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Post by BadCompany on Jun 4, 2004 15:05:08 GMT -5
It was a tough one to do this year. Habs are picking much lower for starters, which means I have to pick more players. More player-picking, means more errors. Its like picking your nose – if you don’t do it often, your reputation as the boy-wonder with the golden touch will hold, and the babes will flock to you. Do it a lot, and eventually somebody is going to catch you and you’ll spend your lonely nights and weekends doing NHL mock drafts.
Incidentally, if you are going to pick your nose – and really, you shouldn’t – have a look around first, to see if anybody is watching, and then pick your nose. Don’t pick your nose, and THEN look around, to see if anybody caught you. Because there is a big difference between the two.
But I digress.
This year, supposedly, is a weak draft. Last year, there were so many stud players, that you knew they were going to go high up, and it was just a matter of plugging them into the right slots. This year though, there are few standouts and players could fall all over the place.
So there. Don’t blame me if you lose the house, betting on my draft picks. You have been forewarned.
1) Washington: Alexander Ovechkin (F). Okay, you can bet the house on this one.
2) Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin (C). A bitter blow it was, losing the lottery. I don’t even know if they consider this to be a nice consolation prize. “Evgeni” Nabokov, by the way, likes people to call him “John.”<br>
3) Chicago: Alexander Radulov (F). The first surprise of the draft. This high? Extremely talented, but possibly a problem child. But his older brother Igor already plays for the Blackhawks, and Alexander unabashedly admits to worshipping his brother. Much like HabsAddict admits to worshipping me. Brother acts don’t often work, but this might be an exception. Chicago might shop this pick, to somebody in the 5-8 range who thinks Rostislav Olesz looks real handsome and probably dances a mean jig.
4) Columbus: Rostislav Olesz (C). Injuries are a concern, but he has been ranked top 3 on most lists all year. A nice compliment for Rick Nash. Plus, it gives them another guy named “Rostislav.” Can never have too many “Rostislav’s.” They MAY take Marek Schwarz, if they have soured on Pascal Leclair. But stick with Olesz, if you like to play the ponies.
5) Phoenix: Andrew Ladd (LW) They like drafting out of the WHL. A power-forward, with good wheels, another Shane Doan in a decade or so. Long time to wait, but hey! That’s the nature of the game. Course, he could Rick Nash everyone, and be a star at 19. What do I know?
6) NY Rangers: Cam Barker (D). Rangers are big on drafting out of US schools, and the WHL. They are also big on drafting on hype. Robbie Schremp would fit the hype category, but despite their big-league reputation, they tend not to draft head-cases, Brendl excepted. Probably why they never drafted me. Jerks. Barker is the highest rated defenseman, so he would fit the “hype” criteria.
7) Florida: Wojtek Wolski (LW). Horton and Stewart last year, Wolski this year, they are getting to be big, big, big. They could probably use another masher on defense, as they seem to be stocked with offensive guys, but there aren’t any good ones around. Valabik? That’s really high, even for an over-hyped player. I think the Panthers would love it if Ladd fell to them but... They have drafted heavily out of the OHL, using their first three picks on players from that league last year. Their 3rd pick, after Horton and Stewart, was Kamil Kreps, who played with Wolski this year in Brampton. If the Panthers spent any time at all scouting the progress of Kreps, they probably noticed Wolski. Course, that might not be a good thing, as Wolski can be a floater. But a combo of Keenan and Martin working him over will Ollie Jokkinen-him to stardom.
8) Carolina : Drew Stafford (RW). In the 7 years the Whale have been in Carolina, they have drafted a grand total of 5 players out of Europe. Last year alone, Montreal drafted 4. Of the 5 Europeans drafted out of Europe by Carolina, only 1 of those was higher than the 4th round. With the draft being held in Carolina, there will be some local press on hand, ready to provide in-depth interviews with whoever the Canes choose. Be nice if those interviews could be done in English. Suffice to say, I don’t think Lauri Tukonen will be living in Tobacco Row anytime soon. Stafford is a fine two-way forward, with good size and grit, but who might not have huge upside. They should take Tukonen, but…
9) Anaheim Lauri Tukonen (C). Or Boris Valabik. They’re all over the map with their drafting, with one exception – they don’t draft players out of the Q all that often, and never very high. So rest easy Alexandre Picard, no earthquakes for you. Schremp is a possibility, but reputations can really hurt you come draft day. See Patrick O’Sullivan for a prime example. Schremp, I think, will fall. I think he will fall big. Tukonen is a wise choice here. Valabik is a bit of a gamble, but his 6’7 size is going to attract a lot more interest than his average skill set would on its own. He probably shouldn’t be picked this high, but… He’s big, he’s nasty, he’s kind of mobile – what else is there to a defenseman? “We can mold him” will be the mantra. I can see one of the two going to Anaheim, the other one going to Atlanta.
10) Atlanta: Boris Valabik (D). Or Tukonen. Depends on how Anaheim leans. Like the Panthers, this is getting to be a scary looking team. A defenseman is a smart choice here, especially a masher, but Tukonen is a good choice as well. Really, the Thrashers can’t lose. They can get an impact center/2nd line winger, or a mashing defenseman, and either way, it makes them look real good. A nice, nasty, stay-at-home crusher would round out the core very nicely. But that’s if Valabik is still around. Tukonen is that big forward everyone so covets, and he is physically mature for his age. He might end up being the second best player taken in the draft.
11) LA: Al Montoya (G). LA is a good fit, for a team with no real goaltending prospects. Was spectacular at times for the US, during the World Junior Championships. A surprise, as most people have Schwarz ahead of Montoya. Who names their kid “Alvaro” anyways?
12) Minnesota: Alexandre Picard (LW). Minnesota ain’t afraid of fancy-schmancy, pansy, visor-wearing French guys so Picard might be a good pick for them. Jacques Lemaire will do wonders for his maturity. An awkward (though not slow) skater, has great drive and some nice hands. Also has a 6’2 frame, that can be beefed up.
13) Buffalo: AJ Thelen (D). Best defenseman available, some say he might be better than Barker. Another college kid for an organization that was drafting them long before it was fashionable. Like me and my “white sandals/black socks” look (just wait, you’ll see).
14) Edmonton: Enver Lisin (RW). The Oil, surprisingly, do not draft well in the first round. What they do draft though, is speed. “You can’t be an Oiler if you can’t skate” one of their scouts once said. Lisin, can skate. And how. Probably the best pure skater in the draft, he’ll go through you quicker than bad Mexican food. A pure offensive force. But… intensity is lacking, and his stock has been in a free-fall all year long, due to underwhelming performances. Lauri Korpikoski might go here too, the Oil have tapped Finland in the past, and they have tapped it often. In fact, the Oilers have a very heavy bent towards Europeans. Korpikoski is a smarter choice, but I’m calling a hunch. That and I want the Habs to draft Korpikoski. Like I said, don’t be betting the house.
16) Nashville: Kyle Chipchura (C). Solid character guy, strong defensively, good leadership qualities, question marks about his offensive upside. Could this guy be more of a Predator? BORING. Mike Green also fits this bill.
15) NY Islanders: Wes O’Neill (D). The Islanders lean towards NCAA and WHL players, though they aren’t afraid of Europe either, in particular Sweden. (hmmm… Johannes Fransson?). While big and mobile, O’Neill’s probably on the Jassen Cullimore path to the NHL. In other words, don’t expect him for a while. He’s a young college player who, unlike Thelen, hasn’t been as impressive against the older competition. Figure another 2 years in NCAA, 2 years in the AHL, 2-3 more years to adjust to the speed of the NHL. It’ll be a while, but his combination of size and speed make him a safe bet. Course, its entirely possible that the Fishmen will trade this pick, along with Rick Dipietro, for the right to draft Al Montoya. Milbury should be fired.
17) St. Louis: Marek Schwarz (G). Gumby sings the Blues. St. Louis could not have hoped for a better draft. They needed a goalie, and they got the one most people think is the best available.
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 4, 2004 15:05:38 GMT -5
18) Montreal: Lauri Korpikoski (F) Laurie?? BWAH-HAHA-HAHA! That’s a GIRL’S name! Savard seems to pick draft risers. Korpikoski is a guy who just keeps rising, but this high? If both Korpikoski and Kastistyin fall short, Montreal may never again draft another player whose last name begins with ‘K’. Useless stat: Montreal has drafted 7 Finns over the last 8 years. This is a dangerous choice, as Korpikoski was nowhere to be seen until very late in the year – he wasn’t even on Finland’s World Junior team. Will Bob Gainey want to take a chance on a long shot like this? He went from 156 on the CSB European Mid Term Rankings, to 12, mainly because of the utter domination he showed at the World Under 18 championships. Still, that’s quite a leap.
Korpikoski’s not very big (though he’s not a mighty-mite), but he’s fast, and offensively minded, and according to Red Line “loves to play the game.” Savard leans towards guys who have desire. Of his top picks, I think only Tomas Linhart would fall into the “can be lazy” category, and Savard got burnt on that one. But Komisarek, Perezhoghin, Higgins, Kat, Plekanec, Milroy, Lapierre, are all known for being driven players who love to play. But will Korpokoski’s sudden gift for offensive flair stay with him and continue to grow? Or are we looking at the next Andreas Dackell? This is a guy, after all, who averaged less than a point per game in the Finnish Junior league. Finnish players are generally in no hurry to get to North America (unlike say, the Russians). Expect a good 3 years, minimum, before Korpikoski makes the leap across the pond.
As for as potential goes, I have never seen Korpikoski play, but from what I have read, he sounds like a Jan Bulis, quasi-2nd liner type of guy. In other words, if the hands follow him, he will be a nice, speedy scoring winger. If they don’t, we might have a nice, speedy penalty-killer. Or, if everything goes wrong, we might have another Temo Vertala (who? exactly).
Organizationally, a defenseman would be very nice, but I think there are too many question marks on guys with not enough upside to warrant the gamble. Mike Green is a solid, physical, all-around defenseman, who some have compared to Dion Phaneuf, but who probably doesn’t have that high an upside. Probably somewhere in the Craig Rivet range, which isn’t bad, but not all that sexy. Green doesn’t have home-run written on him. More like, single, or, hit-by-pitch; he’ll get on, but it won’t make any highlight reels.
Ladislav Smid, and Andrej Meszaros are two more defenseman in this draft range, but both have enough holes in their games that they might not even make the NHL at all. Johannes Fransson is another guy who’s name we might hear, as he has played well against men in Sweden, but surprisingly Savard has shown no real inclination towards drafting Swedes – only 1 in his current tenure in Montreal, and if you look at Ottawa’s draft picks, the only Swedes they ever took were overagers (Alfreddson, Dackell and Arvedsson).
Goalies, I don’t think will be an option. Not unless Schwarz falls to 18, and even then… The only reason the Habs would draft Schwarz, in my opinion, would be to trade him at the deadline next year (whenever) for a blockbuster playoff acquisition. A mega-star. A Chris Dyment type star. Schwarz (in a package) would be real tempting bait for a team looking to rebuild.
So there you have it. Fired enough shots, I’m bound to hit something. If not, can I stay at somebody’s house after the draft?
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Post by Madhabfan on Jun 4, 2004 17:30:42 GMT -5
Nice Work.
I think the Hawks will take Olesz, and I know for a fact that Columbus will select Barker if he is available to them. He's their guy.
For some reason I would like for us to draft a defencemen. One of Thelen, Smid, O'Neil, Mezaros would be just fine by me. But for a forward my first choice would be Korpikoski.
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Post by JFM on Jun 4, 2004 20:21:17 GMT -5
names their kid “Alvaro” anyways?
Alvaro is a fairly common surname in Latin America. And if I remember correctly Montoya is a Cuban American.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 5, 2004 4:42:36 GMT -5
Schremp in a Rangers uni. The performance of the Schremp-Balej is nigh upon us. Barker to the circus that is the BlackHawks. Hmmm, no Mike Green in the top 17? Smid: Is the top-rated European defenseman among draft-eligible players … Made his Czech Republic Extraleague debut this past season at the age of 17 with Liberec, collecting one goal and one assist, along with 51 penalty minutes in 45 games … Represented the Czech Republic at the 2004 IIHF U-18 World Junior Championship in Minsk, Russia, notching two assists in five matches while helping the Czechs to capture a bronze medal … Was selected to the tournament All-Star Team …
SCOUTING REPORT
A big defenseman with good puck skills, confidence and intelligence … Moves and skated well for his size … A smooth puckhandler with fine passing and playmaking skills … Is smart and clever in his defensive game … Possesses superb vision, making sound decisions at all times … Is good offensively but does not shoot much … Is a big, strong player who is not overly physical but can defend very effectively … A solid, mature player with all of the tools needed to play at the next level. - www.newyorkrangers.com/team/nhldraft04/profile.asp?Player=Smid* There's room in my Beetle if you need to crash, as long as as you don't mind sharing with a dozen other clowns. Seriously though, damn good attempt at clairvoyance. Chicken bones say Habs nab Chimchurri, er Chipchura. |
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Post by blaise on Jun 5, 2004 10:16:02 GMT -5
Understandably, a lot of us are hoping that the Habs hit a home run with their first round draft pick. Better yet, a hat trick in the overall draft. But that's unlikely to happen.
What, then, about minimum expectations? For sure I would like the first selection at least to be able to play regularly for the Habs some day and not be a borderline player like Jason Ward. In other words, a Komisarek, Perezhogin, or Higgins -- or Balej if you insist.
As I get emboldened while reminding myself not to get too greedy, I would also like to see a prospect in the Plekanec range, another in the Lapierre range, and a dark horse like O'Byrne.
That would be splendid considering that 2004 isn't a vintage year.
P.S. Mike Green may be the only WHL player left for the Habs to take at #18. This minimizes the possibility of landing another WHL trash fish.
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Post by PTH on Jun 5, 2004 12:39:06 GMT -5
What, then, about minimum expectations? For sure I would like the first selection at least to be able to play regularly for the Habs some day and not be a borderline player like Jason Ward. In other words, a Komisarek, Perezhogin, or Higgins -- or Balej if you insist. While I want a player as well, the problem with expecting a player means you're more likely to draft a "safe" pick; those guys lead to Stevenson's or Wards; I think we're better off going high risk, high return, even if it means some are total flops. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 5, 2004 15:50:42 GMT -5
Great job BC. Thorough and well thought out by a man with a proven track record.
The two players who could make a difference for the Habs down the road are Valabik and Schremp.
Valabik could be the next Ulanov to clear the slot of foolish forwards who venture there and Schremp has the talent and attitude to be a success but is a long shot because of his personal attributes. Picking at #18 we should go for the long shot instead of a certain fourth line player that we have in abundance or could trade for.
We have a couple of potential stars in Locke and Kastitsyn, but both could also be busts. (realistic)
We also have Ribeiro who is improving every year. If he improves again he will be our star.
Koivu is a great leader, but he's lost a step and is only 5'10" playing like 6'1".
Ryder may undergo the soph-slump or continue to improve? 50/50
Ward could fulfil the promise of his AHL performance two years ago.
Kovalev could cash paychecks for three years or become a superstar. If he becomes a superstar it could be here or elsewhere.
Theodore will be fighting Denis for the #1 job. Both could be great and one of them will.
Begin is a breath of fresh air.
Gainey and Julien have the team going in the right direction.
TEXT
AT LEAST WE ARE IN THE 11TH YEAR OF A 5 YEAR PLAN UNLIKE THE LEAFS WHO ARE IN THE 37TH YEAR OF A ONE YEAR PLAN.
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Post by rhabdo on Jun 5, 2004 18:10:19 GMT -5
Theodore will be fighting Denis for the #1 job. Both could be great and one of them will. C'est authentique? ;D |
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Post by JFM on Jun 5, 2004 19:34:35 GMT -5
I have to agree with PTH. IMHO the first round pick HAS to be about getting a potential superstar. I was generally disappointed with the Stevenson, Ward etc. etc. picks. Going the safe route in the first round is the road to medriocrety (sp). I'd rather the Habs take a chance on a Kaststitsyn over a Ward every year regardless of the potential bust factor.
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Post by Forum Ghost on Jun 6, 2004 12:07:37 GMT -5
I look forward to reading this every year... outstanding job, as usual, BC!  A very entertaining yet intelligent perspective. * I too would rather have Savard and Timmins go for a home run, rather than playing it safe and going for a basehit. They swung for the fences last year with Kastsitsyn, so I don't think that there should be any reason for them to not do the same this year. High risk, high reward. IMO, when drafting in the first round, that should be the name of the game. Korpikoski would fit this mould. It seems the more I read about him, the more and more he sounds like an AS pick. |
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Post by Skilly on Jun 6, 2004 18:10:54 GMT -5
It seems the more I read about him, the more and more he sounds like an AS pick. There is no need for name calling. ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2004 20:38:11 GMT -5
Home-run...base-hit...it doesn't matter. The players in this draft as already stated aren't as deep with talent as last year was. Regardless who we pick, I don't think there are many players that are all that much better than the ones ahead or behind them. Except of course Ovechkin, who may not get out of Russia right away. Too bad, though, a Pittsburgh Penguins team with a matured Marc-André Fleury, an Alexander Ovechkin, and a Mario Lemieux on his last wheels would scare the daylights out of a lot of teams.
Oh well.
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 7, 2004 8:49:08 GMT -5
Nice Work. I think the Hawks will take Olesz, and I know for a fact that Columbus will select Barker if he is available to them. He's their guy. For some reason I would like for us to draft a defencemen. One of Thelen, Smid, O'Neil, Mezaros would be just fine by me. But for a forward my first choice would be Korpikoski. Hawks could very well take Olesz, but I was trying to play the brother angle thing. That, and I didn’t want to list players in the same order everybody else always lists them in. Try to be different, wouldn’t you know. Its why I have green hair. I’d like them to draft a defenseman too – I always want them to draft a defenseman – but I’m not sure they will. Thelen, I would jump all over, if he is still available, but I doubt he will be. As a freshman, he has actually been an impact player (unlike the much more hyped O’Neill), and he and Barker might be the only two defensemen in the first round to go on to All Star careers (wildly speculating here). names their kid “Alvaro” anyways? Alvaro is a fairly common surname in Latin America. And if I remember correctly Montoya is a Cuban American. My pathetic attempt at humour. See hair, green, just above for more “attempts.”<br> Schremp in a Rangers uni. The performance of the Schremp-Balej is nigh upon us. Barker to the circus that is the BlackHawks. Hmmm, no Mike Green in the top 17? Smid: Is the top-rated European defenseman among draft-eligible players … Made his Czech Republic Extraleague debut this past season at the age of 17 with Liberec, collecting one goal and one assist, along with 51 penalty minutes in 45 games … Represented the Czech Republic at the 2004 IIHF U-18 World Junior Championship in Minsk, Russia, notching two assists in five matches while helping the Czechs to capture a bronze medal … Was selected to the tournament All-Star Team …
SCOUTING REPORT
A big defenseman with good puck skills, confidence and intelligence … Moves and skated well for his size … A smooth puckhandler with fine passing and playmaking skills … Is smart and clever in his defensive game … Possesses superb vision, making sound decisions at all times … Is good offensively but does not shoot much … Is a big, strong player who is not overly physical but can defend very effectively … A solid, mature player with all of the tools needed to play at the next level. - www.newyorkrangers.com/team/nhldraft04/profile.asp?Player=Smid* There's room in my Beetle if you need to crash, as long as as you don't mind sharing with a dozen other clowns. Seriously though, damn good attempt at clairvoyance. Chicken bones say Habs nab Chimchurri, er Chipchura. I don’t know about Smid. Too many warning signs for me. Big, but not physical. Offensive, but doesn’t shoot much. Great passing, but only had 1 assist in 51 games, and only 2 at the World Juniors. Granted, to play in the Czech Extraliga as a 19 year old defenseman is impressive enough, but… Red Line has his stock as “falling” and he doesn’t crack a lot of top 15 lists. May have all the tools, but does he have the toolbox? As for Green, I wouldn’t mind him, but he ain’t a sexy pick, he’s a safe pick. The type of player many think Green will become, is the type of player that often falls into your lap by haphazard, a 3rd or 4th round pick who eventually developes into an NHL player some day. Like a Craig Rivet. Green might get there quicker than say, O’Bryne, or Archer, or Korpikari, but the end result is pretty much the same. I’d take him, but I’m not sitting at the draft table. In fact, according to the “law” I’m not allowed with 100 feet of Bob Gainey…<br> Nothing about Chipchura screams “Andre Savard” to me. A lot of Bob Gainey, mind you, which could reveal a lot about the organization, if and when Chipchura is still available when the Habs pick… I look forward to reading this every year... outstanding job, as usual, BC! A very entertaining yet intelligent perspective. * I too would rather have Savard and Timmins go for a home run, rather than playing it safe and going for a basehit. They swung for the fences last year with Kastsitsyn, so I don't think that there should be any reason for them to not do the same this year. High risk, high reward. IMO, when drafting in the first round, that should be the name of the game. Korpikoski would fit this mould. It seems the more I read about him, the more and more he sounds like an AS pick. From a cursory glance at Montreal/Ottawa picks, Savard and Timmins do seem to swing for the fences a lot more than worry about their on-base percentages (freaking Rocky Biddle! die! die!). What that means for this draft, with Bob Gainey, I do not know. But I have heard that Savard is rather strong-headed about making his picks (notice how he always insisted on “seeing players with his own eyes”) so my gut feeling would be that if he didn’t have full control over drafting “his player”, if Gainey was meddling too much, or disagreeing too much, or pushing Savard to pick a different style of player than one Savard was comfortable with, I suspect Savard wouldn’t last too much longer with the organization. |
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Post by Cranky on Jun 7, 2004 9:33:26 GMT -5
Good stuff BC. I knew that a little bit of pushing would bet you going. Besides, one can only go for so many hours a day without feeding one's addiction.  |
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Post by rhabdo on Jun 7, 2004 11:37:35 GMT -5
I have to agree with PTH. IMHO the first round pick HAS to be about getting a potential superstar. I was generally disappointed with the Stevenson, Ward etc. etc. picks. Going the safe route in the first round is the road to medriocrety (sp). I'd rather the Habs take a chance on a Kaststitsyn over a Ward every year regardless of the potential bust factor. I don't agree with JFM or PTH. Can anyone name someone with potential superstar talent who would be overlooked by 17 teams in a thin draft year? If we look at the 9 players selected before Kastsistsyn in 2003 we would realize that the Habs might have taken any one of them if Kastsitsyn had been gone. The issue with Kastsitsyn was neither his talent nor his character. It was his health. IMO there won't be anyone in this particular health risk vs. talent category, certainly not at #18. None of the scouting organisations or surveys seem to think there is. Realistically, the Habs will take someone they think can play in the NHL some day rather than gambling. If they can't find anyone they really like at #18 they might be willing to trade down. However, I think they'll be able to land a fairly good future 4th-5th defenceman at #18. |
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 7, 2004 12:05:14 GMT -5
I don’t know about Smid. Too many warning signs for me. Big, but not physical. Offensive, but doesn’t shoot much. Great passing, but only had 1 assist in 51 games, and only 2 at the World Juniors. Granted, to play in the Czech Extraliga as a 19 year old defenseman is impressive enough, but… Red Line has his stock as “falling” and he doesn’t crack a lot of top 15 lists. May have all the tools, but does he have the toolbox? I'll bet you a Krispy Kreme of your choice that Smid is picked in the top 17. When I was reading up on Chipchura, Gainey's name kept popping into my head. A strange magic. Timmins headed the draft table last year and he will again this year. It is, however, traditional for a club's GM to make the first round pick. If Chipchura's name is on the short list (and it should be), and if he's available when Boss Bo clears his throat... |
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Post by PTH on Jun 7, 2004 14:14:04 GMT -5
I don't agree with JFM or PTH. Can anyone name someone with potential superstar talent who would be overlooked by 17 teams in a thin draft year? If we look at the 9 players selected before Kastsistsyn in 2003 we would realize that the Habs might have taken any one of them if Kastsitsyn had been gone. The issue with Kastsitsyn was neither his talent nor his character. It was his health. IMO there won't be anyone in this particular health risk vs. talent category, certainly not at #18. None of the scouting organisations or surveys seem to think there is. Realistically, the Habs will take someone they think can play in the NHL some day rather than gambling. If they can't find anyone they really like at #18 they might be willing to trade down. However, I think they'll be able to land a fairly good future 4th-5th defenceman at #18. I was talking in general terms..... if there really isn't anyone with serious upside, then of course they should go for safer, support-player type picks. Still, there's usually someone with major talent but with question marks around him, the question is if he's worth the risk. Looking at the 96 draft, which was known as a weak one too, there aren't that many worthwhile players out there, not for 1st round picks... |
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 7, 2004 15:52:50 GMT -5
I'll bet you a Krispy Kreme of your choice that Smid is picked in the top 17. When I was reading up on Chipchura, Gainey's name kept popping into my head. A strange magic. Timmins headed the draft table last year and he will again this year. It is, however, traditional for a club's GM to make the first round pick. If Chipchura's name is on the short list (and it should be), and if he's available when Boss Bo clears his throat... Nah. I spent the whole mock draft telling people not to do any betting on my picks, why would I disregard my own advice? Even if I win, the last thing I need is another Krispy Kreme on the hips…<br> Its entirely possible Smid will go top 17, and that Chipchura will go to the Habs. As I am sure you noted, that is how TSN has them in their preliminary mock draft. But assuming the Oilers don’t take him, I’ll stick with the Korpikoski prediction (nervously)… |
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 7, 2004 16:31:45 GMT -5
Nah. I spent the whole mock draft telling people not to do any betting on my picks, why would I disregard my own advice? Even if I win, the last thing I need is another Krispy Kreme on the hips… OK, how about one tekka-maki, but just one?  Hey, it took a stock pot full of chicken bones to do what you did, laying your prognostication on the table like that. Sure is a gutsier play than sniping from the bushes or the old "they-suck-but-if they-win-I'm-real-happy-'cause-deep-down-inside-I-want-them-to-win-but-I-just can't (for whatever reasons)-come-out-and-say-that-because-they-may-lose" horse hockey. I gots ta respect ya for yer manliness.  However, to the issue at hand; to my mind Chipchura would be a windfall. Korpiskoski less so, but no less valuable a pickup because of that. Either one looks good in our corral. |
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Post by blaise on Jun 7, 2004 16:55:16 GMT -5
Other names I'd consider are A.J. Thelen (D, Minnesota U), Jeff Schultz (D, Calgary WHL and Canadian Under-18), Kirill Lyamin (D, Central Army), Mike Green (D, Saskatoon WHL), Alexandre Picard (LW, Lewiston QMJHL), Travis Zajac (C, North Dakota NCAA), and Petteri Nokelainen (C, Finland ).
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 8, 2004 4:48:30 GMT -5
I feel like we are at a high school dance and we have to try to pick the 18th best looking girl because the other 17 aren't available to us.
I still want to get a really good looking one, even if it doesn't come with a long term guarantee.
For that reason, (and because we missed out on Bernier), I would like to see us take one of Grahame, Schrempf and Valabik. Size and skill, talent with attitude, size and toughness. All three have reasons why other teams will overlook them (otherwise they wouldn't drop to 18th) but all three have the possibility of tremendous upside.
I saw Grahame play in Moncton and he looked a bit like Daze.
Schrempf needs a kick in the ass, but how many teenage pampered star athletes don't.
Valabik fills a need, a big mean defenseman with Laperrieres reach, Chelios deMEANour, Robinsons size and Awreys stay at home offensive skills. No, he won't be as good as they were but we need somebody to clean out the slot.
In February I didn't expect Schrempf to be available at #18, but he may be so we take a stretch for the brass ring? His attitude will change after he lines up with Milroy, Higgins, Locke, Lambert and Urquhart to do some drills. Welcome to the Biggs kid. Have a seat.
If BC is right, and his track record is good, one of these guys should be available.
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Post by Bob on Jun 8, 2004 14:58:43 GMT -5
Does anyone have a comprehensive list of players who are eligible to re-enter the draft this year? There could be some talent available that is closer to being NHL ready than the 17 and 18 year olds that are being drafted this year.
For a team that is looking for help sooner rather some of these players could be appealing... maybe not as first rounders but perhaps in the 2nd or 3rd.
For example, did Rosario Ruggeri sign with the Flyers or is he eligible to re-enter? And who are some of the others?
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Post by rhabdo on Jun 8, 2004 15:42:11 GMT -5
Does anyone have a comprehensive list of players who are eligible to re-enter the draft this year? There could be some talent available that is closer to being NHL ready than the 17 and 18 year olds that are being drafted this year. For a team that is looking for help sooner rather some of these players could be appealing... maybe not as first rounders but perhaps in the 2nd or 3rd. For example, did Rosario Ruggeri sign with the Flyers or is he eligible to re-enter? And who are some of the others? I don't know of such a list, but another source to tap might be undrafted college players (Yann Danis was one). |
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Post by Rimmer on Jun 9, 2004 2:56:20 GMT -5
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 9, 2004 7:46:12 GMT -5
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Post by montreal on Jun 9, 2004 16:39:55 GMT -5
I was under the impression was just just signed to a tryout contract. I know Mark Flood was signed to a tryout, then he was released from it. I hope Robinson is signed, I'd like to see what he can do next year. |
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Post by Skilly on Jun 9, 2004 18:34:40 GMT -5
Sure is a gutsier play than sniping from the bushes or the old "they-suck-but-if they-win-I'm-real-happy-'cause-deep-down-inside-I-want-them-to-win-but-I-just can't (for whatever reasons)-come-out-and-say-that-because-they-may-lose" horse hockey. I gots ta respect ya for yer manliness. I resemble resent that remark!  I picked my mock draft too. I think my feelings are hurt.  |
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Post by blaise on Jun 9, 2004 18:56:54 GMT -5
After reading everyone else's predictions (there are more to come from various experts) the name A.J. Thelen keeps appearing on my radar screen. This may not be an exciting choice, but he may fill a need a few years down the line as the present D age. I sense he'll be better than O'Byrne, Glenn, Archer, or Shasby. I have no idea how he compares with Korneev and other European prospects. In his favor, he's played for Minnesota, a perennial NCAA powerhouse.
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Post by JFM on Jun 9, 2004 19:20:46 GMT -5
I hope I'm not breaking any copyright laws here. If I am I'm sure that one of our "esteemed"  moderators will come along and straighten me out. Here is a look at some draft guides rankings and mock drafts that I've bought and read online. I'll only post what each has listed at the 18th position (Habs current slot) as it is the only one that matters. TSN mock: Kyle Chipchura Hockey News ranking: Kyle Chipchura Red Line Report ranking: Mike Green Red Line Report mock #1: Johannes Salmonsson Red Line Report mock #2: Kyle Chipchura If the Habs do end up choosing Chipsy (typical unimaginative hockey nick.... I know ) I for one will be disappointed. He reminds me too much of the late 80's early 90's typically safe Serge Savard's "boeuf de l'ouest" 1st rounder. IMO the 1st choice should always be a "swing for the fences" pick. From what I've read from both the Hockey News & Red Line Draft previews (which I've bought), I want the Habs to pick Lauri Korpikoski or A.J. Thelen. If both are off the board (quite possibly) I don't know who I'd like. |
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