raw as he played Junior A hockey in AB pending a jump to the NCAA, but he has good size, skills and positioning. A good passer, decent two way guy, but needs to get stronger to move up to the next level. I managed to see him live at both the World Junior A Challenge (for Canada West) and in the RBC Cup (as host team) against pretty darn good competition.
HM – Nathan Lieuwen, G Kootenay (WHL) – 6’5” 192, he will turn 20 this August but was hampered by serious injury in his draft year. He is big and is very solid fundamentally. Moves well, covers lots of net, and is a competitor. He and Cody Eakin are the two main reasons for the Ice success in the playoffs this season, and they were a real feel good underdog story this season. I saw him a ton in the playoffs on TV, as they beat out highly ranked Saskatoon and Portland on way to the Memorial Cup.
Round 7 – Pick 197:
Blake Coleman, C Indiana (USHL) – 5’10 198, if you are 19 and in your second draft, you better bring something to get you reconsidered. How about leading the USHL in scoring and being named the USA Hockey junior player of the year? He is a nice combination of a skilled and gritty player who can put up points. Late in the draft, why the heck not?
Max McCormick, LW Sioux City (USHL) – 5’11” 175, led his team in scoring and also got the call to go to Penticton to play for Team USA in the World Junior A Challenge (they won gold, and I did see him play live). A feisty, tough player who produces points.
Matt McNeely, G USNDP (USHL) – 6’2” 205, when you play behind this draft’s top ranked goalie (John Gibson), you don’t get a lot of starts. This is a big kid with good technique and mobility. He will only get better as the ice time comes, which it will.
HM – Samuel Windle, D Chicago (USHL) – 6’4” 200, a big shutdown defenseman who has decent mobility for a big lad.
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Post by blny on Jun 19, 2011 20:06:19 GMT -5
What about this Jamie Oleksiak kid? 6'7 and 244lbs at 18. Imagine what he'll be fully grown!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2011 22:37:52 GMT -5
What about this Jamie Oleksiak kid? 6'7 and 244lbs at 18. Imagine what he'll be fully grown! Yeah, he is a monster already. He has great mobility for his size and a cannon of a shot, so I expect his name will have been called by the time we get up to the podium. That untapped potential will lure someone in relatively early on Friday night. He has dual citizenship and has been named to the US WJC summer camp, as they named their camp roster a few days ahead of Hockey Canada. www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jamie_oleksiak |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2011 22:54:15 GMT -5
Round 1 - Pick 17:
Mark Scheifele, C Barrie (OHL) - 6'2" 185, a smooth skating big centreman with good hands and good hockey IQ, a bit more of a playmaker but has a good shot, has decent strength for the junior game, but will need to add strength for the next level, had a superb U18s after playing a little under the radar in Barrie, but still managed 75 points in 66 games
Oscar Klefbom, D Farjestad (SWE) - 6'3.5" 200, a wondeful skater with great mobility and the skill and ability to jump into the play and contribute offensively, has a great shot and has decent size already but does not use it enough, likely needs to strengthen his game in his own end, was team captain for Sweden at the U18s
Matt Puempel, LW Peterborough (OHL) - 6'0.5" 195, a pure goal scorer who has a hard slap and wrist shot, can find the open spaces like all good goal scorers, has nice speed and hands, and can play with a bit of an edge, will need to get better defensively, was on Team Canada at the U18s
HM - JT Miller, C USNDP (USHL) - 6'1.5" 200, a strong, good skating two way centre who plays hard at both ends of the ice, and is hard to knock off the puck and plays physically, good shot and soft hands help his offensive game, although there is some question whether that will translate in the pros or if he will top out as a really good third liner, had a good offensive showing at the U18s, off to North Dakota next season, he is the kind of player that help you win. He is expected to go a little bit later than when the Habs draft, but I guarantee he is on their radar screen.
So, four options: a playmaker, offensive defenseman, goal scorer, and physical two way centre. Options, options and more options!! All four would be great choices when we pick.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 0:13:08 GMT -5
My annual Mock Draft for the 2011 NHL draft:
1. EDM – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C Red Deer (WHL) – the top skilled player in the draft, as he is a world class playmaker with superb vision and passing abilities, and will add to an already impressive young forward corps in Oil Country. He is still very slim, but will need to add some muscle to survive the rigours of the next level.
2. COL – Adam Larsson, D Skelleftea (SWE) – he has all the skillset to be a top pairing two-way defender as he possesses great size, skating and skills, as well a solid defensive game as well. He has been a mainstay on Sweden’s WJC team and he is not even drafted yet.
3. FLO – Jonathan Huberdeau, C Saint John (QMJHL) – very skilled offensively and has great vision and hockey IQ, as well as a good shot that is fast off his stick. Will need to add strength as he is still quite skinny. Had a great playoffs and Memorial Cup.
4. NJ – Gabriel Landeskog, LW Kitchener (OHL) – one of the most NHL ready bodies in the draft, he is a solid leader who also leads by example in everything he does on the ice. Was the youngest player to ever suit up in the Swedish Elite League and is Kitchener’s first ever import captain.
5. NYI – Sean Couturier, C Drummondville (QMJHL) – his stock has dropped mainly because others have been catching up. He has a big frame and lots of offensive skills, but will need to develop a little quicker step to improve his skating a bit.
6. OTT – Ryan Murphy, D Kitchener (OHL) – the most offensively flashy defenseman in the draft, and a big part of Canada’s U18 team. Is a bit undersized and will need to strengthen up to play the rigours of defense in the pro game.
7. WPG – Ryan Strome, C Niagara (OHL) – a big point producer with 106 points in the OHL this season. A good skater with skill, but will need to add some muscle. A really nice high profile player to be the first draft pick of the newest era of NHL in the 'Peg.
8. CBJ – Mika Zibanejad, C Djurgarden (SWE) – a hard working big kid with nice offensive skills, his stock really rose during this season to the point where this big Swede (with Finnish and Iranian parents!) has now vaulted into pretty well every top ten list.
9. BOS (from TOR) – Dougie Hamilton, D Niagara (OHL) – a big physical two-way defensemen with really good skating abilities. Very quick to jump into the play.
10. MIN – Nathan Beaulieu, D Saint John (QMJHL) – another very good two-way defenseman who can jump into the play due to his skating and skills, but can also play a solid game in his own end.
11. COL (from STL) – Duncan Siemens, D Saskatoon (WHL) – he is a really solid physical defenseman who is hard to play against. He put up a lot of points this year as the Blades were a bit of a run and gun team, but he projects to be a top physical defensive defender in the pros.
12. CAR – Mark McNeill, C Prince Albert (WHL) – a big, strong physical kid who is also good in the faceoff circle. He plays like a man amongst boys right now as he has developed physically already. Likely not a top end scorer in the pros, but he could be a phenomenal two way player who is good in all zones.
13. CGY – Sven Bartschi, LW Portland (WHL) – he is a speedy offensive winger from Switzerland who more than held his own on a stacked Portland team and also as a very young player for his country at the WJC.
14. DAL – Jamie Oleksiak, D Northeastern (NCAA) – a giant of a man, as he is already 6’7” 245lbs and playing in the NCAA against older players. A great hard shot and good mobility for such a big defender.
15. NYR – Joel Armia, RW Assat (FIN) – an offensive right winger with good speed and size. He has been playing well against men in Finland, despite a fairly uninspiring WJC on Hab prospect Joonas Nattinen’s wing. Tons of intriguing upside to his game yet.
16. BUF – Matt Puempel, LW Peterborough (OHL) – One of the purest goal scorers in the draft this year. Will need to keep his intensity levels up consistently all season, but the skills and a bit of an edge are there.
17. MTL – Mark Sheifele, C Barrie (OHL) – a really good skating and skilled centreman, with really soft hands and good vision and hockey sense.
18. CHI – Oscar Klefbom, D Farjestad (SWE) – a nice skating offensively talented defender with good wheels, a great shot and good hands. Captained Sweden at the U18s.
19. EDM (from LA) – Jonas Brodin, D Farjestad (SWE) – a solid two way defender who is known for his calm and mature way in which he plays the game. Will need to bulk up before heading over this way to play in the AHL/NHL.
20. PHO – Brandon Saad, LW Saginaw (OHL) – he has size, skill and speed, but many expected a bit more offense from this big American kid when he came to the OHL last season. He still managed to get 55 points in 59 games though.
21. OTT (from NSH) – Rocco Grimaldi, C USNDP (USHL) – a hard working, skilled offensive forward who would be a shoe in to be top half of the first round if not for his diminutive size at 5’6” and 165. However, for this skill level, a team will be all over this pick. A defender and forward with their two first round picks for Ottawa is a good haul.
22. ANA – Nicklas Jensen, RW Oshawa (OHL) – a Danish born kid to a Canadian ex-hockey player, so he has the hockey roots. He is a decent sized offensive kid with lots of skill, he will just need to battle the inconsistency tag that current follows him around.
23. PIT – Alexander Khokhlachev, C Windsor (OHL) – he is gritty and highly skilled, and has committed to NA by leaving Russia to come and play and adapt in the OHL. Needs to get a little bit bigger, but cannot complain about the skill and compete level of this kid. Pittsburgh has no problem drafting Russian kids, and it really helps that he is over playing in the CHL already.
24. DET – Joe Morrow, D Portland (WHL) – a solid skating offensive defenseman who hails from that top-end prospect factory in Portland these days. He needs to work on his defensive game a bit, but that has improved nicely and his stock has risen accordingly. A typical Detroit pick.
25. TOR (from PHI) – Ty Rattie, LW Portland (WHL) – a smaller highly skilled offensive player who is fast elusive and can put up points. TO will have scouted him a lot keeping tabs on his teammate Brad Ross, a Maple Leafs’ draft pick.
26. WSH – Tomas Jurco, RW Saint John (QMJHL) – a very talented offensive player on a stacked Saint John team. The Slovakian sniper’s slick moves are all over You Tube, so the kid has some slick hands for sure.
27. TB – JT Miller, C USNDP (USHL) – a really solid skating and hard working two way forward who really showed nice offense at the U18s for the US.
28. SJ – John Gibson, G USNDP (USHL) – the top ranked goalie in the draft, and likely the only one that should get selected in the first round (if any do). He has a big frame and is very athletic.
29. VAN – Tyler Biggs, RW USNDP (USHL) – a big, physical and mean power forward, although he likely won’t be a massive point producer at the next level. An NHL ready size.
30. TOR (from BOS) – Boone Jenner, C Oshawa (OHL) – a leader and competitor with good size and plays a really solid all round game. Needs to add some quickness to his skating, and he projects to be a really valuable third line centre with tons of character and compete level.
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 20, 2011 7:07:00 GMT -5
9. BOS (from TOR) � Dougie Hamilton, D Niagara (OHL) � a big physical two-way defensemen with really good skating abilities. Very quick to jump into the play. If the Bruins get Hamilton I will puke. I think he's going 4th overall, to the Devils, that's how good I think he is. I really like him. Nice job! I like the Sheifele pick, but I think he'll be gone before we select. But then, that's the fun of the draft, right? I'm actually expecting a lot of movement up and down the board. Which will throw everybody's mock out the window. Not so much with teams trading players to get 1st round picks, but shuffling picks around to get players they want. There are a few teams with multiple picks in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds, so I think there is a lot of currency available, and with it being somewhat of a mediocre draft I could see a lot of trades happening. Teams are going to either target a certain player, and because they think the rest of the draft is weak they will feel like they "have" to get him, or conversely, they will think that picks x through y are all the same, so might as well pick up a couple of extra choices if somebody is willing to give them to you. It should be all over the place. |
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Post by blny on Jun 20, 2011 8:51:01 GMT -5
What about this Jamie Oleksiak kid? 6'7 and 244lbs at 18. Imagine what he'll be fully grown! Yeah, he is a monster already. He has great mobility for his size and a cannon of a shot, so I expect his name will have been called by the time we get up to the podium. That untapped potential will lure someone in relatively early on Friday night. He has dual citizenship and has been named to the US WJC summer camp, as they named their camp roster a few days ahead of Hockey Canada. www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jamie_oleksiakHe's a consensus top 20, but the mock drafts I'm seeing have him all over - including just before us at 16. PG has moved up to get the guy he wants before. Imagine the twin towers on D - him and Tinordi!  |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 13:39:13 GMT -5
9. BOS (from TOR) � Dougie Hamilton, D Niagara (OHL) � a big physical two-way defensemen with really good skating abilities. Very quick to jump into the play. If the Bruins get Hamilton I will puke. I think he's going 4th overall, to the Devils, that's how good I think he is. I really like him. Nice job! I like the Sheifele pick, but I think he'll be gone before we select. But then, that's the fun of the draft, right? I'm actually expecting a lot of movement up and down the board. Which will throw everybody's mock out the window. Not so much with teams trading players to get 1st round picks, but shuffling picks around to get players they want. There are a few teams with multiple picks in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds, so I think there is a lot of currency available, and with it being somewhat of a mediocre draft I could see a lot of trades happening. Teams are going to either target a certain player, and because they think the rest of the draft is weak they will feel like they "have" to get him, or conversely, they will think that picks x through y are all the same, so might as well pick up a couple of extra choices if somebody is willing to give them to you. It should be all over the place. Hamilton is a good one, but I also really like Beaulieu, Murphy, Klefbom and Brodin as well...it is not as bad a defenseman draft as folks initially thought. Hamilton could end up being the second best defenseman in this draft, as you indicate. As for Scheifele, yeah, he could be gone by the time we draft. The good news is that someone else on the list drops. So many of these players after the top 9 or so are so close in terms of pure "best player available" rankings that teams will have players all over the map when it comes time for their pick. It is not that much of a stretch that a guy like Armia drops to us, at which point he would likely be Montreal's BPA. That is the fun of draft day, and I did not even put in any crazy picks that are off the charts, of which there should be at least one in round one. Hopefully it happens in the first 16 picks!! I agree with the likelihood of lots of trades. Watch for the teams with multiple first round picks and those with lots of picks overall to be searching for some immediate player help and thus move some draft picks. Also, guys will be targetted by teams, so there will be the inevitable moving up and down in the draft to get your man. I tried to avoid doing the mock based on team's preferences and tried to stick with my interpretation of the BPA for that very reason. Heck, it is just one man's opinion anyway and so much can change by Friday night. If I generate a little discussion on this board about the draft, then mission accomplished. I like to research and play with the draft anyway, might as well post some of those musings!! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 13:43:24 GMT -5
He's a consensus top 20, but the mock drafts I'm seeing have him all over - including just before us at 16. PG has moved up to get the guy he wants before. Imagine the twin towers on D - him and Tinordi! He could still be on the board when we pick, but my guess is that one of the previous 16 GMs will take a flyer on a huge defenseman, with a cannon of a shot, and nice mobility for such a huge monster. These types of players seem to get a little bit of a "size premium"and bump up the draft a bit. That being said, he and Tinordi would be an imposing pair. So would him and Myers, and guess who is picking just before us? |
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Post by Anardil1 on Jun 20, 2011 18:16:08 GMT -5
Bob McKenzie`s draft rankings are on TSN tonight at 7 or 7:30. Must see tv for any draft fan!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 18:36:26 GMT -5
Two guys that will probably go earlier than in my mock: Boone Jenner and Connor Murphy (who just missed my top 30). Murphy lost a lot of time due to injury or else I think he would be a lock.
Cool to see Bobby Mac talking about a top nine. I referred to that in an earlier post.
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Post by Patty Roy on Jun 20, 2011 20:06:16 GMT -5
I'm not going to claim to have seen many of these guys play outside of the few that were in the World Juniors, but this is my own personal wishlist for the Habs. I would take the highest ranked guy on the list.
I'm going to exclude the following 9 guys who have virtually no chance of being there at #17:
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Larsson, Jonathan Huberdeau, Sean Couturier, Gabriel Landeskog, Ryan Strome, Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Murphy, Mika Zibanejad.
1. Mark Scheifele (C - 6'2" 177) Fast rising, PP specialist, skill center with good size
2. Nathan Beaulieu (D - 6'2" 185) Good all around D man, possible Eric Desjardins clone?
3. Jamie Oleksiak (D - 6'7" 244) Tyler Myers without the offence? Good skater, not punishing
4. Mark McNeill (C - 6'1" 204) Good size and skill, but questionable drive..same things were said of Ryan Getzlaf in his draft year
5. Tyler Biggs (RW - 6'2" 210) Slightly more limited skill wise, but a real banger. Somewhere between Kyle Clifford and Milan Lucic
6. JT Miller (C - 6'1" 200) Plays a hard game and has skill. Reminds many of Dustin Brown.
7. Jonas Brodin (D - 6'1" 165) Moves very well, great first pass, but not exceptionally blessed offensively. Needs to fill out.
8. Duncan Siemens (D - 6'3" 197)Good size, grit, but questionable hockey sense.
9. Oscar Klefbom (D - 6'4" 196) Bit of a wildcard....Jonathan Ericsson v2?
10. Joel Armia (RW - 6'3" 191) Big winger, good shot, questionable work ethic...hopefully not Jani Rita v2.
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 20, 2011 20:08:25 GMT -5
I've kept notes all year and did a draft up also. Let me know if I made any major mistakes....like drafting same guy twice or drafting out of slot. I picked how I seen as best player in each team's slot.
1. Edmonton - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Red Deer - Oilers with top pick in draft for second year in a row, select Nugent-Hopkins from WHL. The general consensus and what I have seen he is most talented player available in this draft. I don't see star potential in him like past years with the Stamkos or Taveres, but he will be a first line NHLer. Has Wayne Gretzky type vision, reminds me of a young Paul Kariya.
2. Coloardo - Johathan Huberdeau C - QMJHL - Huberdeau has the offensive instincts you just can't teach. Came into his own this year leading Saint John to Memorial Cup win voted Memorial Cup MVP. Scored even with more heralded Couturier despite being a half year younger than Couturier. Doesn't have Courturier size and strength but can play game at higher tempo. I had both pretty even.
3. Florida - Sean Couturier - Drummondville - Just can't see him falling any further in draft. If Couturier played at a higher tempo would been my first overall pick. I have him as a cross between a Brendan Shandan and Jordan Staal. Couturier had a great Memorial Cup Final as a 16 year old back in '09 and continued to improve since. Has great size, reach, strenght, puck possesion skills. Will score 30 goals and 70 points in NHL on regular basis but unlike Hopkins or Huberdeau will be a physical presence as well.
4. Devils - Dougie Hamilton -D - Hamilton - First little surprise of the draft. Has the size of a Chris Pronger and could be impact player like he was also. Decent hands, will score 10 goals and 45-50 points annual someday. Just my opinion but I see him having a better career than Larsson.
5. NY Islanders - Adam Larsson - Skelleftea - The franchise defenseman is Larsson's tag. Larsson has the size, speed. Isles let it known around league they are open to trade this pick for immediate help, whomever drafts at 5th can't see Larsson going any further down. I would imagine the Islanders will receive substantial offers for this pick on the floor if Larsson is available. Good chance it will be traded
6. Ottawa - Gabriel Landeskog - LW - Kitchner - Slide a little at draft as was top ranked prospect at times this season by many clubs. I see the Sens taking a forward over a defenseman with this pick. With Landeskog GM Murray have added size and skill to his hockey club. The Sens have had good success drafting Swedes before and trend continues.
7. Winnipeg - Ryan Murphy - Kitchener - Can play and dangle at such a high speed. A rare find, I can't remember seeing a junior with his kind of hands and speed since Paul Coffey. I see him moving the puck well and put up the major points for a blueliner in NHL someday. The knock on Murphy is his size and strenght. However, with his hands and speed it may not be so much of an issue. Murphy may not be big but neither were Brian Leetch or Paul Coffey.
8. Columbus - Mika Zibanejad - C - Another top Swede prospect in this draft. Looks like the year of the Swede. Sweden could end up with 4 drafted in Top 15 picks not sure if they have done that before or not? Lots of rumours out there Blue Jackets are dangling this pick for immediate help. Columbus wants to win now and rumours have it this pick could be headed to Philly.
9. Boston - Jamieson Oleksiak - D - The 6' 7" North Eastern defenseman. Another huge defensemen potentially on Bruins blueline someday. With success Bruins had with Chara they are happy with Oleksiak. Although he plays closer in style to Sabres Tyler Myers. These big defensemen have jumped up at draft. Oleksiak blew away the combine with strenght and maturity tests. This is the second first round pick Boston will receive in Phil Kessel trade with Toronto. What a great trade that is working out for Bruins!
10. Minnesota - Jole Arnia - RW - Finland - Minnesota are hosting the draft and hope the 6'3" Fin will change their first round luck and be a dynamic player. They've had some brutal first round picks lately. To mention a few...Pouliot 4th overall, A.J. Thelen who never was close to NHL talent, Gillies, Sheppard and Cuma never lived up to potential like the Wild once thought the had. Arnia consider one of best pure snipers in draft the Wild need to add offensive players to their team. Had a good season in Finland but underacheieve in World Junior.
11. Colorado - Ryan Strome - C - This was the Blues pick traded to Colorado in Eric Johnson blockbuster. Strome is a top offensive talent in the draft. Finished third in OHL and as 18 year old. Has the talent to score big in NHL someday, the knock I see on Strome is his physical play and if he is strong enough to play in NHL.
12. Carolina - Mark McNeill - Nothing about his game not to like. Center with size, skill, good wheels and can fight. Scored over 30 goals and 80 points this year as an 18 year old with the Prince Albert Raiders. Canes has had great success drafting out west in first round before and see similiar benefits in McNeill.
13. Calgary - Oscar Klefbom D - Sweden - His draft rankings jumped at after he captained Team Sweden to Silver medal at U18 tourny. I think his draft rankings were artifically low this year as any 17 year old in Swedish top league he never got top ice time this season and played part of the year with a virus. Not much to dislike about Klefbom. The Swede has size, wheels with decent hands. I have him as sleeper of the draft - has potential to be #1 NHL defeneseman someday.
14. Dallas - Nathan Beaulieu D- Saint John - A big defenseman who can move the puck. Played a major role in Saint John Memorial Cup win. A defenseman with his size who can skate and decent hands, not too oftend you can find this package. He wasn't one of my favorite players but I see him going mid-frist round at the latest. Before everybody gets their shorts in a knot at me I just don't see him being an impact NHLer.
15. NY Rangers - Jonas Bonin - D- Sweden - This makes the fifth Swede to go in frist round, has to be a record or close to it. This pick and next two are sleeper picks to me and any one of the trio could turn into one of top players to come out of this draft. Bonin like Klefbom his rankings jumped up near season's end. If he had hands or was physical could have crept in my top 10.
16. Buffalo - Tyler Biggs US U-18 - Sabres will like physical skilled players from US program. Biggs is the most phyiscal player available in the draft with good hands. Son of former NHLer Don Biggs. Who put up offensive points like crazy in the OHL many years back. I see this guy as top power forward in NHL someday
17. Montreal - Mark Schiefele - C - The Habs would have traded this pick down to acquire extra picks if a potential power forward was not available. Schiefele is a bit unheralded because he played on a lousy team. As a 18 year to put up over a point a game on terrible team speaks for his hands. At 6' 2" and considered one of smartest prospects in draft once he fills out - Habs could have hit the jackpot with this pick.
18. Chicago - Connor Murphy - D - UF NTDP - Connor is first major surprise of my draft. I all but had him drafted at #22. But with the Hawks drafting here and Bowman's and Hawks tendency to go college route in last few drafts. Murphy is a wildcard but has huge upside. His play was curtailed this year to a back injury which has since been adressed. He is the son of long time NHLer Gord Murhpy. So, he has the bloodlines.
19. Edmonton - Duncan Siemens D - Saskaton - Oilers second pick in frist round, this is the pick they got in Penner trade. Oilers stay close to home and draft Blades defenseman Siemens. He adds siize and toughness to Oilers organization.
20. Phoenix - Nick Jensen - LW - Oshawa - Jensen is Danish-born to former Canadian hockey player. At 6' 3" he should play in NHL over 200 lbs with good wheels and hands. He is also drives the net and strong down low in offensive end. His first year in North American I see him continue to improve as he becomes more acclimated to it over here.
21. Ottawa - Boone Jenner - C - Jenner plays a good two-way game, decent size at 6'1". Responsible at both ends of the ice, works hard, good in face-off circle, he should be solid top-six forward someday. This is the pick Ottawa received for Mike Fisher.
22. Anaheim - Sven Bartschi - LW - WHL - Slide a little further than where I originally thought he would be drafted. But then again there are always a few who slide. The Ducks could have a steal here as The Hockey News Draft Preview had Bartschi slated to go in the Top 10. Slick playmaker and goal scorer who can skate well.
23. Pittsburgh - J.T. Miller - C - North Dakota - Lead gold medal winner US in scoring at recent U18 tourny, so you know he has the hands. At 6'1 and 200 lbs, with his work ethic and strength...Pens fans he reminds me a little of Dustin Brown. Whomever said this was a weak draft when you can get this king of talent this late jump the gun too quick on their evaluation.
24. Detroit - Joe Morrow - D - Portland - A great skating defensemen who can create offense. Lead all WHL blueliners in scoring during playoffs this year. Morrow has a good shot from the point and can skate. Has decent size and likes to hit.
25. Toronto - Matt Puempel - LW - OHL - The offensive sniper from Peterborough Petes. Big part of Canada's Gold Medal at Ivan Hlinka tourny. Puemple dipped a little as he was injured late in year and played all year on bad club. Leafs got this pick from Philly in Versteeg trade.
26. Washington - Zack Phillips - C - Saint John - The offensive center of Avalance draftee Huberdeau. Phillips has a knack for being in right spot at right time. If Phillips and Jurco both go in first round it will mark the first time 4 teammates were drafted in frist round. Breaking the mark set by the Portland Winter Hawks.
27. Tampa - Rocco Grimaldi - C- US NTDP - This could be one of most interesting picks in draft as Grimaldi at 5' 6" will be the shortest player to ever be selected in frist round of draft. He also is a offensive wizard who put up good offensive numbers playing for the US Development. Has great speed and despite his small frame not afraid to throw his weight around
28. San Jose - Alexander Khokhlachev - C - Windsor - The top Russian available. Sharks are first to gamble on a talented Russian.A bit undersized, and always the signablity question surronding Russians. But on the plus side Khoklackev is closer to NHL than other draftees available at this slot, he has good offensive upside who should be able to either center or the wing in the NHL.
29. Vancouver - Brandon Saad - LW - OHL - Saad had a great start to this season and was predicted at times this year to go much higher in draft. But had a brutal finish to the year offensively. Has good size, strong on the puck with good work ethic, I see him as future NHLer. Just not as a top line player, more as a second line-third line physical 20 goal scorer.
30. Leafs - Daniel Catenacci - C - Toronto got his pick in Kaberle trade. Catenacci is a gritty center, decent hands with speed to burn - fastest skater in The Prospects Game. Averaged slightly over a point a game with the Greyhounds this year with 117 minutes in penalties. The former 1st overall OHL pick, grit of Sens Foligno, speed and hands of Habs Gionta.
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